French Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Self-Improvement for the New Year with DK Canada

Paula — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 11:31:21 +0000

This post was sponsored by DK Canada. Self-improvement is always on the top of everyone’s list when the new year rolls around. Whether we’re trying to lead a more healthy lifestyle, balance work and home life, or just broaden our horizons, self-improvement always takes the front spot in our minds this time of year. It’s no different for me and my family. This year, we’re improving ourselves with my favourite publisher, DK Canada. Three Self-Improvement Books for My Family Travel and learning always top my family’s list of ways to improve ourselves, and the books I recently received from DK Canada help us out on those fronts. 15-Minute Japanese My sister-in-law is Japanese, and my oldest daughter is very interested in learning the language. In fact, over the past decade, she’s actually picked up several phrases. She picks up language fast and always has done so. Now at 17, she’s fluent in French and English and chipping away at Japanese. That’s why I got her 15-Minute Japanese. With it, she’ll be able to start actually learning the language that she’s always been so fascinated by. Who knows – maybe the rest of us will pick it up too. From the DK Website: With this fun, user-friendly, and uniquely visual Japanese language course, you can teach yourself Japanese in just 12 weeks. ….What? Cool. DK’s 15 Minute Japanese–now relaunching with a new free audio app–is the perfect course for busy people who want to learn Japanese fast. Twelve themed chapters are broken down into easy-to-follow 15-minute daily lessons, spanning a range of practical themes, including socializing, doing business, food and drink, travel, and shopping. Each lesson combines vocabulary and grammar essentials with attractive full-color photographs, making it quick, easy, and fun to learn new Japanese vocabulary. There is no writing or homework–you simply use the cover flaps to hide the answers to exercises and test yourself as you learn. Each chapter ends with a review module, so you can track your progress and identify any areas where you need further practice. The free audio app enables you to hear Japanese words and phrases spoken by native speakers. You can also record yourself, compare with native speakers, and re-record as desired. Use the app alongside the book’s easy-to-use pronunciation guides to perfect your pronunciation, and to practice Japanese conversation in real-life situations. 5 Language Visual Dictionary I got myself the 5 Language Visual Dictionary. I studied a lot of languages over the years, but I never became fluent in any of them. That doesn’t mean I lost my passion for languages, though. Since I plan to visit Europe this year, I’m eager to start using my new book. From the DK Website: 5 Language Visual Dictionary is a user friendly and intuitive reference for adults learning English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian. The only language dictionary of its kind, 5 Language Visual Dictionary makes language learning accessible by using photographs to put everyday words into context. Its thematic organization of 10,000 terms accompanied by more than 1,600 annotated color photographs and illustrations puts the perfect translation at your fingertips. Additional feature panels include abstract nouns and verbs, as well as useful phrases you can use in conversation. Whether you are a student, tourist, or business traveler, 5 Language Visual Dictionary is your comprehensive guide to learning English, French, German, Spanish, or Italian. DK Life Stories: Anne Frank Finally, I got my youngest daughter DK Life Stories: Anne Frank. We’re all fascinated by the story of this courageous young girl, but my daughter is especially moved by Anne’s life and her diary. She was so excited when she heard she was receiving this book. From the DK Website: In this biography, discover the incredible story of Anne Frank, the courageous young writer who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Anne Frank’s diary is read by children and adults worldwide. It tells two stories: one of an extraordinary young girl living in hiding during one of the most fearsome times in history, and one of a relatable young girl facing the same questions and troubles that kids come up against today. Learn how both sides of this puzzle made up the person who is Anne Frank. Meet her family and friends, explore “The Annex” where they hid, and see her story put in historical context alongside information about World War II and the Holocaust, and Hitler and Nazi Germany. Books are a Great Path to Self-Improvement I’m a lover of books, both for pleasure and self-improvement. The best scenario is when a book combines both of those elements. That’s what books from DK Canada do for my family. With 15-Minute Japanese, 5 Language Visual Dictionary, and DK Life Stories: Anne Frank, my family and I are well on our way to a year focused on self-improvement with some fun and interesting books that will help us broaden our horizons. Enter for a chance to win a copy of DK Life Stories: Anne Frank. Good Luck! If you do not win you can still save on these books – Indigo sale on until January 20th: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/sale/deals-of-the-week/books/dk/ Entry-Form

The post Self-Improvement for the New Year with DK Canada appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino in Gatineau #travel

Paula — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 09:47:23 +0000

In the summer we visited the Outaouais Region of Quebec and stayed in Gatineau. Our first two nights we spent at Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino. The suite we were given for the two night stay was exceptional and the location was ideal for many different types of travellers. Here’s what to expect when you stay at Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino. We drove several hours and left early in the morning to be sure we made it to Gatineau in good time to start our day. Of course I had scoped out the Ramada Plaza a bit before we left and I knew a few details. There was an on site restaurant and that was important to me because when our family arrived after driving for seven hours and then touring Gatineau Park the last thing we wanted was to go hunting down a diner. As we stay and get comfortable and accustomed to a city we are visiting then we are able to venture out by foot or by van to find something that we enjoy together and to locate new restaurant and food experiences. But that first night I wanted to know three or four key things – how to get there, what parking was like, whether there was free wifi or not (there is) and whether there was a restaurant or not. The parking is ample and it is outdoors and private. Perfect for most travellers with vehicles of pretty much any type. Also the Ramada Plaza is easy to access from the Highway. It is a four star accommodation. I felt like it could have ranked higher, maybe 4 1/2 stars. We had an amazing itinerary that was exciting and family friendly and so much fun. It was full from the moment we arrived to the day we left for home from Montebello. But first on arrival in Gatineau we headed off to see Gatineau Park for a few hours. We made great time arriving and had less traffic than we anticipated so we landed in the area by Noon which left us plenty of time to visit Gatineau Park. Gatineau left a huge impression on me. Don’t miss it. It’s 361 square kilometres of beautiful caves and lakes, trails, lookouts and wildlife. It is one of the most beautiful parks I have ever set foot in and it is truly a provincial and national treasure. As far as rooms go, this Ramada Plaza bi-level suite was killer awesome. The kids fondly have this Ramada Plaza suite at the top of their list of best rooms we’ve stayed in as a family. There have also been some amazing ski chalets that are on their best ever family accommodations list too. Vermont’s Smugglers’ Notch, Mont Tremblant and Parkbridge Resorts Lakes of Wasaga are also in their top five. Anyways back to the hotel at hand. The Ramada Plaza Le Manor Du Casino is a mouthful to say. But you need to try one of these rooms, if you have the chance. Also this bi-level suite room would be fantastic for a wedding party preparation or overnight stay. The upstairs is a loft like space with a large bed that is at least a double and large enough for two children or youth. There is a safe railing that allows the people staying on the upper level to look out over the main level. There is a beautiful en suite with shower upstairs and a television. It was pretty much perfect. This room fits four easily and could perhaps fit five as a result of the large leather sofa in the main living area. The main level is tastefully decorated and furnished. I felt like it had a modern and contemporary feel with some European artistic influences. All of the Ramada Plaza’s 174 rooms are equipped with an air jet bathtub and an electrical fireplace. This makes the accomodations equally appealing in fall and winter months too. Now let’s talk nitty gritty. You want to know that a place is clean when you stay there with family. The Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino is very clean and well cared for. In fact it was pretty much immaculate. We had a couple of pleasant surprises in our room when we checked in. (see above photo) That was really a nice touch. And for Family Month in July there was also a kid’s Tourisme Outaouais backpack for each child with a few goodies inside and an activity book as well. I like that as a parent. It’s a small thing but a nice touch. Keep the kids happy, and the parents will return, or at least remember you and share their opinions with other parents. The thing I enjoy about traveling to Quebec is that my kids get to use some of their French language skills. They both attend French immersion schools and are well on their way to being officially bilingual. They conversed with the front reception in French. But the staff were also easily able to switch to English as well. Our reservation was not quite ready when we arrived. As I mentioned we were early. We had some time and filled it with exploring Gatineau. We all enjoyed our stay here in Gatineau and the accommodations at Ramada Plaza were remarkable. I almost forgot to mention the fitness centre. There is a small but well stocked fitness centre on one of the lower levels. The indoor pool is nice and it was very well used when we were there. Same for the hot tub nearby. The change rooms are across from the pool. The Ramada Plaza hotel guidelines posted ask that guests wear a robe or clothing to the pool area and change in the dedicated and clean changing area so that other guests are not met by wet bathing suits when they check in. This also confines the pool mess, something I can appreciate as a traveler and as a pool owner. Water quickly ruins things and can also make a mess of just about any space. For more details or to book a stay visit: Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino. One more note – the pub, or restaurant at Ramada Plaza, Le Chien Noir, is fine. The food was good and we ate well and service was also very good. But the price is expensive. In fact meals in the area can be pricey. SO, do some homework and find a few family friendly places nearby and you will stay within your family budget. We headed to St Hubert’s one night and we were ravenous. The kids sometimes still like to eat from a kid’s menu and that’s fine by me because portions are often just right. The breakfast included with our stay was a good deal. It is also worth mentioning that The Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino has received a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor. I could see why. Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino in Gatineau Walking distance to Casino du Lac-Leamy 174 rooms including 13 bi-level suites (we stayed in one of these bi-level suites and it was stunning. Perfect for families.) Not far from Ottawa – perhaps 5-10 minutes from downtown Ottawa if you wish to shop or dine there. Health and beauty centre Indoor spa Indoor pool and hot tub with private and clean changing area 17 rooms are specially adapted for people with mobility issues. There is an elevator Indoor sauna Free parking Free wifi Some stays include breakfast which was a lovely continental style breakfast with eggs and sausage or bacon and yogurt or muffins. Fuel to start your day. We were guests of Tourism Outaouais while visiting the area. Our accommodations and all excursions were generously provided for us. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. If you make a purchase via one of the links I can keep sharing our stories here as I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks! Related articles across the web Impressions of Gatineau Quebec #Outaouaisfun #travel – Thrifty Mommas Tips

The post Ramada Plaza Le Manoir Du Casino in Gatineau #travel appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Family Ski Lessons #WordlessWednesday #Tremblant #Travel

Paula — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 15:01:09 +0000

Well, if you already follow me on Instagram then you probably know what we’ve been up to. This past weekend we headed to Tremblant by plane, which was super fast and efficient by the way. Thanks very much Porter Airlines. Much to my surprise and enjoyment my kids began speaking French really well from the time we arrived at the airport. Our weekend was amazing and such a great chance to play together as a family. But more about that tomorrow. Stay tuned for the recap of the entire beautiful experience. I think this is another one that lends itself beautifully to a few posts. Anyways, as it is Wednesday, this is my wordless Wednesday from Mont Tremblant. Did we succeed at learning to ski after family ski lessons? Did we enjoy the restaurants, the accommodations and the flight? Did we love dog sledding? Well, keep reading and you will find out soon. This is a Wordless Wednesday post. Feel free to link up your Wordless Wednesday posts too! We were guests of Mont Tremblant. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

The post Family Ski Lessons #WordlessWednesday #Tremblant #Travel appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.