David’s Condiments BBQ

Did you know Canada.. Summer is on its peak position with hot weather, sunny days and splash joy. These days are the best time we spend with family and friends gathering for barbeques and remember it later during cold winter days.


Last month we were invited to join David’s Condiments BBQ in Toronto and meet Chef David who was ready to treat us with his culinary creations, educate us and introduce his incredible low-sodium products. Our luxury menu included Lamp Chops with David’s Special Steak Rub , Back Ribs, Steaks, Chicken Breasts with Chicken Rub, delicious Black Tiger Shrimps with Peri Peri, Caesar Salad with Dynamite Caesar Paste, Guacamole and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.

I think David’s line-up of spices, rubs, marinades and pastes with no salt and low-sodium became our favourites providing healthy options without sacrificing the taste. I was mostly into Lamb Chops and Asparagus learning how to make it soft, my little one liked chicken the most. After this BBQ event I asked my friends if they knew anything about David’s Condiments, his heart caring and healthy living products, and surprisingly lots of people know quite well about David’s Condiments products and even suggested where I can buy them.

You can find David’s Condiments not only in Specialty Foodie or Grocery Stores like Longos, Whole Foods, Loblaws, Galati but also in Specialty Restaurants like The Pickle Barrel and online on DonateNaturally.com. From our summer BBQ table to yours, one lucky Did you know Canada? reader is going to win David's Chicken Rub, David's Special Steak Rub and David's Peri Peri sauce plus a barbecue tong and a brush. Enjoy!

 

Giveaway

“Lone Ranger” Review

Did you know Canada..The Lone Ranger opens in theaters today. Starting with the plot – the Lone Ranger - a movie about adventures of Native American spirit warrior Tonto played by Johnny Depp and John Reid (Armie Hammer)- a lawyer and justice seeker. These two absolutely different guys have to find ways to communicate to each other, learn how to fight numerous bad guys and become heroes.

The story goes back in 1869 when railroad construction was on its peak under the watchful eye of railway mogul (Tom Wilkinson) ready for everything to achieve his financial goals. John Reid and Tonto first meet in a train going to the town, same train also carried Butch Cavendish, a criminal who later managed to escape and kill John Reid’s brother Dan.

The movie is full of action, chases, rides, trains and crashes. My only note is that the movie was a mix of dramatic scenes with funny ones and not quite consistent, that way I am totally for funny ones.
As for characters, if you saw Armie Hammer in “Mirror, Mirror”, his Lone Ranger is close to that role may be with some changes. Tonto is funny, sneaky and I not know how he knew what is going on all the time. Anyway I liked how Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp played till the last scene.

Overall the movie is great, amazing costumes, decoration, lots of jokes and shooting, probably not good for younger audience and pay attention to thrilling canyons views, in theatres they look incredible.

Faniya 
Teddy Out Ready

Bayer 150th Anniversary and Toronto Gala

Did you know Canada..  Last month we were invited to visit the interactive exhibition “Science for a Better Life” brought  to Toronto as part of global Bayer 150th Anniversary celebration  and then join Bayer 150^th anniversary Gala where the company honoured outstanding Canadians who had made significant contributions to the Canadian society through science and innovation.

The visuals of the “Science for a Better Life” exhibit introduced the achievements and steps: how the company has improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world with focus on health care, agriculture and innovative materials.  I was walking through these boxes about two meters high with oversized letters where each one referred to a specific Bayer topic, ranging from A as in Aspirin, to E as in energy-efficient mobility, and S as in science.  The most amazing was to see how science and innovation found the practical use in real life helping people globally.

It was also exciting to participate in the Toronto Bayer 150^th Celebration Gala, the event exclusive to Canada, where the company was recognizing a group of Canadians for their individual contributions in the areas presented in its anniversary exhibit, and who breathe and live with commitment “Science for a Better Life”.  

One of the notable Canadians was Dr. Marla Shapiro, who was also the Gala host.  She was nominated in the category of family planning and women’s health. "I spend much of my time counseling and educating my patients and the public on ways to live healthy and fulfilling lives," says Dr. Marla Shapiro. "Although we may not always stop to think about how innovation and science affect us, it's important to recognize the people behind the research that make it all happen."

Among the 22 recipients was David Suzuki for renewable energies, Roberta Bondar -Canada's first female astronaut, the Honourable Belinda Stronach & Rick Mercer - tackling neglected tropical diseases – life net, Dr. Greg Steinberg - ASPIRIN® – pain relief, Dr. Terence Kavanagh - Cardiovascular health, Dr. Mark Greenberg – Oncology,  Pat and Chuck Potter - eco-friendly construction and other honourees. For more information about honourees please visit http://www.bayer.ca/?q=en/node/1752

While some recipients are very active in the media and others are stars in their specific area of expertise, they are all bringing light, help and relief to our life making it better and thank you Bayer for recognizing that. 

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

SUBWAY lunch with Fred DeLuca

Did you know Canada..  This week we have such an exclusive opportunity to meet Fred DeLuca, the president and founder of SUBWAY®. He is visiting Canada this week and we are really excited to learn who stands behind Subway brand and its global success. 

Also interested to talk about SUBWAY’s commitment to serving fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches and how menu items change to follow regional flavours. Looking forward to find out what are SUBWAY® future plans, particularly in Canada.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Avocado and Spinach Fest with Subway Canada All Summer Long #GiveAvoAGo

Did you know Canada..  It may not feel like summer outside these days, nevertheless SUBWAY®  Canada prepared for all of us an amazing summer season.  They are offering two new menu options, fresh and healthy by the way, adding avocado and spinach to Subway’s varieties of sandwiches and salad toppings.

As director of national marketing, SUBWAY® Restaurants of Canada, Kathleen Bell said: “Summer is the perfect time to enjoy these fresh and tasty healthier topping options Canadians have been looking for”. 

More than 3,000 SUBWAY® locations across Canada welcome customers to enjoy these new toppings along with a new Turkey & Bacon with Avocado specialty sandwich.

Last week we were invited to Subway Event at the restaurant located just across the Harbourfront in Toronto, one of my favorite places to spend summer time.  We had an opportunity to meet an awesome Subway Team including executive chef Chris Martone and SUBWAY® Canada Commit To Fit Ambassador Carl Savard.  It was great to be a sandwich artist even for a while.  We had a good time trying different toppings and created two sandwiches one with chicken another with ham and even named them: “Toronto Beach” and “French Impression”.  Delicious lunch was on a table; my little one just could not wait to try the sandwiches, usually not so easily convinced to eat, this time he was eating like a “pro”. 

Healthy summer can be fun especially with SUBWAY® so do not forget to add avocado or spinach, this fresh green gear to your order.

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready 

Disney Movies coming out this summer

Did you know Canada..  Summer is already here, school and classes are almost over and we are all ready to have fun enjoying sun, swimming, picnics, camping, and other outdoor activities.  And after busy days do not forget to stop by your nearest theatre because this summer Walt Disney Studios invites everyone to join fantastic adventures with three movies you are sure do not want to miss.

First one is Monsters University coming out  June 21, 2013 and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D in select theatres:  Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) and James P. Sullivan (John Goodman) are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always that way.  From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. Monsters University unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Second one The Lone Ranger opens in theatres on July 3, a thrilling adventure infused with action and humor.  Native American spirit warrior Tonto (Johnny Depp) recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man of the law, into a legend of justice—taking the audience on a runaway train of epic surprises and humorous confrontation as the two unlikely heroes must learn to work together and fight against greed and corruption.

The third one is animation picture Planes, from above the world of Cars, with release date fell or takes off, we will see on August 9, an action-packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voiced by Dane Cook), a small-town plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer.  But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights.  So he turns to an experienced naval aviator, who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit.  Dusty’s courage is put to the test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible.

In May we were invited to Walt Disney Studios Canada in Toronto to learn about upcoming movies of 2013 and by the way enrol in Monsters University, so see you in theatres and be ready to have a good time.

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

SUBWAY Canada Event

Did you know Canada..  Spring is almost over and Summer opens up with hot days, vacations, festivals and spending more time outside. 

So this last week of Spring we are invited to an exclusive lunch and roundtable talk with SUBWAY® Canada with executive chef Chris Martone. 

Such an opportunity to discuss healthy eating, menu development at SUBWAY® and can’t wait for a new, exciting announcement for the summer season from SUBWAY® Canada!

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Bayer 150th Anniversary and Exhibit “Science for a Better Life”

Did you know Canada..  This year Bayer celebrates its 150th anniversary, 150 years of innovation and development in health, science and agriculture and as a part of the celebration the company is bringing to Toronto a global interactive exhibit called “Science for a Better Life” that on display at MaRS Centre from today till May 29.  Bayer’s  “Science for a Better Life”  is a look back at the best company achievements and advancements in the science and healthcare.  It is great that more than 350 schools kids from the GTA district school boards scheduled to explore the exhibit.

This week we are very proud to be at the MaRS Centre exploring “Science for a Better Life” and attending the Gala event where Bayer will also honour outstanding Canadians who have made a mark on society through science and innovation.

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

About Bayer in Canada

Bayer Inc. is a Canadian subsidiary of Bayer AG and the headquarters for its Canadian operations.  Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2013, Bayer AG is an international research-based group with core businesses in healthcare, crop science and innovative materials committed to creating a better life for all through science.

Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam

Did you know Canada..  mark the calender for Saturday, June 8th if you are a doggie lover in the Toronto area.  We are doggie lovers in this house, with our Boxer/Retriever Maddie and our Shih Tzu Bailey, my boys especially love having pets in the home to take care of, play with and really just love.  If you are a dog owner you know how much love dogs have to give!

On June 8, Iams is celebrating the real love between people and pets at Canada’s first ever concert for dogs by Iams. As a valued and cherished member of the family, Iams believes that dogs deserve to eat delicious and nutritious food and have a little fun, too.  The Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam will bring together as many as 5,000 dogs and their owners to celebrate real love at an event to remember.

The Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam will consist of a 43 piece classical orchestra performing classical “dog” inspired music that is sure to delight pets and owners alike!

When and where is all this happening?

Saturday, June 8, 2013
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Echo Beach
999 Lakeshore Blvd. West.
Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3L3

For more information visit Iams on Facebook, follow Iams on Twitter @Iams

And follow the IAMS SO GOOD DOGGIE JAM hashtag on Twitter: #IAMSSoGood

Tickets for the Iams SO GOOD! Doggie Jam are available from Ticketmaster.

TD Canadian Children's Book Week - Bringing the Best to Canadian Kids #TDBookWeek

Did you know Canada..  TD Canadian Children's Book Week just finished up, when over 35 authors, illustrators and storytellers are touring across Canada and visiting schools, libraries and community centres to connect with young people, present their books and talk about thrills of reading and writing. This year’ theme is quite interesting - All the Bookshelf’s a Stage: Celebrating the Performing Arts.

Just before the launch of TD Canadian Children's Book Week we were lucky to attend meet-and-greet with Canadian authors and illustrators participating in this initiative at Drake Hotel in Toronto.  The event started with presentation from TD Bank Group highlighting the importance of supporting children’s literacy and bringing the best books and materials to Canadian kids. Then authors shared their exciting stories about meeting the families and children during TD Canadian Children's Book Week. For more than 35 years, TD Canadian Children's Book Week has been emphasizing the value of reading and introducing Canadian kids to their favourite authors, poets, storytellers and illustrators.  

I think kid’s books are pure magic that gives kids opportunities to follow the exciting adventures, become a character of the stories, imagine, travel, learn and unwrap their natural talents.

During that event we were also introduced to new web resources created at https://tdreads.com/ where parents, kids and teachers have an opportunity to look through book lists and find any interesting book based on child age, an author or an illustrator with short introduction.

For more information, please visit www.bookweek.ca/

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

TD Canadian Children's Book Week is organized by the Canadian Children's Book Centre, in partnership with the Storytellers of Canada/Conteurs du Canada and the generous support of sponsors.

Get Favourite Tunes for You and Your Tooth

Did you know Canada.. In April we were very excited to be in our Toronto neighbourhood at the Gladstone Hotel for kid’s karaoke and a brunch to celebrate the launch of Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes.

If you are still not familiar with Tooth Tunes, Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrush plays two minutes music to encourage longer brushing and ensure kids follow the recommended brushing time, so no more timer set-up and unwillingness to brush.  Enjoy a party with Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes, the only toothbrush with Music in Your Mouth technology which streams music sounds from the bristles of the toothbrush to the teeth, straight to the head, allowing kids to hear music during brushing. And what music, just listen to the names, for kids from three to five: “We Found Love” by Kidz Bop, “Good feeling” by Kidz Bop, “The Alphabet Song” and “Brush-A-Long Song”.

And for kids ages six to twelve, each toothbrush has one of the following top chart songs: “All Day” by Cody Simpson, “If I Ruled the World” by Big Time Rush, “We Will Rock You” by Queen, “Tonight,Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae, “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz and the exciting new additions performed by pop sensation One Direction “What Makes You Beautiful” and “One Thing”.

That day the media brunch was such a great entertainment spot where 1D songs definitely were favourites of the karaoke. I think many parents enjoyed kids’ performances especially when we had such an awesome host as Adamo Ruggiero from YTV’s Next Star. My boy was on stage for the first time in his life singing kid’s song with Adamo. If Teddy did not know anything about One Direction before this karaoke brunch, now I hear “Oh Oh What Makes You Beautiful” quite often, kids catch everything fast. We also had a photo taken at the event with virtual One Direction.

Would you like to be in a live One Direction concert?  If so thrilling news from Church & Dwight Canada Corp., they are hosting Brush with Tooth Tunes™, Rock with One Direction Sweepstakes! Visit http://toothtunes.ca/home.php?lang=en for a chance to win a Grand Prize – a trip to Toronto and two tickets to a live 1D concert on July 9, 2013 or three Rock Star First Prize Packs till June 9, 2013. 

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

Disney Preview Event

Did you know Canada..  Next week we are invited to The Walt Disney Studios Canada event for a meet and greet.

I can’t wait to take a sneak peek of Disney upcoming films. I expect lots of exciting things are prepared for all of us in the near future.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Welcome to TD Canadian Children’s Book Week #TDBookWeek tour

Did you know Canada.. Next week we are excited to attend TD Canadian Children’s Book Week meet-and-greet event, the great opportunity to meet Canadian authors and illustrators just before their TD Book Week Tour across Canada.

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, the largest celebration of Canadian books for young people in Canada will be taking place on May 4 - May 11, 2013. During that week well-known authors, illustrators and storytellers will be visiting to schools, libraries, bookstores and community centres across Canada. This year’s theme is All the Bookshelf’s a Stage: Celebrating the Performing Arts to highlight the joy of reading.

For more information and a full tour schedule, please visit www.bookweek.ca.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Celebrating new Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrushes featuring 1D songs

Did you know Canada.. This weekend we are invited to the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto for kids’ karaoke and brunch to celebrate the launch of Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrushes. These two new toothbrushes are the only ones featuring two popular One Direction songs: “One Thing” and “What Makes You Beautiful”.

We are also excited to meet Adamo Ruggiero from YTV’s the Next Star who will be hosting this amazing event, a morning of kid’s karaoke where kids will have an opportunity to take a picture with a “virtual” One Direction and belt out favorite 1D or Selena Gomez hits.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Camp Expo 2013

Did you know Canada..  Toronto Representative Faniya has another great event update to share with us..

Spring is already here and we on the way of making plans for summer thinking about summer camp, adventures and vacation.

At the end of February we attended CampExpo2013, Canada’s largest camp fair to explore the day and overnight camps in Ontario and Quebec.  The week was snowy and stormy, but this did not stop parents and guardians to come to Roy Thomson Hall that day to learn about summer camps. The event was quite packed with attendees ready to find the right camp for their kids.   

The impression I received after talking to the Camp Representatives, most of them are people who work in camps with kids and even directors and owners, is that Summer Camps are more than just great places to spend summer days for your kids, Summer Camps are the places where kids continue learning the subjects and developing new skills but in another environments. Summer Camps are perfect for kids who want to advance their skills for example in sports or arts; or try something absolutely different never done before like kayaking or sailing. Choices are incredible! Some Camps caught my eye that day were Debate Camp which offers training in public speaking and debating; Camp KANDALORE traditional camp near the Lake Kabakwa focused on canoeing, canoe tripping plus about 30 other activities for kids; Camp Mini-Yo-We – unique combination of programs, activities and experienced staff with camp for boys, girls and Discovery Camp; CrestwoodValley Day Camp with first-class facilities in Toronto and exciting programming. There are so many to choose from.

There are lots of advantages of sending kids to camp from personal growth and skills development, teamwork to leadership, making friends and networking in a safe place. According to results of Canadian Summer Camp Research Project in 2012 over 65% of children showed positive change in making social connections and new campers showed the greatest degree of improvements in social integration.

If you did not attend Camp Expo this year, no worries, OurKids has awesome resources starting from choosing the right camp, location and type to budgeting and safety. Happy Camping!

Faniya

Teddy Out-Ready

My Camp Memories #campexpo #campmemories

Did you know Canada.. Our Toronto Representative Faniya is sharing a camp memory and for doing so Our Kids will donate $5 to Kids in Camp!  This February 24th is Canada's Largest Camp Expo.  For families looking to find summer activities for their children, this is an event not to be missed.  Meet the leading day and overnight camps from Ontario and Quebec, choose from camps that focus on: arts, sports, education, special needs or an all around traditional experience - Faniya will be in attendance as well and reporting from the event!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013
ROY THOMSON HALL
60 SIMCOE STREET, TORONTO
12:00 PM TO 4:00 PM


When I was a child I attended summer camp almost every year. Of course it was different when I was there as a kid and when I was there as a teenager. And I spent at least four weeks there. Four weeks out of school, assignments and parents’ guidance. What could be better!

First thing what comes to my mind is that we spent lots of time outside, it was like a rule and we loved it. We went hiking, exploring outdoors, sitting around a campfire.  I admired our nature projects about trees and plants; everything looked so different from my big city life: the tiny roads, untouched beauty around, beautiful flowers and this fresh scent in the air you can’t find anywhere else.

My councillors were like walking encyclopedia; they knew everything (or maybe I just thought that). They had answers to everything, the name of this little bug, how this tree grows, if I can eat these berries etc. We considered our councillors as friends, adults but friends for sure, so during our group sitting near campfire or somewhere near the lake we shared our school life stories, our problems and kids dreams; we asked questions we would never ask our parents or teachers like “Where all bad people come from and why?” or “Why people fell in love first then hate each other?”

My camps were also the places I developed some skills I was never able to do at home like sitting in driver’s seat or riding a horse; I was independent in some points and made my own decision like what tour I would take or what I wear which was really important to me.

I also made lots of friends there; I loved stories about their life, schools and family. We made groups by interest (during teenage age it was crucial). 

So I returned back home tanned, relaxed and full of stories of my adventures. And neighbours always commented that I had a good time. Yes I had.

Have your own unforgettable camp memories then share your stories and send a kid to camp so they will have their own adventures to tell about!

This year Kids in Camp, Our Kids are hosting very first Camp Memories Blog Link-up. For every Camp Memory added to the link-up they will donate $5 to Kids in Camp Charity!

 (Kids in Camp, a registered charity that subsidizes camping experiences for children and youth. They are dedicated to assisting families who might not otherwise be able to send their children to camp.

Kids in Camp makes the wonder of camp experience available to kids of all backgrounds. It’s an opportunity for them to gain positive life-long memories. It’s a chance to learn about nature, themselves and others. It’s all about creating wonder, hope and building confidence)

#PGMom Event

Did you know Canada..  we have some great info from our Toronto Rep Faniya, who attended the #PGMom event on our behalf..

Last month I had a chance to attend #PGMom Event. I know this is may be late to say about that but it just in time to talk about holidays. I find it was quite smart to invite Mom- influencers just before the holiday rush, since mostly Moms who clean, cook and bake, decorate, and take kids to holiday events. Holidays are truly special time as we all anticipate them the whole year, prepare for them, and create the magic with our own hands.  Who is that big helper for Moms and families to create holiday magical moments in their lives? I think you know the answer (and it is not Santa).

The event started with introduction to P&G history, lots of products created during long company life, innovated and the main point they did not stop on that, the company continues working on products improvements, design and non-stop research. I never realized that one Pampers diaper is such sophisticated system.

It was a real pleasure to meet Olympic champions Priscilla Lopes-Schliep and Christine Sinclair during the event, even take pictures with them.  I always feel inspiring when I meet sports people, they look awesome, exercise every day plus healthy diet, discipline and strong mind to win competitions.

Meeting P&G beauty experts was also a big adventure: Greg Wencel  Covergirl Make Up Pro, Luis Pacheco Consulting Colourist  and Justin German Pantene Pro-V Consulting Stylist. Pantene Mask and Demi-Permanent hair color were my favourites. We received mini-makeover, mini-manicure, introduction to new season colors and styles.

After we had a chance to walk through the P&G product displays split by categories:  products for everyone in a family including pets.  So I made a list of words reflecting P&G products: soft, fresh, caring, beautiful, clean, shiny, protected and charged.  If you have some, please add them too.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

ShesConnected Conference 2012

Did you know Canada..  last year I SO enjoyed the ShesConnected Conference in Toronto, but with the baby on the way it was not possible to plan travelling and conference tickets when I did not know where we were going to be come conference time.  Thankfully the awesome folks at Canadian Beef offered us a conference pass and our fantastic Toronto Representative Faniya was able to attend the ShesConnected Conference for Did you know Canada?.  See how it went..

This year I was really lucky to attend Shes Connected Conference 2012 in Toronto to represent Did you know Canada? I prepared in advance for this event including my grey outfit and learning in details the Conference schedule, but everything did not go as smooth as I expected. I became sick before the Conference so party evenings were closed for me but anyway I think I did a good job by attending the sessions and meeting brands. So my advice is do not get sick before the Conference.

I liked the Kate White session a lot; I think it was the first one that took my serious attention, two points still sit in my mind: first one - Go Big or Go Home and second one - Ask if you want to get it (may be these are not exact words, just how I got it). It was great to learn from Author, Career Expert, Speaker & Former Editor-In-Chief, Cosmopolitan Magazine.

Another interesting session I found was Claiming Blog Income: Blogger Compensation session, you can also get their free tax Guide at www.shoeboxbegone.com/sccto, great resources to find out about blogger’s business expenses.

I had a really good experience talking to the brands; I found it was one of the most exciting parts of the Conference.  Canadian Beef our sponsor to the Conference with nice booth and friendly people.  Almond Fresh with tasty drinks, Maple Leaf with lots of product we love to talk about.  We tried IOGO yogurt, played games with Elephoto and CAA, escaped with Ford after posing with Ford cars.  And everyone was so excited to get our Mabel's Labels “I LOVE CANADA” teeny tag.

One of my favorites was the Molson workshop about beer, cheese and luxury. So here’s what I learned and love to share: Molson M paired with Oka Classique, Rickards’s White paired with Brie, Molson Canadian 67 Sublime paired with Spicy Monterey Jack. Our beer was served in special beer glasses which everyone received (two of them) to take home after the session.

McCafe Lounge was so welcoming and cosy, I did not want to leave this place with pampering stations and live music.

So these were fantastic days to spend: to learn, network and communicate, plus every attendee received a generous swag bag in addition to brands gifts. I absolutely love my Ford T-shirt, a bag of organic wild Canadian rice and Molson’s beer glasses.

Now I am still looking through the material I received at the Conference, trying to apply what I learned for example legal aspects of blogging or visual elements.  And of course, looking forward to the next year ShesConnected in Vancouver, hope to take the most of it.

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready

Mastermind’s 2012 Holiday Hits List

Did you know Canada..  Faniya, our Toronto Representative, has some great info for us from our friends at Mastermind..

Holidays and toys can’t exist separately. We continue to meet the best toy professionals and this October we had an opportunity to learn about Mastemind’s 2012 Holiday Hits introduced by   Mastemind’s top toy expert and CEO Jon Levy.

Mastermind Toys is Canada's leading specialty toy retailer with vast varieties of books and educational toys, science kits, microscopes, puzzles, software, music toys and arts & crafts. Products that arouse interest, enjoyment and curiosity in kids, develop imagination and creative thinking.

Mastemind Toys is the toy store where we play and shop quite often for puzzles and games. It is the store that my boy never wants to leave, only the promise that we are coming back very soon saves us.

So here are some our favorites of Mastemind’s 2012 Holiday Hits List we love to share with you:

• ·        Mastermind Exclusive SKoot Case Luggage, great for little traveller as it holds the most important travel necessities like books, puzzles and stuffed animals. It also folds up to look like a Vespa Scooter so you little one can scoot around the airport in style. Available in red, blue, pink and lilac.
• ·        Symphony IN B. Music Maker for a little composer. With the Symphony in B. Music Maker, kids mix and match 13 instruments onto the orchestra pit; when an instrument is added, that element of the music begins to play. Kids combine the elements to create an arrangement like a real conductor!
• ·        Master Kitz Art Kits for a growing artist. These kits teach the techniques and history of master painters like Van Gogh and Monet. Then, little ones are encouraged to create their own interpretations of some of the biggest masterpieces of all time with the included paints, stencils and brushes!
• ·        Sno Stompers With upcoming winter season these are must have snow shoes.  Sno Stompers have animal tracks underneath and leave cool dinosaur and bear tracks in your wake! Simply strap these on over your little one’s boots and stomp around in the snow!
• ·        BRIO classic wooden trains & track system made from Beech wood, it is very durable and built to last, the blend of complexity and simplicity with elements of nostalgia and the modern world. Brio features an extraordinary amount of detail and moving parts that allow trains to function exactly as they would in the real world. You can find the whole system set up in stores for kids to play.
• ·        COOL CIRCUITS - electrify your brain with this challenging puzzler! The object is to place all of the pieces on the board to successfully complete the circuit; do so, and the entire board lights up! Cool Circuits emphasizes spatial reasoning and abstract thinking with over 40 different challenges ranging from student to expert.

The full list of of Mastemind’s 2012 Holiday Hits can be found here.

We also very excited that new stores opened this fall in Barrie, Mississauga, Oshawa, Waterloo and Bayview Village (Toronto).

And do not forget that Mastermind offers complimentary gift wrap and personalized gift tags, just another reason to head over there and get some holiday excitement!

Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready