The London Bump, Baby & Toddler Expo #ldnont

Did you know Canada.. The London Bump, Baby & Toddler Expo is coming this November 2-3, 2013, at the Western Fair District!

Highlighting the finest local businesses and services, the Expo has something for parents for everything from planning a baby to sending them off to preschool.  This fall’s show features an over 70 table mom-to-mom sale as well!

Check out the great list of exhibitors that will be in attendance.  I'm looking forward to attending with baby Lucas!  Remember parking is FREE at the Western Fair District, then head into the Progress Building for the Expo.

Admission at the door is $7 for ages 12 and up - but wait, Did you know Canada? readers get a special discount, print out this coupon to save $2 off the admission price!

Even more good news, enter below for you chance to win 2 free tickets!!!  Good luck!

Giveaway

One Stop Shopping in support of Easter Seals Ontario

Did you know Canada..  friend of Did you know Canada? Judy Brunton is an avid fundraiser for the Upper Canada Mall Easter Seals 10k Run founded by Joe Persechini which takes place in Newmarket at the end of every May.

For the 2nd time she is holding a One Stop Shopping event in support of this great organization that is Helping Kids With Physical Disabilities Succeed!  Learn more about it here:

Disney on Ice: Passport to Adventure coming to Budweiser Gardens

Did you know Canada..  coming to Budweiser Gardens in London ON January 29 - February 2 2014 is Disney On Ice: Passport to Adventure!

Embark on the ultimate sightseeing vacation with all your favorite Disney characters in Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure.  Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Daisy on a journey to the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo & Stitch.  You’ll explore the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage under the sea with Ariel and all her aquatic friends; tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Never Land; and travel to Hawaii to visit Lilo and Stitch.  Upbeat music, lovable characters and exciting destinations make Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure a vacation you’ll never forget.

Buy tickets now to surprise the family at Christmas, this is a show not to be missed!  We love all of the Disney On Ice shows, they are perfect for the entire family.  Use code MUM44 to get  4 tickets for $44.00 (weekday shows) or code MUM4 for $4.00 off (weekend shows)!
Excludes Front Row, Rinkside, and VIP tickets. No double discounts. Additional Fees May Apply. Weekday is defined as Monday thru Thursday and Friday Matinee. Weekend is defined as Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday.

Check back with us closer to the show for a family pack ticket giveaway!

Canada's Baking and Sweets Show & Celebrity Pastry Chef Christian Faure M.O.F.

Did you know Canada..  this past weekend was the Canada's Baking and Sweets Show at the Toronto Congress Center.  The highlight of the show was watching Award-winning Chef Christian Faure M.O.F. create an impressive Alice in Wonderland edible sculpture.

The sculpting began Friday September 27, 2013..

And by the end of Day 2, the progress on the Alice in Wonderland Sculpture Saturday, September 28, 2013..

Behold the completed Alice in Wonderland edible sculpture, a masterpiece!

At the show, Christian Faure M.O.F. also announced  the opening of Maison Christian Faure, the first international school in Canada for professionals interested in a career in the pastry arts. With only 10 students per class, this small, focused and hands-on approach to teaching will offer its first 6-month, 600-hour program, beginning November 1, 2013 in Montreal.

The 6-month program will concentrate on practicing and perfecting techniques needed to become a successful pastry chef.  Each day there will be 2½ hours of demonstration followed by 3½ hours of hands-on work.   The course curriculum will include Breads and Viennoiseries; the Art of Chocolate; Desserts and Cakes for Special Occasions; Ice Cream and Cocktail pastries and Sugar Work, with the preparation of the final masterpiece to be displayed at graduation.   Six special guest chefs, all holding the title of M.O.F. (Meilleur Ouvrier de France or Best Craftsman of France), will make appearances throughout the program.

Enroll online or by email registrar@christianfaure.ca.   Maison Christian Faure will also offer evening and weekend courses for serious amateurs and there will be Saturday courses throughout the year for “Little Bakers” and their parents.  Summer courses will be available for all.

You may already know Chef Christian Faure M.O.F. has an impressive list of achievements and awards with the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), being the ultimate recognition.  He was awarded “Best Pastry Chef in the World” by the American “Hospitality & Sciences” Academy, he has worked for the Prince of Monaco, in the palaces of several Arabian princes, in the VIP Olympic Villages of Salt Lake City and Vancouver and recently competed and won in the "Sugar Dome" competition on the Food Network.

An exciting weekend and fantastic news to learn of the opening of Maison Christian Faure in the heart of old Montreal in a 300-year old historic building that has been entirely refurbished.  You may not be a chef, but if you are in the neighbourhood be sure to stop by to visit a wonderful Snacking Café and Parlour, Boutique and Pastry Shop on the ground floor where you can buy croissants, brioches, pastries and much more!

Star Wars Reads Day II is coming to Canada October 5, 2013

Did you know Canada..  it's true - Star Wars Reads Day II is coming to Canada October 5, 2013!  On October 5th bookstores, libraries and schools all around the world will all be taking part in a one day celebration of literacy.

Star Wars Reads is an international day-long celebration of literacy and all things Star Wars.  Last year, 30 authors and 1,500 costumed volunteers participated in over 1,200 Star Wars Reads Day events across North America.

We are HUGE Star Wars fans in this house, have I showed you a few pictures from my boys 6th birthday party in August?  We had an all out Star Wars day with Jedi Training, light saber cookies, costumes, the works!  My boys love all things Star Wars and that includes books.

Our favourite our the DK Readers, perfect for my Grade 1'ers learning to read, we even include the books on the nightly reading list!  (When they get to 50 books they get a prize - whoo!)

Two DK Reader books we have been reading at bed time are DK Readers Star Wars Clone Wars Watch out for Jabba The Hutt and Jedi in Training, both enjoyable story lines, accurate Star Wars information, awesome graphics and perfect for my guys to practice with.

We also love the Star Wars Complete Vehicles - it is packed with visual explorations of more than fifty essential Star Wars spacecraft and landcraft, including the TIE bomber, Imperial shuttle, A-wing, B-wing, and more. Full-color cross-section artwork presents in-depth examinations of each craft's weapon systems, engines, hyperdrives, cockpits, and construction secrets, providing a never-before-seen glimpse at the vehicles that drive the Star Wars universe.  The detail is every picture is amazing, it's a great read full of fast facts that my boys are mesmerized over every night.

Visit DK Canada's Star Wars Boutique and you can save 30% off Star Wars books, order now to surprise the kids (and maybe hubby!) in time for Star Wars Reads Day and celebrate the joy of reading!

Mastermind Toys Celebrates their second location in London ON! #ldnont

Did you know Canada..  Mastermind Toys has just opened a second location in London ON - South London at 3120 Wonderland Road S (same area as Michael's, Canadian Tire, Adventures on Wonderland, etc).

Today my little man and I visited the new store and it is awesome!  They've added on to the building to make it 5,000 sq ft and it is full to the brim with toys, books, crafts and more!

Lisa the Toy Whiz introduced us to some of the hottest toys of the season, including the new HEXBUG aquabots (I even picked up some of these for my boys for Christmas), Rainbow Loom (this is a MUST HAVE!), SkyTrix Stunt Glider (you might remember our review from the summer), really fun Bixbee backpacks (designed to sit high on little ones backs, genius!), GoldieBlox and B. Toys - B. Turns (I got this one for my little man!) and B. Meowsic Keyboard - alllll amazing!  We also got a few sneak peeks on new products - like a couple new Sophie the Giraffe wooden toys!!!  Baby Lucas decided to check out a few of the toys on display too. ;-)

If you are in the area you must hit up the new store for their Grand Opening this week!  Running from this Thursday September 19th - Sunday September 22nd, pop in to check out the 25-ft Lego Man, Bountiful Balloon Decor, Free fun-filled favours, Cupcakes on Saturday and check your emails for a special Mastermind Toys coupon with a 25% savings on any one item!  All this (except the Lego Man) is also happening at the North London at 685 Fanshawe Park Rd.

Some of my favourite features about Mastermind stores are their friendly, very knowledgeable staff, the amazing decor with huge stuffed animals, fun toys along the tops of the shelves and hanging from the ceiling, funky signage and colourful displays.  It is our go to store for birthdays, parties, holidays and just because days.  Talking about birthdays, if you find yourself on the way to a birthday party without a gift, this is your GO TO place - they will help you find the perfect gift, get you through the check out and wrap it for you for FREE so you can make it to the party on time!  I LOVE their funky giftwrap and use it often; can't make it to the store? They gift wrap online orders for you as well.

Check out some of the purchases I made today, got a head start on my Christmas shopping!  I also grabbed the Star Wars 2013 Advent Calendar that my boys are going to go nuts for come December.  Even my hubby can't wait to bust open the new aquabots but we are waiting until Christmas on those!  I did let Lucas have the B. Turns and the Lamaze T-Rex for his car seat, we are saving the GO! Go! Smart Wheels for his stocking though!  Mastermind is amazing at having stocking stuffer and loot bag stuffer ideas, their products are functional, reuseable, FUN, not "junky" and not covered in sugar!

I'm going to surprise the boys with a trip to Mastermind Toys after school on Friday to check out the Grand Opening, I hope you can make it there too!

The Great Mystery Boxes Giveaway

Did you know Canada..  The Great Mystery Boxes Giveaway is here!  We've co-hosted this very fun and exciting giveaway in the past and so excited it's back!

Myself, along with The Knit Wit By Shair, Maple Leaf Mommy, Mom vs the Boys and Little Miss Kate have complied together over $1750 in prizes to be one in 4 themed mystery boxes:

Kids - worth over $250
Health & Beauty - worth over $500
Baby - worth over $500
Box of Intrigue - worth over $500

Each box contains specially themed-filled, brand-new goodies (save for media reviewed items, such as books and DVDs) and you are going to LOVE it!!  Which box would you love to win?  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below and good luck Canada!!

Giveaway

We loved the Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013

Did you know Canada..  this past Sunday we checked out the Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 in St. Thomas ON - one of only 3 stops in Canada and the only one in Ontario!

It was AWESOME!  The boys had a great time.  Not only do you get to ride Thomas but there is so much more to do - bubbles to play with, stories to listen to, entertainment, animals to pet, a hay maze, a mist area, really fantastic balloon animals, Thomas tattoos, 2 jumpy areas, a gift shop and more!

The boys loved making big bubbles and they REALLY loved the jumps, there was even a Thomas jumpy the has a slide.  There are also activity stations set up to colour, make conductor hats, play with Thomas the train sets, just so much to do.

Then comes the main event - riding Thomas!  You hop on the train and take a lovely 25 minute ride through the outskirts of St. Thomas, you also listen to Thomas music during the ride, meet with the conductor, get a family photo taken if you'd like and the kids get a certificate at the end of the ride.

There was quite a few different food options as well - hot dogs, pizza, fries, cookies, ice cream and more.  You can really enjoy an entire day out, the community of St. Thomas even offers a few treats to every visitor as well - a discount at the local Wendys, a coupon for Boston Pizza, a free visit to the Elgin County Railway Museum which is a really interesting stop.

Fun for a huge age range, all my boys enjoyed the day!  The Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 is in St. Thomas one more weekend, so there's still time to ride!  Tickets for Day Out with Thomas™: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 1-888-222-6608, or by visiting www.ticketweb.ca/dowt or www.ecrm5700.org  Ticket prices are $23 plus tax for ages 2 and up (plus service charges).  The event is rain or shine.

For more information and directions, contact the Elgin County Railway Museum at 519-637-6284 or visit www.ecrm5700.org.

For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt
Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook and Twitter @TrueBlueEngine.

The ‘Curse of Tom Zombie’

Did you know Canada..  we have a VERY interesting guest post to share with you today - we have a campfire story and event news!

Thanks Stacey for inviting the St. Thomas Tom Zombie Festival to blog on your blog. You are a delight and we really appreciate the opportunity to reach out to your readers.  Our festival will be an annual event held on the grounds of the Elgin County Railway Museum. Many of you Moms out there may know it because it is the same place Thomas the Train appears every year. The festival will be on August 31^st and the most family friendly stuff goes on during the early afternoon. Instead of going on and on about our festival here, after all you can learn all about it simply by typing www.tzf.ca into your search engine, I wanted to share our brand new campfire story with you all. Now this is one to scare the dickens out of your kids around your backyard bonfires this summer. It was a lot of fun to write and I hope you enjoy it. Thanks again Stacey! You rock!  ~ Bryan Bakker

This, legend within a legend, is based on a short poem written by Toby Ten, an African American Poet who died in 1848. This short verse explains the supposed workings of the curse:
 
The words ‘Tom Zombie’ from one,
Is just a little bit of fun,
The words ‘Tom Zombie’ from two,
Should give you a clue,
The words ‘Tom Zombie’ from three,
Well that sets hell free.
 
The latest incarnation of this legend is built into the following story based on an account that has passed from memory. It is said to have occurred in the general vicinity of St. Thomas.
 
     It wasn’t long ago that the curse of Tom Zombie showed itself in an unexpected way. Some say it’s because the Trimetric Bell, the source of Tom Zombie’s power, sensed its time was once again at hand, even underneath tons of pressing dirt. Whatever the reason it came to pass that around a campfire one night, a group of teenagers sat laughing and joking. Surrounded by trees and meadows and streams they felt at ease. Of course they had all heard of the Legend of Tom Zombie, but, like so many before them they didn’t believe it. One of the boys, a tall blond lad named Steve, even went so far as to say it was a bunch of bull. The other kids laughed.
     “Sure its bull, but what is the legend?” asked Josh, Steve’s younger brother and the butt of a lot of jokes within the group.
     “Simple really,” Steve replied, looking to all of them with wide eyes and then a wider smile, as if recognizing an opportunity. “The story goes that if three people each say Tom Zombie right in a row Tom Zombie will get them.” Everyone was quiet, “So, who’s going to say it first?” Steve followed.
     Rustling leaves, whistling wind, no one said a word.  John, Steve’s best friend and someone who had been smiling the whole time, suddenly said, “Tom Zombie.”
     Steve laughed as he drank a big gulp from his cup and then half belched the words, “Tom Zombie!” His voice echoed through the valleys surrounding their little perch near a hill top. In the distance a bell started ringing ever so quietly. It lasted only a few seconds.
Janet and Sally, the only two girls in the group looked near tears.
     “Stop it Steve!” Sally crowed, slapping his arm, “I heard a bell!”
     “Me too, this is getting creepy!” said Janet.
     Randal, the real clown of the group was the natural person to follow the pair and even he looked worried. Josh stared out into the tree line; orange slivers of light dancing around the brush from their fire. If something was out there, no one would be able to see it, and with all of them laughing and talking, no one would hear anything either, least not until it was too late.
     “Please no one say it,” squeaked Josh, now huddling deep under his blanket so that only his eyes and nose were visible. He knew the instant he said it that it would have the opposite effect.
     “C’mon Randal say it!” John crowed half laughing “Or are you scared too?”  he said this last part as a mother might console a child. Randal, John knew, had his pride and little else.
Randal looked up to the stars, “Fine,” he said then bellowed, “Tom Zombie!”
Everyone and everything went dead quiet.
     The wind stopped, the forest seemed devoid of sound, not even insects of birds. Only the crackling fire kept the night time silence from engulfing them.
     After long fearful moments Steve finally started to laugh.
     “You guys are such pansies!” he said smirking.
     The tension broke and the group followed in kind. John and Randal clapped their hands together; Steve gave Randal a friendly slap on the cheek as Randal smiled and nodded. Josh poked his little head out from his blanket, even the girls began to chuckle nervously.
     “It’s just a silly story,” Steve said and they all began to relax. It didn’t take long for the group to forget what they had done and begin talking of other less consequential things.
     What they couldn’t know, because the knowledge had been lost in legend, was that, though it was true that Tom Zombie couldn’t awaken to sow his wraith upon them, the nearest dead to where they sat could and people had been living and dying in these parts for many years.
     In fact, mere months before, a cabin just over the next hill from where they camped, had burned to the ground, unknown and unseen by anyone.  Most of the poor family who had lived there had been burned to ash, but two, a mother and her teenage son, had made it out only to die in the leaves and mud outside. Their bones and rotting flesh had all but been taken by hungry animals and carrion worms. Enough remained however to hear the ringing of the bell and the call back to the land of the living.
     The kids laughed around their fire, whimsical in their disregard for the evil they had released. It was Steve who heard the shambling first; mixed with the wind and the crackling fire.  When he said “Quiet!” to the group they thought it another joke and just laughed louder. Then they all heard a stick CRACK from the dark and a hollow GROAN mixed in with a stiff and suddenly cold wind.
     Steve was about to blame Randal, but sure enough Randal was still sitting just behind him; his eyes wide and his skin pale like snow. They all realized quickly that all of them still sat around there fire, terrified, but accounted for. Then who was out there?
     Of the six who went camping that night only two ever returned: Sally and Janet. Steve,      John, Randal and Steve’s little brother Josh, never came home.
     The horror of the surviving two was unparalleled and neither girl ever recovered. Their story was buried by gossip and excuse; just kids traumatized by a serial murderer or a freak animal attack. But the bodies of the four lost kids were never found and for years rumors persisted.
     It’s said that the parents of the two brothers who were lost that night had themselves buried up on that hill upon death, waiting for their children to return, or perhaps, for some other group of three to be foolish enough to not believe in the curse of Tom Zombie.
The ‘Curse of Tom Zombie’ Campfire Story

Day Out With Thomas: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013

Did you know Canada..  Thomas the Tank Engine is once again rolling into St. Thomas – Elgin Memorial Centre this summer!  One of only 4 Canadian stops, and the only Ontario stop, it's an event not to be missed!

Proceeds from this event support the Elgin County Railway Museum (a spot not to be missed while you're in town), who is hosting the event for the 9th consecutive year.

This fun-filled event offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends® series.   In addition, children will meet Sir Topham Hatt®, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities.

We have visited Thomas every summer of my twins life, and we are SO EXCITED to start the tradition with our new little man now.  Not only do you get a 25 minute ride on Thomas, you can also meet Sir Topham Hatt, check out storytelling, video viewing, live music, children’s entertainers, bubbles, Island of Sodor hay bale maze, Misty Island cool mist tents, inflatable bouncers, and model railway displays.  There's always stickers and tattoos to be had, yummy snacks, a fun shop to check out and more!

WHEN is this happening? Friday, Saturday and Sunday – July 19-21 and 26-28, 2013

TIME Grounds open 8 am – 6 pm

WHERE St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre – 80 Wilson Avenue, St. Thomas, ON

Tickets for Day Out with Thomas™: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 are on sale now and available by calling Ticketweb toll-free 1-888-222-6608, or by visiting www.ticketweb.ca/dowt or www.ecrm5700.org  Ticket prices are $23 plus tax for ages 2 and up (plus service charges).  The event is rain or shine.

For more information and directions, contact the Elgin County Railway Museum at 519-637-6284 or visit www.ecrm5700.org. 

For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com/dowt

Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook and Twitter @TrueBlueEngine.

We also have a surprise for our local friends, enter below for your chance to win a 4 pack of tickets to Day Out with Thomas™: The Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 on Friday July 19 at 4:15pm (be sure to arrive an hour before your ride time).

Giveaway

My Little Pony Equestria Girls

Did you know Canada..  coming June 16th, The full-length feature My Little Pony Equestria Girls will be in cinemas throughout Canada!

Information on listings and links to book tickets can be found at: www.MLPEG.com.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls is a brand new full-length feature introducing a whole new dimension into the My Little Pony world. When a crown is stolen from the Crystal Empire, Twilight Sparkle pursues the thief into an alternate world where she transforms into a teenage girl who must survive her biggest challenge yet…high school. With help from her new friends who remind her of Ponyville’s Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, she embarks upon a quest to find the crown and change the destiny of these two parallel worlds.

Who's excited??

March Break Fun with Hasbro Canada

Did you know Canada..  we are on Day Two of March Break here.  I know some of you still have March Break coming next week and the week after.  For fun every day of the week Hasbro Canada has you covered with some great ideas on family fun!

Yesterday we checked out 2 fun items from Hasbro, their Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven and Angry Birds Star Wars Millennium Falcon Bounce Game!

My boys just finished taking a cooking class through our local Parks & Rec and have REALLY enjoyed cooking and creating in the kitchen, which I LOVE and their future wives can thank me for..haha..  So to foster that love even more at home, what a better way than the Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven!  At 5 years old, the big oven is off limits to the boys, so they were very proud to have their own to use (with Mom's help of course).  We made cookies and had lots of fun!  The only thing the boys were a little disappointed about were not being able to watch the cookies cook like you can on the big oven, but it won't stop us from trying out more treats with the Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven.

My guys two loves - Angry Birds and Star Wars - it's so exciting to see them put together!  And if you are any kind of Star Wars fan you know how very cool the Millennium Falcon is on it's own, add Angry Birds to it and you're a hero!  Fun to set up, even the box is part of the game that you get to decorate with stickers on the inside.  The boys have been having tons of fun with this, whether they are playing the actual game or just playing imagination games with all the pieces, it's one they enjoyed for hours yesterday, which was fantastic!!

Hasbro Canada also has many more fun ideas for this March Break, like their Play-doh Sweet Shoppe, JENGA Book Game, BeyBlades and more, you'll be able to have fun with the kids every day of the break!

Time to Play with DK Canada

Did you know Canada..  our friends at DK Canada, who make the most beautiful, entertaining books in my opinion, think it's Time to Play this March Break, and we agree!

Check out their Time to Play Boutique for savings on books and activities that will keep everyone busy and having fun next week.  We recently checked out the Lego Brickmaster Lego City and Star Wars sets.

These fun books come WITH the appropriate legos to make buildings, vehicles and people!

You follow the fully coloured, step-by-step instructions, all compacted in a nice kit to keep the legos together (Thank-You!) and the kids can make up to 6 different models!  Lots of fun to build, play, destroy, and rebuild!

Check out what we've created so far, my boys are so proud of their accomplishments, this is something we enjoy doing as a family, and what a perfect project for March Break that can be done over a series of days.

That's not all the Time to Play Boutique has to offer either, check out books on crafts, cooking, doodling, science experiments and more - great for any ages and genders!

Visit DK Canada today for awesome savings on these fun books and more!

A night of Monster Jam

Did you know Canada..  last night my guys enjoyed a night of Monster Jam at Budweiser Gardens in London ON.  They had a BLAST!

Already huge fans of Monster Jam, we have about a million monster truck toys at home and the boys know the names of all of them, to see, hear and feel them in the flesh is just an amazing experience for them and I can't even begin to tell you how excited they were.

They also picked up these cool flashing necklaces that they have been having a lot of fun with today chatting about the show and recreating the stunts with their monster trucks at home.

An awesome night of Monster Jam competitions with Grave Digger coming in first place and Canadian Monster Truck Northern Nightmare in second, the boys also loved seeing Brutus and Krazy Train it was so much fun.  Great for the whole family I HIGHLY recommend checking out a Monster Jam show when they come to your neck of the woods.

When the trucks are reving up, jumping through the air spinning out - your heart is in your throat and the excitement builds and builds, it's just a blast!

We would go again in a heartbeat, you have to check out a show!

Who is your favourite Monster Truck?

Family Day with Sears Canada

Did you know Canada..  our Toronto Representative, Faniya, is attending a fantastic event Monday!

This Family Day we are glad to join Sears Canada to celebrate the exciting launch of Carter’s and OshKosh brands. We are invited to the Eaton Center in Toronto to preview the products, shop, meet the buyers and learn about why Carter’s and OshKosh became fabulous new additions to Sears family of products. 

Plus in support of the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation, The Sears Great Canadian Chill will present a custom built Chill pool, heated change tents, hot tubs, live entertainment, face painting, treats and many other activities for families that day at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Can't wait to hear how it went!

Family Day Ideas - Hasbro Canada

Did you know Canada..  this Monday is Family Day across most of Canada.  In Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, it is observed on the third Monday of February. In the provinces of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, the statutory holiday on this date is instead termed Louis Riel Day and Islander Day, respectively.

This year British Columbia began to celebrate Family Day on the second Monday of February.  Except in British Columbia, the timing of Family Day coincides with Presidents Day in the United States.

The second and third Mondays in February are regular working days in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the territories. As Family Day is not currently recognized in the federal sphere, federal employees in all provinces (such as public servants and postal workers) still work on this day. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the third Monday of February is a school board holiday, but not an official provincial holiday.

A little confusing right??

Well if it's a holiday for you Hasbro Canada thinks it's a great day to Play!

This Family Day holiday, Hasbro wants to give families a chance to take a break from hetic schedules.  Switch off the electronic distractions and take part in an evening of game play to reconnect and reenergize relationships and most importantly, create memories together.

Hasbro Canada has games for every family and every age.  We introduced our boys to a fun new version of JENGA, that is perfect for little boys as there's an explosion!  JENGA Boom - Just like in the classic JENGA game, you’ll need a delicate touch to pull blocks out of the stack without knocking it down. But in JENGA Boom, you have to move fast, because you start the detonator before each turn – and you have to get your block out before your time runs out and the stack "explodes!"  We have been having lots of fun with this, and I was kind of surprised the boys actually have the patience and skills to play JENGA - who knew!, we've been having lots of fun!

Another fun family game is Draw Something - have you been playing this one on your phone like hubby and I have?  Now you can play in your living room!  While one player draws, everyone else shouts out their guesses at what they're drawing. Whoever guesses the word earns coins along with the drawer, and the harder the word, the more coins you earn! Collect 15 coins for the win!

My absolute favourite game, and one I am so happy to have (previously we only had The Simpsons version) is the CLUE The Classic Mystery Game.  Ransack the mansion for clues, ask cunning detective questions and leave no card unturned. Solve the murder first to win!  Hubby and I have been enjoying this one at night after the big kids go to bed, I love it!

This Family Day is the perfect day to stay inside and break out a new game.  When we play games in the living room or at the kitchen table we have so much fun and I'm always surprised by how much we begin to talk, the boys are always more open to share things that happened at school the previous week, their thoughts and ideas and something silly always happens that we can reminisce about later.  Why not surprise the family with a new game from Hasbro Canada this Family Day, and enjoy each other!

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)

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Hallmark Canada

Did you know Canada..  we received a few fun treats from Hallmark Canada that I had to share with you..

“CUPIG” shuffles and shakes his belly while singing a parody of the “Cupid Shuffle.” The perfect Valentine’s Day gift for those looking for some cuddly comfort.  Special: $15.95 with each purchase of 3 Hallmark cards.  My guys love this so much they took it to school today to share with their friends!  It is so sweet!

"Something for you pup" - deliver a special something in a memorable way with this cute pup. Simply place an item in his mouth (anything from a card or flower, to a small box of candy) and give it to your loved one. When your Valentine pulls it out, the puppy will give a little “grrr” and then a happy “ruf, ruf!” with a wagging tail. (Only $14.95)  We have been having too much fun with this, the boys have been making everyone in the family cards and presenting them with this cute pup so we can hear the fun little bark!

The Ultimate Gift Bear. This ultra soft and cuddly teddy bear comes with a festive (removable) bow. This is a perfect cuddly friend for my new little man, this sweet bear is perfect for this Valentine's Day or any occasion.

Fuzzie Wuzzies Card Presenters for Kids - Kids can feel the love with these amazing cards. The line features cute critters covered in fun textures with Valentine messages tucked inside. After you remove the Valentine, keep this little friend around to store your favourite little things - $6.49 each.  So soft and cute, and great to keep long after the card is gone, I think this is the cutest!

Have you picked up any Valentine's Day specials from Hallmark Canada?

Family Day Idea - Riverdale Farm

Did you know Canada..  Family Day is fast approaching, do you have any plans yet??  If you are in the Toronto area, we've heard about a great event at Riverdale Farm.

Riverdale Farm and Grain Farmers of Ontario Invite you to get back to your roots this Family Day

When:                Monday, February 18, 2013
                          9:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. 

Where:               Riverdale Farm
                          201 Winchester Street
                          Toronto, Ontario 

How:                  Free event, open to the public, all are welcome 

All day activities include:

Francey Barn: Grain Farmers of Ontario Interactive Trailer

•         Learn what plants need to grow with the Seed Survivor video game
•         Play in a corn box filled with replic farm machinery and tractors

Francey Barn: Meet a farmer

•          Sheep farmer - 10 a.m.
•          Goat farmer  - 12 p.m.
•          Horse farmer - 2 p.m.

Simpson House: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

•          Treats from the kitchen
•          Decorate a cookie, donation appreciated

Meeting House: 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

•          Display and demonstrations from the Toronto Guild of Spinnners and Weavers
•          Cabbagetown Qualters Sewing Activity
•          Preschool playroom

The residence: 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

•          Regent park Cabbagetown Museum – Artifacts and displays

Valentine's Day with Hasbro Canada

Did you know Canada..  Valentine's Day is sneaking up on me this year with the new baby!  My boys needed to work on their Valentine's Day gifts this weekend for their class.

As there are lots of allergies in their class this year we didn't go with any cards that included a candy treat, and instead went with this great idea from Hasbro Canada - Play-doh!

Valentines Bag has 15 cans of PLAY-DOH modeling compound! Make PLAY-DOH valentines with the pink, red and white colors! Great for classrooms and parties!

The Play-doh Valentine's Bag not only came with individual packs of play-doh in perfect Valentine's colours, they also came with To/From stickers for the top of the packs so you can address each Valentine's - perfect to bring to the classroom!

We received a pack from Hasbro to try out and went out to get more for the boys to enjoy at home, they have been having lots of fun creating with these great colours!

What are you sending to the classroom this week?