Mastermind Toys - Summer Sizzlers!

Did you know Canada..  you know how much we love Mastermind Toys, a favourite store of ours we visit in London ON and can be found at many other locations across Ontario and a new store in Calgary AB!  Don't have a store close by?  No worries, you can shop online too!!

Mastermind knows how to have fun in the summer and unlike some other stores, always has the NOW toys on sale.  Like the fact that until July 16th you can save 25% on all pool toys!  Perfect!

We checked out a couple must haves for this summer and they were amazing..

Zoku Slush and Shake Maker (comes in a bunch of fun colours) - Easy to use, you simply freeze the core overnight, then pour in juice, milk, ice cream or even your own home made smoothies, stir it up with the specially designed slush spoon and in approximately 7 - 9 minutes you’ve got a delicious, icy treat - no electricity needed!  Our favourite way to use it is to combine water and snow cone syrup in the Zoku, it tastes great, the kids love to watch the water turn into a yummy, slushy treat, it's simple to clean and store.

SkyTrix Stunt Glider - is AMAZING!  make sure you are in an open area - perfect for the beach, park, cottage, or camping, this glider can catch a breeze and really fly!  The SkyTrix glides like a plane, soars high in the sky like a kite, performs tricks like a yo-yo, and plays catch like a flying disc. The concept is simple - a plane on a tether. But the design and performance are anything but ordinary! Both the kids and the adults will have fun with this, just playing around or even creating a catching game with it.

Mastermind loves summer and knows how to do it right.  Why not check out their 101 Summer Essentials, surprise the kids with a new way to play this summer!

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

Travel Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

Did you know Canada.. The Niagara Falls (3 waterfalls) were formed around 12000 years and have since become a top tourist attraction for travellers and tourists alike. With a 50m vertical drop, three lakes combine to form the fastest flowing waterfall in existence.

As a first time visitor of the falls you want to make sure you get the best experience you possibly can out of it. Here are some travel tips to encourage your visit to be a worthwhile, breath-taking experience.

·       To make the most of your stay in Ontario, it’s recommended to stay as near to the falls as possible. Imagine having that incredible view outside your window, well it is possible! Niagara Falls hotels such as the Embassy Suites by Hilton provide an up-close view of the falls; you can stay in rooms overlooking the falls and even dine in the restaurant overlooking the amazing sites. Staying close to the falls means you can get up early and see what the surroundings have to offer before everyone else, and it is highly recommended to go early to avoid crowds.

·       Plan ahead! To make the most of your trip to the city of Niagara Falls it’s important to make an itinerary of what you want to do, places you want to visit and sites you want to see. This gives you the time to suss out when you can do each trip, and this will also assist you when budgeting. Some site seeing trips may require booking in advance; so make sure you check this out to avoid disappointment.

·        Decide your modes of transport beforehand; you have the option of driving, taking the bus or train. There is a train station approximately 2 miles from the Falls itself and also a bus terminal, if you are staying a bit further afield then these methods of transport are suggested. You can drive in and park your car for one day for a fee and spaces are often filled quickly so it is recommended you pay for hotel parking if that is an option for you. Many hotels also offer a free shuttle service, which is a great option that saves you money and also leaves you with less stress worrying about where you are going!

·       If you don’t mind getting a little wet with the spray of the falls, the Maid of Mist boat tour is one of the most popular ways of seeing the Niagara falls as it takes you to all 3 falls: American, Horseshoe and Bridal falls. The tours have been running for over 150 years and have become a tradition for tourists on their travels. Don’t forget you can also view the falls at night-time, which is a spectacular experience as they are lit up with an array of different colours, truly magical.

Check out the other attractions whilst you are in the area, you can visit amusement parks, the aquarium with live aquatic animal shows. There are great opportunities for all the family, especially for the kids! You can also make the most of learning about the history of the city at the museums. 

“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

5 Places You Should Check Out in Ontario

Did you know Canada..  If you're travelling to Canada, specifically Ontario, prepare yourself for a gratifying experience. With so much to see and do, whether you're an adventurous camper or a city dweller, the second largest country in the world won't disappoint.

Before planning your itinerary, think about whether you want to lose yourself in the vast wilderness or lurk in the shadows of skyscrapers. Considering the following five must-see places will help you decide where to go and what to expect. 

Ottawa


Imagine via Flickr mark.watmough

If you're a history or arts enthusiast, perhaps a trip to Canada's capital is on the horizon. Ottawa is home of the Parliament, the federal legislative branch of Canada, and hosts a number of museums and art centers. 

Among the most notable tourist attractions, the Canadian War Museum and the National Arts Centre are great places to begin your journey through the capital. For a detailed list of top attractions, visit Ottawa's official tourism Website. 

Toronto


Imagine via Flickr Small

The largest city in Canada, home to more than 2.5 million people, is host of Canada's tallest freestanding structure: the CN Tower. If you're hungry and not afraid of heights, an elevator ride to The 360 Restaurant will result in satisfying your appetite while enjoying a magnificent revolving view of Toronto more than 1,151 feet below. 

Other attractions include: the Ontario Science Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Royal Ontario Museum. Toronto is also home to the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribbean Carnival, and Canadian National Exhibition. With so much to see and do in this ethnically vibrant city, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Algonquin National Park


Imagine via Flickr mindgrow

If you prefer the beauty of the wilderness to the buzz of the city streets, then a trip to Algonquin National Park is an absolute must when visiting Ontario. The park is a vast 7,800 square miles of lakes and forests home to a Canadian ecosystem of bears, moose, and wolves. 

Whether you're exploring by foot or via 1,000 miles of canoe trails, multiple camping options are available. If you're in the mood for living on the edge, camping in the deepest parts of the park will satisfy your need for adventure. A lakeshore resort is also located within the boundaries of the park for others who prefer to pamper themselves. 

Polar Bear Provincial Park


Imagine via Flickr Maria Lopatka

For those who want to take their camping expedition to another extreme, Polar Bear Provincial Park is the place to do it. This park, which is the largest in Ontario at 9,093 square miles, preserves habitats for wildlife - especially the hundreds of polar bears that roam throughout the area.
Visitors to Polar Bear should prepare for all uncertainties and remain cautious. Packing extra food, clothing, and a tent not higher than necessary - because of possible strong winds - is essential. Having a reliable vehicle, such as one from DriveTime, is key because of the distance between the park and civilization. 

Niagara Falls


Image via Flickr Alberto Mari

Although people often mistake Niagara Falls as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it isn't. That fact doesn't take away from the majesty of its size, though, which attracts more than 20 million visitors each year. 

The advantage of visiting the falls on the Canadian side of the border as oppose to the American is because of its differences in height. The Canadian side of the falls (188 ft.) is about 100 feet higher than the American side (70-100 ft.), which naturally makes it a greater spectacle for tourists. Restaurants, shopping, and hotels are all available for visitors to this grand marvel. 

No matter your tastes or preferences, Ontario offers a lot of options to an excited visitor. From the beautiful landscapes of the wild to the towering skyscrapers of the city, there's plenty to see and do during any season or time of the year.

Have a safe trip, eh! 

Happy Canada Day, eh?

Did you know Canada.. from our family to yours, Happy Canada Day!  Enjoy your day, be proud of your nation and support your neighbour.

Ray Ban's for Summer

Did you know Canada..  we have great news about a Canada Day contest!

Head over to the SmartBuyGlasses' Facebook page, and all you have to do is people send in a link to your favourite model of Ray Ban sunglasses (all available here) and subscribe to their newsletter for your chance to win a pair of your fav Ray Ban's!!

How is that for some summer shades???

Head over quick, contest only runs until July 7th!

Good luck Canada!

#bioSnackySprouts Recipe and Twitter Party News!

Did you know Canada..  we told you we were in a sprouting challenge, growing with #bioSnackySprouts and now I have a couple yummy recipes to share that we've made, and some party news!

For a quick, but tasty and healthy lunch, I used Little Radish Sprouts on top of a toasted plain cheese bagel for tasty results!  The Little Radish Sprouts add a spicy kick, they REALLY do taste like radishes!

For a great dinner the whole family will love I cooked chopped chicken breast in a wok with hoisin sauce, added onions, corn, Mung Bean Sprouts.  Then cooked rice and Little Radish Sprouts and green onions to top it off.  It was DELISH, and guess what, even the KIDS enjoyed it!

The whole family can enjoy sprouts on a daily basis when you grow your own!  The kids will even be willing to have a taste since they are proud of their accomplishments with growing them from seed.

You may even with your own sprouter July 2nd if you join us for the #bioSnackySprouts Twitter Party!!

Be sure to follow your hosts before the event -
@AVogel_ca
@NaturallySavvy
@AndreaDonsky

When: Tuesday July 2, 2013 9pm EST 6pm PST

Hashtag: #bioSnackySprouts

Prizes:

3 lucky winners will get a 3-tier bioSnacky sprouter with a bioSnacky Organic Sprouting Seed Assortment

PLUS 2 lucky winners will get a bioSnacky Sprouting Jar with a bioSnacky Organic Sprouting Seed Assortment

Twitter party prizing is open to Canadians only - we will see you there!

I AM. Canadian

Did you know Canada.. I AM. Canadian is back for Canada Day long weekend!!!

The sun is shining, the temp is high and it's the weekend to celebrate everything great about our country!  We know Canadians know how to party, and this is the weekend to do it!!

Molson Canadian knows about Canadian pride, and after over a decade, Molson Canadian’s iconic campaign I AM. is back for Canada Day 2013!  Check out this amazing new commercial - Molson Canadian took a (really awesome) beer fridge around Europe and only a Canadian passport could open it.  View the results here:




Molson Canadian has also launched a new online store to sell Molson Canadian merchandise (including I AM. Canadian merchandise for a limited time!).  Now you can buy all the cool stuff you see posted on Facebook and on promos in store!  Right now they are offering FREE SHIPPING too!  And they ship anywhere - how fun would it be to send a Canadian abroad some Molson Canadian swag!

In Ontario head to the beer store before the long weekend and pick up a specially marked case of Molson Canadian for an  I AM. Canadian in case tshirt!  There's 4 to collect - better pick up a case for a friend too!

And this is the coolest thing ever I think, they have been distributed to local bars and restaurants - an I AM. Canadian BEER BOOT!  So you better be heading out with some friends this weekend to check them out!

Join us in showing your Canadian pride this weekend by changing your Facebook profile or cover image to an I AM. Canadian one!  Check out the details here.

You can't have a celebration without some prizes!!!  Enter below for your chance to win an I AM. Canadian prize pack; including: I AM. Canadian tee, I AM. Canadian duffle bag, I AM. Canadian beer boot (YES! Your own beer boot!), and I AM. Canadian hat!!!  You do not want to miss this giveaway, it includes an I AM. Canadian beer boot!!  (must be Canadian and of legal drinking age to win!)

Giveaway

5 Quick Ways to Reduce Stress On the Job

Did you know Canada..  As the economy struggles and workplace demands intensify, when employees are interrupted an average of 7 times an hour and distracted more than 2 hours a day, it's no wonder we suffer from overbearing amounts of stress. We need a way to daily, if not hourly, reduce the amount of pressure we face on the job. 

1. Identify what you Can Control

Image via Flickr by Alan Cleaver

When a situation is out of our control, we experience stress. It actually activates a stress hormone, which can eventually wear you down and ruin your confidence, sense of well-being and your ability to concentrate. To remediate this feeling, you need to identify the aspects of the situation you can control. Those are generally your actions and responses. Work to be the master of these forces, and accept that some things you can't control and let them go.

2. Deep Breathing, Meditation and Prayer
Stress places unnecessary strain on our bodies and increases health issues. It will cause our heart rates to increase and blood pressure to rise. If you step out of a particularly stressful meeting, it is an excellent idea to gain control over these physical reactions. Deep breathing helps settle everything down. Inhale slowly for 5 seconds, hold for a beat then exhale through your nose. It's like a mini-yoga class at your desk. Close your eyes and meditate on simple quiet scenes. Silently pray and reach out to God for serenity. Similar ideas can be found at the Ed Young Fellowship.

3. Manage Interruptions
Today's workers are more bothered by interruptions than ever before. They can come in so many ways, phone calls, instant messages, emails, pop-ins, urgent deadlines, text messages. It's difficult to control the distractions, but with an appropriate response and good management, you can. First, decide to either accept the interruption, diagnosis its importance and make plans for it, or simply cut it off. Decide in advance which response you're going to make. Manage as many of them as possible by only answering email at a pre-designed time, set up office hours, and when necessary close the door and take the phone off the hook.

4. Schedule and Take Breaks
Trying to push through a 10 hour day will result in less efficiency because of stress. Take planned breaks following every 90 minutes of intense concentration. Walk, stretch, do a breathing exercise. This brief period of recovery will clear out the stress and rejuvenate our systems.

5. Diet and Sleep
Poor diets stress our systems. Stay away from the junk food and stay on a low-sugar, high-protein diet. Your body can use the right ingredients to better handle stress. Same goes for adequate sleep. The CDC says some 60 million of use don't get enough sleep, and that kills productivity the next day and adds to our stress levels. Try this simply breathing trick to fall asleep quickly: cover your left nostril and breathe through your right for five minutes.

Stress is a killer, and there is so much self-imposed pressure in our lives, compounded and reinforced by the jobs and expectations we put on ourselves. Not taking a moment to relieve all that tension could be fatal.