The Mommy of all Baby Events #PGMom

Did you know Canada..  we have great news for all our busy Moms - to make shopping even more convenient, Loblaw is launching a new program perfect for moms – The Mommy of all Baby Events.

From October 10 –24, Loblaw stores will offer fabulous promotions and events from cooking classes, dietitian demos, special sales and fun contests. Check out your local Loblaw store to find out more, or go to themommyofallbabyevents.ca! Also available at Dominion stores in Newfoundland & Labrador only.

With 3 kiddos it's a little (okay REALLY) hard to shop every week, but in the 8 months since Lucas has come along I've stepped up my game and here's how we get through a shop and even have fun (sometimes)!

• Make a list! Don't even kid yourself into thinking you'll remember everything, because otherwise you will end up in tears later realizing you forgot something important and the thought of going back out it just too much ( not that this has ever happened to me ;) ).
• Even better, have that list on your phone!  I love the Out of Milk app - I can add to my list any time since I always have my phone with me, I can share the list with my husband, check things off as I buy them and I never forget my phone, so I know I'll always have the list with me.
• Have a plan with the kids, if you know it's going to take forever, tell them!  Be up front about if you are running in for 2 items or if it's the BIG shop, I find the kids do better when they know what to expect.
• Bring hubby if you can - he can take the kids to LOOK at the toys if they are rowdy, he can carry heavy stuff, maybe you can even stop for a quick treat on the way home for a job well done.
• When the boys were really little we sometimes got a cheap hot wheels car as a treat at the end of the shop to keep the peace, sometimes a little peace is worth a dollar.

The kids and I will be hitting the our local Loblaw's store this week for sure - looking forward to stocking up on baby food, pampers, and checking out the demos!

Do you have a shopping tip for Mom??

I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive 

products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

Snowbirds save the airshow!

Did you know Canada..  I thought this was great news - in Sacramento this past weekend at the annual California Capital air show our own Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds entertained the
crowds as both the US Navy's Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds were grounded due to federal budget cuts.

US news stations were crediting the Snowbirds as saving the air show!

The Miramir air show was cancelled due to the government shut down much to the disappointment of fans, especially as it one of the biggest air show events in the US.

Love that our guys were able to stun the crowds and helped the show go on!

Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendars

Did you know Canada..  hockey is just getting into full swing this past week around here, my boys have had their first practice and their first game was Saturday morning.  We are in a new level this year and everyone gets to try out being a goalie for a game which the boys are very excited about, and I was one proud Mama Saturday!  One of my guys got a huge break away, the other did some amazing passes, I think we are going to have a great year.

When is comes to hockey, scheduling is HUGE, especially for those on travel teams.  An awesome way to keep track of hockey and all the other events going on in your life, using a Hockey Spirit Fundraising Calendar!

Created by Elizabeth Urlacher and her husband, they've created a gorgeous hockey calendar which is used by clubs across Canada to raise funds for hockey, non-profit, and various charitable organizations.  You truly will be in the Hockey Spirit every time you glance at this calendar in the kitchen or the office, check out some of the fabulous photos in this year's calendar:

This 15 month calendar that runs October-December of the following year, perfect for the hockey season!  Measuring 1 foot wide by 2 feet tall hanging on the wall there is plenty of room to keep track of everyone's schedules.  On each monthly page of the calendar kids will find a weekly and monthly counter box for goals, assists, shots and shutouts. And at the end of the season use the Stats Machine Page where kids can report the year's totals along with personal achievements, season highlights, and tournament victories.  There's also the perfect place to paste the team photo and this will make a keepsake for life!

When you get a calendar be sure to check out the last page where you will meet Joe Drexler who we've chatted about before and learn about the Be The Game initiative 21 day program supporting acts of kindness to help end bullying.

Learn more about Fundraising opportunities here and be sure to share with your local league!  If you just want a single calendar for home or a gift, one can be purchased easily right here.  We have a fantastic treat for our many hockey mom and dad readers as well - enter below for your chance to win one of these gorgeous calendars - 5 winners in all, they will keep you in the hockey mood all year and show your appreciation for Canada's sport!

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:

Online Gaming Laws in Canada

Did you know Canada..  Like America, Canada has clear prohibitions against non-governmental online gaming. However, as the online gaming industry continues to rapidly grow in both countries, with residents ignoring current gambling laws, the government may have no choice but to legalise and regulate the booming online industry.

Despite this though, the Criminal Code of Canada means that it is currently illegal to conduct or participate in any gaming activities in the country, unless they have been recognised as an exception in the legislation. Originally enacted for traditional gambling in Canada, the laws now also apply to all gambling activities conducted over the Internet.

The exceptions for online gaming in Canada include “lottery schemes” which are conducted and managed by a province, such as casinos and electronic gambling, as well as a small range of lottery schemes licensed by a province, rarely to a private individual and usually to a charity, fair or exhibition. In addition to this, bets made between individuals who are not engaged in the business of betting is legal, as is pari-muteul betting on horse races, which is regulated by the federal Minister of Agriculture.

The Criminal Code outlines that only provincial governments are permitted to operate a lottery scheme online, and it must only be available to residents of that province. The provincial government is not allowed to license other organisation to conduct the lottery, so they therefore are required to operate all sites offering the games themselves. The governments are also responsible for ensuring that residents of other provinces cannot access or participate in the lottery games, unless a cooperative agreement has been reached.

Commercial land-based sports betting is also prohibited in Canada and is not allowed to operate online. There is also some confusion over the availability of legal slots, poker and online casino games. Although the law states that non-government sanctioned gambling is a crime, a lack of enforcement and proper legal clarification has led to continued online gambling services.

Many Canadian companies, such as Cryptologic, which is one of the biggest creators of online gaming software in the world, have continued to involve themselves in the online gambling industry for some time without being prosecuted. It is also extremely unlikely that anyone playing online gambling games would encounter any issues with the law.

Although it is illegal to participate in any “common betting houses”, the lack of a physical location online means it is extremely difficult for the government to prosecute you for clicking on one of these sites. According to Zak Muscovitch, a Toronto lawyer, the proprietor of the “betting house” is responsible for the criminal aspect of the interaction of an online casino, meaning that the gamer is not technically committing a crime.

With such issues arising over internet gambling in Canada, as well as the large amount or revenues generated, it appears that the industry could be regulated by Canada’s federal and provincial governments in the near future.  Some states in America, including Nevada and Delaware, have already legalised regulated online gambling and Canada could soon follow its example. However, until any change is made, players should be aware of the risks they run by clicking onto an online gambling site. 

Calling All Gamers!

Did you know Canada..  our blog post "Just Dance 4" is being featured over at And She Games.. today, do you have a gaming post to share?  Join the linky below!

Who else loves video games?  We love our XBox360, PS3, WII U, so do the kids.  They especially love active games like Just Dance 4 and all the LEGO games.

What do you play??

Link up here:

Family Photos and Big Savings at Sears Canada! #SearsBabysRoom

Did you know Canada..  I love getting family photos!  If you try to snag a shot of everyone at home the kids are looking the wrong way, the baby is crying, someone spills a drink on their matchy shirt or something else happens - but if you head to a photo studio everything just seems to fall into place doesn't it.

Last winter we headed into Sears to get some family photos done, I LOVE this one of my two big boys, I know I will cherish this picture forever as it was the last great photo of them before they became big brothers to baby Lucas!

Once Lucas arrived and our family was complete we headed back to Sears again to snag a full family photo.  We will be heading in again before Christmas to get a sweet shot in our fancy clothes for a Christmas card!  Speaking of clothes, I have great news, between October 25 and November 7 with a purchase of $50 or more on kids' fashions you receive 10 FREE personalized photo greeting cards + a FREE photo shoot courtesy of Sears Portrait Studio ($29.89 value)!

What a perfect time to grab some new duds and snap a few cute pics before they get those clothes dirty!

AND from October 11 to October 31 you will earn $10 in Sears KidsBucks for every $40 spent on Toy's, Children’s Furniture, Kids’ & Infants’ Apparel and Juvenile Products!  So, you earn one $10 KidsBucks coupon for every minimum $40 qualifying purchase (before taxes). Earn a maximum of $50 in KidsBucks per single transaction.  This is also when Baby Days are happening, so you already save 20% off everything baby, what a great time to shop!
Excludes items with prices ending in .97, footwear and Carter’s® & OshKosh B’gosh® brands.

Redeem the KidsBucks coupon from November 1-12, 2013. The offer is available in stores and online!

Lots going on at Sears this month and now is the time to think about those Holiday Pictures!  We have a fun surprises for our readers too, enter below for your chance to win a Portrait Studio coupon for 10 FREE personalized photo greeting cards + a FREE photo shoot courtesy of Sears Portrait Studio ($29.89 value)!  Good luck Canada!

Giveaway

Canadian Giveaway Linky! 10/07

Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!

Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!

Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!

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!

Little Miss Bows and Bands

Did you know Canada..  I love head bands, wear them all the time, but do you know what I don't like, that pain behind your ears where the head band pushes too hard, but if it didn't do that then the head band would slip off wouldn't it.  Then I learned about these beautiful headbands from Little Miss Bows and Bands.

Handmade Baby to Adult accessories made with love by Farah, her head bands fit perfect, I've never had a slip and her hair ties leave your hair dent free and double as fashionable bracelets when not in use, how cool is that!  With heat sealed to avoid fraying, these ties and bands will last for ever and even with daily use they are still keeping their shape.  No more pain behind the ears from a too tight head band either.

Coming in a huge range of colours, you can have a band for every look and every occasion.  That's not all Farah has to offer either, she has sweet tutus, cute clips, gorgeous wedding wear and more!

Don't forget little mister either, Farah offers cute ties, suspenders and funky bow ties for the little man in your life, perfect for pictures!

Visit Little Miss Bows and Bands on Facebook to see everything she has to offer!