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  1. 31 Awesome Birthday Cake Designs

    My husband and I always (well, we’ve only had kids for three years…) like to create our children’s birthday cakes from scratch.  It’s a fun project to do together.  The Boy’s cakes have always been based on a story that he loves.  It has been easy for us to come up with ideas since he is one of those kids who gets really attached to certain books.  However, The Girl is less particular and we are looking for inspiration for her upcoming 2nd birthday cake.  See the unbelievable ideas in this Parenting showcase of 31 cakes. I like the detailed explanations on the photos of the cakes that reveal their nifty tricks.  You’ll need to scroll down for those!

    Posted in Useful Info.

  2. 40% Off Any Item @ Michaels

    There are two coupons available this week at Michaels.  One gives you 40% off any item (last time I went they let me apply two coupons to two items so print out an extra just in case you land on a sweet cashier).  The other offers $15 off  custom framing and can be combined with their weekly framing discount.

    Posted in Coupons, Deals.

  3. Etsy Find: Beautiful Pencil Roll (Free Shipping This Weekend!)

    What a great back-to-school gift!  Hand-made,  beautiful fabric choices, $16US and free shipping this weekend.  Can also be used as a make-up brush organizer.  Check out the shop at Bellflower Textiles.

    Posted in Cool Products, Deals.

  4. Playroom Storage

    The IKEA Eina storage unit goes for $89.99.  Useful and reasonably priced…but it could use a coat of paint to spice it up a little (chalkboard paint perhaps?).  You can also glue LEGO base plates on top to make it into a LEGO table.

    Posted in Cool Products, Decor, Ideas.

  5. Full-Size Kite for $5 @ Mastermind!

    Posted in Coupons, Deals.

  6. Music With Susan

    susan

    Children have a natural enthusiasm for music &  movement and early exposure to a music program can do wonders for their development.   There are many music classes for tots out there but I am a die-hard fan of Music with Susan.

    Susan uses her natural warmth, positive energy and amazing talent to nurture children’s love for music.  Her program introduces music appreciation and  skills through chants, sing-a-longs, instrument + puppet play, dance and creative movement.  The unique design of her program encourages children to participate at their own level with confidence and excitement.  As a mom, I continue to enjoy seeing my kids come out of their shell in the happy environment that Susan creates wherever she goes.  Beyond all that, I always enjoy the opportunity to meet wonderful moms and be in a home environment.

    Classes are for newborns to 3.5-year-olds and are held in homes in your neighbourhood.  Contact Susan to find out more about the upcoming Fall session.

    Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.

  7. 25% Off @ Toys R Us

    With this coupon, receive 25% off the clearance price of all pools, water toys, sandboxes, sand toys, swing sets, trampolines, play houses, climbers, wet bouncers and summer furniture!  Offer valid August 14th – 16th.  Summer isn’t over yet!

    Posted in Coupons, Deals, sale.

  8. What To Do This Weekend

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    Whittamore’s Farm will be holding their annual Corn Festival on Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm.  Come enjoy the wonderful farm attractions as well as corn-on-the-cob, a corn-eating contest, face painting, balloons and more!

    The Toronto Zoo celebrates its 35th birthday this weekend with free performances (that’s free with admission) at the Waterside Theatre from 1-6pm.  Entertainment will include Soli & Rob, Poynter Family Magic,  Musical Rhythm, special animal shows and more.

    Maple is celebrating community spirit in their annual Maplefest at the Maple Community Centre.  Click here for times and location. There will be music, food and activities for all ages.

    Burlington’s 18th Annual Children’s Festival is taking place Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm on the waterfront in downtown Burlington.  Sand sculpting demonstrations & competition, activity zones, entertainment, buskers, food, children’s marketplace and more!  Check the website for details.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  9. Mamapicks Newsletter – August 11th, 2009

    This is what has been happening over at mamapicks.com this week.  Check out the website for other daily finds.

    Great Personalized Gifts + Mamapicks Exclusive Discount

    My favourite go-to for gifts is You Name It Baby.  This online Toronto store has everything from personalized artwork to clothing!  What I love most are their personalized lunchboxes and bags.   If you are looking for a really unique gift, I recommend the snack box for baby…new moms love it.  Toddlers and their parents will adore a lunchbox or backpack with the child’s name on it.  For older kids, you will find a duffel, laundry bag or even a wallet.   Ranging from $18-35, you can easily find a great gift that both parents and kids will value without going beyond your budget.

    Mamapicks readers receive 10% off on any order! Simply enter promo code: MAMAPICK  at checkout.  Valid until August 25th.  The website and ordering process are made really simple but you can also order over the phone and make arrangements to pick-up your items.  Amy, Rebecca and their staff are always sweet and eager to help.

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    What To Do This Weekend

    Whittamore’s Farm will be holding their annual Corn Festival on Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm.  Come enjoy the wonderful farm attractions as well as corn-on-the-cob, a corn-eating contest, face painting, balloons and more!

    The Toronto Zoo celebrates its 35th birthday this weekend with free performances (that’s free with admission) at the Waterside Theatre from 1-6pm.  Entertainment will include Soli & Rob, Poynter Family Magic,  Musical Rhythm, special animal shows and more.

    Maple is celebrating community spirit in their annual Maplefest at the Maple Community Centre.  Click here for times and location. There will be music, food and activities for all ages.

    Burlington’s 18th Annual Children’s Festival is taking place Saturday & Sunday 10am-4pm on the waterfront in downtown Burlington.  Sand sculpting demonstrations & competition, activity zones, entertainment, buskers, food, children’s marketplace and more!  Check the website for details.

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    Mabel’s Labels: 40% off Backyardigans Stationary Set

    This lovely stationary set includes 40 sheets of paper, 30 envelopes, 30 return address labels, 30 personalized name stickers, 30 envelope sealers…with five characters to choose from and personalized with a name or word of your choice.  This would make a great gift for school-aged kids.  $23 instead of $39 and shipping is free!  Use coupon code Y27RA7.

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    I Wanna Tree-House Bed

    I think I need to start a new category.  Things I want but can’t have.  These amazingly-amazing loft beds are from a Danish company called Kids Factory.  Their site is in Danish with no English options but I can tell you in very plain English that these tree-house beds are very expensive and that shipping would be a bitch.

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    The Banana Guard

    Don’t let your minds wander girls.  It protects bananas and it’s a damn useful product.  My kids won’t eat bruised fruit and the truth is…neither will I.  Available at Kitchen Stuff Plus and the coupon for 25% off (remember?) expires Sept. 13th.

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    Free Printable Shopping List

    …grocery shopping is a real pain in the rump.  That’s why I like this “Pain in the Groceries” list.  Print out as many as you like and put them together in some creative way that I am too tired to think about right now because I have to go grocery shopping.  Courtesy of Vale Design.

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    There are many more deals, coupons and product features on mamapicks.com.

    Please forward this newsletter to your friends!

    Have I talked about the Shops At Donmills enough yet?  This weekend (July 25th + 26th), the Town Square transforms into a play zone with a bouncing castle and obstacle course.  The wonderful water fountain has turned into a great splash area for kids and it’s so much fun!  Bring towels and a change of clothes.  Last weekend, I breathed at Anthropologie while my husband watched The Boy splash around  (on a chair in the shade, mind you).  A win-win!  Family fun takes place 12pm-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Shops At Donmills has great family bathrooms located right next to the water fountain and Guest Services will happily warm up a baby bottle for you or provide an emergency diapering kit for $2.

    …and, come out on Saturday night for a movie on the lawn @ The Town Square.  The Princess Bride is a great family movie to enjoy together.  Bring blankets and lawn chairs.  The movie begins at dusk.  How fun!

    Posted in Newsletter.

  10. Movies Under the Stars @ The Shops on Donmills

    This Saturday evening (Aug. 15th) bring your family out to enjoy the animated movie “BOLT”.  Bring blankets and lawn chairs – movie starts at dusk ( around 9pm) and takes place at the Town Square at the Shops on Donmills.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  11. Personalized Gifts + Mamapicks Exclusive Discount

    My favourite go-to for gifts is You Name It Baby.  This online store has everything from personalized artwork to clothing and you’ll enjoy looking through their selection.  What I love most are their personalized lunchboxes and bags.   If you are looking for a really unique gift, I recommend the snack box for baby…new moms love it.  Toddlers and their parents will adore a lunchbox or backpack with the child’s name on it.  For older kids, you will find a duffel, laundry bag or even a wallet.   Ranging from $18-35, you can easily find a great gift that both parents and kids will value without going beyond your budget.

    If your little ones go to school, you probably spend a large part of your weekends at birthday parties for kids you hardly know.  If you are on a budget but still want to buy something special, You Name It Baby‘s Crayon Keeper is sure to be a hit.  I just ordered three for upcoming birthdays!  $9.99 each plus $5 if you want it personalized (of course you do!).   You can add a nice sketch book to the bag and you are done.   The Crayon Keeper is perfect for restaurant-distraction-action.

    Mamapicks readers receive 10% off on any order! Simply enter promo code: MAMAPICK  at checkout.  Valid until August 25th.  The website and ordering process are made really simple but you can also order over the phone and make arrangements to pick-up your items.  Amy, Rebecca and their staff are always sweet and eager to help.

    Posted in Cool Products, Deals, Exclusive Discounts.

  12. Free Popcorn + Drink @ AMC Theatres

    Print out this coupon and present it at any AMC Theatre when buying tickets to Julie & Julia.  Another coupon is available for a LARGE popcorn & drink with the purchase of a ticket to the movie GI Joe:  The Rise of Cobra. Both expire on Sept. 10th.

    Posted in Coupons, Deals.

  13. $5 Off Any Motrin Product

    I personally like Motrin for infants and children because its effects are supposed to last longer than Tempra and my kids tolerate the taste of  Motrin products quite well.  Always nice to have a discount on an item like this.  This coupon is valid until Feb.28th, 2010.  Print as many as you like.  Update:  Just saw that the coupon was reduced to $2.5o.  A lesson for me never to wait to print a coupon!

    Posted in Coupons.

  14. Mabel’s Labels: 40% off Personalized Backyardigans Stationary Set

    This lovely stationary set includes 40 sheets of paper, 30 envelopes, 30 return address labels, 30 personalized name stickers, 30 envelope sealers…with five characters to choose from and personalized with a name or word of your choice.  This would make a great gift for school-aged kids.  $23 instead of $39 and shipping is free!  Use coupon code Y27RA7.

    Posted in Coupons, Deals, sale.

  15. Free Admission to Toronto’s Historic Sites

    Check this website for a detailed list of historic sites and activity descriptions.  Lots of fun options!

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  16. Tree House Beds

    bunk

    I think I need to start a new category.  Things I want but can’t have.  These amazingly-amazing loft beds are from a Danish company called Kids Factory.  Their site is in Danish with no English options but I can tell you in very plain English that these tree-house beds are very expensive and that shipping would be a bitch.

    Posted in Cool Products, Decor.

  17. Old Navy Online Kids Sale

    oldnavy

    I am not a big online shopper when it comes to stores that exist at the mall…but maybe some of you are.  Old Navy has some good Fall/Winter basics (like Boys’ sweatpants) that sell out really quickly before you are even ready to think about Fall so it may be a good idea to get your hands on them through this sale.

    Posted in Deals, sale.

  18. Free Printable Shopping List

    …grocery shopping is a real pain in the rump.  That’s why I like this “Pain in the Groceries” list.  Print out as many as you like and put them together in some creative way that I am too tired to think about right now because I have to go grocery shopping.  Courtesy of Vale Design.

    Posted in Cool Products, Ideas.

  19. This Weekend: Lakeshore Mardi Gras

    lakeshore

    Kids fun zone, live entertainment, buskers, midway rides, food vendors…and a beer garden.   Taking place at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on Kipling Ave. and La05keshore Blvd. W.   Check out the website for hours and free concert schedule.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  20. Banana Guard

    Don’t let your minds wander girls.  It protects bananas and it’s a damn useful product.  My kids won’t eat bruised fruit and the truth is…neither will I.  Available at Kitchen Stuff Plus and the coupon for 25% off (remember?) expires Sept. 13th.

    Posted in Cool Products.

  21. This Weekend: Taste of the Danforth

    Come out and enjoy this great celebration of Greek food & culture.  Plenty of musical entertainment, children’s activities and tasting tables!  August 7th-9th.  Friday 6-11pm, Sat. 12pm-11pm, Sun. 12pm-8pm.  The festival takes place on the Danforth between Broadview & Jones Avenues.

    Posted in Activities & Events, This Weekend.

  22. Mamapicks Newsletter – August 4th, 2009

    This is what has been happening over at mamapicks.com this week.  Check out the website for other daily finds.

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    Cool Shelf Idea For Your Nursery

    This shelf caught my eye today.  It is called The Toy & Crayon Shelf and it’s made by a sleek Spanish furniture company called Nine To Nine.  The neat thing about the shelf is that it comes with ready made holes for those stuffed animal legs.  Isn’t it an adorable idea?  So…I was thinking…you can buy an IKEA Lack shelf for not-so-much and drill big holes in it.   And VOILA!  You’ve got yourself an awesome shelf for your nursery.   If any handy mama/papa takes this project on, be sure to send me a photo.

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    This Weekend: Taste of  The Danforth

    Come out and enjoy this great celebration of Greek food & culture.  Plenty of musical entertainment, children’s activities and tasting tables!  August 7th-9th.  Friday 6-11pm, Sat. 12pm-11pm, Sun. 12pm-8pm.  The festival takes place on the Danforth between Broadview & Jones Avenues.

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    Americanapparel

    American Apparel Coupon

    15% off all items including those already on sale!  Expiry unknown.  Code: d168-ft12495

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    Camps that Run Until Sept. 4th

    Mamapicks loves to get questions from readers.  One reader inquired about camps that run into September.  Most camp sessions end around August 21st and since school begins on Sept. 8th this year, working parents are scrambling to fill in the extra time.  Check out the list of camps here.

    Waking up

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    Amazing Hammocks! Free Shipping

    The ZAZA is a lovely hammock for babies which doubles as a play-hammock and swing for older kids!  It is made of the sturdiest recycled cotton fabrics and heavy duty professional ropes.  The hammock can be hung easily from one or two points and extra ropes are included for hanging from beams or branches when outdoors.   This amazing product comes with instructions, a carry bag and is machine washable.  Made all the way in Israel…but worldwide shipping is FREE! Great gifting potential :)   Check out Robyna’s Shop!

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    CNE Advance Tickets

    Buy early and save 31% off your CNE tickets.  Advance tickets are available until August 20th online, at GO stations (Union Station or Lakeshore Line Stations ONLY) and at Shoppers Drugmart.

    CNE General Admission on Opening Day (Aug. 21st), is $1.75 all day in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the City of Toronto.  Opening Day tickets are available on-site only at the CNE gates.


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    There are many more deals, coupons and product features on mamapicks.com.

    Please forward this newsletter to your friends!

    Have I talked about the Shops At Donmills enough yet?  This weekend (July 25th + 26th), the Town Square transforms into a play zone with a bouncing castle and obstacle course.  The wonderful water fountain has turned into a great splash area for kids and it’s so much fun!  Bring towels and a change of clothes.  Last weekend, I breathed at Anthropologie while my husband watched The Boy splash around  (on a chair in the shade, mind you).  A win-win!  Family fun takes place 12pm-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Shops At Donmills has great family bathrooms located right next to the water fountain and Guest Services will happily warm up a baby bottle for you or provide an emergency diapering kit for $2.

    …and, come out on Saturday night for a movie on the lawn @ The Town Square.  The Princess Bride is a great family movie to enjoy together.  Bring blankets and lawn chairs.  The movie begins at dusk.  How fun!

    Posted in Newsletter.

  23. Take A Look At This Shelf!

    shelf

    This shelf caught my eye today.  It is called The Toy & Crayon Shelf and it’s made by a sleek Spanish furniture company called Nine To Nine.  The neat thing about the shelf is that it comes with ready made holes for those stuffed animal legs.  Isn’t it an adorable idea?  So…I was thinking…you can buy an IKEA Lack shelf for not-so-much and drill big holes in it.   And VOILA!  You’ve got yourself an awesome shelf for your nursery.   If any handy mama/papa takes this project on, be sure to send me a photo.

    Posted in Cool Products, Decor, Ideas.

  24. Camps & Programs That Don’t Leave Working Parents Hanging

    Dear Mamapicks,

    School begins very late this year (Sept. 8th).  I’m wondering if you know of any camp programs that are running the last two weeks before school starts.  Most camps end on August 21st and there are  another two weeks until the school year begins.  Any help would  be appreciated by myself and other working parents who are looking to fill in that  extra time.

    Thanks,

    G.

    Continued…

    Posted in Useful Info.

  25. The ZAZA is a lovely hammock for babies which doubles as a play-hammock and swing for older kids!  It is made of the sturdiest recycled cotton fabrics and heavy duty professional ropes.  The hammock can be hung easily from one or two points and extra ropes are included for hanging from beams or branches when outdoors.   This amazing product comes with instructions, a carry bag and is machine washable.  Made all the way in Israel…but worldwide shipping is FREE! Great gifting potential :)   Check out Robyna’s Shop!

    Posted in Cool Products, Ideas.