Pinkalicious Ticket Giveaway!

Pinkalicious is a wonderful off-Broadway musical, opening in Toronto on October 10th!  The play is based on the popular children’s book “Pinkalicious” by Elizabeth & Victoria Kann, about a girl who just can’t stop eating pink cupcakes and ends up at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis.  At first, turning pink from head to toe seems like a great thing but soon, Pinkalicious has to find a way to get out of this predicament!

This fun musical will run at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts from October 10th – March 21st, 2010.   Check here for tickets and show times.  There will be a performance on Thanksgiving Day and Family Day too.  I think this is a great way to introduce your child to live theatre!  The play is suitable for ages 2-10.

Pinkalicious is offering Mamapicks readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the play!  We are so excited The 10th person to answer this question will be the lucky winner. E-mail me to let me know in what other big city Pinkalicious is currently playing.

Canada’s Wonderland Deal: 2010 Passes

The regular price of season passes this year was $84.99.  If you buy next year’s passes ahead of time, you can save quite a bit!  You will also get free admission for one day this season included in the price.

Baby Safe Feeding Teether

If your baby is ready to eat fruit but is not old enough to eat independently and safely, the teething feeder is the perfect solution!  Just place pieces of apple, melon, pear or whatever fruit is appropriate and watch them “gum” away without the risk of choking.  The mesh bag keeps big chunks from going through.  Furthermore, if your baby is teething, frozen pieces of watermelon or banana are sure to sooth his/her gums.  You will see how excited your baby will be to munch independently.  I recommend purchasing extra mesh bags because they are not so easy to clean.  Made by Sassy and available @ Toys R Us for $5.99.

Book of the Week(ish)

I love this book because it’s both educational and fun.  A great gift for letter-savvy kids who are 3+.  This alphabet book comes with foam rectangles and arcs with which your child can construct every letter of the alphabet…and there is a little mesh bag to keep the pieces in.  A new letter is introduced on every page and little characters try to build the letter using the same shapes as in the foam kit.  Constructing letters can help kids learn their ABCs more easily.  This book is a gem!  Find it at Indigo.

What To Do This Weekend

Black Creek Pioneer Village (Jane & Steeles) is having its 53rd Annual Pioneer Festival.  There will be all kinds of demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, a variety of foods and more.  The festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 19th, 10am-4:30pm.

Whittamore Farm’s Pumpkinland (Steeles & Markham Rd.) is already open!  Aside from the usual fun at this farm, from now until Oct. 31st, you and your family will also enjoy choosing pumpkins, wagon rides through the haunted forest and best of all,  Farmer Frank shoots and catapults pumpkins to unbelievable lengths at the Pumpkin Cannon Show which runs several times each weekend day.  We saw this show last year and it was so much fun…but it was cold so I would recommend enjoying Pumpkinland while the weather is still nice and warm.

See more great weekend events on mamapicks.com!

25% Off @ MEXX

Here is another great coupon from Visaperks.  This one is valid until Sept. 27th.  Just print and go buy something fabulous for yourself/hubby or  the kids.

Printable Magnetic Meal Chart

Giving kids an active role in meal planning can make life a little easier.  If you are already dreading making lunches, this printable meal chart may help.  You can print out the chart on a magnetic sheet (sold at places like Staples).  Type out the lunch choices on the ready-made labels and print those out on a second magnetic sheet.  Cut out the labels and post them on your weekly chart.  If you don’t have a magnetic surface in your kitchen (damn those stainless steel appliances!), you can print out the chart on regular paper.  I use this chart for breakfast with pictures on the labels (for my toddlers).  It has been my best strategy for getting my picky eater to eat.  He knows what he is having for breakfast every day and sticks to his choices readily.  Thank you Martha Stewart!

What To Do This Weekend

Cabbagetown Art & Craft Sale has to be my favourite event of the year.  I love outdoor art festivals and I love Cabbagetown.  This festival is quite big and aside from the amazing artists who showcase their work,  there are always tons of folks with children and dogs who come out and have fun.  Riverdale Farm is on site and the kids can see the animals.  Corn on the cob is at its best here.  Guess you know where I am going to be…

Solar Stage Children’s Theatre (Yonge & Sheppard) presents the interactive story of Rumplstiltskin starting this weekend (until Oct. 3rd).  The play is appropriate for ages 3-10.  This Saturday only, tickets are $11 ea.

The Butterfly Migration Festival sounds amazing for nature lovers!  It takes place at Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie & Lakeshore Blvd).    Observe migratory  Monarch Butterflies as they prepare to head South.   This festival is part of a series of province-wide conservation-focused, family-friendly action and education events sponsored by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in partnership with Ontario Nature, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.

See more great weekend events on www.mamapicks.com!

What Knobs Can Do!

When my daughter was born, we needed baby furniture on a budget.  I bought this dresser for about $180 at Baby & Kids Furniture Warehouse on Steeles & Dufferin and changed the knobs.  These porcelain rose knobs come from…ANTHROPOLOGIE (the loveliest store in the universe).   I had to have a friend sneak my knobs past border officials but now, Anthropologie has two Toronto locations (Yorkville & The Shops @ Donmills).   Six colours to choose from, $6.82 ea.

BTW, there is a 10% discount coupon on the Baby & Kids Furniture Warehouse website that you can print out.

Join Us @ Our Mompreneur Boutique Night!

It’s hard to believe how many young women are trying to find their passion by creating, selling and doing their own thing.  This Thursday’s boutique night, showcases 10 such women (many of them moms) who have gotten together to offer a special shopping event where you’ll find great gift items.  Hope to see you there!

Coupon Code: Just In Time For School

I just spent an hour labeling all of  The Girl’s belongings with the lovely and super-useful Mabel’s Labels.  From sippy cup to shoes, there is a label for everything in the Back-To-School pack.  The only thing that stumped me was the stuffed dog that she sleeps with at daycare.  Guess I’ll put a TagMate on the puppy’s tag but it will be nearly invisible.   Actually, knowing my daughter, no one will touch that dog!   Use promo code MABELSHOP and get 10% off your order.  Expires Sept. 16th.

Donate a Backpack

Kidfest is an organization that helps support kids in Ontario who live below the poverty line.  You and your kids can help by donating a gently used, pre-washed backpack.  Guest Services at Hillcrest Mall (Yonge & Rutherford, Richmond Hill) will accept donations until Sept.30th.  With your donation, you will receive 20% off a new backpack at Sportscheck and $10 off at Boathouse.

Personalized Backpacks from KidSpot – $15 Exclusive!

KidSpot recently opened in Vaughan Mills and offers great personalized gifts for kids.  From towels, hats, and  bags to stuffed animals…everything can be embroidered with a name of your choice.  It’s all done on the spot and your items can be ready in about 15 minutes.   KidSpot is offering Mamapicks readers the personalized toddler backpacks for only $15 each! Just visit KidSpot across from Winners and mention that you heard about them through Mamapicks.  These bags are great for daycare or after-school programs.  If you need some neat gifts on a budget, these bags are sure to please!  Current promotions also include: 2 personalized towels for $40.

What To Do This Weekend

A Barbie & The Three Musketeers Movie preview will take place @ Casa Loma on Saturday, Sept. 05 (10am-3pm).  An exclusive sneak peek at Barbie’s new movie, meet & greet Barbie from 11am-12pm and 1pm-2pm.  Come dressed in your favourite princess costume!

The Distillery Outdoor Art Festival will take place at the Distillery District, Friday – Sunday 11am-6pm.  Rain or shine, free admission.  I love art festivals!  There will be no kids activities per say, but there is always ice cream from  Soma, Segway rides, interesting sculptures and no cars to worry about so the kids can roam and have fun.

See more great weekend events on www.mamapicks.com!

Wall Flowers On Sale!

I love this set of 25 plastic wall flowers by Umbra.  They come in pink, white, green and black and can dress up any wall that needs a bit of umph.  You can arrange them any way you like.  Now on sale at Urban Barn for $25 (was $35).  There are 10 store locations in Ontario!

Becoming Maternity & Parenting Centre Grand Opening in Thornhill.

Becoming Maternity & Parenting Centre is a warm and inviting place for expectant parents and families of kids (ages 0-8 yrs.).  The center offers classes, seminars and counselling services for every stage of becoming and being a parent – from pregnancy and adoption to early parenthood.  This is a great place to meet other parents from your community and share in the most rewarding and challenging of life’s transformations!

Becoming is opening its Thornhill location on Thursday, September 3rd.  There will be guest speakers, giveaways and free demo classes (for ages 0-8yrs.) throughout the day.  Check here for more information and to pre-register.  Mamapicks readers receive 10% off your first purchase of classes or products until Nov. 30th, 2009. Just mention that you read about the opening here.

Free Floor Puzzle From Mastermind!

If you spend $30 on any Melissa & Doug product at Mastermind throughout the month of September, you will get a free floor puzzle ($18 value).  I love Melissa & Doug toys and the floor puzzles are great.  I think this is a great deal!  However, if you are only interested in the Melissa & Doug floor puzzles, please do yourselves a favour and buy them at Winners for $9.99.

Music Classes for Tots

I first met Mark Weinstock a few years ago when he came to teach in my classroom and I was instantly taken.  He had such great rapport with my students and turned everything into music.  Recently, he invited me to see one of his music classes for tots and it was amazing.  Mark is unbelievably talented and has such a natural and positive approach with kids.  My daughter loved his guitar and all the songs that she learned…not to mention the shakers and bubbles

Mark runs Little Blossoms, a music program at Holy Blossom (Eglinton & Bathurst) and Music With Mark for groups of parents and tots in private homes.  Both programs run from birth to 3 yrs.  Contact Mark at markychai@gmail.com to find out about the upcoming Fall session and welcome the Fall with music, movement & fun!

For tots who live in Vaughan, please see my post about Music With Susan!