Storing + Displaying Your Child’s Artwork

To keep or not to keep?  That is the question.  I am sure that many of you have had the Recycling Box Moment…when your child finds his/her cherished pieces of work in the Blue Bin and you pretend that you have no idea how those papers got in there.  If you are like me, you keep way too many masterpieces.  Here are a few ideas for storing and displaying your child’s work:

• Take digital photos and keep them in a folder on your computer.  No piles of paper, but you still have a nice record of your child’s work.
• Keep 8×10 papers in a binder.  Your child will love browsing through their work.
• Use a large magnetic board (like this one from IKEA).   Magnetic clothes pins can be useful too.
• Display on a large cork board or group a few smaller ones on a designated art wall.  You can paint the board or cover it with wrapping paper to give it some umph.
• Create a photo-book of your child’s work.  You can make one at the end of every school year to keep neatly in your child’s library.
• Last but not least, as in the above photo from Ohdeedoh, you can use Ikea’s curtain wires ($9.99 with clips!) to create this amazing display which I just adore.

What To Do This Weekend (Nov. 27 & 28)

Leave the monkeys at home and go to the One of A Kind Show and Sale.  Nov. 26th- Dec. 2nd.  I took my hubby to this show once and vowed  never to do it again.  A woman needs time to walk through the isles of artisans and unique products and absorb, contemplate and BUY without disruption.  Why punish both of you?

Kidzfest takes place on Saturday, November 28the and Sunday, November 29th at Yonge-Dundas Square (11am-5pm).  This event features two days of winter fun for children aged two and up. The event includes face painting, crafts, live music and guest appearances by  Sponge Bob and Harry and His Bucket of Dinosaurs.   All of the events are free.

Spend an evening driving through Downsview Park’s new Holiday Trail of Lights.  The trail features three kilometers of light displays, many of which are animated.  $20 per car.  My kids are so excited about Christmas lights and we are definitely heading over to check this out this weekend.

For more great family events, go to  www.mamapicks.com

Toy Recommendation + Coupon

Once in a while, you run into a toy that is just awesome.  The Boy is 3.5 yrs. old and loves the Scribble & Write by LeapFrog.  This is a great learning toy which lets kids practice drawing simple shapes, pictures and upper/lower case letters by tracing a light on a small screen using a stylus.  I love it because it is helping him develop so many important skills and he uses it independently.  As well, it is portable and can be used in the car, restaurant and airplane…no excess noise and beeps!  The price is quite reasonable at $24.99 (Toys R Us & Indigo).  I found a number of manufacturer’s coupons which you may want to use if you are purchasing LeapFrog products.  These coupons are valid until December 31st and give you $4 off this particular item.

Stork Craft Crib Recall!

This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs with plastic hardware, including Stork Craft drop-side cribs that were sold with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes.   The recall includes cribs with manufacture and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009.  You can find the manufacture date and more product info printed on the assembly instruction sheet that is attached to the mattress support board.  Here is some more information from Health Canada.  Repair Kits are being provided so you do not need to return the crib.  For more information,  contact Stork Craft toll-free at 1-877-274-0277.

40% off Fall Collection at MEXX Kids!

I find Mexx to be a bit on the expensive side…but am a huge fan of the colour palette and style in their kids’ lines.  The whole Fall collection is now 40% off!  Lots of great finds.  This promotion is on until everything from the Fall line is sold.  Go soon for best size selection!

Free Printable To-Do List

This cute printable list (with lines girls, click above to see the PDF) is for the list you plan to give your husband…or kids…because it’s by order of the queen.  Courtesy of Heirloom Paperie.

Educational Toys For Less + Mamapicks Exclusive Discount!

The Kids’ Treasure Box is one of those amazing finds I want to keep to myself and tell you about all at the same time.  These two lovely mompreneurs sell high quality educational toys for under $10.  Hard to believe, I know!  The Kids’ Treasure Box carries a great selection of workbooks, puzzles, toys and games that parents and teachers will love.  I just purchased a plastic tub of wooden primary lacing beads ($6) for The Girl and a number of puzzles for holiday gifts.  Great educational loot-bags are also available for $3-$5.  Call or e-mail for an appointment or visit their upcoming Open House in Richmond Hill (See map) on Nov. 29th, 7pm – 10pm.  For more information, please call 416-471-0060.  Mamapicks exclusive discount: receive a $10 gift of your choice on every $5o spend when you mention MAMAPICKS!

What To Do This Weekend (Nov. 21 & 22)

Go to The Wave Pool (Richmond Hill) or any other indoor pool.  Keep the family active and healthy.

See a show with the kids – Pinkalicious and Broccoli & Sonshine are great options.

Go to Woodbine Fantasy Fair at Woodbine Mall.  This is Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park and kids just love it.

Enjoy a visit with the usual suspects: ROM, AGO, Ontario Science Centre.

Spend the day at Grandma & Grandpa’s house.

Invite friends for breakfast and prepare an arts & crafts table for the kids to keep them busy.

Can you tell that this is a not-so-exciting weekend in Toronto???

The Perfect Double Stroller!

Two years ago, I was on a mission to find the perfect double stroller for my newborn and 18 month old.  Last week, at the Babytimes Baby Show, I finally found it.  I gasped.  How dare they come up with the perfect stroller 2 years too late???

Introducing the City Select for families on the grow.  Made by Baby Jogger, it is a multi-functional stroller that comes with a frame (like the Bugaboo) which allows parents to mix and match seats, bassinets and car seats in order to customize the stroller.  It easily converts from a single stroller to a double.  Simply snap on a second seat!

This stroller is coming out in the New Year and is definitely worth the wait (already available for pre-order online at a few US stores).  I’ve seen it in action and the thought of having 16 options in one stroller nearly made me cry in a good way.

Best Teacher Gifts!

The holidays are a great time to show teachers (you know, those special people who take care of your kids for 8+ hours a day and teach them important things?) how much we appreciate their hard work.  Mamapicks asked thirty teachers about their favourite gifts and let me tell you, teachers are a consistent bunch!  Here are the winners:

• Gift Certificates, namely Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Indigo, and Yorkdale Mall.
• Personalized Stationary
• Movie Passes

Please resist buying candles, picture frames, mugs and chocolates….and oh ya, from my own teaching days, I NEVER ate anything baked by a kid.  The most important part of your gift is your card – a few personal words from a parent or child letting a teacher know that he/she make a difference fills the heart and recharges the batteries.

10% off Edible Arrangements!

Yum!  No matter how many times people have seen these, they always seem to be a little bit in awe of edible fruit arrangements.  Order any product before Dec. 1st (for delivery between Nov. 20-Dec. 31) and receive 10% off.  Use promo code EBSP2009.

Thyme Maternity Sale

If only I could find maternity pants that would stay put…  The woes.  Sale runs until Dec. 5th.  Check here for store locations.