Canada’s Wonderland Promotion!

I know it’s hard to think about Wonderland when it’s so cold outside… but there is only one week left to take advantage of this great offer.  You can renew your passes for 2010 for $59.99 or buy new passes for $64.99.  This is about a  $25 saving per pass!  This deal is only available until Jan. 6th, 2010 and Wonderland also allows you to buy now and pay on March 1st, 2010 for no additional charge.  Next year, Planet Snoopy will open which will offer another 2 rides and a show suitable for little ones.

What To Do This Weekend (Jan 2nd & 3rd)

Niagara Falls offers its 27th annual Winter Festival of Lights and the new Rink at the Brink (until Jan. 4th).  They say it’s sort of like the rink at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City but even more dramatic, since it offers breathtaking views of the Falls.  The light festival offers over 125 animated lighting displays and 3 million tree and ground lights which can be seen within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland, including the world-famous Enchantment of Disney® displays and the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American Flag.  The Rink at the Brink offers paid admission recreational ice skating, skate, helmet and locker rentals.

Solar Stage Theatre ( Yonge & Sheppard) presents Cinderella for ages 3-10 on Saturday.  The theatre is small and intimate and I liked how all the kids sat on pillows.  My own kids were unable to sit through a show (we went to see one a couple of months ago) but maybe yours are more into theatre…

Visit the Ontario Science Centre for an OMNIMAX Film.  The Light Before Christmas is an animated tale where two kids are magically transported into a fantasy world complete with Santa and his full team of reindeer.  Other interesting options are The Human Body and Under The Sea.

There are more ideas and events for the weekend on www.mamapicks.com

Kissable

Nothing more scrumptious than a really good lip balm/gloss in December.  Soft, refreshing and kissable.  If the wind is howling and your hair gets stuck to your lips, you know you need to keep looking.  I was in Los Angeles last week and stocked up on anti-bacterial soap at Bath & Body Works.  Yes, I know we have this chain in Canada now but “3 for $10″ sounds so much better than “5 for $20″.  I decided to try the Mint Lip Tint and Mint Lip Buffer and fell in love with both products.  Highly recommended!

Great Coupons!

I was surprised to find that the Help! We’ve Got Kids website (the book is a great resource for Toronto parents) has about 60 printable coupons for places like Melon Head, Olly Shoes, The Shoe Company, and many indoor playgrounds that might come in handy this week.  Enjoy!

Chapters.Indigo

This sale is valid Dec. 26th – Jan. 3rd and applies to regularly priced books.  Includes the kids’ selection too!

Happy New Year!

These is a collage of my Facebook statuses from 2009.  If you want to make your own, go to this nifty little application!  Sort of fun to see what life has been all about.  I wish you all a healthy and happy 2010!

DIY Project: Organize Your Kids’ Art Table

Three easy steps on:

www.mamapicks.com

Family Skate

Tim Hortons has released their FREE holiday skating schedule. They currently sponsor these free public skates in many locations all over Ontario.   Check here for locations and schedules.

The Shops @ Donmills has a Winter Skating Oval which is  now open (free of charge) for your enjoyment. Bring your own skates, and feel free utilize the lockers behind the water feature to store your belongings and parcels.

Hours of Operation*

Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturdays 9:30 am to 6:00 pm**
Sundays 11:00 am to 6:00 pm**

* Weather permitting
** Figure Skating performances will take place on weekends in January & February from 12noon – 2pm (public skating will not be available during these show times)

The Mummy Tummy

Finally, a good explanation about the terrible thing that happens to our tummies when we become moms.  This was an interesting read for me (and hopefully will be for you too!).  It gave me hope and justification for my flab.  I promised myself to get my body back after baby #3.  Hmmm…I’ll have to find a reasonably priced trainer who is an expert in the Tupler Technique…anyone??

Cool Hats For Kids

I love buying funky hats fro my kids and also think they make great gifts.  I saw these today on Yonge St., just north of Eglinton in a little store that sells Tibetan crafts.  They are so colourful and fun!  Comfy fleece on the inside, not itchy wool.  Available in two sizes $22 for ages 2-4 and $25 for ages 5+.  Get 20% off this week and next.  I bought two of the colourful monkey hats which left The Girl absolutely PETRIFIED…but The Boy loves his!  Tibetan Arts is located at 2487 Yonge St. (416) 932-8684

$10 off Crazy Forts

I’ve heard great reviews from friends about Crazy Forts.  Some recommend buying two boxes so that the kids can create bigger structures.  This week at Toys R Us (until Dec. 24th), buy it for $35.97 (reg. $44.99).  Since publishing this post, some Mamapicks readers have written in (thank you!) that the product is not so great and that the structures are difficult to put together and the rods don’t stay in the balls.  So, mixed reviews on this one!

You will also receive a $5 gift card if you for a minimum spend of $19.99 on any Hasboro games and a $10 gift card on a minimum $50 spend on Hot Wheels, Playsets or Barbie Dolls this week.

Chocolate Yogurt Mousse Cups

These mousse cups were tried and tested by Mamapicks this weekend.  Healthier because they are made with yogurt and no whipping cream.  We enjoyed it with sliced bananas and strawberries…YUM.  Easy to prepare except for the overnight draining of the yogurt which I just ignored.  This recipe is from Canadian Family.  If you have a winning recipe, please share!