Disney’s Sweet Offer

If you are thinking of going to Disneyland or Disneyworld some time after January 1st, Disney is offering free one-day admission earned with a day of volunteer work.  Disney Corp. wants to inspire one-million people to give a day of service.   Starting January 1, 2010, you can sign up for eligible volunteer opportunities through the website (and yes, the fine print does say Canadians are eligible!).  Following completion of  your volunteer activity, you will receive vouchers  for your free admission to either theme park.    You must be 18 or older to sign up and you may register up to eight household members.  Children older than six may participate.  I think this is a beautiful thing to do with the family – give together and get together.

What To Do This Weekend (Dec. 12th & 13th)

Go see a family flick.  The Princess and the Frog is opening this weekend.

On Saturday & Sunday at 1:00pm, World of Circus (John & Leslie) is holding their Winter circus show.  We have been to this venue for a circus birthday party and it was amazing.  I think their show will be great too.

Casa Loma’s Little Elves Workshops are all sold out for this coming weekend…I assume this means that they are good.  Limited spaces available for next weekend, so you may want to register online. Kids will enjoy building a mini gingerbread house to hang on the tree, hot chocolate and other goodies.  Santa Claus will be there too.  Workshops are 45 minutes long for ages 2-8.

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. Buy some hot chocolate and donuts and enjoy the lights!

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

Book of the Week (ish)

The Boy gets stuck on certain books…so much so that every year, our theme for his birthday cake is based on the “book of the year”…the one we had to read a zillion times over.  This year’s favourite was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.  A simple and beautiful introduction to the magic of the metamorphosis from egg to caterpillar and butterfly.    The story also teaches counting to 5, the days of the week, and about different types of food.  The book is beautiful in it’s original version with gorgeous illustrations.  Then comes the pop-up version.  So vibrant that The Boy’s eyes nearly popped out of his head and so did mine.  Highly recommended but to be given to a child who is mature enough not to tear the book apart.

Toronto Restaurant Coupons

Dine.TO is pleased to offer you special discounts at designated restaurants.  Some of them are really high-end.   These vouchers are offered while supplies last at a 25% discount for American Express® Cardmembers from August 15, 2009 to December 31, 2009.  Lots of great restaurants on the list and I must recommend Amaya for Indian food lovers.

Umbra Factory Sale

I was at Umbra’s concept store this past summer and just love their frames, albums and nifty home decor items.   Check out the Umbra site to see what you might find at the sale.  Admission is free, expect line ups and GREAT deals!

Stila Products For Under $25

This…is for those of you who have a friend (i.e. someone who lives in Buffalo/Amherst that you know) and feel comfortable ordering stuff to their house.  Stila products are divine and let’s face it, nothing can make a girl happier than new eye shadow called Kitten.   These prices are amazing since Stila is not a cheap line of make-up by any means.

Chores!

About a month ago, The Boy (3 yrs.) took all of our DVDs off the shelf and dumped them on the floor.  After playing and building with the DVD cases, he said to our cleaning lady “you can clean up now“.  UGH.  I was horrified.  It was time to make sure he didn’t grow up spoiled.  Chores…I needed to give him more chores.  A month later, he now knows to put his dishes in the sink, wipe after all spills he is responsible for, and takes his laundry to the laundry basket.  I can tell that this is giving him a great sense of independence.  Getting him to tidy up his toys is still a huge struggle, but we are getting there.   For tips on age-appropriate chores, try this website.  I  don’t agree that brushing teeth is a chore…just like eating breakfast and putting shoes on is not a chore…but the rest of the suggestions are quite good.

What To Do This Weekend (Dec. 5 & 6)

It’s December!  I hate December.  I hate everything between November and March, actually…but I hope you enjoy it with these interesting family activities.

The National Film Board of Canada holds hands-on animation workshops on Saturday mornings with a different theme each week! Admission is only $5 per child and the accompanying adult is free.  Register at 416-973-3012

1.  For ages 3-5, Can’t Sit Still Workshop, Sat. 10:30-12:30.  Kids watch NFB animated movies and then participate in an animation workshop.

2. For ages 6-13, Animate This!, Sat. 12-2:30pm.  Kids explore the history and technology of animation and make animated creations using professional tools.

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.  Buy some hot chocolate and donuts and enjoy the lights!

Judy & David’s Chanukah Live Concert is playing next weekend at the City Playhouse in Thornhill.  Dec. 12-13 @ 10:30, 1:00, 3:30.  Call 905-882-SHOW for tickets.

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

Toy Recommendation

I love this art activity and think it makes for a great gift OR a fabulous piece to stash away for when you need to whip out something new to keep the kids busy for a while.  The best part is that no glue is required.  No scissors either.  The pictures come with a peel-off adhesive surface and the tissue paper comes in a multitude of beautiful colours, already cut into small squares.  As the box says, you really just peel, crunch and stick!  I recommend this activity for ages 3+.  The box says 2+ but it definitely wasn’t suitable for a two-year old.  This week at Toys R Us, you can find this item as well as others by Alex (great company!) for 20% off ($10.37 ea).  The promotion is on until Dec. 3rd.

Gap & Old Navy Coupons

Click on each coupon to print.  Valid until Dec. 7th on regularly priced merchandise only.

Simply Colors: 10% off and Free Shipping!

This amazing online Canadian store is all about personalizing clothing for kids.    They offer a great variety of styles, and sizes run from newborn to 8 years.  The quality is superb and the price is just right ($15-$25).  If you are looking for an unforgettable gift, you will easily find it at Simply Colors.  Join their Facebook Fan Page through their website, and receive 10% off your purchase.  Free shipping is available in Canada until Dec. 21st.  My kids received their gifts from Vancouver in this gorgeous gift box.  Browsing through the site will give you tons of ideas!

Free Printable Invitations

This beautiful invitation was created by Erin from Sunny July (another wonderful Etsy find).  You can download the PDF  file which has printing instructions and print your invitations for free.