Special Promotion: Alphabet Prints

These gorgeous alphabet prints by Penny People Designs are the type of find that I want to share and keep to myself all at the same time.  My son has one in his room and I can’t help but admire it every time I see it.  I love the concept, the colours and of course…I am 100% into anything personalized (in case you haven’t noticed). The prints come in two sizes and fit into an IKEA  Ribba frame which makes framing so simple.

Lindsay, the talented Toronto-based designer of the prints, just sent me information about an amazing promotion.  For every 13×19 print that you buy, you will get one free.  That’s a $25 saving!  Shipping is $13, but will include as many prints as you like.  To take advantage of this promotion, go to the online store and only place in your cart, the amount of prints you would like to buy.  Upon checkout, enter the promotion “Buy1 Get 1 free” in the notes to seller, as well as information about how you would like to personalize your free print(s).  This promotion runs until Feb. 3rd, 2010.  Please note that everything on Etsy is in US funds.

What To Do This Weekend (Jan 30th & 31st)

Wintercity Festival takes place this weekend and next.  Here are some highlights that are appropriate for kids:

• The National Film Board of Canada is holding free hands-on animation workshops for Winterfest on Saturday and Sunday (12:30-3pm).  Little filmmakers will learn how to create an animated film using clay, paper and stop-motion techniques. 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

• Glacialis: The Ice Orchestra – Jesse Stewart creates and plays music on instruments designed and built out of ice!  Performances take place at Nathan Philips Square on Sunday, Jan. 31st at 5, 6, & 7:40pm.

• Enjoy skating at the outdoor skating rink at Nathan Phillip’s Square.  Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available.  All kids under 6 need a CSA approved helmet. Rink Hotline: 416-338-RINK (7465)

• Winter Carnival takes place from at the square 4-8pm (Sunday) with traditional winter carnival games, circus acts and family entertainment.

Thinking about registering your kids to camp this summer?  This Sunday (1-4pm), go to the OCA 2010 Summer Camp Fair - hosted by the Ontario Camps Association, Canada Camps for Parents magazine and The Toronto Star.  The fair takes place at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel (Leslie & Hwy 7).  More than 30 camps will be on hand to talk to families about summer camp.

Moo!

Those of you who know me, know that one of my favourite finds (ever!) are mini-cards by a printing company called Moo.  They are very sturdy little rectangular cards that you can print anything on.  I print photos of my kids…and Mamapicks business cards.  You can use 100 full colour photos, designs or text to make business cards, mom-calling-cards, or gift tags for only $19.99.  Mini cards can be kept in a sleek plastic mini-card holder which makes for a great gift.  Definitely more original than wallet photos!  Moo makes it easy to create with their friendly interface and great prices.  Get 10% off on your first order with this code until Jan. 31st: RKZCMU

Book of the Week (ish)

There is No Such Place as Far Away is one of my all-time favourite books.  It is a beautiful and timeless keepsake for both adults and kids alike.  The author is Richard Bach, who wrote Love Story.  With beautiful water-colour illustrations throughout, this powerful story chronicles a spiritual journey through storms and mountains, to attend the birthday party of Rae Hansen, a five-year-old girl.  The message is that if you want to be with someone who is important to you, you are already there.  This book is a great gift for a child or adult who is moving away.  It really shows how there is no such place as far away when you are friends.

Play-Dough Recipe

If you are home this weekend and are looking for another way to keep the little ones busy, make your own coloured play-dough!   Give your kids cookie-cutters, a garlic press, toothpicks and other utensils to keep them busy. Put the following ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.

• two cups white flour
• ½ cup salt
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• ¼ cup cream of tart
• a drop of food colouring

Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool and let them play.

Best of 2009 Series: The Best Double Stroller

Two years ago, I was on a mission to find the perfect double stroller for my newborn and 18 month old.  In November, 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 just came out this month.  Here is a list of retailers that carry the Baby Jogger product line.

Great Wolf Lodge

We recently spent a night with the kids at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.  It was our first time there and by far, the best Winter excursion we could have hoped for.  The water park is immense and there is so much to do at the resort for kids of all ages (arcade, playroom, wave pool, slides, etc.).  The staff and service was exceptional.

The in-house restaurant was a bit bland for us adults but the fact that my 3.5-year- old (picky eater extraordinaire) and my 2-year-old were able to serve themselves at the kiddy buffet with plastic dishes and all the foods a toddler could ever hope for, was a dream.  We took a standard room but got to peak in the other options which offer cool stuff like an in-room cave/tent/log house with bunk beds.  At Great Wolf, they have really thought of everything that families may need.

There is a 2-day sale on currently.  I found that the best deals are for those who are able to stay Thursday & Friday nights (approx. $150 per night in a standard room and $190 in a specialty room).  The sale ends on Friday at 10am and is valid for bookings from Feb. 1st  – March 11th.  Unfortunately, the sale does not apply to Family Day.  Use Promo Code: MULTIPLE.

What To Do This Weekend (Jan 23rd & 24th)

Enjoy High Park’s Winter Fun Day at Colborne Lodge (Sunday, Jan. 24th, 11am-3pm).  Families can enjoy horse & wagon rides, making snowmen, pulling taffy, roasting marshmallows and more.  Bring your own cup and get free cider.  Activities will take place indoors and outdoors on the Colborne Lodge grounds.

Want to do something indoors?  How about painting pottery?  Here are a few options: Mess For Fun (Finch & Dufferin), The Glaze Craze (Locations in Thornhill & Brampton), The Clay Room (Danforth & Broadview), Bisque It (Woodbridge), Artistic Way (near Eglinton & Bathurst).

See Tim Horton’s FREE holiday skating schedule. They currently sponsor these free public skates in many locations all over Ontario.   Check here for locations and schedules.

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

Costco City Passes

I’ve decided to re-publish some goodies from 2009.  Even I wish that I remembered this one for our recent trip to California since the entrance to Disneyland is absolute financial suicide.  If your travel plans include a trip to a city in the U.S.A., a Costco city pass is a great money-saver.  Available online for places such as Southern California, New York, Chicago, Boston, and more.  A youth/adult city pass is good for 9-14 days depending on location and gets you in to many of the most popular attractions for less.

Etsy Find: Personalized Stickers

Only $10 for a set of 30 stickers.  Cute, no?  What a great addition to a birthday gift.  There are lots of other silhouettes (for boys & girls) to choose from.  Check out Nella Designs.

Toy Recommendation + Sale!

FantaColor Junior has become a favourite around here.  When kids turn 2, they seem to develop a real passion for sticking pegs into holes.   The FantaColor Junior Basic comes with 48 plastic pegs, a transparent board and 16 different pictures which encourage and help kids apply colour recognition.  I love this toy because it develops so many skills and offers an opportunity for focused, quiet play.  Currently, you will find it on sale for $20.99 (down from $29.99!) at Grand River Toys.  Which brings me to the next point – Grand River Toys is having a huge sale (30-50% off a great selection).  The sale has been extended until Jan. 24th so make your order ASAP.

Fairness for the Self Employed Act

As of January 1, 2010 the Government of Canada has introduced the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act, legislation that would provide all Employment Insurance (EI) special benefits, including maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits, to self-employed workers.  Find more details here.