According to an article that a friend sent me, parents of new babies lose 6 months of sleep in two years. I certainly feel that way…however, I am not sure if the stats derived by this British survey are reliable. That being said, the article did make me feel good and it legitimized some crazy things I have done recently (like put diesel in my car by mistake). Read the article here. And please, don’t write to me about confounding variables, this site is meant to be fun 
Posted in Useful Info.
– July 29, 2010
I first heard about Haircuts on Wheels shortly after having The Baby. The Girl & The Boy needed haircuts and nothing seemed more daunting (and annoying) than getting them all in the car on time, waiting for the hair dresser (because let’s face it, we always have to wait), keeping one kid busy while the other is getting the haircut…and intermittently nursing an infant.
I called Kimberly and set up an appointment (I also rescheduled a couple of times which didn’t phase her because she is a mom and knows what it’s all about). She arrived on a sunny afternoon with a huge smile and it was like Mary Poppins landed in my house. With stool in hand, she set everything up in our family room and all was calm, easy, convenient.
Her magic bag included a cover for my floor, a DVD player for the kids with a great selection of DVDs that they each chose from, Organic hair products (!) and an awesome dust buster. My kids, who are not easy when it comes to new experiences and people, were so comfortable and it was the best haircut experience we have ever had.
Haircuts on Wheels is a brilliant concept just as it is, but Kimberly also cuts kids’ hair in schools and daycares to save parents even more time. She also arranges school fundraisers and a portion goes back to the schools. So come September, if you are on the PTA, remember this great fund-raising option. Last but not least, Kimberly has been nominated for Savvy Mom’s Mompreneur of the Year Award and your vote can help support her!
Posted in Useful Info.
– July 19, 2010
m
…for waiting till after my third pregnancy to come out with what will likely be a really lovely line of maternity clothes.
Posted in Useful Info.
– June 25, 2010
Yikes! Father’s Day is on Sunday. If you are still looking for something special and inexpensive to make with your kids, here are some ideas:
Posted in Gifts, Ideas, Useful Info.
– June 14, 2010
Do any of you have that one friend who’s stomach is so flat, you can use it as a cutting board? You know…the one who just had a baby and is all ready for bikini season? Don’t resent her. Be inspired. Summer hasn’t officially begun and with hard work and self-discipline, we can all feel better about ourselves.
Mamapicks is signing up for a two-week bootcamp and thought you might be interested as well! Spots are filling up quickly. Here is the info:
Location: Newport Square Park in Thornhill (close to Bathurst & Hwy 7).
Cost: Each 2-week session is $100, which includes six 1-hr morning classes (6:30 am or 9:30am). In addition, you will receive a one-on-one consultation & fitness test prior to the start of the camp, free of charge. If you bring a friend, the cost is only $75 for all of the above.
The start date for the first session is June 7th 2010. Sessions will continue throughout the summer so if you can’t start now, you can register for subsequent sessions.
It’s going to be fun, challenging, and exciting! There’ll be lots of sweat…and a lot of laughter. Call Yael Young for more information: 416-797-2670.
Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.
– June 2, 2010
Camp Eden is thrilled to invite you to their 10th annual open house! Thursday June 3rd,2010 between 6-8pm. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Camp Eden is happy to announce two additional programs. The Moms and Tots Program offers a warm and nurturing environment for Mom, Dad or caregiver to spend with an 18m-3yr old, and our E-sports Program will accommodate those little athletes who just can’t get enough of sports. Located conveniently in Thornhill, at (The Toronto Waldorf School) 9100 Bathurst st., campers will enjoy a majestic property with a forest, pond, river and amazing indoor facilities.
Mamapicks readers who register, will receive their choice of free bussing or lunches for a 2-week session! Just say Mamapicks.
Posted in Deals, Useful Info.
– June 1, 2010
I want my kids to play outside with other neighborhood kids every day.
I want them to create their own games and rules.
I want them to play big, complex games with large groups of kids, and simpler games one-on-one with a best friend.
I want them to decide for themselves what to play, where, and with whom.
I want them to settle their own disputes with their friends.
I want them to create their own private clubs with secret rules.
I want them to make lasting physical artifacts that show the world that this is their place.
I want them to laugh and run and think.
Every day.
That’s what I had. It’s my standard for a good childhood. It’s my goal for my kids.
Mamapicks says AMEN.
Posted in Ideas, Useful Info.
– May 26, 2010
Read the Globe & Mail article for more info. Details, including NDC numbers, are available by telephone at 1-888-222-6036 or on the web at www.mcneilproductrecall.com.
Posted in Useful Info.
– May 3, 2010
One of our best vacations ever was a cruise vacation…but that was before we had kids. I sometimes wonder if and when it would be appropriate to take the kids on a cruise vacation. The travel company who we booked our cruise with was incredible and I often recommend them to friends. VacationsToGo has great prices and the service is immaculate. They have compiled information on all of the programs and services available for kids (ages 2-17) by each cruise line. What a great resource!
Carnival
Celebrity
Costa
Disney
Holland America
MSC Cruises
Norwegian
Princess
Royal Caribbean
Posted in Travel, Useful Info.
– April 12, 2010
The Honda recall that you may have recently heard about, affects 24,680 Odyssey minivans and 4,137 Element sport utility vehicles from the 2007-08 model year in Canada. The recall follows complaints that brake pedals begin to feel “soft” or have to be pushed lower and lower over time before the vehicle would stop. The problem is very gradual and Honda claims that this is due to air leaking into part of the anti-lock braking system over a period of months or even years. So…nothing sudden to worry about, however you may want to contact your nearest dealership for more info. I sorta wish that the recall would include auto detailing. My Odyssey is a direct extension of our family room and kitchen.
Posted in Useful Info.
– March 22, 2010
Once in a while, you buy a toy and it actually peaks your children’s interest for more than 1 day. This one (Pipe Builders) has been occupying both The Boy & The Girl for over two months! Who would have thought? They are always busy building letters, numbers, shapes and structures. I purchased the large tub of plastic pipe builders at an amazing American store called Lakeshore Learning (they supply educational toys, learning materials and craft supplies to schools, museums, playgrounds and regular families). If by chance you are in the US, you must visit! Some of Lakeshore’s products (Pipe Builders included), are available here in Canada through Wintergreen Learning Materials. The set includes 240 plastic pieces and is well worth the purchase!
Posted in Gifts, Ideas, Useful Info.
– March 2, 2010
…what would your name be? A little silliness to perk up your Thursday. Try it!
Posted in Useful Info.
– February 25, 2010
What’s for dinner? Ugh. It’s not about whether you love to cook…it’s about being organized. I do like to cook but figuring out what to prepare every day and making sure that the ingredients are in the house overwhelms me sometimes. Not to mention that I prepare separate dinners for my husband (who is a carnivore) and my kids (who have the pickiest palates).
I have been using Wovenfare’s free weekly meal plans for quite a while now and I love the great recipe ideas and the weekly grocery list. I don’t normally use the whole plan, but pick and choose the recipes that appeal to us. I am going to start publishing their dinner ideas right here on Mamapicks every Thursday.
Here are this week’s recipes:
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, Cilantro Beef Meatballs with Sour Cream Sauce, Roasted Salmon with Butter, Dill and Garlic, German Style Pork Steak with Red Cabbage, Mediterranean Pizza, Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard.
Bon Apetit!
Posted in Recipes, Useful Info.
– February 22, 2010
Yesterday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Tiny Love, announced a voluntary recall of the the company’s wind chime toys. Consumers should stop using the recalled products immediately. Please note that the image above is only one of a variety of toys recalled/ If the toys break apart, metal rods are exposed which pose a danger to infants and kids. For more information, please see the Health Canada advisory. To get a replacement toy, call Tiny Love at 1-888-791-8166.
Posted in Useful Info.
– February 11, 2010
These paper lanterns are surprisingly simple to make! Even if you don’t celebrate Chinese New Year this weekend, I think they make for a fun project on a cold day. All you need is paper (shiny is nice but not a must!) and fasteners. Click here for detailed instructions. This idea comes from a newsletter that I really love and receive weekly in my Inbox. Kids Craft Weekly provides you with great ideas and simple projects that you can make at home with your kids..and it’s free.
Posted in Holiday Goods, Ideas, Useful Info.
– February 9, 2010
I didn’t know anything about the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga until Chantal Kreviazuk performed there a few years back and we went to see her intimate show (it was amazing). The Living Arts Centre is a place where community members of all ages come to delve in arts related courses, programs and entertainment. It’s like a super-high-class community centre.
The Living Arts Centre’s Wiggle Club, showcases great performances for kids. There are two coming up in March that you may want to buy tickets for:
Click here to find out more information about these and upcoming shows at this venue. To buy tickets offline, call the box office @ 1-888-805-8888
I think show tickets are an amazing birthday gift for a child and accompanying adult if you are looking for an original gift . If your own child is celebrating a birthday in March and you want to do something unique, you can have the birthday as part of the above performances… Call 905-306-6158 for more info on birthdays.
Posted in Activities & Events, Gifts, Useful Info.
– February 4, 2010
There is a CBC documentary that may be of interest to you coming up on Feb. 4th @ 9pm on CBC-TV. Hyper Parents and Coddled Kids explores the parenting trend termed over-parenting and its impact on children. I’ll be setting my PVR, which by the way, has changed my life almost as much as my children have.
Posted in Useful Info.
– February 2, 2010
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.
Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool and let them play.
Posted in Ideas, Recipes, Useful Info.
– January 22, 2010
This recall involves Graco-brand Passage, Alano, and Spree strollers. To learn more about this product recall, see the Health Canada website.
Posted in Useful Info.
– January 21, 2010
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.
Posted in Activities & Events, Deals, Ideas, Travel, Useful Info.
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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.
Posted in Useful Info.
– January 18, 2010
Pinkalicious, The Musical is currently playing in the Richmond Hill Centre for Performing Arts. Accompanied by The Boy (3.5) and his girlfriend of the same age, we embarked on a first theatre experience on a Saturday morning. I didn’t know that the book, Pinkalicious, written by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann, was so popular. We entered the small and intimate theatre to find tons of excited kids (mostly girls) dressed in pink. I was really pleased that the theatre was small and there were cute carpets on the floor right in front of the stage. Parents can sit with their kids on the carpet or on the seats behind the carpet area.
The set was beautiful and vibrant. The actors themselves moved the parts between scenes but in a way that did not distract the audience at all. The actors were enthusiastic and full of energy, trying to involve the audience at times. The songs were catchy and fun. The storyline is very simple – Pinkalicious loves pink and loves cupcakes with pink icing even more. Her parents’ struggle with her preference for treats over vegetables is an underlying theme. Pinkalicious eats too many pink cupcakes and turns pink! At first this is fun, but soon enough, it is a predicament that Pinkalicious and her concerned family try to resolve.
I thought that the play was very cute and the audience seemed taken. The length of the show is 1 hour which is suitable for young kids. However, I would not take a child under the age of three to this show as I think it’s too complex, loud and long for two-year olds. Furthermore, I wouldn’t recommend going to see the play with 3-4 year olds who are not familiar with the story. Kids who know and love the story, will enjoy the play and have an easier time taking in the plot, the set, the music and whole theatre experience. Last but not least, Pinkalicious is as girly as it sounds and there were very few boys in the audience.
At the end of the show, the characters all came out to greet the audience and sign autographs outside of the theatre, which was a really nice touch! Enjoy the opportunity to see Pinkalicious until March. If you are looking for an amazing birthday party idea, check out the Pinkalicious birthday packages too!
Posted in Activities & Events, Useful Info.
– January 8, 2010
We have all had those moments…when our kids need an instant distraction so that we can get something done. In an endless line-up at the grocery store or while trying to make an appointment with the doctor, I have been known to shove my iPhone in my toddler’s hands in order to avoid a meltdown (mine). I have decided to invest ($2) in some iPhone apps that are appropriate for kids and found this website called Tantrum Apps. Don’t you love the name? On this site you will find a number of quiz and sound applications that are bound to save you! I really liked the animal sounds app…
Posted in Cool Products, Useful Info.
– January 5, 2010
This video clip might make you want to have another baby just so you can do this too.
Posted in Useful Info.
– December 29, 2009
To make sure that my husband doesn’t leave me after baby #3 arrives, I want to send him to Vegas. He really deserves a break. Look at the deal I found! Flight + 3-nights at New York-New York for $450 CA (all in). Westjet is having a seat sale so if Vegas is on your mind, book by Dec. 31st (for travel by Feb. 10th) to take advantage of the great prices!
Posted in Deals, Useful Info, sale.
– December 22, 2009