Museum + Art Pass from the Library

With young ones, it's sometimes hard to imagine paying full price to go to some of the museums or attractions and then only be able to spend a couple of hours there. As moms we know the value in taking our kids to the museum, gallery, zoos and other educational venues but it's so hard to fork over the admission fees when you know that you can only spend a couple of hours there due to naps/meltdowns.

That's why I think it's so great that some cities are now offering passes to various places for free through the libraries. It makes access so much easier for families and for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it. It also gives you a chance to check out some of the places and maybe even buying a pass if you really like it! (like the zoo, science centre, ROM...)

Sunlife sponsors the Toronto program and it's pretty fabulous. You can pick up a pass at your local library for the following venues:


AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario
Bata Shoe Museum
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Casa Loma
City of Toronto Historic Museums:
Colborne Lodge in High Park
Fort York National Historic Site
Gibson House Museum
Mackenzie House
Montgomery's Inn
Scarborough Museum
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
Gardiner Ceramics Museum
Museum of Inuit Art
Ontario Science Centre
ROM - Royal Ontario Museum
Textile Museum of Canada
Toronto Zoo

But you might have to line up for the ROM, AGO, ZOO or Science Centre passes as they are pretty popular and you might have to go to a different library than your own if yours is really busy or to get the venue of your choice.

The passes come in at a set time/day at your library and some of the popular venues do get picked up fast! This morning I lined up for the ROM pass, 15 mins before the library opened--but I got it! The key is that you shouldn't have your heart set for one particular venue--know that you might get your second or third choice. But it's a great opportunity to explore Toronto!


Also, keep in mind that during the summer a lot of families will want the passes so it might be harder for you to get them! The pass is valid for a period of time--so you can get a pass now and use it at a later date. The expiry period currently is 3 months!!! So take them out now for the summer!!! You can't get more than one pass a day, but you can get passes over and over again and for different venues.

More Info:


Similarly, other cities that you might visit with your family have the program too (every city runs it a bit differently though) so if you are visiting family/friends they could help you get some passes or tag along with you on an adventure without paying the fees.

Ottawa:
Their program is neat! Lots of venues( since they are the capital and house many national treasures and you can even get a Gatineau park ski pass) and you loan it just like a library book and then return it by a set date.
INFO

Victoria:
Similar to Ottawa, you loan it like a book, and you can use it for the Royal BC museum--which is a great museum!
INFO

Wherever you travel, if you are visiting someone locally, be sure to ask if they have a similar program!

Article on the value of a home maker

http://lifewise.canoe.ca/Investopedia/2012/01/27/19303426.html?utm_source=addThis&utm_medium=addthis_button_facebook&utm_campaign=CANOE+-+Lifewise+Investopedia%3A+How+Much+Is+A+Homemaker+Worth%3F#.TyYHsBSSY2Q.facebook

Funny Blog for Moms!!!

This is such a great blog--laugh out loud funny.

Check it out if you need a smile.

http://reasonsmommydrinks.com/

Toronto with kids

Check out this link for a post about things to do in Toronto with kids!

http://mylittlenomads.com/best-things-to-do-toronto-kids

For those who are interested--this blog is really great as well for traveling with kids--a very adventurous group, for sure!

http://mylittlenomads.com/

Perfect Mommy Massage at Zen Beginnings!

What a great idea--while you get a massage by a Registered Massage Therapist--the staff at Zen Beginnings provides CHILDCARE! AMAZING! And the best part? The cost of childcare is INCLUDED in the price!

I spoke with the owner of Zen Beginnings and she explained that she sees it as an essential service to offer moms so that moms can take care of themselves. I love this philosophy! No more scheduling issues or stressing out about your little ones while you are trying to relax.

The massage therapist is very personable and talks to you before the massage to get a feel for what you want. Today I chose to have a lot of work done--so it was a pretty intense massage--I needed some serious work done to my sore nursing shoulders. You can tell her where you would like the focus or if you just want to relax, so that's nice. She also lets you set the mood--like do you want spa sounds or music with lyrics?

The massage therapist will also provide you with some things to try at home if you want it. When I was pregnant, she gave me some stretches to do and this time she explained how I should lie with a blanket wrapped under my back to help relieve some of the pressure on my shoulders.

It's hard to turn off your mommy ear and not try to hear for your little ones but they are well taken care of. For older kids there are arts and crafts activities. For all kids there are toys for all ages and books.

Let them know before you book and they will arrange the childcare professional for you.

This is a great service that I just had to rave about!

For more information:
http://www.zenbeginnings.com/

blueberry training pants

I absolutely love these.

They are soft, absorb one pee in case of accidents and come in cute colours! They fit well under a child's pants too which is a huge bonus. They wash well too which is great. They don't have elastic on them so they are very comfy.

Here is the only problem: it's hard to find them. They are only sold at a few places in Canada. Here are some links:

The product:
http://www.blueberrydiapers.com/

Some stores in Canada who have the product and are great with shipping:
Belly Laughs in Ottawa
http://www.bellylaughs.ca/item.php?item_id=820&category_id=82

Little Monkey Store:
http://www.littlemonkeystore.com/Blueberry-Trainers_p_124.html

Johnson & Johnson Article

Check this out:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2011/11/01/as-report-reveals-toxic-ingredients-in-baby-shampoo-johnson-johnson-goes-public-with-plans-to-clean-up-products/

HIGH PARK ZOO AND THE JAMIE BELL ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND

A great way to spend a fall morning or afternoon is to stroll through the High Park Zoo. The leaves are beautiful at this time of year in the park and walking through the zoo is fun for the kids. They have ducks, geese, llamas, bison, yaks, deer, emu, goats, sheep, cattle and peacocks. Our 2 year old loved the animals and our little one got some fresh air.
After the walk through the zoo we went to the Jamie Bell Adventure playground which is the cadillac of playgrounds. It is located very close to the little zoo and so it makes a nice outing. The playground is great for all ages and is beautiful. So much fun!

The best part of all this??? It's all free!!! (including parking!)

Have fun!

http://highparktoronto.com/map.php

FLU SHOT

Flu shots are in many doctor's office. As moms it's our responsibility to educate ourselves and make decisions for our families. After speaking with our doctor, my husband, myself and my toddler all got our shots. My 3 month old is too young.

It is typically recommended to get the flu shot prior to December.

Here is the info so you can make an informed decision:

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/about_flu_shot.aspx

Decadent Designs

Looking for that special cake for that oh-so-special occasion? Check out this great website--really great products that are nice to look at and even better to eat!

http://www.decadentdesign.ca/

Alyson Schafer

An Evening With Alyson Schafer!
October 6, 2011 - 7:00-9:00pm

Join us at the Castlefield Location for a presentation by parenting expert, Alyson Schafer. Alyson will speak about Fundamental Adlerian Childrearing Principals that will inspire! Tickets $15 at the door.

Reserve your seats: 416-484-9597

27 Castlefield Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M4R 1G3

Castlefield Avenue is located 5 blocks north of Eglinton Avenue, just west of Yonge Street.
The school is located within the premises of the Castlefield Community Church.

Chudleigh's apple picking!

website:http://www.chudleighs.com/

Apple picking is such a great family activity!

If you are willing to drive west of the city--out by Milton--this is a wonderful place to go! At 9:15 in the morning it only took us about 30 mins to get there. It opens at 10am and it got busy very fast as it was a nice day--so my recommendation is to get there for 10 if you can--better traffic and less people at the orchard.

They have a petting zoo, slides, a maze (for older kids), sandbox, face painting, balloons and of course a wagon ride out to the get the apples. Take the wagon early in order to eliminate line-ups. All of this is included with your admission. The slides are amazing and a lot of fun and the petting zoo is well kept with little signs that indicate the animal's name and what each member of the animal family is named (a baby chicken is a chick for instance). Very cute.

My little one loved the tractors and was pretty excited about going on a wagon pulled by a tractor.

The apple orchard is great and picking apples with kids is a lot of fun--doesn't take long to fill up the bags that they give you to pick with. Mind you, don't pick too many as the apples at Chudleigh's aren't cheap--but you are paying for the experience, right???

We went today and it was beautiful weather and there were a lot of people but it was so well organized that things went really well.

On weekends: It's $10 for adults to get in and children 3 and under are free. A family is $36. You pay for the apples in addition to the admission.

During the week, there are cheaper rates.

We went with two other families and we had a great time. At one point one of our friends said that we should all break out in the "good things grow in Ontario" song... and I totally agreed. She also claimed she was going home to bake a pie...something was definitely in the air!

Great day and great place to go.

ABC song on YOU TUBE

My 2 year old's latest favourite you tube video: ABC WITH TILLY AND THE WALL--check it out, it's cute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvNCmb9a6Qc

All for Fun

I received this from Jessica's mom. Thanks!!!

I wanted to tell you about a great indoor playground we went to this morning. I know you are always looking for places to go. The best part is that they are open on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9am-12pm - it is often hard to find good places that are open on weekend mornings!

Here is the website: http://www.allforfun.ca/contact.html

It is $8 for kids, babies under 1 are free I believe. For August it is only $4 per child.

They have a very large space with tons of stuff for kids to do. They also have a small area for babies with a bouncy seat, gym mat, and some exersaucers.
The only downside is that you cannot bring in your own food for snacks because of allergy concerns. However, they do sell kid-friendly snacks for very reasonable prices. (We bought Jessica a box of raisins for 25 cents). You can bring in drinks, and they have an area to eat with tables and chairs as well as highchairs.

They have an amazing climber with slides and tunnels (almost like a maze), They have a huge play-kitchen, a dress-up area, a puzzle tabl, huge foam building blocks, ride-on toys, a little car that goes down a hill, a puppet show area and the best part was a big jumpy castle!

The women told me to check the calendar for dates they are closed, as occasionally they do close for parties or holidays.

Great site: KIDSZOOMER

http://www.kidzoomer.com/deals/toronto

I learned about this site because I was in a stroller fit class and the woman beside me told me how much she paid for the class--and it was a lot less than what I paid.

Most of what is on this site would be good for the 2 year old + crowd but occasionally there is also stuff for babies. So for all those moms who have toddlers and older, check this site regularly.

For my Ottawa gals: It looks like they will eventually be posting for Ottawa too--so keep trying the site.

STAIN REMOVER

This product was recommended to me as a safe stain remover that is good on the environment and not damaging to clothes.

I was doubtful. As we all know, it's hard to get stains out. As moms we are faced with poop, grass stains, crayons, paint, and of course WINE!!! Well, this stain remover actually works!!!

Becoming in Toronto sells it for $4.

For my Ottawa gals:
Three Little Monkeys carries it as well as Boomerang Kidz

BABY HEIST

A mom friend of mine just reminded me of another great deal site I should share with you... by sending me an email with a great deal on it from this site!

Great things about this site:

1) It's Canadian and it's in Burlington for my west-end friends! So shipping is purely Canadian or for those who live out there--pick up is available!

2) They often have Melissa and Doug Products

3) The deals are great!

4) If you missed a deal--you can ALWAYS shop the archive unlike Babysteals.com where you only get to occasionally.

Happy Shopping!

http://www.babyheist.com

Great deal sites

After chatting with my mom-friends Jen and Jenn today, I decided to post some sites that are pretty fun to shop at for deals!

Some great sites for new moms (and not-so-new moms) to check out:
FUNKY TRICYCLE:

http://www.funkytricycle.com/
Good deals, Canadian and it posts once a week so there is not that sense of urgency to order. WATCH THE SHIPPING COSTS--sometimes expensive for people who do not live in BC.
BABY STEALS and KIDSTEALS
babysteals.com
http://kidsteals.stealnetwork.com/
American site but very Canadian-friendly. Always check the shipping costs as if the packaging is large, the shipping is expensive. If packaging is small (most items are) it is delivered to your mailbox and really, really fast--usually within a week or less. GREAT DEALS...totally worth it to sign up for the emails...but they will fill your inbox as they post 2 deals daily!! Watch for their "shop their archive" deals that occur occasionally--you get to shop through previous deals and pay for only one shipping. Customer service with this place has always been good and quick!

Moms to Be and More
http://www.momstobeandmore.com/wackywed.aspx
For Toronto Moms--love this store. The only problem with wacky wednesdays is that sometimes you might have to line-up to get the deal! A line-up has been spotted around the street when the deal has been awesome.

Sweet Mommy deals
http://www.sweetmommydeals.com/
This site is Toronto area specific and is like GROUPON. Some great deals for families.

Happy browsing!!!

NEW BABIES

For second-time moms there are some shocking things you realize when you have that baby number 2. You really do forget so much of the newborn stage so here are some things that I have noticed...so be warned!

1) They need to be held... a lot.
Yes, they are cute and cuddly and warm and beautiful...but sometimes you are stuck with them in your arms for long periods of times...something you don't have to worry about with your squirmy toddler.

2) Sleep deprivation...
You will tell me that you remember being sleep deprived with your first so you know what it's like...but you have no idea. Number 2 hits you hard because you rarely have time to nap because guess what... the newborn and the toddler don't nap at the same time!

3) Dinnertime madness
Babies like to fuss a lot between the hours of 4:30 and 7pm... right when you are trying to prepare and eat dinner... with your toddler impatiently wanting their food. Hello to prepared meals as they are a life-saver.

4) Babies make strange sounds
With baby number 1, they are comfortably sleeping through the night and might have the occasional snore or cute little sigh...but newborns make crazy noises at all hours that have you jumping out of your bed... which means less sleep for you.

5) DIAPER CHANGING
It happens a lot more than you remember... and you will be amazed at what comes out of these little ones... you really do want to forget this part of the newborn phase.

6) Just when you have their schedule figured out... you really don't.
They are tricky these newborns... don't count on anything until 4 month mark! Yes, your toddler thrives on routine and you know exactly what they do throughout the day and at each time...but these new ones... there is no telling what (or when) they are going to do it!

What to do with two???

I was faced with a week of being alone during the day with my two year old son and my newborn baby. I know lots of moms do it (kudos to all of you!) and that moms have been doing it forever (again, kudos) but I have been very lucky over the last 6 weeks by having my son in childcare while I nurse and bond with my baby.

Here's the thing: IT'S HARD WORK to have the two of them at home! Trying to entertain my toddler while nursing the little one can be quite a feat! And they can't seem to nap at the same time!

Here are some things I have tried to do with Mr. Two when I am alone with the two:

-colouring activities
- TV watching (yes, I realize the tv is then babysitting my child but sometimes I am fine with this) I PVR one show and let him watch that so that our tv watching doesn't become a lengthy activity and this way as well, I am controlling what we watch and how long.
-special toys to play with when mommy is nursing. This week it was a toy garage with cars!
-reading books to him--but that can get old.
-snack time!


Here are things to do with the two of them together:
-walks in the stroller (stopping at parks or other places might be hard at this point if you have a toddler who runs) or special outings--zoo, museum, nature walk...coffee shop...
-Walks with the newborn in a carrier--this way I can run after the toddler!
-TUMMY TIME! or FLOOR TIME!! while the new little one practices a skill, do yoga or some kind of activity on the floor with the toddler. Everyone can exercise together!

There are lots of things to do as you get used to the two but start small...my confidence builds with each new activity I do. Here's the best thing: after each new activity you do, you feel a real sense of accomplishment (we went walmart without a meltdown--WOW!)

great resource:
http://www.kellymom.com/babyconcerns/newborn-toddler.html