OK. Most of my friends think I’m completely nuts, but I don’t want any of the traditional things that are marketed for Mother’s Day gifts. My dear family, please don’t get me cut flowers, yet another kitchen gadget, or even breakfast in bed… Here is my wish list for the perfect Mother’s Day.

From my husband:

A day of housework. I would like to give you a list of what needs to be done around the house – yes, that includes cleaning out the garage! I would also like a few paintings hung, and to hide the cords from the TV.

From my daughters:

I would love for you to wake up, clean your rooms, and make your beds – all without being asked! Eat your breakfast, and put the dishes away. Then, snuggle with me on the couch and tell me that I’m the best mother around.

To finish off the day, I would love a picnic dinner together at our favourite park.

That is it! That would be the best gift this year for me.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Urban designers of the 19th Century had lamented the visible passing of pastoral or agricultural traditions. Many like Frederick Law Olmsted (Central Park, Mount Royal) witnessed the onslaught of the Industrial Revolution and the mass exodus from the countryside to the city. The concept of the urban park, as a respite for the physically and mentally exhausted came into vogue quickly. Even in Canada, the Fraser Institute cited that in the year 1900, about half the population still lived in the country, but by 2010, that percentage had fallen below 10%.There was arguably a cultural echo of sorts that cascaded through the 20th Century from successive generations that carried forth a community of memory from their agricultural heritage. The other significant factor was of course the continuous waves of immigration throughout the last century from Ireland, the Ukraine, and the rest of Europe through the post-world war periods, and then a further accentuation of the Canadian mosaic from all corners of the globe, in the latter half of the century. Our society has largely become an urban dwelling folk, whose perceived connection to genuine agriculture might consist of the Sunday drive, visiting a farmer’s market, or for the younger, Facebook savvy crowd, playing Farmville over the Internet. The transition to a service and information economy has ironically left some critical and time-in-memorial expertise waning, if not forgotten. This progressive move forward has also had as a casualty boys’ education.

As a child, I was always impressed with my uncle’s garden. He grew a lot of flowers, which were pretty, but as a boy, I characteristically wanted some plants that delivered results: fruits and vegetables. He grew many berries, tomatoes, beans, and other produce. During the month of May, there would also be a massive pile of topsoil delivered to his home, and even though I didn’t live there, on occasion, I can recall helping my cousins to cart it to the backyard. Much of the knowledge and enthusiasm for creating and maintaining a garden stuck with all of us in the family, and now as adults, we all have some sort of garden where we live. Throughout the 1980’s, there still existed a significant number of Italian and Portuguese families in Scarborough. My friends from those cultures would boast huge gardens in their backyards, with tomatoes the size of one’s fist, and grapes that would be pressed into wine, and then poured into the proudly displayed demijohns. Many of their traditions also reverted back to “the old country” and whether through direct instruction, or implicit inspiration, the emulation and co-opting of those skills was not lost on many from Generations X and Y. As boys, we would ask questions, witness the results and rewards of hard work, and if lucky enough, have a parent, an uncle, or a grandfather who would transfer knowledge the old fashioned way, through experience and sweat.

If Olmsted’s parks served the tired masses of the industrial and commercial cities of the past century, then might it be fair to say that the urban garden may offer the same hiatus for the minds of the information age? Perhaps so, but our students must be afforded opportunities to learn outside of the classroom. As teachers, we need to pull them away from the complacent classroom dynamic of text-to-paper pedagogy and provide them with some real experiences. We must not fall into the trap that Google, YouTube, or some “app” will offer a bridge to a genuine experience supplanting a true engagement of the senses; that’s bubble wrapped, lazy logic. We need to get our hands dirty again. Male students especially, need to recoup this experiential transfer of knowledge and reapply it to a personal renaissance of a love of learning.

Follow this educational paradigm and its sequence. My fifth grade class at Northmount School is reading a book entitled, The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau, it is the sequel to the popular The City of Ember. Our novel depicts the struggles of the refugees of Ember and their adaptation to an agrarian culture (LANGUAGE ARTS). We are studying biodiversity, fluvial geography, and structures as individual constructs and co-existing environmental realities (SCIENCE). The Grade 5’s are also learning about Mesopotamia, the Fertile Crescent, and early civilizations (SOCIAL STUDIES). During religion, we also examine the relationship between the agrarian culture of Judea in relation to the major movements regarding faith in the Old and New Testament (RELIGION). Where do we plug in the experiential learning and application?

This week we drew out a plan for a school vegetable garden, prior to which I had instructed the class on whom to call before digging. All of the respective utilities gave us the permission to commence the project. Another student recalled that the potatoes in the City of Ember were shriveled and weak, so we studied our desired area for total sunlight exposure. The students and I excavated a 4 meter by 9 meter plot at the back of the school. Suddenly, a rush of water seemed to explode from the side of the building. The boys all stood back in awe, and me, in fear. Had we broken a water pipe? No, it was the sump pump gushing out water from the roof and basement of the school. The boys recalled the irrigation principles they had learned about in Science and Social Studies, and decided to dig a trench that would reroute the water into the edging of the garden. Like the Babylonians and their gardens, ours too, would be almost self-sufficient as far as water was concerned. We also witnessed a rabbit and applying our biodiversity lessons and some colloquial agricultural knowledge; we placed tabasco sauce around the outside of the garden to keep vermin away. Toward the end, many of my students said they knew how hard our ancestors must have worked, how difficult the people of Ember had it in Sparks, and how good they felt about where the vegetables were going to go in September. Many deemed the experience of planting and gardening as calming and relaxing, saying as much.

Aside from cross-curricular connections, vegetable gardening also teaches empathy. Our students agreed that the produce will entirely go to one of the kitchens or organizations in the City of Toronto that takes care of the less fortunate.

Manfred J. von Vulte, Deputy Head and Grade 5 Teacher, Northmount School

Indoor playgrounds and amusement centers give kids a great way to have fun and get some exercise during those times of the year when its uncomfortable to be outside. On cold, hot or rainy days, kids will love to go to these indoor play places. One such fun place is TimBUKtu Indoor Playland.

TimBUKtu Indoor Playground is a wonderful indoor play place where kids get to jump, ride, climb and tumble. The amusement centre is located Northwest of Toronto, in Etobicoke and minutes from Brampton & Mississauga. They offer Private Parties, Public Play, Workshops, Classes, host Special Events and more…

TimBUKtu Indoor Playground provide a clean, fun and safe indoor playground. The playground is suitable for babies, toddlers and children all the way up to age 7.

You’ll find many age appropriate toys to choose from. And lots of baby toys too!

It’s a great way for moms (and dads) to de-stress and come out to connect with other parents, and share experiences while their children play… or you can join in. There are also a few freebies to enjoy … free parking, Wi-Fi and coffee/tea. You can even sign up for Zumba Fitness® classes.

PARTIES! When you book your child’s party or event at TimBUKtu Indoor PlayLand you receive exclusive use to the entire facility. You and your guests have the 2,500 sq. ft. indoor play space and party room area all to yourselves! So when you be sure to check on weekends for availability if you want to drop in to play!

Here’s the cute party room that you can decorate to complete your party theme!

Like the ever popular Dora the Explorer!

The playground allows outside food – you just need to ask the staff about restrictions. You can choose from their popular kids’ party packages. They also offer variety of extras, like balloons, food (such as yummy pizza) and refreshments.

Their popular loot bag service is something that you can also add to any birthday package.

Check their website for Classes and Special Events information. It’s best to register in advance although they do welcome last minute drop-ins.

Public Play / Drop-in Hours:
9:30 am – 2:00 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
4:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesdays

Saturday & Sunday Public Play (Check for availability. Events are posted on their calendar each Wednesday for that given weekend)

Public Play / Drop-in Fees:
$8.00 – 1st child
$6.00 – sibling fee
$5.00 – infant fee (or FREE with paying sibling)
$5.00 – Fridays for all kids of all ages

For more information for this great indoor playspace for kids, visit: www.timbuktuplayland.ca.

Mothers are a huge help when you become a mother for the first time, or so I would assume. I wouldn’t know, because my mom passed away while I was pregnant with my first child in 1999. Anyone who knew her would tell you she was a fascinating person. Each year on Mother’s day, I reflect on my relationship with her, and what I learned from her about being a mother.

Everyone knows there are the standard phrases that mom says to you repeatedly, and then you find yourself saying to your own children. These are some that I remember the most:

• Don’t be a Tattle Tale!
• What goes around, comes around!
• Clean your room!
• Stop snacking!
• Get OUT(side)!
• Education is key!
• Read the newspaper!

What are your favourite(hated) phrases that you heard as a child and you now find yourself repeating? To see how I’m implementing these with my own children, visit my blog at CanadianNanny.ca!

On Wednesday, I attended the opening night performance of Mourad Merzouki’s Compagnie Käfig. Part of Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage performance series, Compagnie Käfig‘s dynamic show offered audience members a chance to see hip-hop, b-boying, popping, locking, capoeira, samba, and contemporary dance all on one theatre stage.

Compagnie Käfig performed two pieces, Correria and Agwa. Correria was playful and humorous, frantic and even hypnotic at times. Agwa integrated a similar movement vocabulary, but the climatic group choreography, moments of bravado, and inclusion of little plastic cups (some filled with water), presented a grand spectacle.

Harbourfront Centre notes that the performance is suited for children six years old and up. However, I suggest that children over the age of ten attend the show. I noticed a handful of young audience members, mostly boys (perhaps aspiring dancers?) seated with parents.  At the conclusion of the show, these boys (and almost the entire audience) gave a standing ovation to Compagnie Käfig.

Take a look at a few performance photographs:

{Photo Credit: Michel Cavalca, courtesy of Harbourfront Centre}

Tips:

Compagnie Käfig runs May 2-5, 2012 at Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Dance Theatre. Running time is 75 minutes, with one intermission.

Tickets are available at the Box Office, online, or by telephone at 416-973-4000. There is a special “Culture Break” offer for children and youth 13-25 years old. Tickets are discounted to $15 each.

A free Talk Show is scheduled after the May 3 performance. This would be a great opportunity for aspiring dancers to ask questions.

There is an open workshop (hip-hop technique class and discussion) hosted by Diego White, dancer, choreographer, and coordinator with Compagnie Käfig  on May 5. The workshop is open to recreational dancers, dance students, and professionals.

Plan to take your child to the performance? If so, come back and leave a comment. Let us know what you thought about Compagnie Käfig.

Celebrate this Mother’s Day with these wonderful children’s books that reinforce the mom-child bond. Here are our top picks for Mother’s Day recommended reading! These books may be found at your local public, school library or purchased at your favourite bookstore.

Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
In this sweet story, a baby bird is hatched while his mother is away. After falling from his nest, he sets out to look for her and asks everyone he meets – including a dog, a cow, and a plane – “Are you my mother?” In the end he is happily reunited with his maternal parent in a wonderful moment of recognition.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mami! by Leslie Valdes, Jason Fruchter (Illustrator)
It’s Mother’s Day! Dora has decided to make a special cake for her Mami, but first she must gather all the ingredients. Join Dora as she gets ready to make her Mami’s Mother’s Day present, and find out what her friends make for their mommies along the way! A must for all Dora fans.

The Night Before Mother’s Day by Natasha Wing
A great read-along that kids and parents will love. This story is not only adorable, but also teaches children that showing love and affection by pampering your mother is a fun and delightful thing to do. The great thing about this story is it not only shows how fun Mother’s Day can be for everyone, but also gives some great ideas about what to do to show your love on this special day! Making “fancy cards, special coupons” and baking cakes and frosting are adorable gifts for a mom, and kids will have a great time doing them!

Mother’s Day Surprise by Stephen Krensky
Violet (the snake) is watching all her friends prepare something special for Mother’s Day. She is sad that she is not as she has no arms or legs. Finally she comes up with a great gift for her special mom. She must practice, practice, practice. When the big day arrives, Violet is able to give her mom the special gift, and receives one in return. A sweet story to share in preparation for Mother’s Day that reminds the reader about the true meaning of giving.

Love You Forever by Robert N. Munsch, Sheila McGraw
A young woman holds her newborn son and looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him: “I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for always. As long as I’m living. My baby you’ll be.” And so begins the story that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Before I Was Your Mother by Kathryn Lasky, LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
To Katie, it seems as if her mother has always been her mother, with her grocery lists, her purse full of bills to pay, and her boring, sensible shoes. But when her mother reveals that she once was a girl who bossed her little brother, wore firefighter boots to bed, and dreamed grand ballerina dreams, Katie realizes that she and her mother might be alike after all. This humorous, warm hearted blend of past and present celebrates the special love mothers and daughters share.

What other great Mothers’ Day stories have your read with your children?

Are you planning on celebrating Earth Day with your kids this year? We’re looking forward to it, as we do every year.

Over the last year, our goal was to use less energy in our home. We have been teaching our daughters to turn off the lights and electronics when they’re not using them, which seems to be more troublesome for my younger daughter so far!

This coming year, we are striving to plant 50 trees at our cabin on the lake. We’re at 20 so far, and will be visiting the cabin this weekend with another 15 or so ready to plant.

My daughters constantly bring home new information about the earth and how we can preserve it. Reguarly, they both play games online at EcoKids.ca. While you’re online with the kids, check out these YouTube videos too!

• Earth Day Song – Songs for Children
• EARTH – One video you NEED to see

For more ideas on celebrating Earth Day with your kids, check out my blog at CanadianNanny.ca!

On Saturday, we attended a screening of Reel Rascals at the TIFF Kids Film Festival. Specifically designed for kids between the ages of 3-6 years old, Reel Rascals is an hour long collection of animated shorts. From a lion and a mouse (A Friend Like Me), to some friendly monsters (A Monster Mess), and a comedic cat who tries to plant a candy garden (Joe & Jack: Garden Party), the films are imaginative and playful.

After the screening we explored digiPlaySpace, an interactive, digital learning playground filled with a Funky Forest (a touch sensitive ecosystem), magical green screen, sound painting, 3D drawing centre, and Appcade (filled with learning apps). Take a look at our photos (and digitally enhanced family portrait).

Tips:

TIFF Kids Film Festival runs until April 22 and brings over 130 films from 40 countries.

Take a look at the TIFF Schedule and pre-order tickets on-line or by phone. The Saturday morning screening of Reel Rascals was sold out to last-minute guests.

Screening tickets are $8.50 for children 3-12 years old and $12.00 for adults.

digiPlaySpace tickets are $2.50 (with a screening ticket) or $5.00 (without a screening ticket).

Booster seats are available at the entrance of each theatre.

Will your family attend TIFF Kids Film Festival? Which film will you see?

How about digiPlaySpace? Are your kids interested in interactive media?

This week we visited Reptilia, a reptile zoo and education facility in Vaughan (just north of Toronto). We were first introduced to a Reptilia zoo keeper at Spring Fling in Rogers Centre, during March Break (remember this photo?).

Reptilia is a 25,000 square foot facility with 53 large reptile exhibits including: Boa Constrictors, Python Snakes, Snapping Turtles, Tegu Lizards, Poisonous Dart Frogs, Nile crocodiles, and many more creatures.

Our day began with a guided tour by zoo keeper, Nicole Filion. We learned about habitats, special diets, and other interesting reptilian facts. Fascinating details for my little boy (and me). But most notable was the interactivity of the zoo. Guests may touch a selection of reptiles, and for an additional fee, can feed a mouse to a live snake or vegetables to a turtle. My son chose to participate in the creepy activity and happily took on the role of snake feeder.

Take a look at our photos:

There is also a Reptilia shop filled with plastic snakes and frogs, apparel, resourceful books, and of course, reptiles.

Tips:

We visited Reptilia on a weekday morning. I was told that the weekends are very busy and if you plan on visiting, make it an early start.

Take a look at the Feeding Schedule and plan ahead. The viewing experience is well worth the effort.

In addition to many education and outreach programs and birthday party packages, there are a number of specialty guided tours available. For example, a Flashlight Tour allows guests to explore the nocturnal habits of reptiles.

Inside the zoo is a small seating area (just across from the Nile Crocodiles), with a collection of vending machines. We packed our own snacks and took a break after the tour (and before the snake feeding). I assume the area is very crowded on weekends.

Admission prices vary, but kids 0-3 years old are free.

Free on-site parking available.

Have you been to Reptilia? Plan on making a trip?

Or is fear holding you back? If so, you could always enroll in the Phobia Course.

There comes a time in every rightly-constructed boy’s life when he has a raging desire to go somewhere and dig for hidden treasure.
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain

There is something very natural about giving a boy a hammer, some wood, and nails and seeing what he can come up with. During the early 1980’s, my family had the good fortune to live in a row of town houses, along sleepy Invergordon Avenue in Scarborough. The best part of that time was that behind our home were three large, over-grown apple trees and a landscape that stretched for 3 kilometers in each direction featuring only two farms, big hills, fields, and rows and rows of trees. If you go looking for this idyllic scene now you will be greeted by three separate neighbourhoods, a strip plaza, and 42 Division. However, when I was age 10 to 12, this area was perfect for high adventure and the building of forts. Most homes in the neighborhood featured working parents and kids that had as much energy as the day was long. Often, my buddies and I would be out cobbling together pieces of wood left behind by the local farmers or the construction crews that had just finished our townhomes. These mismatched materials would include old road barriers, particle board, severely knotted two-by-fours, some very thin veneers, and pieces of carpet left over from installations. To all of us, these things may have as well come directly from the lumber store, we didn’t care. We built magnificent fortresses strong enough to withstand any thunderstorm, towering enough to hide from parents and babysitters, and definitely fortified enough to keep girls out! The latter surprisingly became more relaxed as we grew older. The point being was that we had educated ourselves, and each other, on the use of tools like hammers, saws, screw drivers, and when we just couldn’t “eyeball it”, measuring tape.

Moving further ahead to 1983 and 1984, we began taking formal shop classes. These were awesome. The directive by our teacher, the very affable and dynamic Mr. Tone, in Grade 7 was to produce something that held something else. At first we deemed the assignment boring, but then we thought about the possibilities. Several boys made skateboards, others made shelves, and some guys made record and cassette holders. Our Grade 8 year was marked by the building of swords, shields and other medieval implements. One fellow even made a very realistic looking battle axe. Mr. Tone called us the He-Man class, after the popular cartoon show. The fascinating part of the class was that it was a true equalizer of all of the different personas of the class. The athletes loved the woodworking as much as the musicians, the smart kids, and all of the rest of us. It was a Sherwood Forest of sorts, within the confines of an industrial arts shop. Everyone knew how to swing a hammer, use the different screws, and work a manual saw. We were further educated in the next step of evolution: POWER TOOLS! Learning how to use a band saw and a palm sander were just as exciting and as much of a watershed moment, as a young man earning his driver’s license. All safety precautions were obviously taken, with each tool being predicated by a lecture and step-by-step instruction. Afterwards, we were free to use these tools all under the watchful eye of our teacher.

The current education system, whether it be public or private has had a significant paradigm shift away from such former staples as Industrial Arts and Auto Shop. The reasons for which include: the lack of teachers for such specialties, the shrinking budgets surrounding education, a feminization of pedagogy, and the institutional and parental impulse that most students should complete a liberal arts education, and anything less would be substandard. Also in the mix, is the inability of school administration to recognize the value of vocational education as it was not germane to their experience, culture, or academic development.  Ironically, the Trades professions are the most in demand in Canada and allow for the highest importation of foreign workers into the country; which in itself, does not even satisfy the need for these skilled workers. According to Statistics Canada, “The vast majority of workers in the trades worked full time (97% in 2007). Perhaps due to the full-time nature of most jobs in the trades, very few tradespeople held multiple jobs—only 2.5% in 2007 compared with 5.4% for other occupations.” Stats Canada also suggested that, “Finally, the average age of those working in the trades was fewer than 40 in 2007—slightly younger than other workers (41). The aging of the population had a similar effect on both trades and non-trades—with the average age increasing by about 4 years over the past two decades. A look at the ratio of entrants (age 25 to 34) to near-retirees (50 or older) indicates that workers in the trades were in fact more in balance in 2007 than those in other occupations (1.0 versus 0.7).” This would indicate a huge opening in positions as the aggregate age of present workers is in the forties, that massive opportunity and shortages will exist in the coming decades. The folly of those who believe everyone should have a liberal arts education lies in another myth regarding the skilled trades: they are not educated persons. Once again, Stats Canada provided contrary information, “About 8 in 10 plumbers and electricians had postsecondary education, well above the national average. This reflects the requirements set out in the provincial certification programs.”

There is no question that the liberal arts education remains the path that we wish our children to follow. It should be noted and co-opted into our thinking, that not all students are suited for this educational stream. The problem in North America remains that alternate routes of education are still regarded as less than the “gold standard.” So how then do we address the need for vocational skills for students who are clearly on the university/professional track? Two officials from differing school zones south of the border commented on the issue. “We are not getting teachers in the pipeline with majors in Industrial Arts,” Profitt said. The ABC district is not alone. Shop classes–the wood, drafting, print, metal and other industrial arts courses that served as a rite of passage for generations of men–are fast disappearing from the curricula of junior and senior high schools. “There is still a need for the skills taught in Industrial Arts courses, especially for our academically oriented students. Any person who owns a home should be able to repair a molding, fix an electrical plug or refinish a piece of furniture,” said Terence Garner, assistant superintendent of personnel for Dade County Public Schools.

Northmount’s recent Go-Kart club highlighted the need for some Industrial Arts skills to be made a part of the informal/extra-curricular curriculum. Most boys, if asked, would say Philips, Frearson, and Robertson were probably hockey players. They are not, those are all screwdriver types. Our students took great delight in learning how to properly swing a hammer, sink a nail, cut wood, and fashion a dock for the go-kart. The look on their faces and the numerous comments reflecting the joy of the moment resounded in statements like, “Is this great or what?” The grade eight students actually visited a shop, not only learning how to make a long board, but assisting in the construction of them. While we have always had an element of woodworking and shop in our Fine Arts classes and clubs, Northmount’s 2012 Gala will supply the school with some much needed hand and power tools for the students so as to increase this much needed competency and desired masculine experience. Perhaps for our era, the treasure that Mr. Twain speaks of rests in the hands of the students who will fashion their own adventures and fortunes from the skills, both academic and proficient, they learned as developing young men. If fortune favours the bold, then the expedition of the future is in the minds and hands of our students.

On March 28, 2012, The Apprenticeship Career Connections organization stated, “With 50% of the current tradespeople planning to retire in the next seven to ten years, by 2020 Canada is looking at a shortage of a million skilled workers.”

Dubbed the “pet lovers event of the season,” pet owners and wannabes, can tap the pool of knowledge from experts in health and nutrition, training and grooming, plus the latest trends in fashion, fun, safety and pet decor for these special extended members of the family.

The largest pet show of its kind in Canada – the All About Pets Show – will be held Easter weekend, Friday April 6th through Sunday April 8th, at the International Centre in Mississauga.

Whether you are into cute, furry and cuddly or cold-blooded, smooth and slithery or talkative, feathery and pretty, the All About Pets Show has something for you and your children.

Plus, don’t miss the Kids Play and Learn Zone  – new to the show this year.This Play and Learn Zone, designed to educate, exercise and entertain. In the Kids Play and Learn Zone, the Party Animal handlers introduce various animals such as an iguana, a chinchilla, a hedgehog and a parrot, giving children the opportunity to touch and learn about the animals they may otherwise never encounter. Reptiles, kept in tanks, are displayed as well as a puppy pen filled with Easter bunnies for the children to pet and cuddle. Animal activity and colouring sheets are also available for children to enjoy.

Also in the Kids Play and Learn Zone, a Tumblebus is open for children from crawling babies to ten years old. Tumblebus is a completely retrofitted school bus with full fitness centre, including monkey bars, zip lines and slides, to get children active, while having fun.

A face painter as well as ceramics for painting keep children amused, while parents browse the more than 150 booths, to see the latest in pet foods, rescue organizations, pet accessories, toys, treats, pet insurance, grooming products and more.

Returning by popular demand is the DoggieQ Fashion featuring the latest in outdoor and warm weather apparel in the newest technical materials, with rescue dog “models” strutting the catwalk for two fabulous shows daily. Primaloft coats, pocket rain gear, cooling jackets, latex disposable boots and sun protection shirts are just some of the stylish offerings at this year’s show provided by leading pet apparel designers and manufacturers. For fashion show organizer Ginger Langdon, the best part is that “many of the rescue animals are adopted following the show.”

Exciting features of the All About Pets Show include: Pet Valu Dog Demonstration Ring, World of Dogs breeders showcase, sponsored by Royal Canin; Parade of Breeds, sponsored by Royal Canin; Royal Canin Championship and Household Cat Show; Centre Stage; Pet Adoption Area; Grooming Showcase; Reptiles; and World of Birds.

While education and pet savvy shopping are hallmarks of the All About Pets Show, visitors won’t want to miss the daily features and entertainment.

The All About Pets Show, produced by Showtrends, is at the International Centre (6900 Airport Rd), from April 6-8. Admission: Adults $14; Seniors (60+) $10.00; Youths (6-17) $10.00; Children under 5 Free; Family pass (2 adults & 2 youths) $40. You can save $2 on an adult ticket online.

Show Hours: Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm. Regrettably, visitors are not allowed to bring their pets. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.allaboutpetsshow.com.

Photos Credits: Lawrence Ho

Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World currently on display at The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) closes Monday, April 9, 2012! This original exhibition vibrantly brings to life the Classic Period (250 – 900 CE) of this ancient Mesoamerican culture.

The exhibition is an international collaboration between the ROM, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC).

The Maya World explores the manners in which the people lived, farmed and hunted. It also establishes that the Maya succeeded so well for so long by working with, rather than against, their often challenging environment, using a wide variety of techniques to sustain the population. The Maya are encountered through a number of objects including a collection of evocative stucco human heads, as well as a number of remarkable artifacts depicting the region’s animals.

Nearly 250 artifacts have been assembled, including large sculptures, ceramics, masks, and jewellery, to illuminate the relationships between the Maya ruling class and the balance of its society. The objects also reveal numerous aspects of Maya life, which, until the end of the 19th century, had been shrouded in mystery. Maya city states, palace life, and rituals and beliefs, including a timely look at what they thought would occur in the year 2012, are all examined in the exhibition.

Most of the exhibition’s objects have been selected from numerous Mexican museums in the Yucatan Peninsula region where the Maya mainly live, while others are of the ROM’s own renowned holdings. Prominent institutions, including the British Museum, Princeton University Art Museum, and Toronto’s own Gardiner Museum have also loaned artifacts.

Many of the showcased objects have never before been seen in Canada, and many, some only recently excavated, are recognized as among the most significant archaeological finds of the Maya civilization.

Here are some of the artifacts you’ll see:

Lidded bowl depicting an iguana-jaguar slaying humans
Ceramic
Becán, Campeche, Mexico
Early Classic Period, (250-600 CE)
34 x 49.3 cm
Museo Arqueológico de Campeche Fuerte de San Miguel,
Mexico
10-568677 0/2
Photo Credit: CONACULTA – INAH, Jorge Pérez de Lara
Reproduction authorized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)

Lid of jar with a monkey and cacao pods
Ceramic
Toniná, Chiapas, Mexico
Late Classic Period (600-900 CE)
18.3 x 33 cm
Museo de Sitio Toniná, Mexico
10-569388
Photo credit: © CONACULTA-INAH, Jorge Vertiz
Reproduction authorized by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)

The exhibition takes a thematic approach through seven distinct sections: The Maya World, The City, Cosmology and Ritual, Writing and Timekeeping, The Palace, Death, and Collapse and Survival. Each area fully immerses the visitor in the Maya environment through significant artifacts and effective presentation techniques that dramatically recreate the environment in which the Maya lived. Shot on location in Mexico, numerous ROM-produced videos expand on integral themes including the deciphering of hieroglyphs; the Classic Maya cosmos; and the persistent mysteries surrounding the Maya Calendar Countdown to 2012.

This photos shows the Vista of the Palace – Archaeological Site of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. Late Classic Period 600-900 CE. Photo credit: Justin Jennings, 2011

Vista of the Temple of the Inscriptions – Archaeological Site of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico
Late Classic Period 600-900 CE
Photo credit: Justin Jennings, 2011

ROM exhibition curator Dr. Justin Jennings and ROM crew ascending the steps from Pakal’s tomb, located in the middle of the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque.
© Royal Ontario Museum, 2011

This Maya High Priest is a silent meeter and greeter! With no words, he interacts beautifully with ROM visitors.

Journey through the mysterious land of the ancient Maya at the Royal Ontario Museum and catch the world premiere of the landmark exhibition, Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World before it closes. Timed tickets to the exhibition are available at 30-minute intervals. The exhibit runs until April 9. For more detailed information on this exhibit, visit: www.rom.on.ca/maya.

All photos: © Royal Ontario Museum, 2012

This week, we made our very first visit to Canada Blooms at the Direct Energy Centre. It was a day filled with unique gardens, beautiful flowers, and a very special children’s playground.  Take a look at our photos.

Tips:

Plan to start the day early. By 11:30am it was quite busy.

The on-site playground by Bienenstocl Natural Playgrounds is fantastic. There is a rock wall to climb, two slides, a sand box, musical instruments, planting station, and craft table. The staff is friendly and my son spent an hour playing in the space. Because it is so enjoyable, I suggest browsing through the festival first, then making your way to the playground.

Bring a camera! Lots to see and inspire your own green thumb adventures.

There are a number of food options available but there is limited seating inside the festival hall. I suggest bringing or buying a lunch and eating in the Direct Energy foyer. There are tables and plenty of available seats, making lunch more manageable with kids.

There is a marketplace filed with many garden-themed vendors. I even spotted matching gardening gloves for kids and parents!

This year, Canada Blooms paired up with the National Home Show so you can visit both festivals with a single ticket. Children under 12 are free.

Direct Energy Centre is easily accessible via TTC, Go Train, and on-site parking is available.

Are you planning a visit to Canada Blooms? Is this an annual event for your family?

Are you trying to occupy your children while also trying to do your household duties like making nutritious meals? Why not get the kids in the kitchen helping you where you can teach them a few tricks of the trade, or even help them learn a few simple meals they can make with little or no supervision?

A few years ago, I found some cute ideas that I could do with my nephew, then just 4, while he was staying with us for a week.

• Smile Breakfast

Cook up some bacon, waffles or pancakes, and eggs (we had the most fun with sunny side up). Slice a banana up and put out some yogurt. Have the kids assemble the ‘Smiley Face’, using their waffle or pancake as their canvas. We put the bananas as eyes, egg nose, bacon smile, and fashioned a hairstyle out of yogurt. This balanced breakfast was fun to make and fun to eat!

• Banana Dogs

My kids loved doing this when we were camping! Open a hot dog bun and slather with peanut butter. Peel a banana and stick it inside. Leave it as is, or sweeten it up with some jam or honey.

• Turkey Roll-ups

The first time I saw this, it was actually at a wedding and everyone loved them! There are endless variations too, so just pick what your clan likes. Use a whole-wheat tortilla as the base and spread some mayo or mustard on it. Top with turkey, cheese, and lettuce. Roll it up and cut into 2″ slices.

• Kiddie Pizza

This is perfect for kids because they can put on their own toppings, and even make it themselves! Split an English muffin in two and spread some pizza or pasta sauce on it. Then, top with your favourite toppings; mine are salami, cherry tomatoes, onions, mozza and a bit of feta for fun! Finish it off by putting it under the broiler or in a toaster oven until the cheese melts.

• No Bake Cookies

When my nephew was here, we made a chocolate oatmeal concoction I found in my recipe book, but I’ve found so many on Pinterest, I can’t decide my favourite! Most of them require a few ingredients I usually have on hand, a few minutes on the stove-top, then dropping onto wax paper and chilling them for an hour.

Founder of CanadianNanny.ca, Martha Scully and her team have helped thousands of parents find childcare across Canada for over 10 years. In 2011 she added Adult/Senior/Elder Care, Housekeeping and Pet Care services to Canadiannanny.ca, giving families one place to find all their care needs. Just like other moms, in her spare time she is a taxi driver, teacher, cook and housekeeper to her two daughters, Sophie and Charlotte. She has been featured on CanadaAM, in Today’s Parent, the Globe & Mail, as well as being selected as the 2008 SavvyMom Entrepreneur of the Year. For more information, please visit www.canadiannanny.ca. To contact Martha, please email martha@canadiansitter.ca or phone 1-866-221-7918.

On Monday, we kicked off the start of March Break with an outing to Spring Fling at Rogers Centre. The week-long event is an indoor carnival with midway rides, games, and children’s entertainment. Here are a few of our photographs.

Tips:

Spring Fling runs March 10 – 16, 2012: 10am – 6pm. Plan to arrive early, as it gets very busy in the afternoon.

All-Day Ride Pass are $20.00 (for children 2 years and older).

There are a number of fast food vendors, but we always pack a lunch and snacks.

It is quite cold inside Rogers Centre. Not quite cool enough for a coat, but something to think about when dressing your kids in the morning.

There are hourly music performances and magic shows set on a small stage. Families are encouraged to sit in the bleachers, eat lunch, and watch the shows.

Many rides require adult accompaniment. My son is four years old and I needed to ride with him most of the time.

In addition to the midway rides, games, and shows, there are also various activity centres. For example, there is a Barbie play studio where children can play dress up and create their own dress designs, and a Reptilia display where children can pet various reptiles. Note the photograph above, my son was about to hold that snake!

There is underground parking across from Rogers Centre and Union Station is within walking distance.

Are you planning a visit to Spring Fling? What else do you have planned for March Break?

I have to admit that although I have seen all the Harry Potter movies (and loved them), I only have a rudimentary understanding of the Potter books. My daughters, on the other hand, are staunch Potter fans, having read every book and watched the movies many times over!

Last weekend, we had the chance to see ‘Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience,’ playing at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto.

Potted Potter is an off-the-wall yet witty two-man parody of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter novels. All 7 books are quirkily recapitulated in 70 minutes.

Performers and writers Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner amusingly depict many of the characters from the Potter series. Jeff is the Harry Potter expert and eagerly portrays the bespectacled Harry. Dan who is in complete disarray, muddily yet charmingly plays everyone else with the help of limitless wigs, hats, puppets, and crazy props … He spends much of the show explaining why he spent all the money set aside to employ 20 actors on the dragon in book “Four.” Thumbs up to these two talented and comical actors who deliver a high energy, quick-paced show (there is no intermission).

Be prepared for craziness with puppet creatures, outlandish gags, quick changes, silly accents, and amusing slapstick. And the audience participation proves wild, especially in an intense game of Quidditch.

The show is zany. We laughed the entire time. The scripts are clever and fresh, and the improvisations are fun. The show is absolutely recommended for Harry Potter fans – of all ages!

So if you’ve ever wanted to tackle the 7 Potter novels, save yourself the trouble and check out the whacky but utterly delightful Potted Potter! The show has now been extended until April 8, 2012.

Potted Potter was first seen in 2006, and is playing an international tour in 2012. Actors Dan and Jeff are best known for their TV appearances on CBBC and Blue Peter. They were nominated earlier this year for the prestigious Best Entertainment Olivier Award. For more info, visit: http://www.mirvish.com/shows/pottedpotter.

I wrote this post as a participant in the Eat Better, Eat Together Balancing Act blog carnival hosted by MealsMatter and Dairy Council of California to share ways families everywhere can make time for family meals that include foods from all the food groups. A list of other registered dietitians and moms who are participating in the Balancing Act blog carnival will be listed at the bottom of this post or can be found at MealsMatter.

Putting together healthy well balanced meals and eating as a family is a pretty big challenge for a lot of families these days with our full schedules and busy lives!  It can sometimes feel too hard or overwhelming especially when we strive for perfection.  I think perfection gets in the way of progress… I like to look at healthy eating as a series of baby steps and choices that eventually become habit.

Every family has a different dynamic and different priorities when it comes to striking a healthy food balance.  Some might focus on serving protein others might focus on dairy or getting whole grains into their family meals. In our house our biggest priority is to eat a rainbow of colorful fruits and vegetables!  A colorful diet is one of the best defenses against chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes so that is why it tops our list of healthy eating priorities.

By being aware of the colors we are eating it helps us be more mindful of our choices for meals and snacks.  For example snack time at our house always means a fruit or a vegetable…that is it!  Having a food rule like that makes it easier to get in our minimum 5 fruits and vegetables a day!  We also do our best to always have a colorful veggie with our lunch and dinners!

As far as getting a balanced meal together and enjoying it as a family we have a few things that we do around here:

1. PLAN: Our family gets together every Sunday and we plan our major meals for the week.  When meal planning we make an effort to include protein, produce and a grain in each meal. We all make suggestions and get to add our favorites then we make our shopping list based on our meal plan. We like to include our daughter in this weekly ritual because we feel it’s important that she learns that healthy eating is a choice and it takes some effort in order to make it easy to eat healthy during the busy week!

2. TEAM: As much as possible all three of us prepare dinners together.  Our daughter sets the table, fills our glasses with water, she is also in charge of washing produce and making salads.  She’s eight years old now and has been helping out since she was a toddler so it’s become a normal part of her day to help out in the kitchen.  By spreading the work load between the three of us making dinners isn’t that big of a task.  It’s also become a nice bit of family time where we’re all busy doing our jobs but also chatting about our day.  Passing on cooking skills is definitely something that lasts a lifetime and the sooner you get your kids into the kitchen the easier it becomes for them!

3. PREP: We like to make some meals a head of time and freeze them for the days when we know our schedule is more hectic and we won’t have time to actually cook!  This really helps us not have to resort to ordering take out or going out to a restaurant so it saves us money and we are in control of the ingredients in the food we eat which is important to us!

4. TALK: Since we are trying to raise our daughter to be mindful of her food choices we have had to learn what healthy eating looks like and how best to pass that on to her.  They say when you teach something it’s one of the best ways to learn and I’ve found that to be true!  Before my daughter came into our lives my husband and I were not healthy eaters at all!  So now we make sure we are always learning ways to improve our diet, finding new recipes etc…so that we can be good role models!  We are always talking about food and what makes something healthy or not.  When we are grocery shopping our daughter is usually quick to point out gimmicks that she says tries to trick people into thinking something is healthy when it actually isn’t! Ah such proud moments in parenting!

5. BALANCE: There are some days when all our best plans go to the wayside and we end up eating out or making something quick but I don’t beat myself up over it because I know that the majority of the time we eat great meals so I know our bodies can handle the occasional not so healthy meal!  The other thing to keep in mind is that life is all about about twists and turns and sometimes we just have to go with it and if that means that we have to grab a quick bite to eat on the way to piano lessons then that’s okay.  If life is getting too hectic with activities then it’s also okay to cut back a bit so that you can have the time to be together as a family and enjoy meals together! We all need to find our own comfort zone when it comes to balance! Just remember that healthy balanced eating does not have to mean perfection!!!  If you look at the food your family eats over the course of a week then it’s easier to see that one meal won’t make or break anything!  So be sure to give yourself a pat on the back if you are able to serve healthy meals most of the time!!

Preparing and eating meals together is something that brings families closer together.  If you make that a top priority for your family you will reap the rewards of that bonding time together.  One day when your children are all grown and living on their own you will have the memories of spending time together in the kitchen and around the table sharing a meal.  Hopefully our children will take those experiences and carry it on with their families!

For more nutrition tips and healthy recipes, visit: www.todayiatearainbow.com.

Happy Healthy Eating,
Kia

I have often arrived early for a shoot and found myself getting ready while the kids are eating or hanging out in the kitchen anticipating our session.  It is amazing that you can achieve such powerful images in such an unconventional space.  When you really think about it, however, as a child, the kitchen is a place where you relax but it is also a place that entices curiosity.  Photographing kids in the kitchen will bring back those memories of how big and adventurous the kitchen is in a child’s eyes.

Many kitchens will have amazing light sources.  Use it to your advantage or even use a telephoto lens to emphasize that window light.  Of course, a shoot in the morning is the best option for this subject matter.  I imagine a night shoot in the kitchen might seem a bit strange…

Kitchens are for eating, cooking and having fun.  Why not capture the experience?!  I was lucky in this case – the mom served raspberries.  That has got to be the most artsy and easy to photograph fruit there is when it comes to kids (it is safe to say that I recommend it).  If you premeditate a kitchen shoot with your kids, I recommend that you choose your food wisely.

Have fun, explore new perspectives.  Ordinary objects like tables, chairs and cupboards appear to be fascinating through the eyes of child.  The unconventional use of these objects will only make your images more interesting.

Depending on how you look at all of these objects, you will find that there are a lot of pleasing lines and designs based on your perspective.  Get down to their level and try to capture how this place used to be so big.

The results can be amazing, but only if the area is interpreted correctly.  Again, the idea is to emphasize a child’s perspective which will add to the feel of the images.  Use the available light to the best of your ability and try to avoid shooting at eye level.  Use the surrounding environment to your advantage and let your kids explore the space while you capture their fascination and curiosity.

If you have any questions regarding this post, send me an email at info@clearpixelimages.com, or visit my website at: www.clearpixelimages.com.

Our Simply Babies! photo sessions have been a favorite since Art Strollers was launched almost four years ago. The idea for the photoshoot was to offer parents great professional photography of their family, quality photography and a very pleasant time for all.

Why a group setting – well it takes away the pressure of a studio setting.
The photography style stays consistent – natural photography capturing the moment between parent and child. Andrew Taylor is our photographer for the series, his capture of light and emotion goes unparalleled. We keep the price point low ($55-125 per session) and participants get all good images taken during the session at their desired file size. We now have families joining us for the fourth year, they come every 6 months or every birthday. Some families have grown to two even three children during that time.

Private sessions are also available out of our studio at 9 Davies by Queen E./DVP. Private sessions are for mom groups, families or moms wanting a more custom shoot. The sessions are well organized, held in a modern comfortable open photography studio with the use of backdrops, natural or strobe lights. All shoots are done with the same care and professionalism as for corporate and advertising clients. Make-up is available for the moms.

When I founded Art Strollers I wanted to meet other like minded moms who enjoyed a cultural outing with their little ones. My career has been in photography working on the business and production side so the creation of Simply Babies! was a natural extension and it has been a pleasure to work with photographer Andrew Taylor in creating quality, professional photography in an art environment. The beauty of the set-up is that it is structured as a workshop – now it operate in two locations, the Art Square cafe in front of the AGO and the Art Barn School on Eglington/Yonge.

We are now thrilled to start our winter session of Simply Babies! Our next session is Sunday February 19th at Art Barn School and Sunday February 26th at the Art Square Gallery in front of the AGO.

Our goal at Art Strollers is to offer premium cultural outings for families – we extend that goal towards our photoshoot experience and product.

Click here to register.

Looking forward seeing you at the sessions and do not hesitate to contact me for more details about the Simply Babies! or the private sessions at veronika@artstrollers.com or 416-830-7335.

On Friday afternoon, I had a sneak peek at Harbourfont Centre’s World Stage production, Everything Under the Moon. The unique show tells the story of Idared, a honeybee, and Limbertwig, a little brown bat, as they set out together on a quest to save themselves and their species. The narrative unfolds through the use of projected images, hand-animated art, shadow puppets, and song.

The art work work is created by Toronto artist Shary Boyle, and includes both original drawings and cut-outs from vintage books from the 1950′s and 1960′s.  The song-based score is written by Winnipeg musician Christine Fellows and includes an array of musical instruments – xylophone, ukelele, cello, trumpet – all set on stage alongside vocalists.

What is most interesting about Everything Under the Moon, is that it’s both beautiful and whimsical, and makes you feel nostalgic for the past and hopeful for the future. Somehow, Boyle and Fellows make a story book come to life right before your eyes, and not with the use of 3D animation, computer graphics, or special effects. That seems almost magical.

Here are a few photos I snapped on Friday. The first two shots show a collection of overhead sheets and a projector used to reflect images on a large screen at the far back of the stage. Then, you can see Shary Boyle manipulate the images, and musician Ed Reifel warming up.

A few notes:

The show is considered appropriate for audiences of all ages, although Harbourfront Centre suggests the minimum age as 5. I actually recommend the performance for ages 8 and older.

Running time is 50 minutes with no intermission.

Performances will be held from February 18-23 at the Enwave Theatre and tickets are $15/$10 for children.

There is a Skate & Show package available for the February 19th or 20th performances, and cost $65. The package includes 2 adult + 2 children tickets to Everything Under the Moon, 4 skate rentals, and a $15 voucher for LakesideEATS. Visit Harbourfront Centre Box Office for details.

Finally, take advantage of the opportunity to have a conversation about the performance with your children. Prior to the show, talk about theatre etiquette and read through the program notes to make for a more engaging viewing experience. After the show, talk about what your children saw on stage (musicians, singers, instruments, puppets, projected images), and how all of these elements helped shape the performance narrative. Ask what they liked and didn’t like, and why. It is always interesting to hear what children find most interesting and inspiring.

This weekend, we attended an open house at the Model Railroad Club of Toronto (MRCT). The MRCT was founded in 1938 by Harry Ebert and Borden Lilley. The club was originally located in Harry Ebert’s basement, later moved to Toronto’s Union Station, and in January 1946, moved to 171 East Liberty Street, a former munitions factory.

On Sunday afternoon, the doors opened at noon and there was a line up for tickets. The crowd was full of kids, parents, and grandparents. It really was a perfect event for ‘young and old’. Here are a few photographs from our look inside the Club.

A few tips:

The MRCT is housed in a basement-like space. Therefore, strollers need to be left at the top of the stairs.

As the afternoon progressed, the Club became more crowded and difficult to navigate. Go early (noon was ideal).

Bring your own stepping stool. Since the railway layout is at the height of an adult’s waist , it’s difficult for children to see. There are a few benches for the children to stand on top of, but we found it much more useful to just bring our own stool from home. My son was able to view the layout from multiple vantage points.

There is a small snack bar and seating area (with a train video playing on a television).

Children are not allowed to touch the trains or tracks, which can be difficult for little ones. I suggest telling your kids about this rule prior to visiting the club.

Free parking is available on-site.

The Club will host three more open house dates: February 19, 20, and 26 from 12pm-4:30pm

Do you plan to visit the Model Railroad Club of Toronto Open House? Did you already attend? What did you think?

For the second session I registered my middle guy for the Tiny Tots program at the ROM. It is always such a great opportunity to spend time with him and to enjoy what the ROM has to offer.

During our first session we visited the dinosaurs – what a great way to start! We touched a T-Rex’s tooth, his claws and even a bone. Then we digged for some dinosaur bones, did some dinosaur puzzles and heard a dinosaur story. He absolutely loved it.

On another occasion we discovered underwater creatures with the highlight of touching the jaws of a shark including his teeth.

We tour the gallery before it is open to the public so it is nice and quiet – the best part is that there is something to learn for everyone.

This is a great complementary way to get more in depth with one of the best museums the city has to offer. For more info, visit: www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_kids/moms_tots.php.

Below are pictures of my little guy in the discovery room continuing his underwater animal adventure.

It often depends where this statement is announced and under which circumstances. Certainly, if it is coming from some course that a child is taking, then perhaps the lines of communication need to be opened between the teacher and the home. This is not necessarily what this article is about. Boredom is a natural state of the human mind, especially in children. It signifies a number of positive and negative thought patterns. Positively, it means that the mind has come to a fork in the road, where a major decision might be required, or the expanse of knowledge and experience has come to its logical and temporal conclusion. On the negative side, boredom identifies a lack of stimulation, inspiration, and the ability to self-engage and self-entertain. Whether it is a positive or negative situation, the ultimate result, for the student, would be to “snap out of it.” Boredom has at its root cause the decision making process and the ability to make choices in concert with others , and more importantly, by one’s self. The release of boredom is the exercise of freedom with responsibility.

Although it can never be found anywhere in the Ontario Curriculum as a defined competency, a comprehensive elementary education must include the explicit and implicit means by which children are taught to decide independently. The wonderful aspect at this level of instruction is that one’s decisions in the classroom really do not have long lasting effects; they might be incorrect answers or missteps, but this is how students learn to think for themselves. Our Language Arts program at Northmount School operates under one such paradigm: gradual release. It is the transfer of literacy from direct instruction with students not possessing the text, to text based inquiry, to group work, and eventual independent reading, but with the intellectual tools to discern meaning and examine a book deeper than its base plot lines. The same concept is easily transferable to some of the social abilities, conventions, and graces being taught in the home and at school.

Decision making also rests heavily upon the child’s ability to cope with adversity and crisis. While those two terms might have an extreme tone; boredom and its close cousin frustration, are aspects of the human condition children need to learn to deal with more independently. What an adult might regard as a crisis can be far different than that which a child might perceive. The grand mission of social education is to bring reasonable parity between the perceptions and choices of children and that of adults. Children who lack the ability to think for themselves and know they can always get an immediate rectification to their “crisis” are going to incur difficulty as adolescents and certainly as adults. Decisiveness is a declining quality of the early 21st century, and as it casts its shadow of doubt, incompetence, and irresponsibility many persons are damaged in its wake. The origin of the scourge of indecisiveness is the ability to stand behind one’s convictions an d choices and to wield thought as a means of freedom.

Decisive individuals have shaped the course of human history. When done with the aid of a moral compass, the results are spectacular, as in the case of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, dithering and indecisive leadership has been the ruin of many states and organizations, take for example the sovereignty debt crisis of Europe. Those macro decisions all had their genesis in the education and experience of the people who made them. If we wish our children to be informed, moral, and decisive persons; we must allow them to fail, make their own decisions, teach them how to assess risk, and not shy away from situations that are not always guaranteed. The easiness of the escape hatch or clause has perpetuated a disturbing social ethos that suggests anything can be gotten out of or easily quit. Education and parenting that fosters independence as an end goal will undoubtedly reverse the trend. Being bored is not a prerequisite to quitting, but an invitation to cope and attain success.

Manfred J. von Vulte, Deputy Headmaster

January is Family Literacy Month so it’s a great reminder for parents to encourage their kids to read. Some children are just natural-born readers but some just are not interested in picking up a book. We found a fun little game that will totally help kids to read, especially those who need a bit of encouragement.

uKloo is an early reader Treasure Hunt Game that sets kids up to follow the clues to a surprise. While playing the game, kids end up reading without even realizing it.

The game was developed by Doreen Dotto when her son was in grade two and struggling with reading. He wouldn’t sit still with books/hated phonics, and would literally hide when it came time to practice reading.She solved the problem by turning the tables and “hiding the reading”. This resulted in the creation of a reading “treasure hunt game” based on sight reading, (visual word recognition) and kinesthetic learning. He ended up having so much fun running around the house that he didn’t even realize that he was learning to read. Doreen also worked with educational advisors, parents and kids to develop the game. Interestingly, her son is currently in University studying – of all things – English Literature!

The Poster builds sight reading and introduces first research skills, along with offering the basics of sentence structure. The Cards provide word repetition for visual, word recognition, a physical activity, an alternative to books, a set of directions for the child to follow, and an opportunity for problem solving (which sink to look in?…which shoe? etc.)

This games is great for kinesthetic learners (often boys fall in this category). It also offers the opportunity for physical exericie – a great alternative to sitting still with a book or computer monitor, which some children cannot handle. Best of all, it’s fun! The kids are kept busy running around having such a great time that they don’t seem to realize that they are learning new words.

The game is parent driven. Parents can decide how many cards to use, which cards to use and can build on what type of surprise would be most suitable for the child and for their circumstance. It builds confidence and promotes independence in children.

uKloo has received many prestigious product awards such as Game of the Year – Early Reader Category from Creative Child; Best Vacation Product from Dr. Toy; the PAL Award from Play on Words as well as the Canadian Award of Excellence from Noise on Toys.

About the creator … Doreen is trained as a visual artist at the Ontario College of Art and Concordia University (MFA). She has worked as a specialized arts teacher for Harbourfront, Metro Separate School Board and TDSB.

She is the co-founder of the Art a la Carte Program at Norway Public School (10 years ago and which is still running). This is a special lunchtime art program open to any and all children who want to participate. She also developed Web Games for the Inventive Women/Inventive Kids Millennium Website project. In her spare time, she is a part time portrait photographer.

The game is suitable for: Beginner Readers, Young Readers, Reluctant Readers, ADHD Kids and Autistic Kids.

Suggested retail is $14.95.

For more information on uKloo or to purchase, visit: www.ukloo.com.

Over the holidays we enjoyed a week of skiing in Mont-Tremblant. We signed the boys up for a 4 day ski school.

It is our first time in Mont-Tremblant with the children and how wonderful to share this beautiful village and superb activity with them.

Both went down the mountain, learned some great ski techniques and met children from all over the world.

We got to enjoy the slopes and time with the boys.  Now back in Toronto, I researched all mountains and ski schools around the city.

In the end of December we drove up to Horseshoe Valley – at 1h30 minutes – albeit exhausting, can be done in one day.

The mountain is nice and quaint, perfect for practicing technique for someone with little experience as myself.  The ski school adapted well to the childrens needs and as the mountain is not too high, they had a chance to do a few runs with focus on various techniques.

Next week we are off to Blue Mountain – we will be there for 3 days. Looking forward to sharing the experience.  Now this does not have much to do with Art Strollers – but being in this superb winter environment does bring out a creative side to all of us – every night we would draw the best scene we saw on the mountain that day.

The quaint Village at Mont Tremblant.

For more information, visit: www.tremblant.ca.

As parents know all too well, planning the ultimate ‘it’ birthday party for your kids can be quite the daunting task.

Parents are always looking for original ideas to celebrate… Ever consider a chocolate-making party -  right in your home? No mess, no stress and tons of fun!

Kids love parties, and kids love candy, so hosting a children’s chocolate party is a unique and delectable way to celebrate a birthday!

ChocolateTales is a company that provides chocolate-making parties on the go. These one-of-a-kind parties take place  in your home, or anywhere else that suits you.

And you don’t have to don the chef’s apron. Your party is hosted by a chocolatier in traditional chef attire. They supply all the necessary equipment, a drop sheet to keep your home spotless, and all ingredients, including the finest, certified nut-free Belgium chocolate.

Imagine the excitement of the kids as the rich aroma of melting chocolate greets party guests at your door.  Mouths will be watering as they roll up their sleeves for a fun-filled and distinctly hands-on experience creating their own chocolate goodies.

Born out of a life-long love of chocolate, Chocolate Tales was founded by David Levy. Today, he and his team can talk knowledgeably to party guests of all ages about all things ‘chocolate’, with plenty of laughs and sampling along the way. “Our parties are as much about entertainment as they are about chocolate,” says Levy. “They bring friends and families together to be completely immersed in the fascinating world of chocolate, through taste, touch and story- telling.”

Teens can learn about the history of chocolate, the process of bean to bar, and how to tell good quality chocolate from bad.  They can have a blast dunking giant marshmallows into molten chocolate, make chocolate soufflés and create chocolate mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails), such as the Black Forest Martini.

Chocolate Tales offers a variety of age-appropriate party packages that represent good value and which will keep guests enthralled. The Chocolate Fun Factory, for example, elicits squeals of delight as little ones mix and decorate chocolate lava cakes, form and decorate chocolate truffles, create animal-head chocolate lollipops, make bonbons and more.

“Our chocolate-making parties are a hit with kids and teens because they get to do two things they love; have fun and eat chocolate,” says David Levy of Chocolate Tales.  “Parents love them too, because they don’t have to manage the party, cook, or clean up a mess – we guarantee it”.

Guests also get to take their creations home which are beautifully wrapped and boxed up with ribbon (unless they are all eaten up first!)

Whatever your needs, Chocolate Tales will work with you to design a unique and very special event.  “If you want to create something truly memorable for your child,” says Levy.  “Chocolate and parties make a pretty powerful combination.”

For more information on ChocolateTales parties, visit: www.chocolatetales.ca.

With winter in full swing, many kids will be enjoying activities like skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, hockey, and skating. But before hitting the slopes and the ice this year, parents need to know one key thing: helmets save lives and according to Safe Kids Canada, they can reduce head injuries by 85%.

As a mom of two competitive figure skaters, I know all to well about the dangers of head injuries associated with sports. Sadly, we’ve had our share of ‘serious bumps’ on the head and more recently my eldest daughter suffered a minor concussion due to a bad fall. Unfortunately, figure skating is just one of those sports where you can’t wear a helmet but when my girls ride their bikes or ski, they absolutely wear them!

Last year, I stumbled upon a company called Tail Wags, who designs and creates helmet covers and I just fell in love with the concept. Imagine, an adorable, fun fleece cover to jazz up those otherwise ‘unattractive’ helmets.
Karyn Climans is the entrepreneurial spirit behind Tail Wags Helmet Covers, and now devotes herself to encouraging children and adults to wear their safety helmets. Made of the finest workmanship and quality, these helmet covers are so fun for kids!

Today, there are some 40 animal characters to choose from and Tail Wags are sold both
online and in stores throughout North America and overseas.

Adults are equally encouraged to wear their helmets and can also dress them up!

Even this extreme snowboarder is showing off his ‘Tail Wags’ helmet cover!
This ‘skull’ theme design completes the look don’t you think?

The company was named Tail Wags in order to celebrate the swinging action of the helmet cover’s tail while the wearer is out riding, skating, skiing – being active, and having fun!

Tail Wags was established in January 2006. Initially working out of her basement, Karyn started Tail Wags with 6 different helmet covers: the Red Devil, Beaver, Leopard, Bunny Rabbit, Zebra and Raccoon. These are still some of her best sellers!

And, have a look at some of these really cute designs:

Years ago, Karyn suffered a serious ski accident.  She was lucky to be wearing her ski helmet because it saved her life! The foremost goal of her company is to help prevent unnecessary injuries and it is her passion for safety awareness along with her imaginative flair, which are the key ingredients for Tail Wags’ success. You may also be interested in Karyn’s new helmet safety campaign “Mother Against Naked Riding“, to ensure kids wear their helmets when playing sports!

For more information on Tail Wags Helmet Covers, visit: www.tail-wags.com.

CIBC LunarFest, the celebration of the Lunar New Year, will be held at the Harbourfront Centre from Friday, Jan. 20 through Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. CIBC LunarFest is Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture, and this year’s festival, celebrating the dawn of the Year of the Dragon, will be centred on the theme of “Treasures of the Sea.”

The festival’s centrepiece will be a giant Lantern Aquarium. Inside, a variety of exhibitions of traditional and contemporary arts created by some of Taiwan’s foremost artisans explore the world under the sea.

CIBC LunarFest also offers a range of activities for the entire family: games, crafts, theatre, skating, holiday culinary options and much more! The event is FREE.

Get a detailed listing of all activities, and check out more spectacular event photos below…
Back in November, a call for submissions went out to kids for creative expressions on the theme of “The Treasures of the Sea.” Kids were invite to download a template to create a sea creature from their imagination. Hundreds of children who submitted their drawings on the festival’s theme of “Treasures of the Sea” will recognize their own work inside the Aquarium.

Here are some of the activities planned at the Festival:

PERFORMANCE
The Boy, the Shark and the Sea: A Puppet Show by the Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company
Sat. Jan 21 and Sun. Jan 22 from 2-3 p.m. and 5-6 p.m.
Based in Taiwan, the Taiyuan Puppet Theatre Company finds new and creative ways to enhance the traditional art of puppetry, and has performed around the world. This production, which features lessons about our interactions with the natural environment, tells the story of a boy, his tarot-root-doppelganger, a friendly shark and the community around them. Audiences will have a chance to interact with the puppets and puppeteers after each performance.

CRAFTS
Lunar Kids Workshops
Sat. Jan 20-Tues. Jan 24 from noon-8 p.m.
A range of workshops will get the whole family involved in Lunar New Year traditions. Experience the magic of lantern-making, paper-cutting, traditional couplet-making and many more fun-filled activities.

GAMES
Lunar Kids Game Station
Sat. Jan 21-Sun. Jan 22 from noon-8 p.m., Mon. Jan 23-Tues. Jan 24 from 12-8 p.m.
A variety of fun and unique games tied into the celebration. Find out what’s in store for your Year of the Dragon in the Fortune Teller Game, test your knowledge of the sea in the Red Envelope Game, and give your brain a tease in the Memory Game. Stop by the vendor booth to sample Lunar New Year cuisine (food vendor will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Mon. and Tues. Jan 23 and 24).

SKATING
The Natrel® Rink
Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 11 p.m.
Enjoy Toronto’s favourite artificially-cooled outdoor rink while skating to music and taking in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. On-site skate rentals, change rooms, rental lockers and skate sharpening are all available.

Lunar Skate
Sat. Jan 21 from 8-11 p.m. (Natrel® Rink)
Part of Harbourfront Centre’s DJ Skate series, the Lunar Skate party will feature lanterns, skating activities, music and more.

For more information, visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com, www.lunarfest.org or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000.

Opening Ceremonies

Coral Castle and Paper FantaSea

Ocean Heart

Kids may recognize some of the art they submitted

LunarFest Procession & Shadow Puppetry Showcase

Children’s activities

Photos courtesy of LunarFest.org

Every year, my family and I eagerly anticipate one special holiday event: seeing a Ross Petty show at the Elgin Theatre.

We love panto! Pantomime takes familiar fairy tales and children’s stories (past productions have included Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White, Peter Pan), and injects them with hit music, contemporary references and audience participation to create raucous, wacky entertainment that’s fun for everyone in the family.

The Wizard of Oz, Ross Petty’s latest over-the-top family musical does not disappoint. Right from the start, you know that Ross Petty, along-side a cast of talented Canadian artists, is aiming for something more than a charming classic family tale!

A Toronto blizzard sweeps Dorothy and Toto (and a couple of TTC Streetcars) to a far-away land – the land of Oz – Australia to be exact. She, along with the lion, the scarecrow and the tin man, embark on a journey of full of zaniness as they search for the Wizard, who can help Dorothy find her way back home. The lion hopes to find courage while the scarecrow is looking for a brain, and the tin man a heart. But first, they must escape the Wicked Witch of the West who is in pursuit of Dorothy’s ruby slippers. Of course there are some twists and turns along the way as this quirky version diverges from the classic tale.

Happily, it all works. The Wizard of Oz plugs in enough pop tunes, ad-libs, parodies, and cheeky humour keeping the grown-ups just as entertained as the kids! Don’t expect to hear the usual ‘over the rainbow’ stuff as Dorothy and her buddies boogie their way down the Yellow Brick Road singing “Won’t you take me to Funky Town?”.

The cast is outstanding:

Elicia  Mackenzie (Maria in THE SOUND OF MUSIC – Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre and ROCK OF AGES – Royal Alexandra Theatre) plays a modern-day Dorothy. Quebec’s Yvan Pedneault (also from ROCK OF AGES) plays the flashy role of the Tin Man. He was also one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men in the 2009 Ross Petty production.

The hilarious Dan Chameroy (of Stratford Festival fame) reprises his signature role of Plumbum von Botox, and in my opinion, steals the show! Plumbum made her first appearance and was brilliant as one of Cinderella’s Ugly Stepsisters. She then migrated to Maid Marion’s guardian in Sherwood Forest, and now transforms into Dorothy’s aunt. We’ve loved her every step of the way!

Ross Petty = BOOOOOOOOOO! The usual baddie and guy/girl we love to hate – appears as the Wicked Witch of the West. With the ruby-red slippers in her possession, her dreams of world domination will finally be fulfilled.

The sweet Jessica Holmes (CBC-TV’s ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE) plays the Good Witch Splenda to perfection!

Stratford Festival’s Steve Ross is the Cowardly Lion; the Shaw Festival’s Kyle Blair portrays the Scarecrow and fan-favourite Eddie Glen is the Wizard himself.

And kudos to Toto (played by Hauli) for being such a well-behaved dog!

The Wizard of Oz is full of wit and fun. The filmed commercials highlighting this year’s sponsors (Sears, The Fairmont Royal York, Lowes, The Toronto Star and P & G) are hysterical.

Join in as the crowd cheers loudly for the heros/heroine, and boos and jeers the villain. It isn’t often kids can scream as loud as they want to at the theatre… The Wizard of Oz should be at the top of your list of holiday activities for the entire family!

The show runs at the Elgin Theatre until January 6, 2012. For more information and tickets, visit www.rosspetty.com.

On Saturday we visited the Toronto Christmas Market (December 3-18) in the Distillery District. Once forgotten, but rich with history, the Distillery is now a vibrant arts and culture spot that has revived the neighbourhood east of Parliament and south of Front Street.

The Christmas Market was beautiful and enchanting – Santa’s Lane, a carousel and ferris wheel, carollers, story tellers, brass bands, elves leaping through the cobble stone streets, twinkling lights, European food vendors, and a 45 foot Christmas tree trimmed with 18,000 lights.

Take a look at our photos.

Tips:

Dress appropriately for cold weather and outdoor activities.

Plan to visit early, the Market was very busy in the afternoon. Longer lines and much more difficult to push a stroller through the cobble-stone streets.

There are plenty of children’s activities – Forest Maze, Santa’s House, arts and crafts, story time, and the carousel and ferris wheel.

Pack snacks and plan ahead for meal time. We decided to eat lunch in a cafe instead of picking up food from the outdoor vendors. Most cafes were busy, but it was a nice break being inside, seated, and warm.

Bring your camera. The Market is such a unique place and quite beautiful with all of the Christmas decor and lighting. There are plenty of opportunities to capture special moments (like this photograph below -  my son taking his very first bite of cotton candy).

Are you planning to visit the Toronto Christmas Market?

Battery Free, Assembly Free, Headache Free Toys for the Holidays

With all of the excitement around finding the perfect children’s gift, parents are hoping that relatives will consider seeking out the quieter less stressful toys for the holidays, including battery-less and assembly free options. Parent Tested Parent Approved has narrowed down the list of options for shoppers.

“The disappointment in my child’s eyes after having opened a gift that will require at least an hour of assembly is simply to much”

As friends and family rush through stores desperately seeking the latest and greatest toy for the holidays, PTPA Media (Parent Tested Parent Approved) took the opportunity to poll families on what they really want for their children for holiday gifts. An astounding 73% of parents polled hoped that their children would receive gifts for the holidays that required no batteries and no assembly.

“The disappointment in my child’s eyes after having opened a gift that will require at least an hour of assembly is simply too much, it’s disappointing to him and stressful for me” said one mom. “The endless money that I spend on batteries is draining” said another.

The conclusion? A list of the top products as tested and approved by parents to be stress free and headache free for the holidays.

1. Lubies: Adorable, huggable, and tossable ball-shaped animals for kids 3 – 6.
2. Ultimate MASTERMIND: An opportunity for children 8+ to switch their deduction and strategy skills into high gear
3. Perplexus Epic: a challenging, hot toy they can play with on their own or with others,
4. BrickStix: Kids love LEGO or other building bricks? They’ll love these reusable brick stickers
5. Personalized Growth Charts: Look Who’s Growing lets you personalize these keepsakes online
6. Zylie the Bear: They can dress-up this huggable bear from their favorite book series
7. Too Many Monkeys: They’ll need to chase away the pranksters to get Primo the monkey to bed
8. Puppet Theatre Play Set: This book, stage and finger puppet set will quell their fear of the dark
9. Tetris® Link™: A classic made into a new tabletop game for ages 6+
10.Break Open Real Geodes – Ultimate Kit: Do they love rocks and discovery? They’ll love this!

For more suggestions on stress free games, please visit the PTPA Media Web site. With these tips, you will be the favorite relative with a guaranteed repeat invitation for the holidays next year.

ABOUT SHARON VINDERINE and PTPA MEDIA

As founder and CEO of PTPA Media, Sharon Vinderine has a passion for finding the best products on the market for families. She created PTPA in 2007 based on the principle that the most valuable factor for consumers when making a purchasing decision is the opinion of their peers. Accordingly, each month, more than 100,000 parents visit PTPA monthly to make informed and educated decisions for their families.

Over 40,000 families in the U.S. and Canada voluntarily test products for PTPA and provide their feedback through detailed evaluations. Vinderine is sought after by the media and has appeared on dozens of television shows, including ABC, NBC and FOX News. Vinderine has been invited to feature the PTPA Media winning products on The Rachael Ray Show, Fox & Friends, WGN Chicago, South Florida Today, Fox 25 and Canada AM. She received her Double Honors degree from York University in Toronto and continues leading her two successful companies –PTPA Media and Small Made Simple — from Toronto, Canada, where she resides with her family.

For more information, visit http://www.ptpamedia.com.

Holiday Baking is a much anticipated family tradition and it’s a great activity to do with your kids. Besides being fun – it’s also a good way to introduce some simple math concepts to your children. And decorating your treats lets kids explore their creativity.

But sometimes, with busy schedules, we just don’t have the time to bake…

There are so many holiday treats you can make that really don’t require much time or baking. So grab your up and coming chefs and make some of these dazzling holiday treats.

Here are some super easy and fun recipes I found… sure to please children and grown-ups alike!

The cute snowmen pictured above are super easy to make. You can dress up store-bought or homemade cupcakes with sugars and candy, and transform them into these adorable seasonal cupcakes. More info…

These Crunchy Snowmen are as much fun for kids to make then they are to eat! More info…

A quick and easy treat to make is to dress up some marshmallows with holiday sprinkles and candy. Find some fancy straws and you’re all set. Use clear lollipop cello wrappers to dress them up and send them to school. More info…

Here’s another take on a marshmallow treat. This one’s dipped in chocolate with pretzels used for the antlers. Use candy for the eyes and nose. So cute! More info…

Not sure if you can find Nutter Butter Cookies in Canada to make these reindeer cookies but I found them to be irresistible.  Perhaps there are cookies that have a similar shape that you can use. This would be an easy project for toddlers to make. More info…

A favourite of kids of all ages, these no-bake crispy rice cereal treats can be dressed-up for the holidays. Use cookie cutters, coloured food gel, and holiday-themed sprinkles. The kids will enjoy helping with this one, but be prepared for a sticky mess!  More info…

Here’s another Rice Krispies treat along the same theme … this is a tree ornament. Provide the kids with all kinds of sprinkles, candy and icing and let their imagination take over. More info…

These stand up Christmas tree treats are super easy to make. Each tree is made from one already-made Rice Krispie Square, so it takes only 2 minutes to make. So decorating the trees becomes the amusing activity for the kids. And the stick makes it really fun to eat! More info…

Looking for original, practical and eco-friendly holiday gift ideas? Look no further!

FENIGO.com is a Canadian online company that offers everything for a litter-less lunch. They have competitive prices and one the best selection of litter-less lunch products in Canada! What’s more is that everything available on FENIGO.com is safe – even the products made of plastic.

All products are BPA, PVC, Phthalate and Lead-free, which gives  you the re-assurance that any product you chose for your child, will be completely safe!

Here are my top pick for fun, stylish, appetizing, and litter-less holiday products for kids (and grown-ups)!

The Dabba Walla Backpacks (also shown above) is designed for the littliest of adventurers. Crafted entirely from a versatile, durable, neoprene-like fabric that cushions, protects and insulates. Inside adjustable straps grow with the child or can be pulled tight when carrying the bags as a tote using the sturdy handle. Two inside mesh pockets provide a convenient way to stash and separate gear. Ideal for carrying lunch and gear to pre-school, daily excursions and overnight outings. $39.97. Find out more…

The Too Cool for Ears Goodbyn™ is a lunchbox designed with five compartments perfectly sized to keep kids’ lunches from spilling, sloshing or mixing. Sandwiches won’t taste like their banana and chips won’t co-mingle with their cookies! Comes with 2 sheets of stickers so kids can decorate their boxes.

The Too Cool for Ears Goodbyn™  is Top-drawer Dishwasher-safe, 100 % Recyclable and BPA-free, phthalates-free, lead-free. $29.97. Find out more…

SnackTAXIs are a great alternative to plastic bags and wraps, especially when just one reusable bag has the potential to eliminate an average of 1000 plastic bags over its lifetime! snackTAXIs are lined with coated nylon, and can be machine washed and dried, or simply wiped clean with a damp sponge. The snack-sack neatly fits rice cakes, pretzels or corn chips, and is equally good for carrot or celery sticks! $7.97. Find out more…

Vivo Melanine Tiffin Sets are stacking melanine food boxes for colourful lunches on the go! They are crafted from durable melamine, with layered sections that stack and latch together . The metal handle makes it easy to carry the bundled sections and pieces are dishwasher safe for super easy care  $22.97 to $39.97. Available in kids and adult sizes. Find out more…

Sistema Klip It Containers are efficient with easy opening locking clips plus rubberised seal to ensure food stays fresh longer. All containers are manufactured using FDA approved 100% lead free virgin materials. Available in sandwich, breakfast, lunch, and salad sizes. $5.47 to $17.97. Find out more…

Laptop Lunch Bento Sets are American-style bento boxes designed to help families pack nutritious, environment-friendly lunches for school, work, and travel. These sustainable lunch containers–which come with a book of healthy lunch ideas and lunchmaking recipes–are reusable, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. Various colours available. $34.97. Find out more…

And to tuck away your bento box, take a look at these Laptop Lunches Bento Sleeves, designed to keep food cold! This bento sleeve is ideal for carrying the Laptop Lunch Bento Set or similar containers in your backpack, brief case, or travel bag. $14.97. Find out more..,

So shop online for your gift-giving this holiday season. FENIGO.com offers a FLAT RATE SHIPPING within Canada: $7.77 + tax per order. You can also visit their store location in Waterloo, Ontario. Find store hours and location here.

In this electronic age, there are so many cool ways that kids can connect with Santa during the holidays. While kids can still send letters the traditional way to Santa’s Post Office at: North Pole H0H 0H0 CANADA, here are other ways you can get in touch with the man in red…

Email Santa

You can write to Santa electronically. Emails are answered in English and French. Here’s the form that will get your mail straight to Santa! www.canadapost.ca/dec/santa/writesanta/emailform-e.asp

Disney’s Santa List

Upload your child’s name and photo on this fun Disney website and receive a personalized video message back from Santa! http://family.go.com/santaslist

Smilebox’s Dear Santa Video Card

We love Smilebox! It’s such a great website to share photos by creating slideshows, greeting cards, collages, scrapbooks and more! It’s no wonder the site also allows kids to create custom letters to Santa with a video message or photo. Then email your letter to get a reply back from Santa! www.smilebox.com/offers/santa-letter

Write to Santa at Mackenzie House

Want a more traditional activity? Send the kids to Mackenzie House (part of Toronto’s Historic Museums) to write a letter to Santa Claus! Until Saturday, December 24 – Tuesday to Friday: 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday: 12 to 5 p.m. Please note: December 24, 12 to 3 p.m. Children love writing to Santa Claus to tell him about their Christmas wish lists. Write a personal message to Santa on a card that has been printed on an 1845 printing press. Drop the wish card into the magic post box and it will be mailed for you. Included with admission. 82 Bond Street, 416-392-6915. www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/christmas-events

Once you’ve sent your mail to Santa, you can start to keep tabs on him through NORAD. NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) is the official Santa Tracker. By using high-tech systems, this site follows Santa’s whereabouts as he delivers presents to children around the world. You can find out about Santa’s whereabouts, every 5 minutes, starting on December 1st.  www.noradsanta.org.

Who didn’t grow up loving the Addams Family? Yes, they’re sinister and odd but you can’t deny the fact that they’re amusing and so entertaining! The ‘death obsessed’ family makes its Canadian debut in an all new musical which opened at the Toronto Centre of the Performing Arts last Thursday (on November 16).

The show is largely based on the characters created by Charles Addams and hit television series about a very strange and bizarre family with father and mother, Gomez and Morticia Addams, their son and daughter Pugsley and Wednesday, a wacky Grandma, the outrageous Uncle Fester, and a rumbling Frankenstein-like servant named Lurch.

In this updated version, Wednesday has fallen in love with a ‘normal’ boy, Lucas, much to her parents’ dismay. Nevertheless, Gomez and Morticia agree to play host to Lucas’s mother and father in the Addams family haunted home, inviting them to a dinner party and promising to act normal for the sake of their daughter. The famously macabre Addams Family is put to the test during a night that will forever change their lives!

The show opens with the familiar theme song from the 1960’s television series, which serves as the overture… and the audience happily snaps its fingers along.  There are even cameo appearances by “Cousin It” (the walking hair mound) and “Thing” (the enigmatic hand)!!

The show was delightful, wonderfully sung and well acted, and as dark as this family might be, this musical was a joy to watch! Hysterical and laugh-out-loud funny, we chuckled through many zany and witty moments!

The Addams Family is one of those feel good comedy musicals. It brought me back to my childhood and everything was amazing – from the cast, to the props and sets, special effects and the music. The choreography was fabulous and the costumes stunning. The show was well-scripted; but that’s what one would expect from the two outstanding writers, Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, who also wrote the script for Jersey Boys (another show I loved!).

It’s the last week to catch the Addams Family – The Musical … The show closes November 27. So don’t miss it; it promises to be an evil yet fun and exciting night at the theatre! For more info, visit: www.dancaptickets.com/pages/addams.

Photo Credits – All photos by Jeremy Daniel

Intro photo (top) – (l to r) Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley), Pippa Pearthree (Grandma), Sara Gettelfinger (Morticia), Douglas Sills (Gomez), Tom Corbeil (Lurch), Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Blake Hammond (Uncle Fester) in THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

(l to r) Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley) in THE ADDAMS
FAMILY.

The Ancestors of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

The Company of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

On the weekend, we visited the Toronto Christmas Train Show and the Toy and Doll Collectors’ Show at the International Centre in Mississauga. The Train show featured 70,000 square feet of tracks, exhibits, and even clinics demonstrating how to build layouts and scenery. Vendors showcased toy trains (Thomas!), model engines (surprisingly quite expensive), paraphernalia (train tickets from the 1940′s, vintage track maps), DVDs, and picture books.

A train enthusiast’s dream come true (my little boy and his grandfather had a wonderful time), the event was a unique outing for the entire family. Take a look at our photos:

Later in the day, we made our way to the Toy & Doll Collectors’ Show. Dealers featured classic tin toys from the 1950′s, Barbie dolls, matchbox cars, and rare collectibles from as far away as Japan.

Feeling nostalgic for childhood, we made our way through the show and even made a few special purchases. Take a look at our photos:

The big question that arises during this time of the year surrounds the existence of Santa Claus. Is he real? At York University, I had taken a philosophy course which surveyed the preeminent minds in the field. One of them, Kierkegaard, had some particularly intriguing theories regarding faith. He suggested that, “Faith was like taking a giant leap and trusting the outcome will be what we have staked all of our emotions and beliefs upon, and will ultimately come true.” Santa Claus is such a leap of faith. My problem has been identifying the real Santa, he seems to be everywhere. The other day, I asked my class, “How do you know the real Santa?” Responses surrounding his authenticity included the tell-tale beard, and his outfit, and some brought up his actual age. Surprisingly, when asked if Santa was a genuine being, the majority of the grade fives said yes. They added that he was, of course, St. Nicholas. So who was St. Nicholas?
Read Entire Article

According to numerous sources, St. Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time, the region had belonged to the Greeks, but in present-day, on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young.   Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He had dedicated his life to serving God. Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those struggling, his love for children, and his concern for sailors. Then Emperor of Rome sent him to prison and tortured him and other early Christians. After his release, he attended the pivotal Council of Nicea and died on December 6 (December 19 of the Julian calendar.) His popularity spread during the Middle Ages. He was venerated in Sicily, Greece, France, and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and Netherlands. Nicholas was so widely venerated that more than 2,000 churches were named for him, including 300 in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands, and more than four hundred in England. Many miracles and spiritual happenings were attributed to St. Nicholas. So where does Santa Claus evolve out of this beloved Saint?

As early as 1773, the name appeared in the American press as “St. A. Claus,” but it was the author Washington Irving who gave the first detailed information about a Dutch version of St. Nicholas. In his History of New York (1809), under the pseudonym Dietrich Knickerbocker, Irving described the arrival of the saint on horseback (unaccompanied by Black Peter) each Eve of St. Nicholas. The Dutch-American Saint Nick achieved his fully Americanised form in 1823, in the poem A Visit from Saint Nicholas, more commonly known as The Night Before Christmas by writer Clement Clarke Moore. Moore included the following details: the names of the reindeer, Santa’s laugh, winks, and nods; and the method by which Saint Nicholas, referred to as an elf, returned to his sleigh, up the chimney. (Moore wrote, “He laid his finger aside his nose.” A reference to the technique, which was drawn directly from Irving’s 1809 description.)

The American image of Santa Claus was further elaborated upon by illustrator Thomas Nast, who depicted a rotund Santa from the 1860′s to the 1880′s. Nast added such details as Santa`s workshop at the North Pole and Santa`s list of the good and bad children of the world. A human-sized version of Santa Claus, rather than the elf of Moore’s poem, was depicted in a series of Coca-Cola advertisements introduced in 1931, that ushered in the iconic red suit. In modern versions of the Santa Claus legend, only his toyshop workers were elves. Rudolph, the ninth reindeer, with a red a shiny nose, was invented in 1939 by an advertising writer for the Montgomery Ward Company. Like other pacification of European nursery rhymes, Santa Claus left his Old World companion across the Atlantic, the much feared Black Peter, or as he was known in Germany, Klaubauf, Krampus, Grampus, or Bartel. According to lore, St. Nicholas sent naughty children to him to be thrown in a duffle bag, then beaten by a stick, or at least, be given lumps of coal instead of gifts.

Central questions in philosophy deal with reality. What is real? Philip K. Dick wrote, “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” So, when some do not believe in Santa Claus, why does he not go away? He must be real. Reality is all an interpretation. If we believe Santa Claus is real, or was real, or might be real in human or spirit form, then the actual existence of this beloved being must be so. Christ spoke about the innocence of children and how we must be like them to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Is this leap of faith the true innocence and hope, which might be central to our salvation as a people? So to quote the famous editorial page from the New York Sun in 1897, “Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus!”

Manfred J. von Vulte
Deputy Headmaster

“We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Students will go through three distinct phases of education that “the system” will provide for them. Elementary school, secondary school, and for many, some type of post-secondary school experience is the path they will travel. It is intriguing and perhaps a sign of conscious/unconscious planning for the future that many students will ask of their teachers two rather poignant questions. What did you want to be when you were growing up? Which schools did you go to? These questions hit an array of personal and reflective categories such as: notions of success, setbacks, regrets, reflections, and opinions, which the teacher as a role-model should be prepared to answer. The engaging teacher will reveal certain truths and avoid qualifying decisions that might skew a child’s own creativity in the genesis of the pupil’s initial thoughts regarding life, school, and career. I often begin with the words of a good friend of mine, Alvin Sumilung, an Engineer, who stated, “If you are doing what you love, you never have to work a day in your life.” Surveying the faces of the class following this phrase is fascinating because they range from sheer joy to absolute confusion. As the teacher, it must of course be placed into context through the obvious admissions that there will be both good and bad days, but in the grand picture, the career and the life crafted around it, through it, and by it, is the key message.

Questions of life planning, education, and career appear to be quite innocuous, but they have a high level of retention in the internal memory of children. Thus, an educator should never prejudice certain careers or schools, so that in keeping with the joyful parameters of elementary education; the doors of life remain open, in their entirety, for as long as possible. There is certainly a deliberate and explicit desire of parents to have their children attain a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences education in secondary school that will lead them to university. This is a good thing, as it keeps the bar of excellence at its highest pinnacle. Often one sees the catchy classroom phrase, “Always reach for the stars.” I often think advertising guru Leo Burnett’s addendum of “You may not quite get one, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either”, might be a worthwhile addition. Developing from these early conversations in elementary school and the desires of parents for a university education for their children creates an unusual paradox. While everyone is onboard with the delightful building of virtue, competencies, and foundations, in elementary school, a divide is beginning to occur at the next level.

Two incontrovertible realities arise by the eleventh grade, but surely tell-tale signs arose in previous years. Your child has independent ideas regarding a career and they might not be able to handle an academic path toward university. Now comes the crossroads decision, similar to that of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson and his Faustian deal. Do you ask them to stay the course, or explore alternatives together that might prepare them better for a college or apprentice based post-secondary reality? Sadly, most choose the former. They will, with the fullness of time, come to know that getting into university and remaining there are two totally different dynamics. How is this related to the elementary school experience? It is precisely so due to the development of attitudes, questioning, and initial reasoning regarding the future. North American society has, to its detriment, attached social status to a cookie cutter perception of success, as defined as being, a professional with a university career. A laudable goal to be sure, that beckons students and their parents toward its siren like song, but sadly dashes many against the rocks of pressure, expectation, and ability. Children need to know that there is a marvelous dignity in all work, and it is the manifestation of their talents that makes it so within a career of their construction. The last thing we want for our children is for them to have a job.

Genuine pride, love, and dedication to one’s craft, through the maximization of intelligence and talents are what surely we aspire for all of our children. The advantages we provide for them in life are there to fashion their futures and define the life we wish for them. Part of that continuous paradigm is their perception of the process, and their participatory role within it. For the first stage of education, they are at the bow of the boat, staring wondrously, while you navigate the waters; but eventually, they too, will want to take hold of the ship’s wheel. The boundless dialogue, couched in opportunity and perception, will be, if you have an ocean of opportunity for them to sail on, or a narrow stream.

“Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Manfred J. von Vulte
Deputy Headmaster

Preschool’s newest friend and TVO Kids hit lands on DVD this fall, as the first installment of the animated series Wibbly Pig -  Wibbly Pig: Playtime with Wibbly releases on November 22.

Based on the hugely successful children’s books by Mick Inkpen, which sold over 2.2 million copies worldwide, Wibbly Pig is a preschool series where we see Wibbly’s stories unfold step by step all in a way designed to engage children and make them feel involved in the adventure.

Wibbly Pig fosters age appropriate learning including early academics, social skills and imaginative play – echoing the way children interact as Wibbly moves between day to day activities and his fantasy world.

Enjoyed by children and their parents alike, Wibbly Pig was nominated for a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Voice Over Role last year.

The DVD is ideal for 2-5 year olds.

You can also view some clips here – http://www.tvokids.com/shows/wibblypig.

SEEKING FUN AND ENERGETIC CONTESTANTS FOR A NEW GAME SHOW

A new television game show is looking for participants.

We are looking for fun, adventurous, energetic, and outgoing people with minimal TV experience. You can compete alone or grab a partner and compete as a team.

We are looking for non-union participants that are all shapes and sizes, ages 18 – 70 with
no criminal record. You must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and NOT a resident of Quebec to apply.

You will have the opportunity to win up to $10,000!

Auditions will take place on November 22 or 23, 2011. Shoot will take place in January, 2012. Deadline for submission is Friday November 21, 2011 at 5pm.

If you are interested, please send a photo, phone number, age and a short blurb of your interests to: wincashtoronto@gmail.com.

Or, you can apply directly online: www.wincashtoronto.com.

Wizard of Oz / Fairmont Royal York Contest!

Who won the overnight stay at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel and 4 tickets to see Ross Petty’s new production of The Wizard of Oz at the Elgin Theatre?

“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!” For everyone familiar with Ross Petty Productions’ holiday family musicals … truer words were never spoken as you’ll see when this premiere production of THE WIZARD OF OZ opens at the Elgin Theatre this winter.

This version of the classic story is adapted from the book by L.Frank Baum. Celebrating 16 years of “fractured fairy tales” on Yonge Street, the tornado will transport Dorothy and Toto to a wickedly wacky new world!

Contest period: From Tuesday, October 18, 2011 to Sunday, November 6, 2011.

To complete the experience, the winner will stay in a deluxe room for a family of four at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. Toronto’s landmark hotel, The Fairmont Royal York has everything you need for a memorable stay in Toronto – opulent surroundings, a knowledgeable Concierge team, fine dining, state-of-the-art exercise facilities, plus so much more.

The hotel is right in the heart of it all, steps away from the best nightlife, dining, shopping and other attractions. Conveniently located across from Union Station at 100 Front Street West within the financial and entertainment districts.

The Wizard of Oz stars Elicia Mackenzie from THE SOUND OF MUSIC as Dorothy; Yvan Pedneault from ROCK OF AGES as the Tin Man; Jessica Holmes from ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FARCE as the Good Witch Splenda; Dan Chameroy reprises his signature role of Plumbum von Botox; Steve  Ross from the Stratford Festival is the Cowardly Lion; the Shaw Festival’s Kyle Blair portrays the Scarecrow and fan-favourite Eddie Glen is the Wizard himself. Ross Petty once again trods nastily on the Elgin Stage as the Wicked Witch.

So, somewhere over the rainbow this winter (blame global warming), all you have to do is follow the yellow brick road to the Elgin Theatre, and you and your family will be off to see the Wizard!

The lucky winner of this contest  is: Jenn Williams . Congrats from everyone at Toronto4Kids!

There are five factors which will ultimately determine the experience of a child as they go through their forma-tive educational years. These major factors include the following: interested and engaged parent(s) who possess a moral compass, a work ethic modeled and reinforced by the family, an I.Q. bolstered by an engaging and dynamic curriculum, emotional stability, and good mental health. The latter two factors form the E.Q., or emotional quotient. It plays a critical role in the development of the child’s psychological and emotional state of well-being. The E.Q. can, like the other three counterparts, of the “functional five” derail a student’s development and hinder their growth through school. You have probably noticed that I have not used the words achievement, career, or university. Those modifiers of achievement are unique to each person and defined as such by the individual, their family, and society; sometimes in harmony, and in other cases, in opposition.

York University and its Faculty of Education recently presented a lecture by Dr. Kwame McKenzie, who is a Senior Scientist within the Social Equity and Health Research section, the Deputy Director of Continuing & Community Care in the Schizophrenia Program, a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and a Professor at the Institute of Philosophy Diversity and Mental Health, University of Lancashire (England). Dr. McKenzie noted that, “The production of Social Capital which shapes a community is linked to a variety of factors, two of which, Bonding and Bridging, are most important.” It was posited that, “Social Capital is the process that shapes our communities through norms, trust, and shared goals and that Bonding in the family unit (nuclear and extended) is the primary E.Q., but Bridging, the process of making connections through external relationships is the pivotal factor in nurturing good mental health.” The correlation to character education and to student guidance is striking.

A current theme of discourse in the media is the quasi-war or protracted conflict between the expectations of the parent community versus that of their children’s teachers; both sides accusing the other of acquiescing their responsibilities and placing the onus of child rearing and education upon the other. As this paradigm shifts continually from the realm of the verbal taunt to the manifestation of open dissatisfaction and disharmony between these two stakeholder groups, the primary concern, the student, is either left in a perpetual limbo, or worse, learns to manipulate both polar opposites to their advantage. Schools like Northmount, that have broken this artificial and dysfunctional relationship have greatly benefitted. When the expectations and goals of the home and the school are mirrored, reinforced, and forged in an active and living partnership for the benefit of the student, then the concepts of Bonding and Bridging are drawn closer together, perhaps in a type of symbiotic psychological syn-thesis that was previously thought to be unattainable. In essence, the emotional depth of bonding within the family structure might be replicated to bridging relationships outside of the family; a very powerful booster of mental health. I believe this is why Northmount’s one-to-one Advisory Program reaps such benefits.

“Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are.” This well-known phrase has passed through many homes and down through time. However, it has much deeper implications than the mirroring effect of behavior on peer groups and friends. It also speaks to the ability of a child to independently make lasting connections to their community and gain their own sense of Social Capital and thusly, good mental health. Placing students in an environment where this is not left to happenstance and their own child’s sense of social intelligence, likeability, and charisma is a proactive step toward assisting the fashioning of sound mental health. A school that fosters and engages virtues that relate to the forging, maintaining, and growing of healthy, positive, and virtuous friend-ships places its entire student constituency on a defined path toward future success. While the school cannot make other children become your child’s friend, it can enlarge the meaning and parameters of friendship and more importantly, the social functions of companionship and empathy. This is much like growing a bean plant. Of course, the hearty bean will generally sprout and begin to grow, but given the right location, sunlight, food, water, and soil, a robust and fruit bearing plant will emerge. If the aspects of bonding are brought closer to the school experience and perhaps even co-opted by it through authentic parent partnerships, then too, bridging activities can be guided by the school with the real belief that these bridging connections are independent of what the partnership might want and yield.

The polite society and warmth of community, which we all want for our schools and for the experience of our children is within our grasp, and in some schools like Northmount, within our midst. As much as we educate our children, it is the community that also must become knowledgeable of these functions of social capital and good mental health. School communities that have created this paradigm will have an atmosphere rich in empathy, the social flexibility to deal with controversial issues based on the morality of the school community, and tackle issues of parent/student concern rapidly, avoiding high frequency, long duration, incidents of bullying and aggression. A healthy school community has as its pinnacle of success, the future of the student as a person of character and wisdom, who has been looked after by all concerned and pointed toward a brilliant path with five critical factors to light their way.

Manfred J. von Vulte
Deputy Headmaster

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair brings country life to the big city from November 4-13, 2011 at Exhibition Place. The fair began in 1922 by a group of farmers wanting to meet after the busy fall harvest, and now 89 years later, has become the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show.

Take a look at our photographs.

Tips:

We visited the Fair on the weekend and by late morning it was very crowded. If possible, I recommend visiting during the week for a more leisurely experience.

Pack a lunch (I always make this suggestion)! The lines to buy lunch were quite long and seating was extremely limited in the food court area.

Dress appropriately. The area with livestock animals is cold, but  the vendor area is warm. Also, consider your footwear as you are sometimes walking through hay.

Plan ahead. You can find a schedule of events here. We decided to forgo the SuperDog Show (a very popular family attraction), and instead spent our time at the petting zoo, climbing tractors, and watching the livestock animals.

Ask questions. The farmers, cattle ranchers, cowboys and cowgirls were all friendly and happy to answer any questions. For city people (like us) it was informative and fun, the perfect way to learn about something new and interesting.

Are you going to the Fair this year? What are you most excited to see?

It’s that time of year again, MOVEMBER! The month formerly know as November has now taken on a new meaning to Men across the world (including my hubby) Last year my husband came home and declared that he was participating with some fellow teachers in Movember (I have to admit I had never heard of it) But let me tell you, after 30 days of watching my hubbies baby face attempt to grow a “mo” I became very aware of what Movember is and how important it is that we all support this great cause.

c

SO WHAT IS MOVEMBER?

Movember challenges men to change their appearance and the face of men’s health by growing a moustache. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer. Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.
The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The plan was simple – to bring the moustache back as a bit of a joke and do something for men’s health. No money was raised in 2003, but the guys behind the Mo realized the potential a moustache had in generating conversations about men’s health. Inspired by the women around them and all they had done for breast cancer, the Mo Bros set themselves on a course to create a global men’s health movement.

In 2004 the campaign evolved and focused on raising awareness and funds for the number one cancer affecting men – prostate cancer. 432 Mo Bros joined the movement that year, raising $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – representing the single largest donation they had ever received.

The Movember moustache has continued to grow year after year, expanding to Canada, the US, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, the Netherlands and Finland.

In 2009, global participation of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas climbed to 255,755, with over one million donors raising $47 Million for Movember’s global beneficiary partners. In 2010, nearly 119,000 Canadian Mo Bros and Mo Sistas got on board, raising $22.3 million CAD.

As women we know the importance of supporting women’s causes but I ask you this month to endulge your husband, brothers, fathers and friends and let them know about the importance of Movember! I lost my Grandfather to prostate cancer and know first hand just how important awareness and donations are to supporting this cause.

I plan on enjoying 30 days of laughing as my husband tries his best to grow a mustache. If you don’t believe me just check out last years picture (my daughter decided to join in on the fun)! For more information or to make a donation please visit the Movember Website.

You can make a donation or track Eren’s progress here.

We were on a mission. Ten altruistic ladies: five university students soon-to-be teachers; two sisters; a daughter; two young professionals; and a mom. We were athletes and engineers, DIY experts and child care workers – only the third ever women-only team to volunteer for Childreach International’s African Future Build project – we were confident. We were there to impart our Western skills and wisdom on a small Tanzanian village of mud huts and no plumbing. Don’t get me wrong – we knew we had a lot to learn as well. We wanted to know about their history, their language, their lives, their culture. What we were unprepared for was how much we would learn about ourselves.

Lesson 1: National Pride.
After a rigorous two-day trip through London and Nairobi, we arrived in Tanzania exhausted, but excited. Our Childreach International liaison and guides from Really Wild Travel met us at Mount Kilimanjaro Airport.

We were bustled into jeeps and down the one-lane highway, headed east through Moshi and south to our small village in the Mabugini region. Over the hour-long drive we saw many unfamiliar sites: Baobab trees, incredible in their vastness scattered as far as the eye could see across fields or dry grass; Maasai Warrior children in their blue and red shukas herding cattle larger than themselves along the side of the road; women in brightly patterned traditional khangas carrying enormous loads of bananas on their heads.

We were immediately impressed with the encyclopedic knowledge of our guides, Jonas and Julius. They told us about the plant-life of the region, the growing and harvesting, the altitude and how it affected the flora. They told us about the process for making mbege, Tanzania’s unofficial national beverage, a fermented brew made of finger-millet porridge and bananas, and the customs surrounding it. They told us about the history of the different tribes in the region and their differing customs. In short, whatever broad subject we asked about, Julius and Jonas had the answers.

In fact, throughout our entire trip, wherever we went and whomever we met, the people were a fountain of knowledge about their environment, their history, their tribes, and I began to think to myself, if the tables were turned and they were visiting me here, could I tell them so much about my home and my people? Sure, I could tell them about what fun things are going on in Toronto this weekend, where the best paces to eat are, and maybe what to expect from the weather, but that all seemed so superficial now. What could I tell them about our history, our connectedness with our land and our culture? I resolved to become more connected so that I could welcome people to Canada and Toronto with the passion and pride these people had shown me.

Lesson 2: Live with self-confidence, not self-consciousness
After driving through an armed checkpoint protecting the sugarcane plantation from marauders, the buildings became more sparse and crumbling and the dirt road became bumpier. We were nearly at our destination, James Ole Millya Primary School.

We pulled to a stop and, as the dust settled, the shrill ululations of a throng of women met us. We exited the jeeps and were surrounded as the women of the village sang a traditional Swahili welcome song, shook our hands, touched our hair, cried. They were so open in their emotions, so exuberant in their display. There was no self-consciousness only self-confidence. They carried themselves with absolute pride. Though at the time we couldn’t understand a word of their songs and cries, we were swept up in it and were soon chanting along to the rhythm as we were swept down the path toward the school. As we neared, we heard a new song – in words we understood, “We are happy, we are happy, we are happy to welcome you,” came the voices of nearly 400 children. And as we came off the path and into the open, the students lining the dusty field was a sight that brought tears to our eyes, it was so overwhelming. This was why we had spent so much effort raising $50,000; this was why we had come. These were the kids we were here to help.

We were lead forward and had our first glimpse of the school – bare-brick walls with chipped blue paint and a tin roof.  The only light in the two schoolrooms came from a few small, glassless windows. The most meager of the classrooms was a few scattered desks under the branches of a sapling hung with an 8 by 12 inch chalkboard – the preschool class. The desks, which were little more than planks attached to a staggered frame, were dragged out into the shade-dappled courtyard facing a white-clothed head table… for us. We sat, self-consciously, feeling as though we were being treated like royalty – a station we didn’t deserve. With not just the students and teachers, but the whole village gathered, the chairman and elders addressed the audience and us. He spoke of how we had come to help them, but also of how they were not going to sit back and have things given to them, but be a part of the project. Speaking to the villagers, he said they should be there everyday to help with the work and be part of the action that was going to make a better future for their children. He was not ashamed of what resources they lacked, he was proud of what they were capable of once resources were provided.

Next up, the principal of the school, Monica, also known as Mama Nima, introduced the teachers and students. The kids put on a presentation of astounding feats of acrobatics, showed us traditional song and dance, often speaking proudly of Mount Kilimanjaro as if they had built it themselves. They put on a hilarious skit showing how the additions to their school would make life better for them and read a poem in English thanking us for coming.

Lesson 3: Do the Impossible
Though quiet and modest, Mama Nima is a force to be reckoned with. She has fought hard for women’s rights in the area and fought hard for the rights of her students. It’s an unfortunate fact that some of the less educated mothers choose to keep their children at home to work or pull girls out once they’ve completed standard 7 (at 14 years-old) so they can help with younger siblings. Monica can often be seen walking around the village telling mothers to put their kids in school and though she has little herself, helping them to find uniforms and pay the minimal lunch fee for a daily helping of rice and beans if that’s all that’s preventing them sending their children. It’s clear that the students idolize her and it’s thanks to Mama Nima’s persuasion and sheer persistence that Childreach granted the Future Build program to James Ole Millya School. In a place with little in the way of economy or even food, it’s the efforts of a woman who believed in the impossible – that women can change their fate and that a group of strangers from across the ocean would come and help them – that makes the difference between these children leaving school at 14 or going on to graduate university.

If one woman in a town without electricity, industry or even plumbing can make a difference, imagine what we – with our access to resources and instant everything – could do.

Lesson 4: Work Ethic
Our home for the next two weeks was a veritable tent city. Really Wild Travel, our guides, cooks and essentially our babysitters provided a pup tent for each of us and a mess-tent for meals. A path of handmade red bricks went between the areas and a generator provided us with the light of 2 bulbs. They even made us a “shower” from two-by-fours with thick black plastic nailed around the outside. They would heat up buckets of water for us daily so, after a dirty day’s work, we could wash under the starry sky with the peak of Kili in the distance… this was luxury. It was beautiful.

On the first morning of work we surveyed our projects. Our money had gone ahead of us to build a well (the only well in the village), four new classrooms near the old school building and 14 new toilet stalls (their school of 400 pupils and 7 teachers had previously shared just two stalls).

There was plenty of plastering, sanding and painting to do. The fundies (construction workers) were busy making cement from scratch by pounding rocks carried over by the women and mixing the pulverized stone with water and purchased cement mix to make it go further.

Each day we were surprised to see the students arriving at 6:30 am, long before we began our work for the day. They would each bring a homemade broom of twigs and sweep the school inside and out. This was their responsibility and not one of them ever complained. They cleaned the toilets and washed the floors. They even swept the ground clear of stones and leaves. Before classes began at 8 am they would run laps around the field while singing the school song to get their blood pumping and energy up. When classes ended at 3:30 pm, the students would again clean the school, then they would head out to the field for games and sports. They had little in the way of supervision – they knew how to handle themselves. There was no complaining – if a kid fell down and scraped a knee, oh well! They picked themselves up, brushed themselves off and continued the game.

When it was time to head home, they would each grab their bucket, fill it with several gallons of water from the well and, with a huge brightly-coloured pail balanced securely on top of their heads, even the tiniest of the students would walk the 15 minutes back to the village being sure to leave in time to make it before dusk settled in and nocturnal animals came out.

Watching this, I had a vision of shopping with my nephew one winter. We had been in the store for about five minutes and he was hot and whining. “You carry my jacket. I can’t. It’s too heavy, I’m tired.” I felt a sense of shame about what North American children have become. I wanted to show him these strong and happy children so much littler than him with the weight of the world on their shoulders.

Lesson 5: Respect
As the days went by we got to know the kids more, knew some of the more outgoing ones by name. We’d watch them through the windows as we went about our daily work and play in the field with them afterwards. Though there are many differences in upbringing and lifestyle, when it comes down to it, kids are kids and despite their faded uniforms and shaved heads for boys and girls, playing after school they looked just like any other kids – all smiles and yelling and running. Yet, one word from a teacher barely audible over the raucous was all it took to call the kids to order. They had complete respect for their elders… no matter how much (or not much) older.

One day I witnessed something that truly left an impression on me. A five-year-old girl, over-excited and probably tired, was acting out. She was bugging and smacking a boy of about twelve. I was too far away to do anything and there was no one nearby I could call to who understood English. I figured on two possible outcomes: Worst case, he could swipe back or give her a little shove and the incident would result in tears, or he could steer clear of her and she could find someone else to get her frustrations out on. Instead, this young man bent down on one knee, held both of her hands, looked into her eyes and spoke quietly to her for a moment. She gazed at him with huge eyes and nodded. Then, he stood up and she gave him a hug and ran off, no longer in a bad mood, to join her age-mates.
It occurred to me that these children respect their elders, not out of fear, but because they lead by example. Rather than babying kids and then getting angry when they act like babies, they handle situations calmly and expect the kids to do the same. In turn, the kids then lead the younger children by example. These kids learn maturity in a way it seems many of our kids and even some adults have never do.

As our project neared completion and our time there came to an end, our visit wrapped up with another gathering of the village. This time, we didn’t feel so awkward sitting at the head table. We were among friends, we were able to laugh at our own foibles and we danced without embarrassment in front of the crowd as we sang a song in Swahili. This time, when the women sang, we understood many of their words. They were singing a song of goodbye to their new sisters. And as 500 people with wet eyes said farewell to each other, it seemed that our impact on them was nothing compared to the impact they had on us.

Asante kwa mafundisho, marafiki yangu. Thank you for teaching me, my friends.

Welcome Song – The women of the Village greeted us with traditional song, drums and dancing. They danced us down the lane toward the school. Principal Monica, a.k.a. Mama Nima is pictured right.

Welcome Ceremony. As we got to the school, 396 students greeted us with a song they practiced in English. Some older students recite a thank you poem.

Classroom before. The bare brick walls are less than child-friendly.

Classroom after. The teachers, through a translator, told us what English lessons they would like painted on the wall.

Preschool before. he youngest students studied outside because there were only 2 classrooms for the entire school. If it rained, classes were canceled.

Preschool after. The teachers asked us for a bright and friendly environment for their preschoolers.

Well before. Our fundraising money went ahead of us to replace this dangerous well.

Well after. We replaced it with this new hand pump well.

Toilets before. Only 2 stalls for 396 students and 7 teachers.

Toilets after. 14 new toilet stalls, freshly painted and ready to go!

School supplies. Without funding or even a nearby store, teachers make their own school supplies.

Cleaning. The students arrive at 6:30 am to clean the school and yard before classes.

Lindsey & Tina working.  Me and Tina, dusty and hot, pose for a shot with tent city in the background.

Sunrise. Living outside, we found ourselves rising with the dawn to this beautiful sight.

The View. Occasionally the peaks of Kili would appear above the clouds behind our tents.

Village boys. Despite what we perceived as hardships, the kids are always smiling and happy.

Painted Rukia. We decided to get the kids involved in decorating their school!

Sad goodbye. On the ceremonial last day, we cut the ribbon on the new buildings and, as the choir sang a goodbye song, everybody cried. It’s amazing how close people can become in such a short time.

Last day. We were presented with traditional clothing made by the preschool teacher Zaina and is was a bittersweet ending to an amazing journey.

Entertainment One Presents BABAR AND FATHER CHRISTMAS.

With the holidays just around the corner, there is no better time to start getting into the festive mood! The classic tale of Babar and Father Christmas heads to DVD on November 8th.

Since Histoire de Babar (Story of Babar) was published 1931, the iconic children’s series has gone on to win the hearts of the young and old alike. The original Babar TV series was a huge success, being broadcast in 30 languages in over 160 countries around the globe! The Babar brand celebrates 80 years of global heritage 2011, and it’s publishing legacy includes more than 12 million books in print!

Now the Gemini award-winning classic Babar and Father Christmas hits DVD, and you know it’s not just for kids, but the entire family.  This timeless tale of the always lovable elephant has our little friend globetrotting all over the world, from Paris to the North Pole, in search of Father Christmas.

In this delightful, fully animated holiday tale, Babar’s children Arthur, Pom, Flora and Alexander write a letter to Father Christmas to ask him to visit Celesteville at Christmas. But their letter never arrives, because it is stolen by Babar’s Arch-enemy, Rataxes the Rhinoceros, who wants all of Santa’s toys for himself! When Babar sees his children so disappointed, he decides to make a journey in search of Father Christmas.  Secretly followed by Rataxes, Babar’s adventure takes us from Paris all the way to the North Pole, to the very toy shop of Father Christmas himself! Can Babar save Christmas for Celesteville?

Whether it was H.G. Wells taking us on a ride in The Time Machine or Isaac Asimov unveiling the secrets of robotics in I Robot, children have always been fascinated with science fiction. It is a literary source which truly lends itself to all sorts of media incarnations from television to the silver screen. Science fiction has become the heir apparent to the nursery rhyme or children’s story. The genre asks us to reach beyond the possible and suspend our belief when we delve into a new world that has some surprisingly conventional and moral messages. These tales of the future are particularly poignant with male readers as they contain some of the bastions of successful boy-centered literacy: action, a definable antagonist and protagonist, mystery, a struggle, new inventions, aliens or monsters, and hope for an exciting future. Above all, science fiction might be the key to our own future. Perhaps there exists a direct correlation, a type of paradox, between the decline of male literacy and that of innovation and original ideas? As an example, at one time there were 220 manufacturers of television sets in North America, there are now only 24.1

“The N.A.A.L. (National Assessment of Adult Literacy) administered tests which revealed that an estimated 14% of US residents would have extreme difficulty with reading and written comprehension. These people can legally be defined as illiterate. This could lead to numerous problems for these people now and in the future”.2

As we slide further into becoming a consumer driven economy, the aspirations for a more lofty future rests in the minds of our students who may forge an alternative economic paradigm based on a patent driven, knowledge-based, information economy. While we won’t manufacture very much in the future, perhaps this might be re-placed with the production of ideas and technological breakthroughs in the fields of Science, Engineering, Robotics, Communications, Information Technology, Medicine, and other such domains. The creative drives for these innovations are first inspired by connections that are made by children through experience, media, and literacy. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, often remarked that the technology only dreamt of in his series came to fruition within decades of their presentation as fictional gizmos of the future. While the “experts” predicted flying cars and personalized jet packs, Roddenberry’s Star Trek ushered into existence such things as the cell phone, lap top computers, microwaves, lasers, and the big screen monitor (the real reason everyone wanted to take over the Enterprise). There was most certainly a direct correlation between written science fiction and its propensity to inspire young minds in the fields of engineering and design. It appears as if each successive generation could be inspired by some vision of the future.

Although it was presented as occurring “A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy Far, Far Away”, Star Wars captivated three successive generations and counting, with an alternate vision of the future. George Lucas’ stunning, six-part saga placed the innovation bar into the stratosphere. The assumptions of these movies included the yet to be designed light saber, faster-than-light hyperspace, advanced artificial intelligence, and an answer to the ever elusive are we alone question, that it seemed by Star Wars’ reality, a common place status quo. A fascinating dichotomy exits within these films and books that are quite striking. Even though the technology was so far advanced, it is all held together by ancient, yet most relevant truths regarding the active role of good and evil. One of its central morals was that while technology may be extraordinarily advanced, basic spiritual notions unique to the core of the soul are tangible and relevant regardless of the setting. The phrase, “May the force be with you, and also with you,” is as sincere on an inter-galactic spaceship as its religious counterpart. Thus, one can forge great scientific strides without abandoning what is true and eternal to existence. This variant of truth will ultimately veer humanity toward destruction or utopia. George Lucas once said, “Whatever has happened in my quest for innovation has been part of my quest for immaculate reality.” This is in essence the nature of the hermeneutic circle of meaning behind science fiction and real-time innovation.

If we stop reading and connecting, the quest for “the perfect world” will increasingly cease to exist in increments of chronological time. It is not ever possible to attain a complete utopia. However, should we freeze in our ability to dream, design, and delve into the future; we too, will lose opportunities for immaculate realities to manifest themselves in brief epochs of time. It is encouraging to see students reading the classic narratives and new ones with a gleam in their eye that surely marries the concepts of science, literacy, and faith. Science fiction passes the torch of innovation to a new generation of eager minds who will undoubtedly light an inspirational path from what could be, to what is.

1.    http://www.tvhistory.tv/1960-2000-TVManufacturers.htm, cited October 17, 2011.
2.    http://www.caliteracy.org/rates, cited October 17, 2011.

Manfred J. von Vulte

Stabilize This! – Image Stabilization (IS)

When shopping for cameras or lenses, you do not have to search far before you come across the term IS – which of course means “Image Stabilization”.  Getting the IS feature on a lens (or camera) will sometimes really improve your photography game, but sometimes it is just not necessary.  So what does IS mean to you?

To be technical, a camera, or lens’ image stabilization will try to reduce the blur associated with not holding a camera steady (camera shake).  It will not be able to compensate for the movement of your subject or other motion in your photographic scene.  When companies describe the IS, it will be measured in “stops” (I will talk about this shortly).

There is a general rule that your shutter speed should be one over the focal length of your lens to avoid camera shake.  For example, if you are shooting with a 400mm lens, in theory, you should shoot at a shutter speed of 1/400 sec to avoid blur associated with camera shake.  When you see the IS of a lens described as “it has 2 stops of image stabilization”, this just means that you will be able to shoot at a 2x slower shutter speed without camera shake.  Basically, you will now be able to safely shoot at a slower shutter speed of 1/100 sec rather than 1/400 sec with that 400mm lens.

With the above rule in mind, does IS make sense on a 17-55mm lens?  It is in my opinion that it is not as beneficial because for the most part, you will be able to hand hold a camera without camera shake at 1/60 sec.  Additionally, for portraiture, you will not want to shoot below 1/60 sec anyways because you will risk motion blur on the subject’s part.

Where image stabilization makes more sense is in longer telephoto lenses (100mm or higher).  As I stated above, for a 400mm lens we would need an excessively fast shutter speed of at least 1/400 sec, which will not always be possible (even outdoors).  The IS, in this case, is a more useful function for this lens as it will allow you to shoot those close up shots at 1/100 sec and keep your images sharp.  Additionally, telephoto lenses are heavier lenses and it will be more difficult for you to steady it while shooting (especially when zoomed in).

Next time when you buy a camera or a lens, consider the following:

- Look in the description to see the IS “stop” value.  Remember if the lens (or camera) has a 100mm focal length then you will need 1/100 sec shutter speed to safely shoot without camera shake.  A 2 stop IS, in theory, will allow you to safely get a shutter speed of 1/25 sec on a 100mm lens without camera shake.
-    Portraiture generally needs a minimum of 1/60 sec shutter speed to avoid motion blur on the subject’s part.  The IS on a lens or camera will not stabilize their movements.  Basically, if you are able to shoot at 1/25 sec with your IS, you may still get motion blur on their part.

- Know when the IS is more beneficial:

• Point and shoot cameras where you are holding the camera away from your face.
• Telephoto lenses, where the zoom is excessive, i.e. 400mm, and/or the lens is heavy.
• If you have problems keeping the camera steady.
• Hand held shooting of landscapes and stationary objects in low light with slower shutter speeds.

If you have any questions regarding this post, send me an email at info@clearpixelimages.com, or visit my website at: www.clearpixelimages.com.

On Saturday morning we took a ride along the York-Durham Heritage Railway (YDHR). We climbed aboard a 1950′s passenger car and enjoyed the picturesque journey from Uxbridge to Goodwood. The rail line used by the YDHR was built in the late 1860’s by William Gooderham (a distiller from Toronto), to carry grain to his distillery, as well as lumber for export, and cordwood for resale. Today, the rail line is a tourist destination and mecca for train lovers (like my little boy).

Take a look at our photos.

Tips:

Dress warmly. We rode the train on a sunny fall day, but it was quite cold in the passenger cars.

Pack snacks and a lunch. There is a small snack bar at the back of the train, but it is expensive.

Bring a camera. The train station is picturesque and there are plenty of unique photo opportunities.

Plan ahead and be sure to arrive at the train station on time. From downtown Toronto, the drive was just over an hour on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of free, on-site parking.

There is a small antique shop next to the train station if you are looking for unique souvenirs.

We rode the Halloween Train (as you can see by the decor inside the passenger car), but there is also a Santa Train beginning Saturday, December 4. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance via the phone or website.

Growing up on the grounds of her parent’ family-operated zoo, 17-year-old Sophie’s (Brittany Bristow) life was focused on two great loves – ballet and animals. A natural performer, Sophie dreamed of studying at the American Ballet. But high tuition fees and mounting costs at home force Sophie’s parents to make a sacrifice and sell her beloved Sheba, a five ton elephant and life-long friend, to a travelling circus.

Abandoning her dance dreams, Sophie sets off to reclaim Sheba, charming her way into a summer job with the circus so she can keep an eye on Sheba’s hot-tempered brute of a trainer, Magnus (Thure Riefenstein). Along the way, Sophie makes a deal with the eccentric circus owner (John Rhys-Davies) – she will perform with Sheba until they have earned her back, and then Sheba will be free to return home.  Also starring Augustus Prew (Charlie St. Cloud) and Erica Durance (Smallville).

Theatrical release October 28 at select theatres. For more info, visit: www.sophie-themovie.com.

Day of the Dead Festival presented by Scotiabank takes place at Harbourfront on November 5 & 6, 2011.

The Festival allows visitors to discover ancient Mexican traditions and celebrate the lives of the departed. Observed for centuries, the Day of the Dead can be traced back to Mesoamerican traditions and beliefs that see death as a continuation of life.

Produced in partnership with Scotiabank and the Consulate General of Mexico, this FREE, two-day festival explores the vibrant cultural traditions, history and sacred elements of this popular Mexican holiday with an array of family-oriented activities. Photo credit – Jonathan Thiang

Traditionally, Latin-American families celebrate the lives of ancestors and the departed by decorating altars with flowers, sugar skulls, pan de muerto and ofrendas. Photo Credit – Jim-Boyd

Harbourfront Centre will also host a number of beautiful ofrendas (altars), built by local community groups. These special altars are built to honour the departed by offering to them favorite treats and gifts from their past lives. Kids can also join in the fun by making their own crafts to decorate ofrenda. Photo credit – Jonathan Thiang

From 12-6 p.m. each day, the public are invited to a variety of daily hands-on activities, demonstrations and performances that reflect the history and traditions associated with the Day of the Dead holiday. Makeup artists will be on-site to transform children’s faces into traditional Day of the Dead skulls (calaveras). Families can also colour drawings of “La Catrina” and make traditional orange flowers known as “flor de cempazuchitl,” which are used to decorate Day of the Dead altars. Photo credit – Jonathan Thiang

Visitors can experience authentic mariachi tunes with Viva Mexico Mariachi, partake in delicious food demos with Chef Luis Valenzuela and pastry Chef Elizabeth Rumebe, witness a colourful dance performance from the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company.

Peruse the Mexican Craft Market for Day of the Dead figurines, jewellery, sugar skulls, Day of the Dead bread (pan de muerto) and more! Photo credit – Jim Boyd

See Mexican Folkloric Dancing. Photo Credit Jim Boyd.

There will be Mexican Food Vendors and see Cooking Demos with Mexican Chefs.

Come view and purchase a variety of crafts including Day of the Dead figurines, crafts, jewelry, sugar skulls, Day of the Dead bread (pan de muerto) and more!

Photo credit – Jim Boyd

For additional information and complete Day of the Dead event listings and schedule, CLICK HERE. You can also phone the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West, in the heart of Toronto’s downtown waterfront.

Southbrook has been part of the community for close to 30 years. In 1983, they started up with a picnic table offering roadside vegetables sales on the south-side of Major Mackenzie Dr.  This later developed into a thriving market store, winery, and of course the “Pumpkin Patch”. In 2007 they moved across the street to the north side of Major Mackenzie and is now the home of the popular Fall Pumpkin Patch. Look for the Big Red Barn!

Come an enjoy Southbrook’s fall beauty with the changing colours of the season of vibrant reds and oranges and golds. Children can play in the playground, adventure through the corn maze, or take a walk on the trails.  There are plenty of places to see ghoulish things and take pictures with them so don’t forget your camera.

The Brook Farm House is a unique Country Setting Boutique carrying fresh baked pies, and all natural products such as pure honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies & mustards for meats and cheeses, preserves and marinades, sparkling non-alcoholic juice, and custom made gift baskets.

Southbrook Farms is often referred to as a “Country Gem” offering Natural Products – 100%Pure Honey and Maple Syrup, Jams, Jellies and Mustards for meats and cheeses, Marinades and Rubs, and Non-alcoholic sparkling juices. Come sample.
Sit and enjoy a delicious cup of traditional Hot Apple Cider or a creamy cappuccino, herbal tea or hot chocolate with a treat from our bakery. Something for the whole family – “peanut-free” pumpkin faced cookies, butter tarts, homemade fudge, candy apples, caramel pop corn, cinnamon monkey bites & other goodies!

If you’re looking for PUMPKINS, they have lots! Southbrook has the largest selection of pick-your-own pumpkins in York Region.  You’ll be sure to find your favorite with all different shapes and sizes.

October is the Family Fall Festival. Every Weekend in October including Thanksgiving Monday, they welcome thousands of annual visitors. Along with the Kid’s Playground, Corn Maze, and Walking Trails, the Country Store, Bakery & Café, and Market is open every day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Family Fall Festival is lots of fun for all ages.  There are  Tractor Drawn Wagon Rides, Children’s Carnival Rides and Games, Bouncy Castles, Face-Painting,  Carnival Foods, B.B.Q. Corn-on-the-Cob, Harvest Soups and Pulled Pork.

Southbrook Farms & Pumpkin Patch is located at 1150 Major Mackenzie Dr. West in Richmond Hill.

You can contact them at 905-832-2548 or by email at :  info@southbrookpumpkins.com. Visit their website at: www.southbrookpumpkinpatch.com.

Be sure you visit them at their off-season location — The Brook Farm House, for Fresh Baked Pies & Country Store.

I am not sure exactly when it occurred, but probably around the time when some Generation X (1965 – 1985) and early Generation Y (1978 – 1990) became parents. There seemed to be a contraction in childhood geo-graphical space, freedom, responsibility, and the ability to make independent decisions without the full input of parents. The term ―helicopter parent‖ comes to mind. It was originally coined by Foster W. Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay in their 1990 book Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility. It is essentially the intervention of parents in every aspect of the child‘s life removing any obstacles that might challenge or through parental perception, harm their offspring. Helicoptered children are unable to independently reason for them-selves in times of crisis, under normal circumstances, and when called upon by their peers and teachers to do so. The emotional and psychological ramifications of such practices have given rise to mass insecurity/anxiety, a generation of children who seek non-competitive environments and no-harm, no-foul pursuits like the emptiness of video games. The ―Life Coach‖ has also emerged as the de facto parent or nanny that parachutes into the adolescent and early adulthood lives of helicopter children. What has also become quite apparent is the loss of freedom on the physical plain of the world. Take a drive through some of your local neighbourhoods. Are teens playing street hockey? Exactly who is in the parks? Where are today‘s youth?

A 2009 article in Britain‘s Daily Mail on the distance different generations could travel at age 8 noted the following:

“When George Thomas was eight he walked everywhere. It was 1926 and his parents were unable to afford the fare for a tram, let alone the cost of a bike and he regularly walked six miles (9.656064 kilometers) to his favorite fishing haunt without adult supervision. His son-in-law, Jack Hattersley, 63, was also given freedom to roam. He was aged eight in 1950, and was allowed to walk for about one mile (1.609344 kilometers) on his own to the local woods. Again, he walked to school and never travelled by car. In 1979, his daughter could travel half a mile to the local pool. Fast forward to 2007 and Mr. Thomas’s eight-year-old great-grandson Edward enjoys none of that freedom. He is driven the few minutes to school, is taken by car to a safe place to ride his bike and can roam no more than 300 yards (274.32 meters) from home.”1

While this data was taken from Sheffield, England let us take those same figures and apply it to a neighbourhood in North York that begins as its centre, Northmount School (Fig 2.0). There will of course be sociological differences and urban realities in the translation, however, the results are still quite telling. 1969 over fifty percent of school children got there by walking or bicycling. Today only thirteen percent of kids get to school on their own power.2 Several neighbourhood schools, which I had the opportunity to study in East End Toronto, had increased motor traffic over the past twenty years. What were once schools that had droves of children walking through the local streets now had a cue of cars lined up to drop-off and pick-up children. Although an American study, the graph below corroborates much of the anecdotal information from local Toronto schools. ―In 1969, over fifty percent of school children got there by walking or bicycling. Today only thirteen percent of kids get to school on their own power.‖2

Arguably, the dynamic for an independent school and its families are operating under alternate circumstances then perhaps that of the local neighbourhood school. However, upon closer examination, the two entities are now behaving remarkably similar. The catchment zone for the independent school is initially larger than that of the community oriented public school, but as they establish themselves in their local neighbourhoods, the independent schools appear to draw more from their immediate geographic zones of influence then perhaps they did at their inception. Society and spatial connections (interpretations, perceptions, and executions of space) have trans-formed dramatically over the past twenty years. Space and time have both contracted and expanded.

Some children in the early 21st Century have reverted to a type of 19th Century retro definition of children as being miniature adults. The key differentiator being that their historical counterparts only negotiated physical space. 21st Century children do the same with the following variables: an over-programmed and fast-paced urban environment and a limitless new definition of space – cyberspace. If one were to repeat the exercise of Figure 2.0 with these two components, the physical plain of occupation might further contract, but the outlier geographic data for specific points of engagement (lessons, leagues, clubs, athletics, and family) would surge beyond that of the 19th and early 20th Century child‘s zones of familiarity. The fourth dimension of cyberspace is the creation of limitless places, not grounded to the physical plain, yet one critical factor in its demise.

The challenge for this century‘s parents will be to fashion a framing of experience that is inclusive of this fourth dimension, yet not wholly dictated by it. Children must have authentic responsibility anchored in the reality of the physical plain and governed by real relationships. Scenarios that might present obstacles, heart ache, and pain; yet, provide ―the stuff‖ that the human condition has raged against and triumphed over through success is essential in the creation of a well-balanced and independent adult. How fascinating is it that in 110 years, the term roaming has de-evolved from an autonomous movement synonymous with exploration to the safety of the virtual tether (an umbilical cord of sorts) offered by the cell phone?

Manfred J. von Vulte
Deputy Headmaster

Fig 1.0: National Household Travel Survey, 2009
Source: United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics and Federal Highway Administration

Fig 2.0: Geographic Roaming Patterns of Children over Time: a translation from Sheffield, England to North York, Canada.

Legend
Blue       1920′s
Red        1950′s
Green    1970′s
Purple    2000′s

Do your kids love Space? Eyes on the Skies is a Planetarium program recently launched for children under the age of 5, by the Ontario Science Centre.

It’s designed to inspire young children and their caregivers to look up at the night sky together.  Pre-school children can discover the mysteries of space in a friendly manner – there is singing, connecting-the-stars constellations and even a journey to the Moon!

Eyes on the Skies follows a simple story that begins with kids in the city at sunset. They are then transported to a night-time country sky. A blast off from earth takes them up to a trip to the moon but everyone returns home just in time to watch the sun rise. Unlike typical planetarium experiences, kids are encouraged to talk and move around. Throughout the experience, the presenter will get on the ground with the children, and sing songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and the Zoom Zoom song – an action-based children’s song about taking a rocket to the moon. The constellations are displayed with participants suggesting new interpretations including Leo as a mouse and the Big Dipper as a kite. And if any little ones get frightened, Eyes on the Skies uses ‘Co-Pilot Moonie’ a stuffed glow-worm who can be passed around if required to ‘soothe’ the crowds.
The program designed especially for wee visitors lasts only 20 minutes to accommodate wandering minds and little feet.  Children who participle all receive a certificate of landing on the Moon and a follow-up activity guide.

The program takes place in the Space Hall, Level 4 and is free with admission to the Science Centre. Presented on Saturdays and Sundays: 10:30 a.m. For  a weekday schedule, check the boards on Levels 4 and 6, ask a Science Centre Host or contact the Ontario Science Call Centre at 416-696-1000.  Space is limited to a first-come-first-served basis and times may vary. The program was designed by Researcher/Programmer in Astronomy & Space Sciences Sara Poirier along with members of the Science Centre team who have early childhood education training.

For more info, visit www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.

Pictured is Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency’s newest astronaut at the Eyes on the Skies program in May 2011. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Science Centre.

Everyone loves the movies. Especially when they’re FREE! And even better when the event supports a worthy cause… On the morning of Saturday October 22, Cineplex Entertainment theatres will be hosting a Community Day in support of The Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Theatre doors open at 8:30 am with a great selection of FREE movies beginning at 9:00am.

Plus, you can also enjoy some snacks! A regular popcorn, regular fountain drink and selected candy are only 2 DOLLARS each with 100% of the proceeds donated to The Starlight Children’s Foundation!

Click here for a list of participating theatres.

In the last two years, Cineplex has raised over $1 million dollars for Starlight. The Starlight Children’s Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

Enjoy the movies…

As I was walking through the halls of Northmount yesterday, I had noticed that Mr. Ruch (Grade 4) had purchased an aquarium for his classroom. I stopped in to see what kind of gravel and filter he had acquired. An aquarium guy is always curious about such details. As I passed by, each successive hour revealed his science students dutifully cleaning the gravel, filling the tank with water, and ultimately putting in an underwater plant. On one of his prep periods, I again dropped by and offered more advice about letting the water stand for at least forty-eight hours. When one is an aquarium hobbyist it tends to stay with you for life. I am sure Mr. Ruch knew all about the water, but I felt compelled to tell him anyway. To quote Shakespeare, many aquarium hobbyists have felt the bitter sting of the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune” and lived the phrase “to be or not to be.”

The year was 1982 and my mother offered my sister and me a very unique proposition. She wanted to buy us something educational in the form of lessons or some type of an experience. Immediately, my sister wanted piano lessons; as I can recall, some of her friends were already enrolled. I paused at the thought, not because I didn’t like music, after all, I played the clarinet, but in typical male fashion, I wanted something cool that some of my friends were really into doing. For a number of years before the great proposition, I had become enamoured with all things aquatic. Our local lake in Winnipeg was inhabited with Crayfish, and I recollect taking a number of them for pets, much to my mother’s disgust or fear. On another occasion, a frog had somehow gotten onto a Winnipeg city bus and was wildly jumping around. I had chased it, even fishing it out of the purse of a rather surprised and unsuspecting senior citizen. Once we had moved to Toronto, several of my friends lived near a local creek, which was at the time, not yet ruined by the cement restructuring that would take place years later, destroying all of the wildlife. I know this comes as surprising by today’s standards of safety, but my friends and I would often be down by the creek catching tadpoles destined for some pickle or jam jar at home. I do remember many of my friends’ parents (mine included) ordering us to put the tadpoles back. I think they objected more to the smelly creek water that came with them and the elimination of any future use of the jars we kept them in. So my mother’s offer in 1982 of course led to the purchase of my first aquarium. The amateur was now going pro!

I had marvelled at many of the fish tanks which some of my friends in the neighbourhood had. What was of particular interest to me, were the number of men (fathers of my friends) who encouraged the hobby with their sons and worked with them on it. Grand aquariums of tropical fish and other sea creatures abounded in their homes, but in retrospect, something else was happening. These friends of mine were learning responsibility and the transfer of knowledge from other males. Dr. Leonard Sax (Boys Adrift, 2007) laments the disappearance of this process as the “revenge of the forsaken gods.” In my case, I had struck up a friendship with a neighbour who had asked me (through my mother) to take care of his place when he and his wife were in Quebec. Through my early teens, my neighbour and I shared this hobby together and lived through many die offs, population explosions, algae infestations, fish swaps, and constant upgrades of the world’s we were building together. All the while, I was learning the tenets of responsibility required of every aquarium hobbyist. The short-term and long-term duty of this endeavour does educate its followers in efficient cleaning and caring for other living things. It also gave me the sense that life is not without complication, loss, and effort. Sadly, my “big brother” Mike died of Leukemia when I was fourteen and his wife and daughter moved back to Montreal. The adventures of childhood with the life aquatic and the knowledge bequeathed to me from my neighbour have lasted a lifetime. So upon viewing the grand old hobby being resurrected for another generation, I couldn’t help but chime in. Perhaps the forsaken gods are not gone after all, as old Neptune casts a spell on another eager and inspired generation.

This weekend, we made the drive from downtown Toronto, north to the suburbs of Vaughan and visited Canada’s Wonderland. While the park includes over 200 attractions and more than 65 thrilling rides, weekends in October feature Camp Spooky. Halloween themed decor, haunted houses, pumpkin decorating, and a scavenger hunt add to the park’s fun factor.

Check out our photographs.

Tips:

Canada’s Wonderland really is a fun-filled place, but it is also quite expensive. There are a number of discounts and package deals available. Take a look, and choose wisely.

The park is easily accessible via Highway 400N, and was a thirty minute drive from downtown Toronto. Parking is $12.00.

The website states that food and drinks may not be brought into the park (however, plastic water bottles are permitted). If you have children with special dietary restrictions (i.e. food allergies), you can be accommodated. I recommend making a simple call to guest services before your visit.

Planet Snoopy and Kidzville are special family-friendly areas. Rides are ideal for toddlers and kids under 8 years of age. The park does get very busy in the afternoon and ride lines can be quite long. Either plan to arrive early in the day, or bring a lot of patience.

Camp Spooky is a park-wide Halloween event for the whole family. In addition to a treasure hunt, mazes, and pumpkin decorating, you can catch a performance of Charlie Brown’s Trick or Treat, an all-new live show.  Note, to participate in the treasure hunt, you must present your park admission ticket and pick-up a treasure map and trick-or-treat bag at the Snoopy Boutique in Planet Snoopy (right across from the Carousel). The line up is long, and strategically winds though a shop that sells a large collection of Snoopy themed items (so, yes, I did buy my little boy the Snoopy stuffed toy he found and really wanted).

Do you plan to visit Canada’s Wonderland this month?

And if you are a season’s pass holder, can you offer more tips for families?

Ready to tackle some Monsters?

October’s theme for HarbourKIDS is fitting for this time of year – it’s all about Monsters.  Kids will be able to interact with all kinds of monsters, funny ones, scary ones… and maybe even some friendly ones.  Harbourfront Centre’s free family programme is designed for kids from five to 12 years.

This three-day festival featuring all things monster is designed to help kids use their imaginations to find creative ways to face the things that frighten them.  Who knows, you may event discover that monsters aren’t that scary after all.

Here are the event’s highlights…

From October 8 to 10, Harbourfront Centre will be transformed into a playground for creatures of all shapes and sizes during the HarbourKIDS: Monster festival.

Chomp Monsters are taking over the world! You too can stitch up your very own monstrous creation from felt, fluff and buttons. All required supplies and tools are provided. Pre-registration is required. This workshop is free but each session is limited to 25 participants so register early! More info.

Movie Monster offers a variety of ways for children and adults to work together while preparing for their very own monster movie both behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Groups of all sizes can collaborate to make scary sets and monster costumes before enacting a short scene for the camera. Free. More info.

GULLIVER – Based on the main character from Gulliver’s Travels, GULLIVER will invite kids and parents to sing, dance, tell jokes, and co-create a story with him.

GULLIVER loves to meet new people and hear their stories, and he has a lot of stories of his own. More info.

Volume – Move over, Bieber! During the Monster Festival, the pre-teen rock idols in Volume are going to dig deep and unleash their inner monsters. FREE!

During the event, you can also escape the monster mania and enjoy a quiet canoe ride on The Natrel™ Pond … but do keep an eye out for the Loch Natrel™ Monster! Rides are $4 per person for a 15-minute ride.

There’s also a  monster being built out of LEGO® at the Festival! Visitors can add individual pieces to the monster or participate by building their own structure and adding it on.

And if you’re hungry,  take the kids to Garden Jane’s tent where playing with your food is not just allowed, it’s encouraged! Mash and smash root veggies, like potatoes and squash, from nearby farms. The plates are edible, so kids can eat them too – just like real monsters!

The event features many more activities, workshops, and storytelling. For more info, visit: www.harbourfrontcentre.com/harbourkids. The HarbourKIDS Festival also leads into Monster Makers – a fun and interactive show, which explores success and failure in a new light, designed especially for children aged 5 to 10 and their parents.

Monster Makers takes place in the Brigantine Room from Thursday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 16. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are limited, and cost $10 for children, $15 for adults.  More info.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call 416-973-4000 or email tickets@harbourfrontcentre.com. More info.

Try this experiment. Take a piece of paper and ask your son to draw a small picture of your house. Then have him draw your street, neighbourhood, community, and perhaps even city. The investigation of spatial intelligence through the use of “mental maps”, maps produced by a subject from pure recognition and memory is quite telling in regards to a child’s understanding of his or her environment.

Most parents who attempt this project with their children are surprised both negatively and positively by the results. However, what becomes abundantly clear is that many children have a very limited knowledge of their immediate surroundings and their community. We can easily discount this finding by stating that our children are not old enough to go roaming around the neighbourhood and discovering their community. There are some incontrovertible truths, which stand in opposition to our own disagreement: our children are growing and often through curiosity they can lose their sense of direction and sheer panic can quickly become a reality.

Try another challenge. Ask your children if they know the major intersection (you may have to put this in simpler terms) and what their nearest store might be. While I can recall the heady days of street hockey and being with my friends in the park; it is a melancholy truth that this generation of children has had safe space defined for them by factors my generation did not have to contend with, or if we did, not in the same severity. The loss for this generation of children, aside from the fun and frivolity of the street, is the sense of awareness of community and neighbourhood. While I do believe this can be recaptured in adolescence and certainly in adulthood, it does craft a sense of isolation that could affect the maintenance of diverse and engaging communities within the city. The essence of this article has been what was traditionally held as the side-effects of street proofing, but offers a unique pathway toward that behaviour/habit forming exercise in less of a threatening presuppose. The specters of the distrusted stranger offering candy and the fear of certain places often don’t make for good introductions to this type of education best offered in the home, but certainly complimented in the school.

A lost or missing child is every parent’s nightmare. A prepared child who has some sense of their immediate space and the correct behaviours to deal with crisis situations is a major asset. Statistically, we can take great comfort in the fact that our children are not likely to be abducted, but we can also delve deeper into these figures and identify a discernable inverse relationship regarding abduction and street proofing. Knowledge is power, even for children. Your introduction to their street, neighbourhood, and community will temper their behavioural responses to such simple things as identifying the roads leading into their respective areas and recognizing community landmarks. Other benefits will arise in the form of confidence, self-esteem, family exercise time when walking through the neighbourhood, and a further sense of belonging. While we can lament the passing of street hockey, the many parent eyes on children, and the loss or severe contraction of programs like Neighbourhood Watch; we can, like the fire drills in school, ingrain a response for being lost that is noticeably less anxious and more systematic in the coping mechanisms of the child. There is much we can teach your child, but negotiating the spaces between and the knowledge to deal with crisis is the stewardship of the parent. Frame the world through your eyes and responses, and the picture will be a masterpiece.

photo credit: Maihyet Burton, Tent Girl, 2011

Toronto’s contemporary art spectacle Nuit Blanche will take over the city at sunset on Saturday, October 1 until sunrise on Sunday, October 2.  Nuit Blanche was originally conceived in Paris, France in 2002, in an attempt to bring art to public spaces. In 2005, Paris organizers contacted the City of Toronto’s Special Events office with an invitation to produce a similar event.  Toronto became the first North American city to replicate the Paris model, and inspired celebrations in San Francisco and New York.

This will be my family’s first Nuit Blanche since moving to Toronto, and we are super excited to immerse ourselves in the festivities. My little boy will only attend two events in the early evening, but I thought I would round up a selection of all the family friendly Nuit Blanche happenings.

Take a look:

Ride the Rocket

This interactive art transforms a regular stationary streetcar into a virtual rocket ride through sound FX, video, animation, and computer graphics. (600 Bay Street, north of Dundas Street West)

Shannon’s Fireflies

A grid of suspended lights containing sensors will respond to the whispers of participants by converting their words into light, sound, and movement. (Toronto Public Labyrinth, Trinity Square Park at 527 Bay Street, south of Dundas Street West)

L’echo-l’eau

A chance to walk over a modern day log run in the atrium of the MaRS Building.  Be careful, you might get wet! (MaRS Building, 101 College Street)

Taddle Creek

There is also a diverse selection of independent projects for families at the following locations:

On Sunday morning, we hopped on a streetcar bound for the Toronto Ferry Docks – we were on our way to Centre Island! It was a lovely, sunny day and the perfect fall weather allowed us to make the most of the island’s beautiful parks and Centreville.

Take a look at our snapshots.

Tips
The Toronto Ferry Docks are located foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay, just West of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. The Ferry schedule is available on-line and fares range from $6.50 for adults, $3.00 for kids under 14, and free for children under 2 years of age.

Centre Island is beautiful – green grass, landscaped gardens, plenty of willow trees, and lake views.  Bring a camera or you will regret it.

There is quite a bit of walking once you get off the Ferry and make your way to Centreville. I recommend bringing a stroller if you are traveling with a toddler. My son was happy to walk in the morning, but by the end of the day, it was a completely different story.

Centreville’s rides are very toddler-friendly (my son is three years old), but would also interest kids up to 8 years of age.

Pack a picnic – not only will you save money, but there are plenty of picnic tables and picturesque locations to dine.

Centreville is open weekends in September, so there is only one more weekend left! Start making your weekend plans now.

 

Did you visit Centre Island and Centreville this season? If so, share your experience. We would love to hear about it!

When going to Riverdale Farm, the first thing you think of is, of course, to take pictures of your family with the animals, but this, however, will not be easy. Due to the space between the animal and your subject, you will not be able to produce the close up intimate shots that you want to capture.

Shots of animals are great, but the beautiful images with your children and animals will be difficult.

Interestingly enough, I found the farm to be the least interesting location in Riverdale Farm.  Venture past the farm and find the discovery walk (although technically this is still in Riverdale Farm).

When I scouted the location, I was amazed to find these nature trails with old wooden benches, old stone walls, old stone bridges and even old buildings that look to be over one hundred years old.

There are definitely a lot of photographic opportunities to be utilized, and the amount of images you take is tied to how much energy your subject has.  On that note, when you venture down these paths with your kids, consider it a hike and bring lots of water.  Additionally I would suggest wearing light clothing (again it is a hike after all).

In terms of the photography, the main issue you will have is exposure related.  When heading down nature paths, your exposure will vary greatly every few feet due to the changing light and shade.  If you are shooting on manual, keep a close eye on the camera’s light meter every time you shoot as you will find yourself over exposing or under exposing quite easily.  You should try and find areas where the light is consistent so that you don’t get mixed lighting on your subject (us photog’s call it “marbling”).

Look for shade.

Try and avoid direct sunlight as it is not the most flattering light.  Of course if it is overcast, then you are lucky and you do not need to worry about this.  When you are in the shade, look at your subject’s eyes – if there is not a highlight, you will get dark eyes and it will not look that great.  Sometimes you can simply turn your subject around and blam-o!  You will get that highlight (or if you have an assistant, have them wear a white shirt and stand close by).

I know I downplayed the farm before, but I will say this, the farm has some nice gardens and wooden fences that look quite amazing.

When you are on the farm, again, look for shade if the sun is harsh that day.  Make use of the fences and try and shoot them in a way that leads the eye somewhere rather than straight on.

In the garden areas, try and shoot through the leaves/trees to create some interesting out of focus foreground elements.  Get in there and get dirty (just don’t step on the plants).  Get close up to your subjects so that you can showcase the backgrounds with a more interesting angle.

To further contradict my previous statements, you can get shots of animals and children.  To make the shots more interesting (or better yet possible), you should pick your child or the  animal as the subject of the image rather than both.  I imagine though that it would be difficult to get behind a rooster as they are quite paranoid.  Note: If you don’t keep your eyes open, you will suddenly be surrounded by several roosters and they probably will be about to mug you.

In the above image, although we do not have the reaction of the child, we have captured a moment between the two.  If I shot this from the side (profile), the meaning of the image would not be as powerful or intimate.

Overall I was impressed with Riverdale Farm as there are so many opportunities for  those who look for them.  I would definitely recommend going there and to not get distracted by the need to get pictures of animals.  The grounds are beautiful and rustic; explore and create amazing images.

If you have any questions let me know, or better yet, let me know how it went for you! – info@clearpixelimages.com or  www.clearpixelimages.com.

Want to be a part of these fun photo shoots?  Check out www.artstrollers.com for future contest details!  Or you can check out the Simply Babies! Workshops that I shoot with Art Strollers.

Looking for a carrier to support you and your child from birth right up to pre-school age?

Look no further: the manduca® can be used from birth up to a maximum weight of about 20kg (45lbs) – and there’s no need to buy expensive accessories or paraphernalia.

All Manduca carriers come with an infant insert and a hoody to protect from the sun and support your childs head when they fall asleep.

Just one carrier does it all: front, hip and back carries. The manduca® is designed to protect your back, redistributing the weight from your shoulders onto your hips.

The manduca® is designed to be kind to parents‘ backs; the anatomically shaped waist belt redistributes the weight from the shoulders to the hips, making babywearing a blissfully comfortable experience.  With the manduca® baby carrier, your baby is held reliably in the orthopedically ideal M position. Which is what Orthopedists and pediatricians recommend for babies who are worn in carriers.

They should always sit with tucked-up and slightly spread legs. The baby’s bottom should be lower than its knees, while the knees can come up as far as the tummy button. This position makes the baby’s hips tilt slightly forwards, while its back is very slightly rounded or ‘hunched’ and under less pressure.

This position is frequently referred to as a ‘frog’ position, and in medical jargon is often described by means of exact angles. Manduca prefers their own term, the M position, as we think it helps the non-expert to visualize very well what it is supposed to look like: in this position, the lower legs, the thighs and the bottom all together look rather like a capital M. Babywearing in this position can help prevent hip dysplasias and encourages the baby’s still immature hip sockets to develop in the way nature intended.

Manduca can be found online at Everything Mom and Baby Shop – the only Toronto retailer.

The kids may have headed back to school but there’s a great new crop of movies releases that will be hitting the big screen very soon! Get the inside scoop on what new family/kids movies will be coming to a theatre near you this fall 2011.

Dolphin Tale in 3D – September 23

DOLPHIN TALE is a family film inspired by the amazing true story of Winter, a young dolphin who loses her tail, and Sawyer, an 11-year old boy who befriends her. Rated PG. Official site: dolphintalemovie.warnerbros.com.

Real Steel – October 7

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, “Real Steel” stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. By Walt Disney Pictures. Rated PG – Official site: www.steelgetsreal.com.

The Three Musketeers 2011 – October 21

The hot-headed young D’Artagnan along with three former legendary but now down on their luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war. Disney Pictures. Rated PG-13. Official site: www.threemusketeers-movie.com.

Puss in Boots (2011) – November 4

Shrek’s swashbuckling feline gets a solo outing in this DreamWorks Animation production, once again starring the voice talents of Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, with Salma Hayek and Zach Galifianakis co-starring. A story about the events leading up to the sword fighting cat’s meeting with Shrek and his friends. Unrated. Official site: www.pussinbootsthemovie.com.

Happy Feet Two – November 18

Happy Feet Two returns audiences to the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D. Mumble, The Master of Tap, has a problem because his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven-a penguin who can fly! Mumble has no hope of competing with this charismatic new role model. But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces. Unrated. Official site: happyfeettwo.warnerbros.com.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 – November 18

The epic love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen continues in part one of the final installment of Stephenie Meyer’s best-selling series. PG-13. Official site: www.breakingdawn-themovie.com.

Canada’s Wonderland is the country’s largest theme park featuring over 200 attractions, 68 thrilling rides, North America’s greatest variety of roller coasters, KidZville – Planet Snoopy (a kid-friendly zone), Splash Works, a 20-acre water park and live shows.  But one of the highlights of the park (and the feature for this post) is the exhilarating rides – the ones that get your adrenaline flowing. The park is a must-see attraction and perfect destination for thrill seekers. What is it with roller coasters? You go up, you go down, you scream. What more could you possibly want? Well plenty, especially if you’re talking about the ones at Canada’s Wonderland. Test your level of excitement and see if you’re courageous enough to catch some of these… Ride first, eat later!

Riptide takes passengers through snap rollovers and 360-degree twists and turns as they are propelled through moments of zero gravity and an inescapable wall of water.

On The Bat, riders are pulled backwards and launched through an unyielding corkscrew and a breathtaking loop. After one trip through The Bat’s intense, tight track, riders have little time to catch their breath when The Bat climbs its second launch to take riders through one more time – backwards!

Shockwave’s twisted force and spinning power, boosts riders 70-feet in the air, while rotating and looping 360-degrees! I love the picturesque setting of the park and the gorgeous flowers that surround the rides!

On Vortex, riders will enjoy the thrills of Canada’s first suspended roller coaster. This steel coaster plunges over Wonder Mountain, reaching speeds of 90km/h.

Vortex’s invisible track drives riders through unrelenting turns, swooping, diving and plunging over a scenic waterscape.

On Psyclone, daring thrill-seekers will rock 120-feet in the air, while spinning on a giant sky disc attached to the most powerful pendulum on the planet!

Time Warp is Canada’s only Flying Coaster. Enjoy the thrills of a roller coaster while experiencing the sensation of flying.

Flight Deck is Canada’s only inverted looping jet coaster. This mega coaster simulates flight with speeds of 90km/h, exhilarating 90-degree vertical climbs, barrel rolls, inverted wing loopovers, a 270-degree after burn and a complete snap roll over. Riders take flight in a fully open cockpit suspended beneath the coaster’s steel track as the sky races below.

On SkyRider, riders will soar through loops, sharp bank curves and a side-winding helix all while standing up!

New for 2011 at Canada’s Wonderland is WindSeeker, a 30-story tall swing ride. WindSeeker ascends 301 feet (91.7M) and spreads its metal arms, swinging thrill-seekers at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Towering over Canada’s Wonderland, WindSeeker will give riders a spinning view of Wonder Mountain, Splash Works, Vortex and a lot more!

The Mighty Canadian Minebuster is the largest & longest wooden coaster in Canada. The wooden track is full of side-winding turns, camel humps and breath-taking drops. The Minebuster reaches astounding speeds of more than 90km/h on its 4000 feet of serpentine designed track.

Dragon Fire is an immense steel coaster hurls riders through two 360-degree loops, a full corkscrew and a side-winding helix.

For those not afraid of heights, take a ride on Drop Tower. Riders sit on a high-speed transport lift that travels over 16 feet per second, 230 feet in the air. At the top of the tower, guests have but moments to take in the panoramic view of the Park before smoothly free falling at more than 100km/h (23 stories) to the ground.

Sledge Hammer is a mechanical giant, cutting the skyline at 80-feet in the air. Its massive power will hurl riders through accelerated jumps and freefalls. It’s a monstrous thrill that will leave white-knuckled riders screaming for more!

Thunder Run takes guests on a wild trip through Wonder Mountain. This themed runaway mine train coaster weaves riders through the depths of Wonder Mountain and out and over the scenic sights of Wonderland.

On Wild Beast, you’ll ride the banks and jump the humps on this massive serpentine designed wooden coaster. With more than 3000 feet of track, this wildcat coaster reaches maximum speeds through a never-ending stretch of camel humps and hairpin turns.

After Labour Day, Canada’s Wonderland is open weekends only, Until October 30. For more info, visit: www.canadaswonderland.com.

If you purchase a 2012 Season’s Pass (on sale now), it’s $59.99 for a Renewal Seasons Pass, $64.99 for a Regular Seasons Pass – and this includes one free visit for the remainder of the 2011 season. More info…

Making smoothies with your kids is a great way to have a little fun together and get some fantastic fruits and veggies into their diet!

You can change it up by combining different fruits and veggies and using various liquids as a base.

We generally use a one cup rule … one cup of everything!!!

Ingredients:

1 cup Pinapple
1 cup Mango (Ataulfo is our favorite type)
1 cup Cantaulope
1 cup Baby Spinach (or just start out with a couple of leaves)
1 cup Coconut Water (add more based on desired texture)
1 cup Ice

Directions:

1. Wash all your produce thoroughly.
2. Cut up your fruits and veggies.
3. Place them all in the blender.
4. Add coconut water and ice.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Enjoy!!!!!

You can also make delicious popsicles out of your smoothie mix … they are a perfect healthy snack on a hot summer day!

Happy Healthy Eating,
Kia

For more recipes, visit www.todayiatearainbow.com.

Memory Cards – Save Money and Protect Yourself

It is standard that everyone knows a little bit about memory cards since every digital camera takes a certain type whether it is CF cards, SD cards.  Essentially these act as hard drives, and just like hard drives, these too can fail.

If you know the warning signs, you can avoid having your entire day of shots disappear into garbled pixels!

Maintain

By maintaining your memory card, you can prolong its lifespan.  Here are a few important notes:
- Don’t leave memory cards in very hot or very cold climates.  Drastic changes in temperature can even cause cards to corrupt.  Generally for most people, this can only occur if you leave the card inside your car.
- Try not to use your memory cards as another form of storage.  If you are constantly dragging documents, music, etc to the card and using it as file storage, it will increase the chance for corruption.
- Erase images using the camera’s “format” control rather than using the computer to erase the card.
- Turn off the camera before you remove the card
- Let’s say you buy a new camera and now you are using it with your old memory card.  Before you start shooting images, format (erase) the card using the new camera.
- Before you eject the card from your computer, make sure that it is safe to do so.

Warning signs

Here are some examples of some warning signs, or early stages of corruption.  If you see even one image like this on your card, backup the card and dispose of it as eventually the card will be unreadable.

You said in the title you could save us money!

When the time comes to buy a new memory card, consider where you buy them.  If you are like me, you buy these things a lot and you don’t want to get gouged.  Through my own experiences, I have noticed that Canada gets gouged when it comes to memory cards.  In some cases, the cost for a memory card in Canada is double than that of the USA.  Of course there is a currency difference, but even then you could find that you are still overpaying for memory cards.  Have a look for yourself and compare the big camera stores here with those of the USA (i.e. B&H Photo/Adorama).  I imagine a lot of this has to do with companies here not adjusting their prices to the changing economy, but still why should we pay more?  This of course is not limited to memory cards.  It also includes batteries and camera accessories (I do not recommend ordering camera bodies/lenses from non-local companies).

For those savvy eBay people, also be careful because low prices for memory cards are too good to be true.  In fact, do not buy memory cards from eBay or online bidding environments as they have a serious counterfeiting problem.  Counterfeit cards will come in extremely accurate packaging and will even look identical to the real ones.  I actually happened to get my hands on one counterfeit card ($3.58 from Hong Kong – What a steal!)

These counterfeit cards will likely have a higher chance for corruption due to that they are made of mystery materials, manufactured in mystery locations and apparently have three year mystery guarantees.

If you have any questions regarding this post, send me an email at info@clearpixelimages.com, or visit my website at: www.clearpixelimages.com.

Sherbourne Common is a stunning waterfront park that has transformed an industrial area into some much needed public green space just off the lakefront. It’s the latest development to be completed along the city’s waterfront and the first attraction of a yet-to-be-built neighbourhood.

Located just east of Lower Sherbourne Street, the 1.5 hectare park spans more than two city blocks, from Lake Ontario in the south to Lake Shore Boulevard in the north, on both sides of Queens Quay.

It’s a safe spot to play with many fun features for kids.

The park features a water channel with three dramatic art sculptures, from which water cascades.

Sherbourne Common was designed by landscape architects Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg to bring a feeling of “life at the lake” to the area.

It’s the first park in Canada to integrate an ultraviolet (UV) facility for neighbourhood-wide stormwater treatment into its design.

Collected stormwater is treated in the UV facility and released from three dramatic art features into a 240-metre long water channel then back out to Lake Ontario.

There are interesting play structures for the kids.

For spinning.

Swings – There are also teeter totters.

And lots of gravel to play in.

Across the street at Queen’s Quay where the park extends to the boardwalk and Lake Ontario.

Walking towards the lake. Tons of green space here.

It’s also where you’ll find the splash pad in the summer which doubles as a skating rink during the winter months.

There are also washrooms in the building.

The parks ends at the lake.

The park’s great features (and visual appear) will make Sherbourne Common a well-used local attraction year round for city residents and visitors.

Tip: There is limited parking in the area so drive over 1 block east on Queen’s Quay to Bonnycastle St. At the time of our visit, street parking was allowed for 1 hour from 8am to 6pm, Mon-Sat.

As summer wraps to an end, street performers are bedazzling Torontonians with acts of contortion, acrobatics and fire-breathing at the 12th annual Scotiabank BuskerFest, Toronto’s incredibly successful street performer festival in support of Epilepsy Toronto.

The Festival opened Thursday, August 25 and continues until Sunday, August 28.

The festival features hundreds of the best street performers from Canada and around the world. Spontaneous, colourful and bursting with the unexpected – there is something for everyone at BuskerFest!

The Festival takes place in the historic St. Lawrence Market Neighourhood from Front Street between Jarvis and Church Streets, all the way to Yonge Street, including Market Lane, Church St and Berczy Park.

Admission is by donation and supports Epilepsy Toronto. The Festival’s largest sponsor is Scotiabank.

Watch silent comedy and slapstick, daredevils and magicians, high skill circus acts and a wide variety of music, clowns, contortionists, acrobats, aerialists, puppets, and more. These incredible street performers come from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Stilt walkers are always a favourite as they tower over the crowds.

A highlight on the day of our visit … the giant bugs on stilts.

They emitted a loud buzzing sound and were taunting the crowds. They were huge. It was fascinating… like something out of a Hollywood movie!

There are amazing street artists.

And a vast array of street vendors, with all kinds of products… for shopping between acts.

And tons of yummy street foods…

There’s even Face Painting for the kids – but not your everyday ‘average’ face painting…

… check out the elaborate face painting job they did on this cutie.

Even the doggies were out to enjoy the Festival. After all, today is ‘National Dog Day”. Great way to celebrate!

Don’t forget to check out Scotiabank BuskerPlay – an area especially for kids! It’s located in Market Lane Park, just west of the St. Lawrence North Market (on the north side of Front near Jarvis). This area features face painting, balloon twisting, puppets, music, the 2011 LEGO Ninjago Tour, workshops and shows geared especially for the family audience.

So don’t miss out on this world class festival that supports a local charitable organization, Epilepsy Toronto. This is their largest fund raiser of the year.

For more information on Scotiabank Buskerfest, visit: www.torontobuskerfest.com.

Toronto’s High Park has one of the best playgrounds in the city. Designed with the help of children, Jamie Bell Adventure Park, is located across from a duck pond and just a short walk from the park Zoo.

The playground is a castle-like structure, full of passageways, tunnels, towers, slides, nooks and little crannies (perfect for playing hide and seek). Take a look at our snapshots.

Tips:
High Park also features Grenadier Pond,  a number of pretty gardens (including Cherry Blossom trees), picnic areas, and a trackless train.  If you plan to visit, download a map from the website and plan out your day ahead of time.

We chose to explore the zoo (which is actually quite small) and playground, and had a picnic lunch by the duck pond. There are two playground structures – one for toddlers and one for older kids. My three-year-old was able to navigate the big playground, but because of all the tunnels and hidden corners, I followed him around (and it was a lot of fun).

The park is accessible via TTC and there is free on-site parking. Note, that weekends are very busy so parking spots will be taken up early in the day.

Any other tips to offer families planning a visit to High Park?

Foods of the deep fried kind at the CNE! As soon as we hit the CNE, we made a b-line for the food booths. Why? The CNE is known for being a haven of unhealthy but tasty and really yummy foods. You know, the deep fried kind… We found wonderfully wacky, wild, and irresistible fried summer foods, from deep-fried coke to pizza on a stick. What are you waiting for? Read on to salivate over these unusual and calorie-laden foods that we found at The EX!

The talk of the town this year is the deep fried Kool-Aid. Here’s a pic of Cherry-Aid.

Among the delicacies at this year’s CNE are the new popular deep fried liquids – deep fried Cola and Slushy!

Here’s the deep fried coke with whipped cream, topped with a cherry.  Just a few 1,000 calories.

Another popular pick for this year – the deep fried Twinkie. Twinkies are not exactly diet fare to begin with.

The deep fried Mars Bar… Yummmmmmmmm! Did someone say 400 calories – Really?

The new kid on the block – the Krispy Kreme Burger. This artery-clogger features a hamburger patty topped with cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato all tucked inside a sliced Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnut. A ‘fried egg’ is optional! This sandwich is a whopping 1,550 calories.

My ‘newly’ vegetarian daughter succumbed to this burger. I had a taste… have to admit, it wasn’t bad!

Then there’s deep fried mac & cheese. 575 calories.

You’ll find that at the Mac & Cheesery along with many other goodies.

Did someone mention ‘deep fried pickles’?

Here it is … the colossal deep fried pickle!

A fave from last year is the deep fried butter. The gentleman who ordered these said: “This tastes weird”! But he ate them all.

Also making a comeback this year – chocolate covered bacon. I love bacon and I love chocolate … but together??

Now this one caught my attention…

Just delicious. It was so light and fluffy, and the Oreo cookie was all melted inside. Also like the calories – only 156!

Ooooooooh – deep fried fudge.

Something different … pizza on a stick!

Here are some traditional fair foods we can’t forget about!

The Onion Blossom. Mmmm.

The Beaver Tail topped with chocolate and Reeses Pieces.

And my fave, the corn dog. Nothing beats a corn dog!

Each year, fair vendors set out to outdo each other with the craziest deep fried foods you can imagine. The CNE is where you go to get food of the deep fried kind. Definitely a once a year treat! Wonder what’s in store for next year!

PS. Thanks to all the CNE guests who allowed us to take photos of their food. You didn’t think I ate ALL of these did you?

The CNE recently opened for its 133rd season! So much excitement and fun for the kids… it’s all about the rides!

All roads lead to the Midway at the CNE. Located right in the heart of the fairgrounds.

There are 31 rides guaranteed to delight even the most experienced rider, or the smallest ones… The ride line-up includes spectaculars, thrill, family and rides just for kids.

The Swing Tower is a crowd favourite.

The Crazy Mouse spinning coaster brings thrills and chills.

You really feel like you’re going over the edge in the Crazy Mouse Coaster!

Get shaken from head to toe in the Zipper.

And experience spectacular views from atop the giant Ferris Wheel!

Here’s a snapshot from the top. You can almost see the entire CNE and beyond from the Ferris Wheel.

If you can’t handle the giant Ferris Wheel, there’s a smaller one.

Wanna race down the never ending Euroslide?

Are you brave enough to ride the Fire Ball?

There are even rides for those who have a dream to fly.

Or take a gentler ride on a classic Carousel.

Whatever your pleasure, the Midway’s sure to have a ticket for you. For more info on the CNE’s midway rides, click here. What’s your favourite ride at the CNE?

It’s the end of the summer and fairgrounds, like the CNE are filled with midway rides and games, prize-winning horses and outrageously large pumpkins.

There are booths displaying various crafts and products … and best of all, that’s where you find all that great fair food!

Give in to your carnival food cravings by making your own. Here are our top picks to try at home because they are, amazingly, super easy to make!

Caramel Popcorn

Transform fresh popped corn into a yummy caramelized confection that is delicious to snack on and perfect for any occasion.

What you need: 8 cups popped popcorn, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup butter, 3 tbsp corn syrup, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp baking soda, ¼ tsp vanilla.

How to make it: In small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt over high heat; bring to boil. Let cool, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in baking soda and vanilla. In large mixing bowl, toss coating with popcorn to coat. Transfer to large baking sheet & arrange popcorn in single layer. Bake in 325°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

Funnel Cake

One of the best tasting and most popular of all sweet carnival treats is the funnel cake.

What you need: 2 ½ cups of self-rising flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 1/3 cup milk, 2 eggs slightly beaten, vegetable oil, powdered sugar for topping.

How to make it: Combine first 4 ingredients beating until smooth. Heat oil in skillet. Pour prepared batter through a funnel forming a spiral, into hot oil. Fry until golden.  Drain on paper towel. Top off with powdered sugar, fresh fuit (especially strawberries) or ice cream.

Corn Dogs

Everyone loves corn dogs. They’re a staple at a fall fair!

What you need: 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup white sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1 quart vegetable oil for frying, 2 packages of beef hotdogs, 16 wooden skewers or chopsticks.

How to make it: In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar and baking powder. Stir in eggs and milk. Preheat oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Insert wooden skewers into hotdogs. Roll hotdogs in batter until well coated. Fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Red Candy Apples

Apples with a hard candy coating … just like the ones you can get at fairs.

What you need: 8 medium sized apples, 8 wooden sticks, 3 cups white sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, 1 cup water, ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional).

How to make it: Wash & dry apples. Remove stems and insert a wooden stick. Heat and stir sugar, corn syrup and water in a saucepan until sugar dissolves. Boil until the syrup reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer, or until a little syrup dropped into cold water separates into breakable threads. Remove from heat & stir in food coloring, if using. Dip one apple completely in the syrup and swirl to coat. Hold the apple above the saucepan to drain off excess. Place apple, with the stick facing up, on a well greased pan. Repeat with remaining apples. If the syrup thickens or cools too much, reheat briefly before continuing. Let cool completely before serving.

Enjoy!!

We’re always on the lookout for healthy, low-fat treats. Try these yummy mini date-nut snowballs.

Very nutritious and only 100 calories. Perfect for a sweet tooth … and super easy to make.

Takes only 10 minutes!

We found this great recipe in the August issue of Food Network Magazine, one of my fave food magazines.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
3 1/2 ounces of pitted dried dates (approx 14)
15 raw almonds
1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
pinch of salt

How to make it:

Spread the shredded coconut on a plate.

Mix the dates, almonds, cinnamon and salt in a food processor until finely ground.

Form 1/2 teaspoonful balls with your fingers. Roll in the coconut.

Refrigerate.

Nutritional content: 100 calories, 3 gr. of fat, 2 gr. saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 20 gr. carbohydrates, 3 gr. fiber, 1 gr. protein.

So yummy!

On the weekend, we made a visit to Casa Loma and explored the secret passages, tall towers, pretty gardens (my favourite), and underground tunnel (my son’s favourite). The historic landmark is the former estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist, and military man. Pellatt wanted to build a medieval castle on a hill overlooking Toronto.

Take a look at our snapshots:

A Few Tips

There is no air conditioning in the castle (only a few strategically placed fans), so it does get quite warm in the afternoon on the upper floors.

There is small cafe in the basement, but the line up is quite long at lunch time. Instead, pack a lunch and eat at the tables just outside the cafe.

If you are interested in the historical significance of Casa Loma, there are audio tours available.

Casa Loma admission is costly.  However, the need to maintain the castle and the fact that it is typically a one-time-visit attraction, somewhat justifies the price. Parking is an additional $9.00, so the TTC might be  better option.

Did you know?

Casa Loma construction began in 1911, and took 300 men almost 3 years to complete, with a total cost of $3,500,000. Unfortunately, Pellatt enjoyed Casa Loma for less than 10 years before financial misfortune forced him to abandon his home.

Apparently, Casa Loma will be up for sale soon (according to a few recent newspaper articles). Anyone looking to buy a castle?

Marineland is one of Niagara Fall’s popular family destination spots with a distinctive line up of attractions, marine mammal shows, amusement rides and interactive animal displays, delivering tons of excitement and pure fun for all.

Marineland provides a day’s adventure where visitors experience the thrill of getting up close with animals from both land and sea.

Marvel at the Killer Whales as they jump to incredible heights at Friendship Cove.

The underwater viewing gallery lets you enter the enchanting world of whales just below the water surface. At Arctic Cove, meet the Beluga, a unique and friendly white whale.

See high-flying dolphins perform incredible flips and other impressive tricks.

One of the unique experiences at Marineland is the chance to interact with its animals. Arctic Cove is home to the beluga whales and it’s the largest facility of its kind where you can feed and touch these fascinating white whales.

A highlight at Marineland – the rides! The Wave Swinger is a beautifully designed and popular ride with guests.

From newer rides to true and tested family favourites, there’s a wide selection of rides to thrill everyone.

Viking Adventure – a ride that will thrill and surprise.

The Ocean Odyssey is a new family thrill ride.

Dragon Mountain, the world’s largest non-stop steel roller coaster, is spread over 30 acres of land and features more travel through tunnels than any other coaster – 1,163 feet!

A favourite – the Sky Screamer – the world’s highest triple tower ride, takes you over 137.2 metres (450 feet) skyward and launches you up and down at speeds of up to 96 km/h (60 mph).

Mingling with the animals is not just limited to marine life as visitors can also connect with other animals such as elk, buffalo and black bears.

You can feed and even touch the deer that roam freely in Deer Park.

Marineland is also best known for it’s dynamic animal shows! The King Waldorf Stadium presents programs at regular intervals throughout the day. Audiences will delight in watching the hilarious sea lions and seals clowning around.

Be amazed when the bottlenose dolphins demonstrate their speed and agility in performing various acrobatic high jumps.

Marineland provides a day’s adventure with many attractions, shows, amusement rides, and exciting animal interaction programs where visitors experience the thrill of getting up close with animals from both land and sea. Marineland operates from May until October. For more info, visit: www.marinelandcanada.com.

With Marineland’s Season’s Pass, you can enjoy unlimited admission to the park’s great attractions. Purchase an admission ticket to the park and for just $5.00 more you can come back the next day, the next week – in fact, you can visit as many times as you want throughout the season!

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is the basis for a stage show: “CSI: Live” currently showing at the Ontario Science Centre.

It’s an interactive live half hour performance that takes visitors on a journey through the captivating world of crime scene investigations.

Combine magic and mystery … then the audience gets to put it all together. The live-action whodunit play asks the “forensic scientists” in the audience to solve the mystery.

The show is presented by Mad Science who is taking the world’s # 1 television franchise to over 115 stages in cities across North America.

Audience members are invited up on stage to become part of the action; becoming witnesses, suspects and CSI recruits.

Even the youngest of recruits can be involved!

Everyone works together to use their superior logic and forensic know-how to uncover hidden details, investigate the evidence and test theories.

Whether it’s analyzing mysterious gasses, launching projectiles into a target, or firing a laser beam across the stage, the CSI recruits will have to be on their toes to help solve the crime.

How was the crime committed? Who is guilty? Only you can find the answers. It’s CSI: LIVE! – join the adventure!

And don’t worry! Since this is a family show, visitors shouldn’t expect the same blood and gore they see on television each week.   CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is on until September 5, 2011. The show is free with admission. Seating is limited so it’s recommended that you book your tickets ahead of time by calling 416-696-1000 or you can reserve in person at the box office on the day of your visit. Tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis. Recommended for ages 8 and over.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION ™ CBS © 2000-2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Entertainment AB Funding LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Mad Science Production. © 2011 The Mad Science Group. All Rights Reserved.

August 10 is National S’mores Day. You know s’mores … melty marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers. Mmmmmm.

A S’more is a traditional nighttime campfire treat made popular in North America.

If you’ve never had them before, they are so easy to make! And, we’re giving you some variations on the traditional recipe. YUM!

What you need to make traditional S’mores:

Some large marshmallows.

Chocolate. This where you can go crazy & use your favourite chocolate bar: Hershey bar, Caramilk (that’s my fave) or a Reese’s peanut butter cup. What’s your preferred bar?

And finally, some graham crackers.

Directions:

1. Heat a large marshmallow over an open flame until it begins to brown and melt.
2. Break the graham cracker in half. Sandwich the chocolate between the cracker and the hot marshmallow. Allow the marshmallow to cool a moment before eating.

Really… that’s it! Anyone can handle this.

Enjoy the ooey gooey goodness of S’mores.

In celebration of S’mores Day, we thought we’d give you some new twists on the traditional S’mores recipe…

Strawberry S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
2 tbsp strawberry jam
strawberry slices

Peanut Butter S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
peanut butter
chocolate chips
*Alternatively, you can use a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup.

Banana S’mores
graham crackers
chocolate
marshmallows
Sliced bananas
Shredded, toasted coconut

Caramel S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
Caramel Sauce
chocolate
*Alternatively, use pieces of a Caramilk Bar

Raspberry S’mores
graham crackers
chocolate
marshmallows
raspberry jelly or jam

Peach S’mores
Cinnamon graham crackers
marshmallows
white chocolate
peach jelly or a fresh peach slice

Mint S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
Peppermint Patties or Junior Mints

Crunchy S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
Nestle crunch

Caramel Apple S’mores
graham crackers
marshmallows
Caramilk bar
slice of apple

The fun thing about S’mores is that you can pretty much invent anything you like!  Are there any other recipes that you’ve tried?

Kale is one of those veggies that are SO good for you … but for people like me who are really sensitive to bitter flavors … kale can be quite a challenge to eat!

At least they used to be a challenge … that was until I discovered making kale chips! They end up being these crunchy pieces of goodness that I cannot get enough of and they’re a healthy snack!  The other thing I love about making kale chips is that it’s the perfect recipe to make with kids!

Ingredients:

• Bunch of kale
• Olive oil
• Sea Salt
• Garlic Powder (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash and dry the kale leaves.
3. Remove the leaves from their stem by holding the base of the stem and with your other hand slightly pinch and rub up the stem. Just like we do in our video
4. Rip the kale into smaller bite size pieces.
5. Place the kale on a baking sheet and pour on the olive oil.
6. Be sure to really massage the oil into all the leaves or have your kids paint it on!
7. Sprinkle with Sea Salt. We also like to add a pinch of garlic powder.
8. Spread the leaves around so that they aren’t touching – you want a single spaced out layer on your baking sheet.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 – 15 mins. Every oven is different so for your first batch keep a close eye on them so they don’t start to burn!
10. After they’ve cooled down you can easily earn your green magnet enjoying by your healthy, crispy, tasty Kale Chips!

Here is our new video on how to make a delicious batch of kale chips with your kids!  In the Rainbow Kitchen.

Making Kale Chips in the Rainbow Kitchen

Happy Healthy Eating,
Kia

Kia Robertson is a mom and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit; a tool that helps parents establish healthy habits by setting the goal of eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day. Kia is passionate about creating tools that help parents raise healthy kids!

I grew up with the Smurf. They were a huge part of my childhood – my favourite books and cartoon characters. But I knew them as “Les Schtroumpfs”, in their original French version. They’ve been a worldwide phenomenon since the 1950s.  When I heard that the Smurfs were coming to the big screen, I was ecstatic…

In this hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, the Smurfs get chased out of their village by the evil wizard Gargamel. They’re forced through a portal, out of their world and into ours, landing in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Only three apples high and stuck in the Big Apple, the Smurfs must find a way to get back to their village before Gargamel tracks them down.

When the Smurfs land in the middle of New York City, they question… “Where the Smurf are we?”

Many movie reviews were very critical. I expected it to be terrible, but it’s actually well done. The Smurfs is an unexpected pleasure and a very good adaptation that leads to a lot of fun for the entire family. And the 3-D effects are pretty cool.

Sure the film gets by on a lot of nostalgia … and those who ARE fans of these adorable blue creatures won’t be disappointed.  The special effects used on The Smurfs are brilliant. The Smurfs look so very real.

You’ll get a good laugh at the inspired silliness of Hank Azaria in his role as Gargamel. He is hilarious to watch – especially when it comes to his crazy love-hate relationship with his cat Azrael.

The cat Azrael (a live cat who is digitally enhanced), provides much of the humor in the film.

Neil Patrick Harris, plays Patrick, the human who gets stuck with the Smurfs and Jayma Mays of Glee fame, plays his wife, Grace Winslow. There’s a very sweet, very human story at the heart of The Smurfs involving a young couple expecting a baby, and going through all the anxiety associated with that major life change. There’s also a lot of slapstick humor and clichés galore, but it’s all good.

The movie is not without its moments of delight. There are some witty scenes when Smurfette says: I kissed a Smurf and I liked it!”, a reference to Katy Perry’s (who also plays Smurfette) song “I Kissed a Girl”. There’s also the hilarious one-sided conversation between Grouchy Smurf as he tries to flirt with “Green”, the female M&M at the toy store. Here, Smurfette and Gutsy share a ‘Marilyn Monroe’ moment.

A little bit of background on the multi-million dollar franchise known as the Smurfs…

The original comic strip “Les Schtroumpfs” was written in French by Belgian comics artist Pierre Culliford also known as Peyo (25 June 1928 – 24 December 1992.). Their first appearance was published in Spirou Magazine on October 23, 1958. The characters proved to be a huge success, and the first independent Smurf stories appeared in Spirou in 1959, together with the first merchandising.

Yes, I collected the toys too. The most popular toys sold were the PVC figurines.

This is the original comic book series published. I read every book written and I passed that on to my girls who also own quite a collection of the books.

The cast has a simple structure as almost all the characters look essentially alike — mostly male, very short (3 apples high), with blue skin, white trousers with a hole for their short tails, white hat in the style of a Phrygian cap, and sometimes some additional accessory that identifies a personality. The Smurfs fulfill simple archetypes of everyday people: Lazy Smurf, Grouchy Smurf, Brainy Smurf.

So don’t hesitate to take the kids to see the Smurfs – especially if they were a part of your childhood. The storyline is pretty adventurous (lots of action) and yes, it is standard cliche kids movie but the comedy and humor is fun. The movie will get giggles out of the younger audience members… the older ones too!

For more info on the movie release, visit the website: www.smurfhappens.com.

Official Smurfs website: www.smurf.com.

Bring your family closer together with the ultimate weekend at Centreville Amusement Park and The Westin Harbour Castle!

A Family of 4 will enjoy a day full of unlimited rides and a Pizza Pizza Lunch at Centreville. You will also enjoy a fabulous night at The Westin Harbour Castle. Your hotel visit includes a Refreshing Buffet Breakfast in The Mizzen Restaurant for two ($60 value – Kids 5 and under eat free from the kids’ menu when accompanied by an adult), Complimentary valet parking, Kids’ Mini water bottles (for all children with unlimited beverages), Kids’ welcome amenity, Standard accommodation for a family of 4 sharing a room (2 double beds), Complimentary crib and/or rollaway bed in room upon arrival if needed.

Centreville Amusement Park is nestled in over 600 acres of parkland just across the harbour from the city. With over 30 rides and attractions, two licensed restaurants and more than 14 food outlets, there’s something for everyone at Centreville!

For more information on Centreville, visit: www.centreisland.ca. For information on the Westin Harbour Castle, visit: www.westinharbourcastletoronto.com.

The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel on the Waterfront.

Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island.

Contest closed on Wednesday, August 3, 2011. Winner: Laura Rossitter of Burlington.

Kids can reduce their ‘forkprint’ this fall with some really cool eco-friendly lunch boxes, just in time for back-to-school.

FENIGO.com is a Canadian online company that offers everything for a litter-less lunch. They have competitive prices and one the best selection of litter-less lunch products in Canada! What’s more is that everything available on FENIGO.com is safe – even the products made of plastic.

All products are BPA, PVC, Phthalate and Lead-free, which gives  you the re-assurance that any product you chose for your child, will be completely safe!

Here are my top pick for stylish, appetizing and waste-reducing back-to-school products for kids!

Dabbawalla Lunch Bags make ideal school lunch bags! This bag is made from eco-sponge, an innovative neoprene-like fabric that has earned the rigorous Oeko-Tex 100 standard of safety in textiles, an ecological certification process that tests for over 100 harmful substances. This insulated fabric is stain-resistant and helps retain food temperatures. Completely machine-washable! Price: CDN $29.97.

OK  I have to admit that I have a thing for bento boxes. Maybe it’s because it’s fun to organize your child’s lunch within all these neat little compartments! It gives food such a great presentation! Kids will totally want to eat their lunch! This Goodbyn Box has five compartments perfectly sized to keep kids’ lunches from spilling, sloshing or mixing. Sandwiches won’t taste like your banana and your chips won’t co-mingle with your cookies! Ingenious! You can also purchase dishwasher-safe stickers so kids can personalize their boxes. Completely dishwasher-safe Price: CDN $29.97.

Kids won’t resist eating their fruit or veggies when it comes in these Froot Guards. No more squished fruit! Save lunch fruit from being squished or bruised on your way to school. Ideal for Grapefruits, Oranges, Papayas, Passion Fruits, Apples, Peaches, Pears, Nectarines, Baby Carrots and Broccoli. You can also get a banana guard. Made in Canada. Price: CDN $5.97.

How cool and functional is this Laptop Lunch Bento System 2.0. Ideal for families who love  the bento concept for its function and sustainable style, but value the traditional lunchbox. The insulated carrying case keeps foods fresh, and the sturdy containers prevent squishing. Other designs available. Price CDN: $52.97.

Wrap-N-Mat® is a re-Usable sandwich wrap and placemat all in one! Perfect for school lunches. No need for wasteful plastic sandwich bags. These Wraps can be used again and again. Fold around sandwiches, chips, cookies, and other snack foods, then fasten the closure. LDPE food-safe inner lining keeps food fresh. Unfold the wrap and it serves as a placemat. Made in Canada. Price: CDN $9.97.

Lunch isn’t complete with something to drink!  These beautifully-illustrated, eco-friendly Crocodile Creek Stainless Steel Drinking Bottles are a great alternative to plastic bottles and lined aluminum bottles. Great for juice, milk, water. Price: CDN $11.97.

And this Fuel Stainless Steel Cutlery completes your litterless lunch box! This dishwasher safe and fun cutlery set snaps together and does not take up much room in your child lunch bag! Price: CDN $8.97.

So send your kids to back to school in style with these trendy green lunch box options. For more info, visit: FENIGO.com. Enter code Toronto4Kids when checking out from their website and save $5 on orders over $50 (before shipping & taxes)! Until August 31.

It’s pretty easy!

Do you have a picky eater? Are you a picky eater? As I’ve said before I am still clawing my way out of picky eater-dome … I’m pretty sure that isn’t a word but let’s just go with it.

Here is the best thing I’ve done to “get over” my pickiness. It works.

Only fill your kitchen with healthy food. Period. That is it. Here’s why that works, if the only food around is healthy, then that’s all that will get eaten.

Remove the junk food and replace it with healthy whole foods like Fruits and Veggies! I know you might say “Oh I couldn’t do that, my child would starve, he/she only eats 5 things, and at least that is better than nothing” that might seem logical but guess what? That is actually encouraging and setting your child up to be an even picker eater! Not fun for you and definitely not fun for them as they get older. Unless they have some medical condition or special need, they can and will eat their fruits and veggies if that is all they have. Your child will not be able to overcome their hunger with stubbornness.

It may not be pretty for a while, especially if they have been used to getting their own way and having their pickiness catered to! You may not be very popular for bit but it will be worth it! If you want, you can blame it on me … I can take the heat. Hang tough, stick with it and be sure to keep healthy snacking foods handy. For example, when you buy a bunch of grapes, before you put it in the fridge, wash them and take them off the stems. Then they will be ready eat right away!

Do you part and then wait and see … hunger is a powerful thing … soon you’ll see them munching on carrots, snacking on grapes, and enjoying a bowl of frozen blueberries!

Happy Healthy Eating!
Kia
www.todayiatearainbow.com

Looking to beat the heat this summer? TRCA Parks offer a variety of places for you to keep cool. Two parks to check out are the Albion Hills Conservation Area and Heart Lake Conservation Area which both feature pools and splash pads. These new attractions offer tons of water play for kids! Pictured above is the Heart Lake Splash Pad.

Wild Wetland Splash is now open daily until September 5, 2011 (weather permitting) at Heart Lake Conservation Area in Brampton. If offers clean and safe water fun for kids all ages with over 30 wetland themed water features. There is a 550 person capacity. The park uses state-of-the-art water conservation technology and is located in natural wilderness surroundings.

Here’s a shot of the Pool area.

Admission for the Heart Lake Splash Pad and Pool is $4.75 for ages 2 years and older, plus parks admission. Please note that park admission is only for adults since kids get into all TRCA Parks for free. If you are a Parks Member, then admission is $2.75 for ages 2 years and older. You must present your membership card to receive the special price. Heart Lake Conservation Area is located at 10818 Heart Lake Rd, 3 km north of Hwy 7.

The Lakeview Splash water-play facility is now open until September 5, 2011 (weather permitting) at Albion Hills Conservation Area in Caledon. It features at 440 sq metre wading pool (4 ft deep) with a 125 sq metre interactive splash pad. This waterpark also features a ‘Wetland’ theme and is located in natural wilderness surroundings, with grass picnic areas overlooking Albion Lake.

Admission for the Splash Pad and Pool at Albion Hills is $3.75 for 2 years of age and older, plus parks admission. Again, park admission is for adults only since kids get into all TRCA Parks for free. If you are a Parks Member, then admission is $2.75 for ages 2 years and older. You must present your membership card to receive the special price. Albion Hills Conservation Area is located at 16500 HWY 50, 8 Kms north of Bolton.

We recently discovered an incredible fro-yo place in Vaughan: Menchie’s. To say you’re ‘going out’ for frozen yogurt would be the understatement of the year!

When you go to Menchies, you’re going for an ‘experience’ – one where you can create and build your very own frozen yogurt, add every imaginable topping possible, load it with incredible flavours, then enjoy it with family and friends!

We visited the Vaughan Location (1 of only 2 locations in Canada – there is another smaller location on Bloor Street, downtown Toronto). The Vaughan location features an indoor and outdoor café. Such a cute atmosphere to enjoy a frozen treat!

Are you ready? Let us walk you through the Menchie’s ‘EXPERIENCE’…

Walk into this very cool, colourful & trendy Menchie’s store.

Grab a cup …

or a waffle. Oh and grab a handful of sample cups. Yes, there is sampling!!

Hmmm deciding on which flavour… Out of their 100 flavours, 12 are rotated each week. When we visited, there was Vanilla and Chocolate (always available) as well as Banana, Peanut Butter, Mocha, Original Tart, Green Apple Tart, Rasberry Lemonade, Orange Sorbet, Cake Batter, Chocolate Cake and Caramel Chocolate Explosion.  Each visit is different, so call ahead if you have a fave!

At each station, you can go for flavour 1 or flavour 2 – or mix the two! Look for non-dairy, non-fat, low-fat and no sugar added options. All yogurts are certified Kosher. You can also get a skinny-mini option which is 90 calories for 1/2 cup.

The sampling cups really come in handy. Trying Cake Batter… Mmmm! You can sample every flavour they offer, enhancing the guests’ experience to the max! Once you make your selection, fill your cup – as much or as little as you want.

The toppings! Over 70 toppings are rotated – A sugar junkie’s delight with loads of candy, gummy worms, jujubes, nerds, smarties, various types of chips and classic rainbow sprinkles. There are healthy options such as granolas, cereals, nuts and more!

Then there are popping bobas. They’re the latest craze.  It’s a bubble with juice that ‘pops’ inside your mouth – an invigorating and fun experience – you must try it! Popping boba flavours comes in strawberry, lychee, and mango.

And brownie bits … so decadent!

Fresh seasonal fruit and other tasty treats.

Sauces – Chocolate fudge, Caramel, Peanut Butter, Marshmallow Fluff and more!

Once you’ve created your masterpiece, your yogurt gets weighed. You pay for what you pile on!

I’m so embarrassed to say that my daughters gobbled up their yogurts before I could even get a photo – thankfully some other customers shared their creations with me!

This customer went for a traditional vanilla & chocolate mix with sprinkles.

Some like it just plain.

But this is how the pros do it!

There’s more. A loyalty program ‘mySmileage’ allows customers to earn one “Smile” for every dollar spent. When you earn 50 “Smiles,” Menchie’s automatically loads $5 in Menchie’s money onto your mySmileage card.

You can book parties. The store was preparing for a party of 10. Buy the T’s and they’ll supply the Sharpies. Then everyone can enjoy their awesome fro-yo creations.

Cute stuffed mascots adorn the store. More goodies include watches, jewellery and buttons!

We LOVED our Menchie’s experience and we’re looking forward to many more. You too can enjoy Menchie’s! Mention ‘Toront4Kids‘ at the Vaughan location only and receive 10% off until August 10, 2011.

What will you create? We’d love to hear back!

For more info, visit: www.menchies.com.

The Toronto Zoo is a popular place for kids and a must see & do family attraction!  For younger kids who like their nature hands-on, the Toronto Zoo offers a great concept: a Kids Zoo uniquely designed for those 9 and under. Activities range from the educational to the creative to just plain fun!

There are special programs and interactive experiences made just for kids with “close up and personal” animal and staff encounters, touch tables, storyboards. Plenty of opportunities for kids to use their creativity and imagination!

Structured into five Canadian habitat sections, each is crammed with family fun and excitement, along with stimulating activities. Many Zoo Volunteers are on hand to make the kids’ experience even more entertaining!

The Kids Zoo is designed for interactive amusement & learning for kids 9 and under … parents can tag along for the fun.

In the Canadian Prairies, you can dig underground right through prairie dog territory…

… and find yourself nose to nose with a black-tailed prairie dog in his plastic tunnel!

Here are the prairie dogs, seen from the outside … so cute!

The Canadian Forest features a giant aviary with a two-story tree house. Climb to the top for an incredible view.

Zip down the tree house slide to meet the bunnies. Poke your head through some giant rabbit ears, to pose for Mom and Dad.

That’s also where you’ll find a giant sandbox to enjoy!

In the Wetland Habitat, touch some turtle eggs where native frogs, toads, and birds have set up their homes. You can even climb into some turtle shells.

If you’re looking for a “close encounter” of the animal kind, check out the Backyard Wildlife Exhibit where you can meet a miniature pig…

… or a baby Alpaca (llama). Animals have been kept just the right size for children.

Meet some lives guests.

Kids can also have a climb on the giant spider web or…

… or a giant earthworm.

Admire some of the giant insects…

… these are perfectly safe!

There is something new to discover on every visit! The Kids Zoo is Free with your regular zoo admission. Though the Toronto Zoo is open year-round, the Kids Zoo operates seasonally, usually opening in April and closing in October. Schedule is weather permitting. For more information, visit: www.torontozoo.com.

The city was recently hit with a heat wave and we decided to have some fun in the sun with a visit to Ontario Place.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary, Ontario Place is offering a few special events. First off, general admission is free (you will still have to pay for most of the attractions, but it is still significant savings). Second, the new Echo Beach hosts a free concert series featuring music from the 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s, and movie classics from each decade.

On the sunny Sunday we visited, most of our day was spent in Froster Soak City, a family friendly, interactive play space. There are small swings floating over tiny water fountains, tipping buckets (including the largest in Canada that tosses 1,000 litres of water on fun seekers), and a playground-like structure set in the centre of the park.

My son enjoyed Soak City so much so that he refused to explore any other part of Ontario Place! It was only on our way home that he caught a glimpse of the kiddie rides, and decided to hop on the ferris wheel. Here are a few snapshots of our day.

Tips:
If your birthday falls on any day during Ontario Place’s 2011 operating season,  you will receive a free Toronto Star Play All Day Pass (granting you admission to almost all of the attractions).

Young children will love Treehouse Live! performances.  Characters such as Barney, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Angelina Ballerina sing and dance on a small stage. Seating is limited, so be sure to arrive early.

Ontario Place has very few shaded areas (especially around Soak City). If you plan to spend the day in the waterpark, bring a beach umbrella because the very few shaded areas are usually taken early in the day.

Plan ahead and pack snacks to avoid excessive spending. As with any amusement park, food and beverages are expensive. Note, that Ontario Place’s policy on bringing food states:

Guests are allowed to bring personal food items into Ontario Place such as snacks or foods that do not require preparation or large containers including hard and soft coolers or picnic baskets.

Guests with picnic items are welcome to use the Picnic Area located east of our Centre Entrance or store them in the Guest Services Pavilion.

Have you visited Ontario Place this season? Any other tips to offer parents?

Harbourfront Centre, on Toronto’s waterfront, is an innovative non profit cultural centre that presents events, programs and festivals to enliven, educate and entertain the diverse population of Toronto – all within some very distinctive venues in the heart of Toronto’s downtown waterfront.

For more than 30 years, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto has been on the cutting edge of all that is current and creative, bringing together the best in both Canadian culture and the rich mosaic of cultures from within our country and around the world.

Whatever you’re looking for, Harbourfront Centre has it: concerts, festivals, film screenings, outdoor dancing, food, and so much more. Best of all, most programming is FREE.

Harbourfront offers a very picturesque location for all its programming and events. The 10 acre site attracts over 12 million visits each year.

A cute café, beautiful walkways, the waterfront, and the Natrel Pond all provide a perfect setting for events and festivals. This 10-acre hot spot along the scenic shores of Lake Ontario, kick-starts a summer celebration running through to October.

You can take long leisurely walks along the boardwalk and watch boats coming in.

The beautiful Natrel Pond…

… where kids can enjoy canoe rides during the summer months.

The West Jet Stage hosts many shows and concerts.

Festivals like the Tirgan Iranian Festival make the waterfront comes alive with Iranian art, culture, cuisine, activities, entertainment, and shopping. This festival includes a number of world and Canadian premieres in traditional, contemporary and transitional styles of dance, music, theatre, literature, film and visual arts.  July 21-24.

The Caribbean-flavoured Island Soul festival. From July 29 to Aug. 1, Island Soul turns up the heat with a focus on Riddim & Resistance by celebrating the transformation of the Caribbean islands from hot spots of colonial conflict into creative hot spots for carnival and culture!

Hot, spicy, fresh and fiery! The Hot & Spicy Food Festival is the summer’s premier food festival is back and bigger than ever! Four savoury days packed with a full menu of culinary arts, music, film, demos and dance. Sept 2-5.

For more info, call the  Information Hotline at 416-973-4000 or email: info@harbourfrontcentre.com. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West in Toronto. There’s a long list of family-friendly events and festivals to enjoy over the summer. Get details at: www.harbourfrontcentre.com.

My eldest started his first summer day camp last week and he was signed up for the Science Safari.

A brilliant program really – he has been discovering great parts of the museum – dinosaurs, bat cave, fossils, reptiles, solar system and making little art projects to accompany his findings. He just loves it.  SO as we are at the ROM on a daily basis now, I took advantage to discover parts of the ROM we seldom visit as the dinosaurs always get first grabs followed by the main exhibits. So here are some great parts discovered last week:

The Bollywood Exhibit : Cinema Showcards: Indian Film Art from the 1950s to the 1980s Now this was just brilliant. Bollywood movies are high on our list of favorites for their colourful displays, the dancing, the signing and the oh-so creative and complicated story lines. This exhibit lived up to it – not only does it display the fabulous graphics and styes put into the art of the showcards but it also talks about the movies, their plots, why they were important during the period they were made and who the actors and directors represented. My three year old loved the graphics but what he loved most was the projection of a Raj Kapoor movie on the wall – he was mesmerized by the dancing, the signing and the visual effects of the movie.

The other part we discovered is the Egyptology which is in the block west of the Bollywood exhibit. There you have a maquette of an entire village, a wall made of encryptions and symbols, various objects, a tomb with a mummy and the interiors of a cave. Really amazing.

The last part was on the ground floor south/west of the main seating area when we walk in. There are great ancient Chinese artifacts, a carriage, a tomb, various thrones, chairs and everyday objects used in that part of the world through the centuries. They have two beautiful camel stone statues which were quite a hit with my three year old who wanted to climb on them – I have to thank the ROM for putting these great balck signs with a white hand on it and a big red no circle over the hand – perfect to offer the visual for the three year old to know what he can and can’t touch.

This week the adventure will continue – can’t wait to see what else we will find….

For more information, visit: www.rom.on.ca/programs/rom_kids/family.

Photo Credit: ROM Summer Club, Copyright ROM 2011

If you’re ever in the Niagara Falls region, you must visit the Hershey Store on Falls Avenue. It’s 650 sq ft of chocolate fun and definitely an attraction worth visiting for chocolate lovers!

Visitors enter through the 4-story high HERSHEY’S Bar, under the giant HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand Chocolate perched on the corner of the building.

Once inside the store, you’ll find freshly made chocolate sweets and confections! So many treats! Don’t forget your samples!

But the Hershey store also offers a lot more than just candy…

The Hershey Store is designed in a “contemporary retro” style, with vintage photographs and nostalgic collectibles alongside video screens and large-than-life characters. You’ll find a huge collection of ‘chocolate’ cookbooks … the dessert lover’s kitchen wouldn’t be complete without “HERSHEY’S 1934 Cookbook”.

Look at these cute Hershey Kisses cookie cutters.

Kids will love the life-size HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand characters that roam through the store. Perfect photo ops!

Watch the HERSHEY’S KISSES Brand character tightrope walking across the store’s very own replica of the world famous Falls!

Browse through a wide selection of other candy treats, including REESE products, OH HENRY! and all of your other favourite HERSHEY’S chocolates and candies. How about a 5 lb. HERSHEY’S Chocolate Bar to take home?

Stop by for old-fashioned fudge, milkshakes, dipped fruits, home-style baked cookies, and decadent chocolates.

Would you be brave enough to tackle this gigantic peanut butter cup?

Unique merchandise, souvenirs and memorabilia will round out your visit to this very unique attraction.

The Hershey store is located at 5686 Falls Avenue in Niagara Falls.

Great new places along King West – SOMA Chocolate and Cool Hand Luke

Living along King West already offered us some great places to treat the kids, now it got even better! Recently, SOMA Chocolatier opened it’s doors right by King and Spadina. Between their chocolates, their truffles, their Mayan chocolate shot and their gelato – there is loads to choose from!

The facilities offers seating space as well as a great view into the chocolate making. As much as we love our trips to the Distillery – this is just perfect! For more info, visit: www.somachocolate.com.

The other place we discovered is Cool Hand Luc – a traditional ice cream place which offers the tiger ice cream in the kiddie size – already a favorite with the boys.

Here’s a write-up from Toronto Life when Cool Hand Luc opened:
www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2011/06/13/introducing-cool-hand-luc/

The neighborhood can’t get any better!

You can also visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cool-Hand-Luc/213875101970125.

One of the highlights of our recent trip to Niagara Falls was going to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark!

The Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, in the heart of the Niagara Falls tourist district, is home to the only Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.

Located directly across from the Falls, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark offers 3 acres of water fun for the entire family.

Though getting wet is most of the excitement at Fallsview, you can also enjoy the tropical, beach-like setting with huge, comfortable lounge chairs; the oversized hot tubs to soak in; the outdoor activity pool and sun deck; fun food at the Planet Hollywood Beach Bar or the Beach Club food court; a games Arcade and much more.

Air and water temperatures are always kept at summer levels so the weather is great year-round! Check out the comfortable lounge chairs where you can chill while you watch the kids. No sunburns here!

Everywhere you look, there seem to be crazy tube slides, perfect to experience some big thrills!

And tall … very tall slides that tower up to six storeys high.

Not to mention … very long racing body slides.

Look up and enjoy a tropical-like setting.

The Beach House is so much fun. This gigantic aqua play area is like a watered-down indoor amusement park with a giant tipping bucket at the top that drops 1,000 gallons of water on you!

Ride the giant Plunge Bowl where you can swish around a few times, before being flushed out into the splashdown pool.

You can ride the slides on your own or use these fun inflatables (singles or doubles).

This beach looks so relaxing – but quick … grab a floating device and crash the 3 to 4 foot waves that are in the full-size Tidal Wave Pool.

Tipping buckets are all designed to ‘refresh’ you as you walk by.

You don’t have to go far if you want a bite – just saunter in the Planet Hollywood Beach Café.

Crazy water rushing everywhere!

The Jungle Gym play area overlooks the waterpark – great for kids who want to stay dry for awhile.

The Fallsview Waterpark provides non-stop action in 3 Acres of Water Fun! It’s a very clean and safe park with lifeguards posted strategically everywhere. And, the entire waterpark floor has been covered with a unique poured-in safety floor system so kids won’t slip and fall if they don’t observe the “no running” rules! Take advantage of the many family package promotions they offer, if you plan on staying a few days.  For more info, visit: www.fallsviewwaterpark.com.

Possibly the most useful feature in the cameras today is the ability to change the ISO quickly and dramatically.  With that said why is it that so many do not utilize this extreme flexibility that even the smallest point and shoots are now capable of?

ISO stands for the “International Standards Organization”, although I will not be spending time talking about this organization (sorry for those who wanted a history lesson).  ISO is also a setting that refers to the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light.  A standard ISO range you might see on your camera is ISO 100 – 3200.  There are definitely pros and cons to each ISO setting, sort of a double-edged sword, but you will easily get used to this as all photographers eventually do.

Low ISO Value

A low ISO value (i.e ISO 100) will offer an image that has very little grain, higher tonal quality and it will bring out the best colors your camera can produce.  In exchange for this, however, you will require longer shutter speeds for your exposure.  If you like landscapes or still life imagery, then this is definitely for you as you can eliminate this longer shutter speed with the tripod. Most of the time, however, you can achieve low ISO values and have standard shutter speeds in bright daylight, meaning that you can still do your people photography (assuming the light is available).

High ISO Value

The other end of the spectrum.  Increasing the ISO (i.e. ISO 3200) will reduce the overall quality of the image, and additionally, there will be higher levels of grain on your images.  There is of course an advantage to increasing your ISO and that is you will achieve faster shutter speeds.  This feature can particularly help you if you find you are looking to shoot at night.  You would be surprised how much light you actually need to get exposures at night.  Increasing the ISO will allow you to avoid expected slow shutter speeds at night.  The following image was shot at 6400 ISO with no light, save from some dim window light.  The increase in ISO made even the dimmest lights seem bright.

Of course increasing the ISO is not limited to just night photography.  It is standard to increase the ISO in daylight to achieve excessively fast shutter speeds that are important for sports and other fast movement contexts.

Try changing the ISO in your cameras.  See how ISO can make better images and make you a more adaptable photographer!  Feel free to let me know how it goes (info@clearpixelimages.com). Also feel free to contact me if you would like me to say “ISO” another hundred times.

The heat is on! Time to spend some great lazy hazy days lounging at the beach. But where do you find a quiet and serene beach-like refuge in the city? Right at Sugar Beach along the Harbourfront!

Located just east of Lower Jarvis Street and south of Queens Quay Boulevard (next to the Redpath Sugar Refinery), Canada’s Sugar Beach is now part of a unique new urban space that has transformed a lakefront parking lot and underused area into a beautiful waterfront attraction!

Sugar Beach is like three parks in one and includes a plaza, an urban beach and a tree-lined promenade.

Once a parking lot, Sugar Beach is part of the revitalization project of the Toronto Waterfront. It was opened in August 2010.

Visitors can relax in the white Muskoka chairs which also provide a perfect vantage point from which to watch the boats on the Lake.

Dazzling pink umbrellas beautify the beach, to follow the ‘Sugar’ theme.

Quartz has even been added to the sand to create a sparkling sugar crystal effect.

And more of the ‘Sugar’ theme with candy stripes on the large granite rocks.

The beach overlooks the Redpath Sugar Refinery. You can watch freighters arriving from faraway places and loaded with raw cane sugar, making their deliveries.

The promenade and boardwalk stretch almost a kilometre from end to end, providing uninterrupted public access along the harbour. There is also an amazing granite maple leaf water fountain for the kids to play in – but it wasn’t turned on when we visited.

Torontonians and visitors now have the chance to enjoy part of the lakefront that they have not had access to in the past. It’s a wonderful place to ‘cool off’ this summer!

School just ended and we are now getting into the hustle and bustle of summer activities and travel. Sometimes, it’s just as good to go for some much sought-after family time to relax and enjoy. One of the best places we love to do that is at Toogood Pond in Unionville. It offers a serene and picturesque setting to unwind on a beautiful summer day.

This 33.3 hectare (82.3 acre) park features a partially naturalized pond and marsh. A walkway circles the pond – a popular spot for leisurely walks. The pond has also recently undergone a Sediment Removal and Restoration Project including sediment removal, restoration of the shoreline, community plantings of native trees, shrubs and wildflowers and cascading pools to accommodate migrating fish.

In the winter, the frozen pond makes it a popular place to skate or play hockey.

A walkway circles the pond for taking leisurely walks.

The only time you can fish at Toogood Pond without a license is during the Urban Fishing Festival.

It is a sanctuary for bird species that migrate through the area. We’ve spotted a few herons now and then.

Families will often pack a picnic. There are tables along the trail.

It’s a great place to feed the ducks.

Toogood Pond is located in Unionville (Town of Markham) at Carleton and Main Streets (next to the Varley Art Gallery). It is ideally situated near the shops and restaurants of the quaint and historic Main Street Unionville. Only a few minutes north of Toronto, it’s the perfect day trip and a great opportunity to completely immerse yourself in nature.

Bonds of Friendship in the 21st Century

“No one can pass through life, any more than he can pass through a bit of country, without leaving tracks behind, and those tracks may often be helpful to those coming after him in finding their way.”
- Sir Robert Baden-Powell

On the sad occasion of the recent passing of Earle Wong, my father-in-law, his scout troop, originally from St. Anne’s Jamaica, attended his viewing and funeral. These men, now in the twilight of their years, had maintained the bonds of friendship through decades of change and across thousands of miles. Many of them immigrated to Canada, England, and the United States. Upon reviewing some of my wife’s photo albums, I saw numerous images of the “troop” as they went on vacation together and enjoyed each other’s company as time progressed. They would get together every couple of years and go camping or take a trip. This year it was supposed to have been Ottawa. I was in awe of these gentlemen who obviously had family and career obligations, yet maintained this brotherhood through decades. The issue of friendship and how it is developed amongst boys is a laudable endeavour to examine. The topic might seem simplistic or tragic, but one of the more prominent concerns parents have and voice is; “Does my son have any close friends?” Normally, this question might arise once or twice in a school year, but it comes up more often than you might think. Numerous colleagues of mine, at various Boards and independent schools have been broached with the same inquiry. The men at Earle Wong’s viewing represented the culminating end of this close fraternity, but how does it begin?

Regrettably, the demise of free unstructured time and the redefinition of public space have perhaps jolted the social mechanisms required to seed friendships. Generations X and Y lament a “golden era of youth” that featured street hockey, forts, staying away from home until the lights came on, and a summer where one forgot the actual name and number of the days. Ironically, these are the same generations that over-program their children and have done so much damage in the name of self-esteem. Even persons without children in school notice the tangible differences in youth and in their schools. Take your local elementary school. What is the traffic like in front of a neighbourhood school compared to a time when you would have attended a similar institution? Is anyone playing in parks after school? Children have inadvertently become a part of our fast-paced urban existence, which jumps to the sound of an email or text just as fast as we do. Children are scheduled in all sorts of classes across the socio-economic diaspora of the city. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with enriching the life of a child with art, music, athletics, or crafts, ask yourself if they have any free time.

Boys need to feel the exhilaration of victory and the sting of defeat. It is from both of these constructs where they will derive resiliency, honour, and most importantly, forge friendships. To deny a young man these coming-of-age experiences is to withhold the transfer of genuine masculinity from the world to him. This was at the heart of Sir Baden-Powell’s quote. If denied these opportunities, boys will then seek it out by proxy, through the cavalcade of flawed heroes from the world of rap and rock music, to idolized thugs who are romanticized in Hollywood films, but are in reality blight and a curse to the urban landscape. Boys will also turn to another venue for their need to compete: the video game. If you are wondering why no one is playing in parks, it is because they are seated in front of a screen somewhere gaining pounds, making no friends and, worst of all, manifesting a virtual experience as a real one. Parents should examine their own program of events for their children and evaluate them based on how many are non-competitive, individualistic, and structured within rigid rules. Male friendships are best created in situations where boys need to work together, face an opposing foe, have an authentic voice in the rules of the activity or game, participate in something “that counts”, functions with minimal adult oversight, and operates in spheres of activity where rank and position are fluid, earned, and respected.  Loss and victory are two sides of the same coin: randomness, anarchy, and unquestionable unpredictability.

Often today’s parents are caught in the ‘assumption of the acquaintance’. Mothers and fathers see their children playing with other school mates and assume that their child has many friends. While it is an excellent indicator that one’s children are well socialized and even possess social intelligence, the depth of their friendships might require some further examination. These social bonds, are of course, not the ones that we might have with our own friends, but enjoying a best friend or circle of friends is also quite telling. Elementary school children are beginning the long journey of self-awareness and self-definition. They will use their friends as a means to govern and mirror this process, determining what is acceptable, cool and normal. Thoughts of independence and the ability to make their own decisions are pivotal parts of the transition to adulthood. Boys will create games and scenarios independent of an adult voice to verify and validate their social standing. They will determine leadership, rank, and their own ideas of fair play. If a young man has as his only social circle his parents, siblings, tutors, and instructors, some key pieces of social identity will be missing with his formation. While this may appear to be controversial, male children who are entirely home schooled, over-programmed with athletic and artistic individual pursuits, tied to a screen, and have only shallow acquaintances, are going to lose out on vital aspects of the masculine identification process and peer bonding. Social identity of young males is enhanced and magnified by the single-gender school experience, but not germane to it. Social status for young males often resides in two distinct camps: social intelligence with mass acceptance (cool factor) and athletics. However, status in single-gender environments recognizes the great musicians and artists, the intellectual as fostered by the school’s culture, and the social activist. Many parents whose boys are in co-educational environments will acquiesce that the aforementioned roles have become usurped by female students and, in many cases, remain their sole dominion.

A non-competitive environment, where everyone is a winner seems to have become all the rage in the early 21st century. This one recent educational manifestation does an incredible amount of damage to male social identification. What most adherents to this misguided philosophy fail to understand is the true nature of young male competition. Needless to say, there will be winners and losers. That’s life, and better that it occur in free play, than when the grown adult experiences it for the first time in a relationship, business venture, or in academia. While they do derive great joy from winning, boys learn to win and compete fairly from each other. They will come to the aid of a weak competitor and try to improve that person’s abilities, so that the end-result, the competition, will be that much more dynamic. Restricting your son from this process all in the name of self-esteem prohibits him from earning social respectability and identity. Sometimes in life, we struggle and fail, but we persevere.

Do you have a best friend? Show me your friends, and I will show you who you are. With whom are you playing this afternoon? These are all questions and statements which we should be relaying to our sons and perhaps, asking ourselves. More importantly, besides booking those most disingenuous and artificial “play dates”, are we facilitating opportunities for young men to form true friendships? Are we out there in the community playing sports, supervising in the parks, making room for street hockey, or getting involved in a male fraternal social organization? These are the opportunities where friendships are moulded for life.

I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve. Does anyone?
-    Film: Stand by Me.

Last weekend, we saw this interactive zoological exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre. The exhibit brings visitors eye to eye with living species from around the world: deadly snakes, colorful lizards, bizarre turtles, and rugged crocodilians. There are some really extraordinary reptiles to see … all exhibited in naturalistic habitats. Our photos turned out remarkably well considering we shot through glass and without a flash. Here’s a cute little Gecko.

A very impressive mammoth python.

Here’s a Green Tree Python.

And here’s a Veiled Chameleon. We had a bit of trouble spotting this one… he is well camouflaged among the leaves.

The beautiful Bearded Dragon. They can measure 1 to 2 feet.

There are engaging interactives that explore the major groups of modern “cold-blooded” reptiles.

Visitors can “milk” a viper, learn to speak croc in under five minutes, and test their knowlege with “Turtle Trivia” or “Lizard Wizard”.

Here’s a Snake-Necked Turtle.

Can you guess how many vertebrae there are in this snake? A lot!

The experience is meant to explode common myths and foster a basic understanding of how reptiles fit into the animal kingdom and their native environments. The exhibit is included with general admission and is on display until September 5th, 2011. For more info, visit: www.ontariosciencecentre.ca.

My little boy’s favourite place in Toronto is Roundhouse Park.  In addition to the great location (right across from the CN Tower and Rogers Centre and easily accessible via the TTC subway or streetcar), it also happens to be quite a unique place. The park is home to the Toronto Railway Heritage Centre, Steam Whistle Brewery, and the most interesting looking Leon’s Furniture Store.

Some of the highlights of the location are the vintage CN trains, a functional turntable, original train tracks, and two on-site playgrounds for kids 2-12 years old.  During summer weekends, a mini steam engine rides around the grounds (tickets can be purchased for $2.00).

Take a look at our snapshots from a recent visit.

Since we started doing our gallery tour series at the Wychwood Barns we have been discovering the wealth of resources available. The latest is Music in the Barns. Music in the Barns, Studio 164 at the Artscape Wychwood Barns, is a nexus for exploring and creating new avenues in the advancement of classical music. Music in the Barns functions as performer, presenter, and educator, furthering the music of our time and traditional classical music by developing innovative events, concerts and educational opportunities.

Not only do they offer great concert programming they also offer children programming including half day summer camps for children 3 to 6 where they will switch between the music and the art studio as well as the introduction of early childhood music classes starting with a 3 class series this summer and officially launching in the fall. In the 45 minute classes, moms and tots will:

1. Learn the Composers
2. Meet the instruments of the orchestra 3. Explore rhythms and dynamics 4. Sing new songs 5. Dance, shake and move to the music

The series are taught by Taught by Tova Rosenberg who is the creator of NYC Premier School for Strings Early Childhood Education Programme. She currently teaches at the Etobicoke School and has created an exciting new programme starting this Fall 2011.

This is absolutely brilliant as both moms and children can walk away with some great knowledge and experiences. For the last three years, our goal at Art Strollers was to create a culturally rich program where moms can enjoy an activity with their little one while discovering and learning more about the arts. So you can imagine the excitement when we found this for the beautiful world of music.

To learn more about Music in the Barns go to: www.musicinthebarns.com.

You can register for the summer sampler series on Art Strollers at www.artstrollers.com/music_in_the_barns. Fall programming will be available shortly.

Recently, my eight month old and I ventured to the AGO to see the Abstract Expressionist New York – Masterpieces from The Museum of Modern Art exhibit. Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko have long been favorites so seeing an entire exhibit devoted to their times was quite exciting.

The exhibit did not deceive. One large room filled with Jackson Pollock’s work – not only his drip-style works but also his first piece purchased by the MOMA as well as his experiments of black ink on canvas. Mark Rothko’s paintings filled a large exhibition hall, you can get lost in his large works containing rectangular shapes. To my pleasure there was even photographer specializing in the style such as Rudy Burckhardt, Robert Frank and Aaron Siskind. The exhibit offers a great introduction to the movement, explains the impact it had on art at the time and on art as it is seen today.

The exhibit is great to see with children, the work titles and details are located under the works close to the floor, it is perfect to read with school aged children. For toddlers and babies, the contrasts within the works and their size are sure to capture their attention.

This exhibit is on for a limited time. It leaves the AGO on September 24, 2011.

For more info, visit: www.ago.net/abstract-expressionist-new-york.

Announcing the winner of one night accommodations in a Fallsview Room at Sheraton on the Falls and admission for 4 to the Fallsview Indoor Water park.

Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is part of North America’s largest hotel, waterpark and entertainment complex. Ideally situated across from the Falls and Rainbow Bridge (to the USA), the park is positioned in the heart of Niagara’s tourist district.

With direct indoor connections to the luxurious Sheraton On The Falls, the Crowne Plaza, and the Skyline Inn the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is ideal for family vacations and fun getaways.

Standing eight stories high with 3 acres of water fun for all ages the waterpark features: 16 thrilling slides up to six stories high, a giant wave pool, two oversized adult only Jacuzzis, the “Beach House” Mammoth Aqua Play Area, Tiny Tots Splash Park, an outdoor sun deck and activity pool, Planet Hollywood Beach Club food court, and much more.

For more info on Fallsview Waterpark, visit: www.fallsviewwaterpark.com.

The “Beach House” Mammoth Aqua Play Area

Some of the thrilling slides

Sheraton on the Falls. Check out the view…

Contest period – June 2011 – Contest is now closed. Winner of this contest - User Name: deehilly.

Congrats to Dianne Hillier who has now claimed her Fallsview Waterpark Prize!

It’s gearing up to be a big summer at the movies with many great flicks that kids will surely want to see. Here’s a look at what’s coming up, so you can check off the ones you won’t want to miss!

Zookeeper – July 8

In Zookeeper, the animals at the Franklin Park Zoo love their kindhearted caretaker, Griffin Keyes (Kevin James). Finding himself more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Griffin decides the only way to get a girl in his life is to leave the zoo and find a more glamorous job. Rated PG. Official site: www.zookeeper-movie.com.

Winnie the Pooh – July 15

It’s the first big-screen Pooh adventure from Disney animation in more than 35 years. With the charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo— and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail. Rated G. Official site: www.disney.go.com/pooh.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II – July 15

This is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. PG-13. Official site: http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com.

The Smurfs – July 29

The Smurfs make their first 3D trip to the big screen in Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures Animation’s hybrid live-action and animated family comedy, The Smurfs. When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the Smurfs out of their village, they’re forced through a portal, out of their world and into ours, landing in the middle of New York’s Central Park. Unrated.
http://thesmurfs-movie.net/.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D – August 19

On the surface, Marissa Cortez Wilson (Jessica Alba) has it all … married to a famous spy hunting television reporter, a new baby and intelligent twin step kids. But in reality, trying to mother Rebecca (Rowan Blanchard) and Cecil (Mason Cook), who clearly don’t want her around, is her toughest challenge yet. Rated PG. Official site: http://spykidsmovie.net/.

The next stop on our recent mini getaway to Niagara Falls takes us to the Butterfly Conservatory, a 11,000 sq. ft. climate-controlled sanctuary for dozens of different species of butterflies.

This exquisite attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery.

Just outside of the conservatory, visitors can also meet some native butterflies in the outdoor Butterfly Garden, while enjoying the 80 acre Botanical Gardens.

The Butterfly Conservatory is located 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) north of Niagara Falls in the heart of the world-renowned Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens at 2405 NiagaraParkway, Niagara Falls.

Enjoy this oasis and tropical paradise complete with over 2000 free-flying butterflies and magnificent plants.

There is a wide variety of foliage inside the conservatory for the butterflies to feed on. They always have a source of food with fruit plates. Catch a glimpse of them feeding.

Butterflies often land on visitors much to the delight of the kids. They are literally everywhere so you need to be careful where you walk.

In the Emergence area you can watch as the butterflies make their way out of their chrysalides.

Don’t forget to visit the gorgeous gardens outside the conservatory which also attract many of the species of butterflies native to Ontario with plants such as Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower and Joe Pye Weed. For more information, visit: www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/butterfly-conservatory.html.

Reading in the 4^th Dimension

Boys need action. If there were any other three words that would define the resolution of the difficulties affecting the achievement of boys on reading assessments in Ontario, I would love to know them. As an assumption, great teachers have offered a variety of texts that are comprehensive in vocabulary, dynamic in plot, and contain a great deal of descriptions surrounding the movement and interaction of characters. They are not hamstringing (boring) them by utilizing texts that go into the grey areas of emotions, changes in communicative patterns between characters, and examinations of internal motivations that may, or may not, result in a plot change. Fantastic language arts teachers are those whose topics must have varying content which a wide variety of boys will enjoy. Some of these include: science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, news reports, manuals, mystery, horror, and mythology. What is universal to the aforementioned headings is an intrinsic sense that they capture, captivate, hold, and enrich the literary experience of boys. If you are not there yet as educator, seriously consider that some of your choices are not resonating with your male students, and perhaps leaching into issues of engagement, classroom management, and overall behaviour. If the boys aren’t moving in body, then surely their mind’s eye should.

Many terrific single gender and co-educational schools tout experiential learning. These are opportunities for students to supplement the textbook and the desk, and offer a chance to use their hands in order to gain a greater understanding of what is being taught. Science does this with experiments, social studies with museums, mathematics with manipulatives and computer graphic modules, and language arts with drama. Is there something beyond drama that could close the connection of meaning for students, and especially male students? This is not to discount drama; it is a valuable tool for learning. However, it has its limitations. Most teachers will use text that is already in a scripted format, having the students read, and then possibly act out a scene. Improvisational theatre, although more creative, is limited by the desire of the students to work through a scene and the much needed free flow of imagination. It can be difficult to keep to a story line or central theme. Is there another approach? Might it be possible for the students to become the characters they are reading?  Could they assume the character’s traits, allowing for interpretation and action to occur based on those character compositions and the artificial realities created by the text, in terms of setting, theme, characters, plot, and mood?

In short, the answer is,” yes”. The process begins with the examination of a character that previously existed within the text, or a character that could be derived from the “world of the text.” We can call this process, a character sketch. Oddly enough, many students will tell you that a character sketch is the drawing of a character. While that might be a part of the process, it is by no means the entire exercise. Students from the first grade onward can be guided through a process of character sketching. The following categories can be added to the paradigm as the student progresses further in elementary school: physical description, feelings, motivations, reactions, relationships (to other characters), goals, desires, and origins. The creation of this character biography will take the child so far into the text, which ideas regarding meaning can vault over mere knowledge to the more critical tenets of analysis and synthesis. When students have the ability to surpass understanding they can grasp, and seize factors that reflect a higher intelligence level. Reading then becomes multi-dimensional. Students can begin to predict, run various scenarios, and develop alternate endings. According to educational theory, “There has been an ongoing challenge to 20^th century learning which was largely a mechanical cause- and- effect formula to what should exist now: a complex model of learning that contains complex unities, which are spontaneous, unpredictable, irreducible, contextual, and vibrantly sufficient; in brief, they are adaptive.”[1] In order to make this leap, students must be given the correct schema, so that connections to text can go beyond simple associative memory linking. While connections to text can be found by comparative personal experience with another text, a personal experience, or some encounter with traditional or new media, a more genuine correlation might be found when the aforementioned Complex Model of Learning is engaged. Thus, “through deliberate engagements of the imagination, one’s sphere of experience might be expanded, opening the door to new perceptual and interpretative possibilities.”[2]

If a teacher of literacy were to go through the lesson of the comprehensive character sketch, and then do the same analysis of the setting, a virtual world for character discovery and interpretation might be made possible. Although all fictional text requires some suspension of belief, a schematic of a four dimensional world might be able to be constructed by the teacher and students in concert with each other. Going beyond the physical aspects of a simple setting are the following factors one must include when fashioning this new world of chaotic perceptual meaning: assumptions, technology, boundaries, beliefs, laws of physics, jurisprudence, science, time, nature, and technology. Just as much as the characters are made to be dynamic, so too, must the world from which students will draw interpretation.  What draws the students’ enthusiasm is that their character that is placed into this world is not a casual observer or actor, their mere presence and activity initiates the creation of expanding and contracting hermeneutic circles of meaning for the individual pupil, the collective, and subsequent modifications to the original text’s narrative. This narrative has undergone the transition from the one-dimensional vision of its author to the complex sphere of the student-teacher collective where the base underpinnings of meaning dictate the boundaries of the new dimension, not necessarily the canon of the book. Successful interpretation and interaction will be graded by adherence to the parameters, assumptions, and codes of the book.

It is at this point where the teacher must supersede the author and to a degree assume his or her voice. The educator must develop mechanisms to facilitate the three types of conflict found in most non-fiction texts. These conflicts now become interactive and can cost the student/character penalties in regards to engagement and physical conflict with the newly constructed environment. Characters will live, fight, earn treasure, be wounded, and possibly perish. The decisions are in the hands of the student, but crafted by the canon of the text and the constructed character’s profile. This ushers in a new dimension of experiencing a book. While this role playing reality lends itself best to fantasy, science fiction, and history, it can be crafted to suit most literature genres. All teachers want the book to come alive and take our students by the hand, but sometimes this process must be facilitated by the educator.

As cross-curricular activities, my Grade 5 students at Northmount School designed a mathematical grid, developed a scale of size, geographic legend and directions. They then used their notes from the novel we were reading to define the realities of the spatial environment their characters would have to react to. Two boys constructed a store and charged sales tax, a concept we covered in mathematics. Others designed geographical features true to the canon of the book, and foundational in science and social studies texts. Fiction met non-fiction. As a collective we assigned each character powers and negotiated how losses would be handled with the roll of a dice and the subtraction of points. For the keen observer this seems to be a lot like other role playing games. The lesson plan is far more complex and cerebral. Those games have worlds created and characters defined. While there is some creativity in the nuance of the characters and even the capacity to create one’s own maps, the creative and interpretive control and negotiation of perception, meaning, and novel canon do not exist.   The fourth dimensional world is the hermeneutic creation of multiple meanings, which come from the text, but pass through the competencies and mindset of the students. The novel comes alive, but the students take each other by the hand and create a whole new schema of understanding and connection fuelled by their actions and experiences in a world they have fashioned. Scenarios play out with the higher capacity thinking skills of analysis, synthesis, prediction, and evaluation. Boys’ literacy must be this engaging, so that all levels of ability within the classroom are privy to insights and thinking that has direct consequences on live play. Surmising gray areas and implicit content become the purview of the player, and extends far beyond the prowess of the reader. Four dimensional literacy and engagement will offer boys the chance to go further into a text then what was thought to be possible. If the possibilities are redefined, and if it is the student who is doing it, learning will ebb and flow from the text through the mind, to the game, and through time.

This past weekend we visited Trinity Bellwoods Park.  The park happens to be one of our go-to-spots because it has a great playground, a splash pad to beat the heat, lots of grassy and shaded areas to have a picnic, and is adjacent to a community centre (with a fantastic toddler pool).

Here are a few snapshots from our Sunday morning visit.

A few notes:

The park is busy with toddlers on most mornings, making it a great spot to make new friends (for kids and parents).

The playground sits atop sand, so bring along digging tools.

The Queen West streetcar drops you right in front of Trinity Bellwoods Park.  If you prefer to drive, there is free parking on most of the north/south running streets in the neighbourhood.

The park is within walking distance to all of the unique Queen West shops (I will save that list for another post).

Have you been to Trinity Bellwoods? If so, what did you think?

The Niagara Region offers tons of family fun and a recent mini getaway to Niagara Falls took us on many of the area’s incredible adventures.

You’ve all seen wonderful panoramic views of the falls… and you’ve seen them from the top. But have you seen them from beneath? A visit to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without going to the famed attraction Journey Behind the Falls.

Imagine standing in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above you! Experience the awesome display as one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashes down to the basin right in front of you…

Start the journey by taking the elevators down 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal so you make your way to behind the massive sheets of water.

Front view of the Falls.

Top view of the Falls.

And from underneath. So exciting to hear the thunder of the waters from a completely different perspective – you’re literally standing right under the falls. It’s kind of like a backstage pass to one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Long and mysterious tunnels to explore. Each leads to portals that provide a close-up view of the Falls from behind.

The tunnels extend only 46 metres (150 feet) behind the waterfall, so there is not a lot of walking. And you can explore it all at your leisure: this excursion is completely self-guided, so you can take your time with the kids.

Cool ponchos, playing in the mist, looking up to the falls – kids just love it!  The observation deck really provides a vantage point looking up with the falls to the right, allowing a spectacular full view of the famous falls. The sheer volume of water crashing down just a few feet in front of you is something you and your kids will not forget!

You can enter Journey Behind the Falls at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, next to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls at 6650 Niagara Parkway. For more info, visit: www.niagaraparks.com/attractions.

Summer is the perfect time to explore neighbourhood parks. Since we live in downtown Toronto, our adventures are all about finding tranquil, green spaces nestled between store fronts and high rises (something we became quite good at after living in NYC).

We recently took a walk along the Waterfront Trail, starting at Coronation Park (just across from the CNE) and making our way to Little Norway Park (just across from the Harbourfront Community Centre).

On a weekday morning it was relatively quiet and the cool breeze from the lake made for perfect weather. The only thing missing was a picnic basket filled with some tasty treats for our journey.

Take a look at our photos along the way.

If you are headed to Montreal with the kids this summer, don’t miss out on the latest exhibit at the Montréal Science Center.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology – THE EXHIBITION recently opened at the Science Centre. It is presented by the National Geographic Society.

What an honour for Montreal to launch the world premiere of this widely anticipated exhibit.

Who didn’t grow up with Indiana Jones? He is a hero to many generations so this exhibit will be a great experience for kids and adults. It’s also an opportunity to study an important part of history, both in terms of film-making and archaeology.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is a unique exhibition that combines visitors’ love of these legendary – now classic – movies and its fascination with props, film clips, and set designs.

The exhibit features Indiana Jones movie props, including the Ark of the Covenant, a life-size sarcophagus from the Well of Souls, Mutt’s motorcycle, a crystal skeleton from Akator on its throne, the remains of Francisco de Orellana, the costumes of the leading ladies of all four Indy movies, and the costume of Indiana Jones himself, complete with hat and whip.

But Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is far more than a static display of movie props. Visitors take a trip around the world, in the footsteps of Indiana Jones, and take in 14 sites he explored during his adventures.

You’ll get a rare chance to see some of the world’s most impressive material remains and real-world artefacts from ancient societies from the collections of the world-renowned Penn Museum and the National Geographic Society archives.

The entire experience is enhanced with a handheld interactive video companion that visitors receive as they enter. The device informs visitors about what they see with audio, text and video, and it gives all a chance to create their own “quest” through the exhibition. That way, children of all ages can test their skills and explore the exhibit content in a fun and  innovative way!

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology runs until September 18, 2011 before embarking on a tour of museums in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. If you’re an Indiana Jones fan and you have an opportunity to go to Montreal, don’t miss it. It won’t be back in this area for another six years!

For info visit: www.montrealsciencecentre.com or www.indianajonestheexhibition.com.

Coming back from my son’s music lesson today we ventured into a little shop called Valhalla Cards on Queen West which featured some interesting books in the window display. Valhalla Cards also offers an assortment of greeting cards, gift wrapping and also great book finds, puzzles and more. There is loads to choose from and to discover.

My son ended up settling for this interesting puzzle called “Perpetual Puzzle – BIRDS OF PARADISE“.

It is 36 pieces of birds in three colour schemes, you can place them whichever way you want or follow their puzzle rules – which are really a challenge!

Makoto Nakamura designs these beautiful 36-piece puzzles. Have fun placing the Birds of Paradise pieces into tessellating shapes or follow the tougher puzzle rules.

This month, the Zoo’s Exotic Conservation Carousel celebrates one year!

On June 23, 2010, the zoo officially opened their new one-of-a-kind ‘Conservation Carousel’ which features over 30 colourful, unique, hand-carved and painted wooden animals. Each represents an exotic animal species.

The animals were created out of American bass wood by fine craftsmen of the Wood Design Group, a company established in 1988 with a long history of manufacturing, designing and restoring these nostalgic rides.Master wood-carvers complete the process, hand carving and decorating everything, including the scenery panels. The carousel components were shipped from the Netherlands, where the company is located, and then assembled at the Zoo.

These animal forms are exquisite. So much detail!

Carousels are timeless going back as far as the 12th century, the Crusades, and the pageantry of the Medieval times. Their golden age was reached in America in the early 1900′s.

What’s truly exceptional about the Toronto Zoo’s carousel is the education and conservation messages about endangered species that will inspire you as you whirl around on this magical ride.

The workmanship on this merry-go-round is exceptional!

The Conservation Carousel at the Toronto Zoo is open daily 10:00am – 6:30pm. Ride is weather dependent. You can check at the kiosk right next to the Carousel. Cost is $4.00 ($3.54 + $0.46 HST) per person. Proceeds support endangered animals and the Toronto Zoo.

For more info, visit: www.torontozoo.com.

Recently, I took the boys to see a concert at the Spadina Museum. Each summer they run a series of great concerts in the gardens of the Museum. The concerts and the Strawberry festival are amongst our favorites in the city.

For over a century, Spadina was home to three generations of the Austin family. Opened in 1984, it is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto.

The grounds and setting of the museum are truly a wonderful place to walk around and explore. The gardens are sublime, the land beautifully groomed and the museum takes you back to the last century. My personal favorite is an early 20th century catalogue from the Bay featuring their upcoming winter jacket collection.

The Music in the Orchard series are 1 hour concerts which take place in the gardens. This week we saw the Taffanel Wind ensemble composed of a flute, clarinet and bassoon. To some classical, baroque, modern and children’s themed song, we enjoyed the sounds as well as the view of the garden. There is one more concert taking place next week; Sunday June 19th from 1.30-2.30 where Ventelation – a group of eight wind instruments will play

For more details on the Spadina Museum, visit  www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/spadina.htm.

Some of the beautiful gardens at Spadina Museum.

Visitors enjoying Music in the Orchard.

This past Sunday, a bunch of us ‘Gleeks’ – moms and kids alike – made our way downtown to see one of 4 SOLD-OUT Glee Live! shows at the Air Canada Centre. Tickets were difficult to get and Toronto was their only Canadian stop. We were already getting excited a few days before the show when Darren Criss (the very attractive lead singer for the Warblers) tweeted: “Party on the bus to Toronto!!! YEAAHHHH!!!”

What’s not to like? Let’s face it. Glee’ has a special appeal. The popular musical comedy-drama television show is a hit with both parents and kids! The show touches on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationship and social issues.

I love the quirkiness of the Glee kids. They have incredible talent.  I love the music and the covers – a great balance between chart hits, show tunes, classics and hits from ‘our generation’ which our kids have grown to love.  And I especially love Jane Lynch who plays the hilarious nasty coach Sue Sylvester! I also appreciate how the show teaches kids to accept themselves for who they are and that it’s OK to be nerdy in high school. Loser is the new cool!

Here are some pics from this amazing evening we will not forget!

The show opened with Glee’s trade-mark song ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. Such a remarkable group of singers!

Here are Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn) and Dianna Agron (Quinn) covering ‘Sing’ by My Chemical Romance.

The very talented Ms. Lea Michele singing Katie Perry’s ‘Firework’ – They actually launched real fireworks behind her!

A moment between Kurt (Chris Colfer) and Rachel (Lea Michele) during a mash-up of ‘Happy Days are Here Again’ and ‘Get Happy’.

The Warblers are Glee’s newest edition this season – the Glee club from rivalry school: Dalton Academy – the all-boys prep school. Lead singer is Darren Criss  (Blaine Anderson). They REALLY had the crowd going! I am still deaf from all the girls screaming.

‘Loser Like Me’ – an original Glee song for 2011

Heather Morris (Brittany) stole the show for me. This girl CAN dance! Here she portrays Britney Spears.

The finale with another signature song, Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’. Brilliant!

Before the show, around the Air Canada Centre building…

We ran into this group of ‘Cheerios’ fans in the line-up… so cute!

The ‘crowd’ waiting outside the Glee Cast tour buses. Everyone was so well-behaved!

We met some ‘Warblers’ before the show. Really nice guys who serenaded us and signed autographs.

The lovely Heather Morris (Brittany) waved and said hello. Love her!

GREAT NEWS! Tickets to the live tour were difficult to get so Glee fans will be thrilled to know that Fox has announced a concert film, Glee Live! In 3D!, featuring performance and backstage footage from the Glee Live! In Concert! tour. The film is scheduled for release this August. Something amazing to look foward to this summer!

Recently I decided to go over to The Harbourfront, with a wonderful family, and have a fun photo session.  I thought it would be a good opportunity to perhaps provide some insight into shooting in this location.  Of course, right around the time that we met, the rain came down and the thunder sounded like mortar blasts right beside my head!  It might have been raining, but in this case it added to the imagery, and luckily we had umbrellas on hand.

The first thing that I will mention is don’t be distracted by the primary elements of this location. Many people will think that when you say “Harbourfront”, a lake or an assortment of boats should be in the background.  Sometimes all you need is smaller interesting elements like a rustic bench, interesting brickwork or even something as simple as the leaves on a tree.

The Harbourfront is interesting, not because of the boats or water, but because there are so many different photo opportunities.  If you ever manage to bring your camera to this location, I encourage you to walk around and you will find many different environments to make your images more interesting.  There are brick walkways, trees, boats, art and you can even use the theatre as an interesting area for your photos.  You will find that using the lake as the backdrop will get old very fast.

In case your wondering the technical process involved in many of these shots, I simply shoot using a very low depth of field (f/2.8) and pay attention to the light.  It is important to try and make sure that a light is visible in the eyes of your subject to give them life.

Some things to avoid in the Harbourfront – Those ads!

Pay close attention to the ads as there are some eyesores.  I think currently there is a 15-foot tall milk carton hanging out in the pond.  That same milk carton was there months ago (of course it also rained on me that day too) and I found myself “photoshoping” out that ridiculous object from many shots.  Such an easily correctable blunder can cause so much pain as, I guarantee, it will ruin your shot.  There are a few ways that you can eliminate distractions from your backgrounds:

-    Zooming in with a telephoto lens (200 mm is decent) will reduce background distractions, as it will increase the blur on the out of focus background.
-    Reducing your depth of field will also blur the background more.  This would be to reduce your f numbers from i.e f/5.6 to f/2.8.
-    The most fail safe way to eliminating these issues, however, is of course to change your positioning.

Overall, I recommend taking your camera to this location and even experimenting with all of the different areas.  As I have found, even if you have already been there, you may see it differently in different light (or rain).

Feel free to send me some images of your interpretation of the Harbourfront (info@clearpixelimages.com), or leave a message below.

On Sunday morning, we walked to Fort York for the Ultimate Block Party.  Organized by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, the play based learning event is modeled after the first Ultimate Block Party which took place in October 2010 in New York’s Central Park.

There were a number of arts and science institutions represented at the event, including The National Ballet of Canada (my son tried on a tutu), Ontario Science Centre (discovery experiments for even little kids), and Royal Ontario Museum (we saw our Tiny Tots teacher).

Here are our snapshots.

It was a great event, and luckily it was a sunny, warm (maybe a little too warm) day. Many families, lots of playing, and hopefully some significant learning.

Anyone else attend the Ultimate Block Party?

What did you think? What did your kids enjoy most?

It’s summer time … the best season to get your kids to enjoy fresh fruits and veggies. Here are 10 sure fire ways to get more of these into your kids!

1.    Take your kids to the Market. Show them all the colourful fruits and veggies. Name them. Allow them to pick a few. Some best bets… your local farmer’s market or the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.

2.    Cook with your kids. If they help make it, they’ll eat it!

3.    Make some veggie shish-ka-bobs. Have the kids combine veggies combos and shapes on a skewer and BBQ. You can also have them make fruit kebobs on wooden sticks. See recipe from Eating a Rainbow.

4.    Give your kids some dip for their veggies. For those that are really resisting the greens, allow them a bit of ketchup, cheese sauce or plum sauce.

5.   Embellish it! Serve yogurts, cereals and puddings with sliced strawberries, apples or bananas.

6.    Serve small portions of veggies as not to discourage your kids.

7.    It’s best to serve 3 tiny portions of various veggies than one large portion of just one variety.

8.    Set a good example by eating all your veggies too!

9.    Camouflage your veggies by adding them inconspicuously in dishes your kids love: grated carrots in sandwiches, pureed veggies in pancake or crepe batter, grated/diced veggies on pizza, etc.

10.    Make food fun. Use cookie cutters or cut your veggies and fruit into amusing creative shapes to encourage your kids to eat them!

Still trying to find the perfect teacher’s gift?

I don’t know about you but every year I go through the same dilemma at the end of the year – what do I get my kids teachers! Both my kids have been so lucky to have such wonderful teachers and year after year I try to find ways to show my appreciation for how well they treat my kids. After all they spend a lot of time with them and make a huge impact on their lives and how often do we really get to show our thanks for all their hard work!

But finding a gift for your kid’s teacher, instructor, coach or provider that he or she will really appreciate takes time and creativity. We have all done the coffee mugs filled with candy and really how many mugs can 1 teacher use!  I did some research to see what the general consensus was on teachers gifts… Here are some suggestions I found:

1) Make up a movie night package by getting an unpopped popcorn tub and fill it with snack items, drink, and free movie rental from your area video store. This makes a great teacher gift for males or for those you aren’t sure of their interests or activities. (Who doesn’t watch a movie from the video store at least on occasion?)

2) Purchase a book for your school’s library at your child’s reading level and dedicate it to the classroom as a unique and sure-to-be-appreciated teacher gift. Many teachers must build their own book library at their own cost, and so any additions will sure to be appreciated.

3)  Send a gift donation in the teacher’s name. We made a donation for each of the kids teachers to Right To Play a wonderful charity that helps to teach & coach children around the world through the use of sports and play.

4) Gift Certificate – something you know will be welcomed. It could be to an area store, local restaurant, or perhaps even to a teacher supply store so much-needed items can be purchased for the classroom. I find a Tim Horton’s gift card is always a huge hit as well (what teacher doesn’t love a morning cup of java or tea)

5) Personalized Items – Everyone loves something personalized made just for them! Things like personalized note pads, labels for the classroom or cute hand painted mugs are always a bit hit!  The last couple of years we have created cute note pads with the teachers names on them and they just LOVE it! Don’t forget to have your child spend some time making their own home made card – this is a great way for your child to share their appreciation for their teacher.

Still not sure what to get? Here are some amazing PTPA Winners that would make the perfect gift!

Mabel’s Labels – They have a label for every occasion and their Classroom Pack makes a fantastic teachers gift! What better way to keep their school supplies organized and looking oh so cool!

Thought Spots – These peel & post messages stick to windows and mirrors and come with a variety of encouraging and uplifting messages.  Any teacher would be excited to have these handy in their classroom. What a wonderful way to encourage and inspire their students.

Dotmine Day Planner- These stylish planners are a great gift to help keep a busy teacher manage work, home and family life! They come in a variety of beautiful designs and colors.

Each year I try to be organized and order my Teachers gifts early but I usually am scrambling around at the last minute to find the perfect gift. Hope this helps! Remember at the end of the day it truly is the thought that counts!

What other great gifts have you given to your teachers in the past? What are you planning to do this year?

It’s Super Cool Fun For the Whole Family!

Round up the kids and chill out in Splash Island, an exciting two-acre water play area. It’s the coolest spot at the zoo! You’ll find two magical acres of hands-on, non-stop family fun amidst waterslides, bigger than life water-spouting animals, a waterfall, lots of misters, and way-cool tipping buckets.

We visited on a very cool spring rainy day so while the splashpad was open, no one would dare venture to run through the jets…  all but one brave little boy. You all remember that cold awful spring we had?

So this was a good day to explore the waterpark up close and check out all the really cool animals, sprays and jets. This wouldn’t happen on a hot scorchy summer day!

Here’s a overview of the Splashpad.

What’s great is that while the kids are squealing with delight, they’re also learning all about which plants and animals live in different bodies of water in Canada.

Such as these pikes …

and our great Canadian Moose.

Kids will have fun amidst a variety of Canada’s wetlands.

Look for a magical menagerie of Canadian animals from Polar Bears to whales.

These animlas are perfect for climbing on and getting a good dosing of water when they spray you!

There are lots of fun climbing structures.

Races under the Bullrushes … or down the slides!

Stuck for towels, sunscreen or swimwear? No problem, just check out the Discovery Zone Shop, located right at the entrance to the Kids Zoo. Splash Island is located in the Zellers Discovery Zone. Until June 24 it’s closed daily but open weekends from 10:00am to 5:00pm. From June 25 to Sept 5 open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm and from Sept 6 to Sept 11 closed daily and open weekends from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

For more info visit: www.torontozoo.com/ExploretheZoo/ZellersDiscoveryZone.asp.

Just in time for the sunshine and warm weather, I have found one of the most unique spots in the city.  Sugar Beach is a sweet sanctuary in an otherwise industrial part of the city (Lower Jarvis St. and Queens Quay Blvd., right next to the Redpath Sugar Factory).

This week, my son and I made a visit to Sugar Beach and we spotted pretty pink umbrellas, fine white sand, candy stripe boulders, and a playful water fountain. Take a look at our snapshots:

Notes:
On the morning we visited, there were very few people at the Beach. It was quiet and serene, and the water fountains drowned out the sound of street traffic.  Parking might be tricky (we parked at the Loblaws across the street, but only because we planned on grocery shopping after the fun). The TTC does have a conveniently located bus stop right in front of Loblaws.

Notice the Corus Entertainment building? It sits right along side Sugar Beach!

Purple Prairie Organic Sunscreen – The Sun Stick

Small enough and convenient to toss in your diaper bag and yes also safe for infants and toddlers! Perfect for a wiggly child and the whole family!

The texture glides on so easily and it’s easy to apply.  It’s not thick or greasy like most other brands.

SunStick solid balm offers natural mineral protection from sunburn and moisturizes at the same time. 20% micronized zinc oxide scatters the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays without excessive whitening. We also add organic cocoa & shea butters which are believed to contain natural sun protection as well.

Unscented, 100% natural, biodegradable and environmentally safe. Water resistant. 2 oz. solid in a twist up tube. 20% zinc oxide = spf 30

Directions:

Apply generously to exposed skin 30 min. before exposure. Reapply every hour & after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

Ingredients:

100% natural~80% organic ingredients. active ingredient: 20% micronized zinc oxide. other ingredients:organic cold pressed olea europaea(olive)fruit oil,organic apis mellifera (beeswax), organic theobroma cacao (cocoa butter),organic cocos nucifera (coconut),organic butyrospermum parki (shea butter)fruit, jojoba oil

Disclaimer: Is a good sunscreen all I need to stay safe?

No. Sunscreen can only provide partial protection against harmful effects of the sun. Limiting sun exposure and wearing protective clothing are even more important when it comes to protecting against skin cancer and premature skin aging. Be extra careful about sun exposure during 10 am and 4 pm since the sun’s rays are the most intense during this time of the day. When using sunscreen, make sure you apply it generously 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often — at least every 2 hours. Even the best sunscreen won’t work if you don’t use it correctly. (ACS 2007; BCC 2003)

External Use only, Cruelty Free, Made in USA

Rated 1 from EWG Cosmetic Data Base.

Offers Good UVB Protection, Excellent UVA Protection, UVB/UVA Balance: Good, Sunscreen Stability is Excellent, Low Health Concern.

The Everything Mom and Baby Shop is the only retailer in Toronto carrying this product!

Price $14.99

For more info: www.everythingmomandbabyshop.com/item_267/Purple-Prairie-Organic-Sunscreen-The-Sun-Stick.htm.

For my son’s 4th birthday we bought him a nature kit complete with binoculars a bug house and a book all about bugs. Both of my kids love the outdoors and exploring the forest for bugs, leaves and critters! They come by it naturally as my husband is an outdoor enthusiast (they definitely don’t get it from me).

As much as I didn’t necessarily grow up in the outdoors I have seen the immense benefit to my kids being exposed to the outdoors and the appreciation and compassion they have developed for our earth and animals. The nature activities below will get you and your child started on the path to outdoor exploration.

And they’ll pry you both away from your blackberries, the television and video games long enough to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Conduct a Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to explore and learn about all the wonderful things that surround you. Head out to a local ravine or forest or just head out for a walk to your local park! For the hunt, compile a list of items you are likely to find based on where you will be exploring. I always like to have a little drawing of the item next to the words (especially for little ones). Look for items like:

• A pinecone
• A ladybug
• Flowers
• Leaves of different shapes and colors
• Rocks of different sizes
• Insects or critters
• Berries or herbs
• Footprints
• A bird’s feather

To add to the fun hide some little treats along the way for your little ones to find and don’t forget yummy snacks and drinks.

Plant an Herb Garden
The best nature activities are not only fun for children, but teach them something that they’ll remember and use for their entire lives. Planting an herb garden is a wonderful way to introduce your child to nature, and the hobby of gardening. Herbs are easy to grow, both in your garden or in a container on a patio. For this project you’ll need an outdoor pot or container with drainage , potting soil, and an assortment of herbs such as thyme, rosemary, parsley and lavender. Have your child plant the herbs in the container or pot. Find recipes that you can make together to use the herbs, once they’re ready to harvest. For Dylan’s 4th bday party we gave out seeds in a container as part of his loot bag and received amazing response from parents on how fun the experience was for their little ones to watch their seeds grow.

Create a Toad Home
Fun nature activities can also be beneficial to the critters who live around us. Have your kids make a Toad home for their little amphibian friends. You will need a small terra-cotta pot, some acrylic paint to decorate and a medium-sized rock. Have them personalize the pot with the acrylic paint. Once the paint is dry, place the Toad Home in your yard upside down, raising a side of the pot about two inches with the rock.

Press Flowers & Leaves
Pressing leaves is a fun and easy project, and once the leaves or flowers are pressed your child can use them to decorate bookmarks, make personalized greeting cards, or display them in a glass frame.
Grab some flowers or leaves on your scavenger hunt, dry them off and you are ready to press them. Then find a nice heavy book, open the book to the middle, and lay a piece of newspaper down in between the pages. Arrange your leaves and flowers, and cover with another layer of newspaper. Close the book, and pile a few additional heavy books on top. Wait a few days, and then check to see your flattened flowers and leaves.

Let your little ones become “nature” artists
Children are so creative and love coming up with their own masterpieces. For this project you’ll need a piece of cardboard, glue, and items your child collects outside, such as leaves, rocks, twigs, feathers, grass, berries, small pebbles, dirt, flowers, pinecones, weeds, and anything else that they happen to find. Let them use their imagination to create their unique nature art.

Most importantly get out and have fun. Enjoy the beautiful weather of the Summer season and spend as much time outdoors with your children as you can!

Doors Open is one my favourite events in the city.  Since this is my first time in Toronto with my young son, I was excited to take him to a few special spots. On Saturday morning we visited the TTC‘s Roncesvalles Carhouse (20 The Queensway at Roncesvalles).

Take a look at our snapshots:

a little note: we arrived at the Carhouse around 10:30am because the Transit Toronto website stated the location was open from 10am-5pm. However, according to TTC staff on-site, the event was supposed to begin at 12pm. Even so, the TTC staff were very generous to offer us a tour of the Carhouse and answer questions. we were very grateful, especially my little boy.

Anyone else attend Doors Open TO events? Where did you visit?

When we recently visited the opening of the Penguin Exhibit at the Toronto Zoo, we dropped in to check in on our friends at Stingray Bay. We had seen the Stingrays before but the Bonnethead sharks are new for 2011, along with some other sharks.

Only the Toronto Zoo offers up interaction and fun with the exclusive live exhibit, Sharks at Stingray Bay-A Touching Experience. Sharks at Stingray Bay features Nurse Sharks as well as Cownose and Southern Stingrays and NEW for 2011-Bonnethead Sharks! Visitors have the opportunity to humanely and safely interact with these incredible creatures and learn all about them with special keeper talks. Standard hand wash stations are available for visitors to use – you must wash your hands before touching them.

Southern rays are distantly related to sharks and skates. They belong to the Family Dasyatidae which includes 70 species of stingray.

These stingrays have a flat, diamond-shaped body with an indistinct head. They are gray to dark brown in color, with a pale belly.

The animals are supported in 20 inch deep, 1,450 square foot, and 60,500 litre salt water habitat with waterfall and state-of-the-art life support system.

Stingrays have a venomous barb located on their whip-like tail which they use in defense. These barbs are poisonous. The ones at the zoo have had their venomous barb clipped, which does not hurt them. It’s much like clipping toe nails.

Sizes – Males: 2½ feet across. Females: 4 feet across. Maximum recorded weight- 300 pounds. Tail can be twice as long as the body. This must be a mama!

They are super friendly creatures and love to be stroked. They kept coming around towards the swishing hands in the water.

I think my daughter wanted to jump in with them… Next year, the Zoo should offer ‘Swimming with the Stingrays”!

This holding tank is reserved for all the babies: sharks and stingrays.

The Bonnethead Sharks were late arriving on the day of our visit – but this is what they look like.

And here’s the waterfall.

The Stingray Bay live exhibit continues at the Toronto Zoo until October 2011. The exhibit is situated in the Group Events Tent within Zellers Discovery Zone (so towards the Splash Pad and the Kids Zoo). There is a $3 separate admission. For more info, visit: www.torontozoo.com.

The Contact Photo festival is on in Toronto and the city is filled with fabulous exhibits. Here are some of the favorites seen to date and that are stroller friendly:

@ the ROM – Edward Burtynsky’s – Oil : This impressive 53 large print edition takes on the Roloff Benny Gallery on the 4th floor. The documentation of the subject, the analytical precision and the beauty of the images are just breathtaking. The ROM is fully stroller accessible. They also rent toddler strollers.

@ Jane Corkin Gallery : Andre Kertesz in Toronto. From one of the best photographers some beautiful images taken during his time in Toronto. There are no steps to access inside the gallery but once in you need to take baby out and leave the stroller close to the reception desk in order to enjoy the exhibit.

@ King Street – Robert Longo men in the cities:This large scale public installation shows human figures in the front of city lines – figures appear as if they are falling. Ecstasy or agony, not sure, timeliness, that is for sure. It is a street installation and is fully stroller accessible.

@ Brookfield Place – Alain Paiement – Over here, over there: This unique exhibit is a fascinating in subject, technique and presentation. The exhibit is displayed on the floor of the Brookfield place, it is fully stroller accessible.

@ Beau-Xi Photo – The Boreal Collective:Photojournalism at its best from the photographers from the Boreale Collective. There are 7 steps to get into the gallery and to access the lower part of the gallery you need to take baby out. Note that staff was extremely charming and offered to help.

@ Lausberg Contemporary – Lluis Barba: A unique presentation of classic master pieces with contemporary events and figures. The lower level alsi features beautiful pieces by James Robert Durant, David Burdeny, M+M and Katharina Mayer. There are 7 steps to get into the gallery and to access the lower part of the gallery you need to take baby out.

Enjoy and happy exhibit viewing! For more info, visit: www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com. The festival continues until May 31.

We just visited the Penguin Exhibit at the Toronto Zoo. Such cuteness – really, they are the most adorable creatures on earth!

They swim, they dive, they waddle. After an 18-year absence, African penguins are back, introducing zoo visitors to 12 playful and entertaining new friends.

The new Endangered African Penguin Exhibit features 6,000 square foot habitat in the African Savanna – an innovative design that includes a new penguin house with indoor pool, state-of-the-art underwater viewing area, and a large window for public viewing of the penguins.

Although the exhibit currently holds 12 penguins, there is room for up to 50 of these sea birds to live comfortably.

This is their new beautiful home at the Toronto Zoo. Great white and pink-backed pelicans,
white-breasted cormorants and other water fowl will be joining them soon.

They are so tiny and so cute! They were playing shy – just standing there for the longest time. Maybe they are still getting used to their new environment.

These birds can have up to 300 feathers per square inch on their body.

Our telephoto lens allowed us to get really close!

They stood there forever and after we waited very patiently… they finally started making their way into the water. When one goes, they all follow!

There they go!

While penguins cannot fly in the air, they do plenty of flying in the water.

Time to head over to the underwater viewing gallery!

They look so much bigger when they are under water.

Penguins cannot breathe underwater. They hold their breath. Sometimes for up to 6 minutes!

Part of the fun!

We had to take one home! His name is Cookie.

More African Penguin facts:

• pairs mate for life
• life span is about 15 to 20 years
• both males and females incubate the eggs
• population has dropped from millions to less than 60,000 since the 1800s
• natural predators: seals, sharks & mongoose take their toll on the endangered African penguin population
• but humans are by far the greatest threat to these endangered birds (loss of habitat, egg collection, oil spills)
• the endangered African penguin will become the focus of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) at the Toronto Zoo

The Exhibit opened on May 21, 2011 – For more info, visit www.torontozoo.com.

See more photos in our Facebook Fan Page album.

Rainbow Fruit Sticks!

Need a colourful, tasty, healthy item to bring to your next potluck or school event? Try these easy to make Rainbow Fruit Sticks! They are a huge hit at any event with kids of all ages.

Eating Fruit Rainbows

All you need is a collection of colourful fruit, one from each group on the Today I Ate A Rainbow chart, and then some skewers!

Oh and be sure to get assistance from your little helpers, this is a great cooking project to do with your kids!

1. Wash your fruit and let dry a little so that they are easy to work with.
2. Arrange your fruit and skewer them in the same order.
3. Display your Rainbow Fruit Sticks on a platter and get ready for the compliments!

It’s going to be the TOY adventure of the Summer as the latest playground craze comes to life in Bands on the Run – available on DVD May 31^st!

The shaped rubber band craze now has its own movie…  After accidentally falling off a truck, five rubber bands team together to make their way to the toy store and ultimately onto the wrists of children.

Their humorous and heart-warming journey is full of excitement and important lessons about family, friendship and teamwork. If your kids are collecting these, the DVD includes free limited edition bands with every DVD.

Are your kids wearing those colourful rubber band bracelets (silly bandz)?  It’s the hottest rage this year as kids trade and collect them.

Silly Bandz come in many different shapes and colors. On a wrist, they function like a regular bracelet, and when taken off they revert to their original shape. They are often worn many at a time and are traded like other collectibles. They can also be used for their original intent—as a regular rubber band.

My daughters (who are in their early teens) were totally into the phenomenon earlier this year – same with their friends at school and their ‘skating’ buddies at the rink. Swopping these was the ‘thing’ to do. You name it, we have it – Hello Kitty, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Justin Bieber, Angelina Ballerina, farm animals, ice cream treats, Winnie the Pooh, the Flinstones, Pinkalicious and so many more. Silly Bandz can be found almost anywhere and to find out more about this craze, visit: http://sillybandz.com.  Careful, there are imposters!

Toy Story-3 Silly Bandz

They even come in ‘glow-in-the-dark’.

Even Bieber fans can collect Silly Bandz

The Bands on the Run DVD is available in stores on May 31, 2011.

How they are worn on the wrist. Can you spot the Justin Bieber one?

The Circus is in town! HarbourKIDS: Circus features the Toronto International Circus Festival, a  FREE 3-day long weekend festival for kids under 12.

Through the magic of circus, kids and their families can witness the only event of its kind in North America. Experience side-splitting comedy, eye-popping acrobatics and mind-bending daredevil stunts, featuring jugglers, unicyclists, magicians, world-class acrobatics, fire eaters, stilt walkers, hula hoopers and more!

Kids will also have fun learning about the history of the circus. They can be an architect with LEGO  or even design their own circus button!

But that’s not it! Join in the many interactive workshops for kids. If you’ve ever had any thoughts of running away with the circus, here’s your chance to give it a try. There are Tumble & Swing Acrobatic Workshops, and props and costumes so you can practice your talents, along with many more activities!

We were invited to watch rehearsals yesterday at the WestJet Stage but since the performers were out of costume, the Harbourfront Centre was kind enough to share these amazing pictures of some the performers.

C!RCA, based in Brisbane, is internationally recognized as Australia’s most innovative contemporary circus. They perform at 4:00 pm each day. Watch as up to five multi-skilled acrobats battle the clock in a high energy performance set to fun, upbeat music! Marvel at the astounding ways they bend, fly, juggle and balance! Circa works year-round to explore the limits of what circus can do. Their shows have been seen around Australia and overseas.

C!RCA, of Australia

See daredevil stunts.

Four motley characters from Îles-de-la-Madeleine’s Vague de Cirque share their inventive universe, their creative inspiration and their exceptional physical prowess. Exaggeration, mockery and eccentricity are the order of the day!

and comedy performers.

A living portrait.

HarbourKIDS is Harbourfront Centre’s free family programme designed especially for kids under 12. HarbourKIDS aims to engage kids and their families in a fashion that promotes a way of life through arts and culture. The Festival continues until Monday, May 23, 2011. This is an annual event.

For a complete list of all the acts, performers, activities and workshops, click here. There really is a LONG list of activities and performances to chose from. And it’s all free!

The month of May is a very exciting month – it is the month of the Contact Photography festival. The entire city offers exhibits from local and international photographers – a real treat.

The theme this year is exploring the relationship between figure and ground – an interesting theme which can be interpreted in numerous ways. I ventured out to see some exhibits:

Edward Burtynsky “Oil” at the ROM

This grand scale exhibit featuring fifty three large format prints was impressive to say the least. The exhibit presents the entire cycle oil from the refineries to the consumption and the impacts in between. Each image appeared to have an analytic precision, perfectly calculated to offer the strongest presentation of the subject.

The images made you stop and think about the impact has on our lives, some effects were just breathtaking such as the ship breakings where you see the workers disassembling the oil ships up to five times their size. It also makes you stop and admire a beautiful photograph.

The exhibit combines 12 years of travel and research. It is rich and thorough. Photography at its best.

For more information on the exhibit, visit: www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com.

Alain Paiement at Brookfield Place

Browsing through the ‘Contact Catalogue’ the details of his exhibit and images appeared unique as he displays daily life scenes in a birds eye view. Interesting as he also uses 3D software to create the image. So it was exciting that our “Nutshell tour” with Walk TO started at Brookfield place, I could catch a glimpse of the images. Now unique was an understatement, the images were exhibited on the floor of Brookfield place. The effect of space and privacy is very strong, you feel like you are peaking into someone’s private moment. Click here for details on the exhibit

More will follow as today we have our whole day photoshoot at Pikto in the Distillery – so I will get a chance to browse all the Distillery has to offer. For more details on all exhibits visit the ‘Scotia Bank Contact Photo festival’ site at: www.scotiabankcontactphoto.com.

Who Won The Prize? Win a Playdium Prize for you and 9 Friends!

This awesome Playdium package consisted of a 95 Credit Playdium Playcard per person (approx. 1 hr of play) to explore of 200 interactive games, rides and simulators.

Winner gets a Private Party Room for 1 hour with a room host to serve, and a menu with option of: a Jumbo Hot Dog, Charbroiled Hamburger or Superslice of Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza (Pizza Pizza) with French Fries and bottomless soft drinks while in the party room!

For more information on Playdium, visit: www.playdium.com.

This contest ran from April 16, 2011 to May 16, 2011. CONGRATS to our winner – SHARLENE NOBLE of Pickering.

Catherine Romano blogs about city life with her family in a special series called Sweet Adventures.  Join her as she gallivants around Toronto in search of the best arts and culture spots for young tots!

WHAT
St. Lawrence Market

WHERE
92 Front Street East

WHEN
Sunday, April 17, 2011

SWEET
St. Lawrence Market is easily accessible via the TTC (and just a short walk from Union Station)

The Market is a food lovers paradise! Plenty of fresh seafood, all natural beef and chicken, and organic fruit and vegetables.

There are multiple bakeries in the market that have a variety fresh baked goods at very reasonable prices.

In addition to all the great food, you can find a beautiful flower market (on the lower level) and a unique kitchen supply shop – the selection of cookie cutters is one of the best in the city.

There are two children’s playground  just south east of St. Lawrence Market. I suggest picking up a picnic lunch at the Market, then making your way to the playground to eat and have some fun with the kids.

SALTY
The Market is very busy during lunch time – crowds, lines, and  hungry people. I recommend going right before the lunch rush to beat the crowds. If you arrive after the lunch rush, many of the shops actually close because they are sold out of food.

SNAPSHOTS

Hanging out with Daddy at the playground

Gnomeo and Juliet has so far been one of my all-time favourite family movies. Maybe it’s because I love the story of Romeo and Juliet. I have to say, this children’s adaptation of the greatest love story ever told is brilliant. Or maybe it’s because I love beautiful gardens. It could be that the movie was just unbelievably funny! And I also love a good laugh.

So great news – the DVD hits stores on May 24!

Inspired by the Home Entertainment release of the newest family film, Gnomeo & Juliet on May 24th, gardening expert Cristina da Silva (TheRealGardener.com) shares her tips on how to add some whimsy to your garden while still keeping its curb appeal.