We are planning to take lots of Gardening Shortcuts this Summer

It is that time of the year when we start thinking of gardening projects and designing outdoors.  I totally look forward to spring, as I like to plan and think of all the possible projects we can do in the garden even before the ground thaws.  

Since we are planning on a trip this summer :) the time I have to garden this year is limited.  I want to make sure that we maximize the fun of gardening by spending as little time maintaining it.  This book Gardening Shortcuts has lots of ideas that will make this possible, and I am sure every gardener will appreciate the tips found in this book.  

The suggested tips and ideas in this book lets us get the maximum benefit of enjoying our garden with less time maintaining it.

Last year, we gave a quick lift to a dull garden space by creating a flowerbed and adding rocks.  Seeing this idea in the book made me feel good that I had come up with this project last year.

To make this flower bed we mounted a lot of soil because we wanted some height.  Then we planted a Japanese maple tree that we bought from Sheridan.  We chose the blood good variety of Japanese maple tree that doesn't grow too tall, and has bright red leaves.  

Around the tree, we placed Pefferlaw deco stones and gravel river rocks that can be purchased in all these locations.  I like how rocks give a serene, natural atmosphere to the garden while helping control weeds in an eco-friendly way.  Usually adding rocks and hard elements to the garden brings the lush colours of plants and flowers to become more focused and attractive. 

We also put a solar spotlight in this area that makes the plants glow at night.  To give the area more colour we planted different coloured pansies and marigold.  To make sure the area does not get a crowded and cluttered we always prune and remove the plants that spread.

This book gives a lot of ideas on how we can create privacy and sheltered spaces in the garden by adding fences and patio.  It also has lovely decorative projects that we can do without incurring a big cost.

This book also shows us neat ideas on how we can grow fruits and vegetables in a decorative manner.

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Meet Me There if you come via Emirates to our Summer Vacation Destination

My family and I are very excited about our upcoming summer trip to Sri Lanka via Emirates.  One of the excitements of travelling long-distances overseas is flying in fabulous aircrafts, enjoying the food served in the plane, appreciating the service, experience and adventure of travelling. We chose Emirates because it goes to our destination without a change in different airlines and because of their free to join Emirates Skywards program.  

It Is Officially Spring, Time To Spot Bugs and Butterflies

Today is the official first day of spring, but the weather outside is nothing like spring.  Everyone in my family is missing the warm weather, the beautiful sunshine, flowers, birds and even the bugs.  

As an adult I am not a big fan of bugs, however when I was little it was a different story as my brothers and I use to collect flies and look for other types of bugs in our garden... thinking back I feel bad about this activity of ours as it wasn't cool for the bugs.  

My children are big fans of insects as well, and they are both in the age of exploring about them.  When they saw this book Spot the Bug by Tom Jackson they became very excited.  

Fun melted crayon egg decoration

These eggs are fun and easy to decorate using crayon shavings, to do this activity you will need...

different coloured crayons

crayon sharpener

hard boiled hot eggs

newspaper to protect the surface

We had a fabulous experience @Disneyonice Rockin' Ever After

The opening night at Disney on Ice in the Rogers Centre was totally Rockin'.  We had an awesome time.  The show started off with a fast paced, upbeat rock and roll musical that was exciting to watch.  Special guests like Pinocchio and Cinderella's stepsisters joined Mickey and the clubhouse members in the beginning of the show.  My son said he liked it every time Mickey came to the stage.  The four stories highlighted at the Rockin' Ever After show was about Ariel, Rapunzel, Merida and Belle.  

Kidorable Dinosaurs are backpacking

My son is a huge dinosaur fan, so we were quick to choose this cute dinosaur backpack from Kidorable.  He was very excited to see the colourful bag and loves it.  

All New digiPlaySpace open starting March Break for a limited time

digiPlaySpace is back with wonderful new interactive installations just in time for March Break.  Since checking out the adventures at the digiPlaySpace last year almost everything has changed.  There are lots of cool learning opportunities for children of all ages.  I really like the hands-on learning experience at digiPlaySpace and believe it is the best way to explain new technology to our children as well as learn everything about it.  

The director of Public Programmes, Shane Smith said "All of the installations at digiPlaySpace empower children with skills to learn and thrive in an interactive, internet-enable and mobile media world and to have fun doing it."

The touch, play, control highlights of this year are... 

Weather Worlds teaches about the eco-system as children learn to explore nature's balance of weather systems and control the elements with their bodies.

Touch Circuits teach children about making music, move robotic arms, and control video games by using their hand movements.

Please Do Not Feed the Bugs is a virtual eco-system with creepy critters that react in different ways to obstacles such as people and objects.

Body Paint allows us to use our body and paint.

Cumulo Nimblers is a four player cloud-jumping game.

Be in the Scene is back by popular demand.  Everyone will love this fun interactive green screen technology.

The Puppet Powered Mega-Pixilation Dream Engine allows children to mix and assemble larger than life puppet parts then turn them into characters.

The TIFF Appcade has entertaining apps for children of all ages.

The TIFF Kids Micro Makers' Space is an interactive space that will teach children about electronics, circuits, robotics, 3D printing and video game design. Some of these kits are available for us to purchase online and at the TIFF Shop.  I really like this Makey Makey.

SMILE Cubes also known as Socially Motivated Immersive Light Environment are light cubes that can be stacked and played with. These cubes also communicate with neighbouring cubes, share colours, respond to music.

TIFF Kids digiPlaySpace will be having workshops designed for children age 10 to 14 such as the

• Spy Mystery Workshop on March 23rd at 12pm to learn about code-breaking and wireless communication.
• Maker/Creator Workshop on March 30th at 12pm teaches about electronics, circuitry and conductivity. 
• 3D Printing Workshop on April 6th at 12pm will be lots of fun.

Check out the TIFF Kids Indoor digiPlaySpace this March Break at 350 King Street West.  This wonderful, fun, learning opportunity will be open from March 9 to April 21, 2013.

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Rapunzel's book of secrets and DisneyOnIce & Reading Book Drive

We are very excited that Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ EverAfter show during the March Break is nearing :)

This year for the first time Disney On Ice & Reading Book Drive will join hands to support the Children’s Book Bank, a charity that provides free books and literacy support to children in low-income Toronto neighbourhoods. 

The Book Drive will be held at Rogers Centre March 15th from 2pm-3pm. Families are invited to drop by Rogers Centre, 1 Blue Jays Way, at 2 pm with new children’s books (ages newborn to 12 years). 

The first 300 people to donate one book each will receive 1 ticket voucher (excluding VIP and rinkside seats)* to a Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After performance of their choice.  In addition, book donors will have a chance to meet Beauty & The Beasts’ princess Belle, and watch a live production number from Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After. 

The Rockin’ & Reading Book Drive schedule is as follows: 

1:30pm              Families line up for access to Rogers Centre outside Gate 7 

2pm -2:20pm      Book drop, Meet & Greet with Belle 

2:30pm -2:35pm Production number from the show

2:35pm-3:00pm  Book Drop continues 

*Once 300 vouchers have been distributed, fans will be able to purchase tickets at a special one-day discount, saving $5.00 per ticket! (excluding VIP and rinkside seats).

My daughter is a big fan of Rapunzel so I was glad that she was happy with this book Disney Tangled: Rapunzel's book of secrets.  It is a really cute journal type book girls will enjoy.  It has all the information and "secrets" about Rapunzel.  

This journal encourages girls to think about themselves, write down memories, dreams, desires and their secrets.  The diary comes with a heart shaped lock and two keys so all the secret stuff the girls write can be kept as "secrets".  My daughter enjoyed reading about her favourite princesses and she really enjoys filling the pages with all her little secrets and locking it up.  
This book also encourages children to write and read.  It makes a good gift for a princess as she can keep this diary with her treasures and read it when she gets older.  This book is available at bookstores, here and Amazon.

Here are some printable activities for your little ones, click on the images to enlarge.

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How To Spend Your March Break and Giveaways

Here are some ideas on how to spend the March Break, I will update the post with more ideas and giveaway :)

Crafts and Activities:
Interactive digital story books for children
Making robots
Making gooey slime with cornstarch
White sauce to serve with vegetables

Shows, Events and Places to go:
Alliance Cinema Toronto movies for $5 (Giveaway)
Berenstain Bears at the Living Arts Centre
Disney of Ice Rocking Ever After 
Indigo Kids Play area programs
SkyZone Toronto

Contests:
Free preview of Disney Junior and $500 gift card
Watch for Easter family events by following the Kinder Canada Facebook page.
Fisher Price picture contest to win $200 value prize packs

Giveaways:
Chasing Mavericks blu-ray and 2 surf bracelets (3 winners Canada and US ends March 31)
Draw Something game (Canada ends March 15) Indigo/Chapters $50 gift card (Canada March 20)
Life of Pi blu-ray (2 winners Canada and US ends March 31)
Netflix 6 months subscription (Canada)
more giveaways on the side bar of my site :)

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Sky Zone is now in #Toronto

Sky Zone is now in Toronto!  This is awesome for us because it is closer to home :)  My children were very excited about checking out the new location in Toronto because they love jumping on trampolines especially at Sky Zone.

I like the inviting and spacious feel of this location.  I also like the hassle-free ease of signing the waiver forms on the computer when we are at the location instead of filling in the paper copies.  This environmentally friendly method is convenient, saves time and paper.  They have coin lockers for us to keep our belongings and coats.  There is also a snack area to get some treats and fruits; they will be having smoothies soon.  The entrance also has a sink to wash our hands, way better than having hand sanitizers; I like that Sky Zone is thinking of the environment and the customers.

There are lots of fun things to do at Sky Zone on top of jumping to our heart's content such as

• The newest trampoline Sky Slam Court will make our dreams of dunking like the pros come true.

• SkyRobics classes for people at any level of physical fitness to have an effective and intense workout.   

• Toddler Time is for any little one that has started to walk.  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 in the morning and 1 to 2:30 in the afternoon Sky Zone has a safe zone of Toddlers to jump for a fee or $8 per toddler and $5 per sibling.  Adults are allowed to supervise at this time for free but not jump because of safety.
• I like the spacious area that allows us to stand and supervise our children when we aren't playing.
• My children enjoyed the foam jumping area and the basketball nets the most and they didn't want to leave.  

• SkyJam Saturday Nights from 10pm to 12am are for everyone over the age of 16 years.  For $20 per person they can jump freestyle, test their competitive skills, play 3D Dodgeball and have lots of fun for 1 1/2 hours and get free pizza and drink.

It is wonderful place to throw a party. The friendly staff at Sky Zone will take care of everything from invitation to the food. All we need is the cake and candles. If you are planning to have a fun party any time this year then book your party before March 17th to take advantage of this promotion.   

Check out their regular hours and prices in their site.  Here is the special March Break extended hours.  Follow the latest promotion about Sky Zone Toronto on their Facebook and twitter.

Sky Zone Toronto
45 Esander Dr
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 4C5
416-421-4567

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Hats Off to Dr. Seuss and March Digital books for little ones

Happy birthday to Dr. Seuss.

This week because of Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd there are sales on Dr. Seuss digital books from March 1 to 7th on the App Store, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, Barnes and Noble NOOK Store and Windows Store.  
Here are some reviews of wonderful Dr. Seuss books that both children and adults will enjoy reading.

Hunches in Bunches

The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins 

Collection of Dr. Seuss books

Other Digital books that will benefit children are from the popular Berenstain Bears and Little Critter series.  Check out these three terrific new interactive book apps available.

The Berenstain Bears and the Trouble with Chores (iOS and Android, intro price of $2.99) - Papa Bear and the cubs always seem to find a reason not to do their chores. When Mama Bear decides to avoid doing her chores as well, the mess builds up ... and up ... and up!  I really enjoyed reading this book to my little ones and reminding them that everyone in the family needs to pitch in to do chores i.e. cleaning up.  Sometimes I feel just like the mama bear when the chores don't get done :) and when my children surprise me by pitching in and helping out, it makes my day.     

Just Me and My Puppy (iOS, intro price of 99 cents) - Little Critter is proud of the job he's doing taking care of his new puppy. The funny illustrations show that having a puppy is a lot of work and quite a handful! 

It was cute to read how he describes all the help his puppy did i.e being a guard dog and bringing the paper for Little Critter's dad. 

What a Bad Dream (iOS and Android, intro price of 99 cents) - Little Critter dreams that a magic potion turns him into a scary, disagreeable monster that no one wants to be around. Luckily for Little Critter, it's all just a bad dream.

The sound effects in all these stories are lots of fun to listen to while we read the stories to ourselves or read it on auto play.

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Family Time with Memorable Board Games & Win your own

I think sometimes we spend a little too much time as a family watching movies and shows especially on Netflix :) than playing a friendly interactive game.  Sometimes with hectic schedules we forget to spend quality time playing with each other.
The upcoming family day weekend reminds me that we need to make it a routine to sit around our family room and play interactive board games. This will allow us to reconnect, reenergize relationships and create memories.  Hasbro has a broad collection of over 60 timeless games that the whole family can enjoy.

JENGA Boom Game is similar to the classic JENGA game and is aimed for everyone over the age of 6 years.  We need to delicately pull the blocks out of the stack without knocking it down. With this JENGA Boom, we have to move fast because the detonator is pulled before we take our turn, and this is like a timer.  In order to win we have to get our block out before the time runs out and the stack "explodes."  This game includes 36 JENGA hardwood blocks, toy detonator, stacking sleeve and instructions and can be played alone or with more players.  

 

Some people might be offended by the violent aspect of the game i.e. it being called a "detonator" etc., if we keep aside this "opinion" then it is a fun game for the family to play and try to remove the block before it all comes down.  My children enjoyed laughing when the blocks came down before we got a chance to carefully remove the block.  We will be practicing this more during the long weekend :)

The CLUE The Classic Mystery Game is for everyone over 8 years and is played with 2 to 6 players.  This game includes Mansion Game board, 1 Yellow Murder Envelope, 1 Detective Notepad, 6 Character tokens, 21 Black CLUEDO cards, 13 Red Bonus cards, 6 Weapon tokens, 2 Dice and Game Guide.

We have to be detectives and crack the case of who killed the millionaire Samuel Black by questioning everything to unravel the mystery and finding clues; Who did it? Where? etc. The person who solves the murder first wins.  This is a fun twist on the classic mystery game and features new characters and a two-player version.  I haven't played the classic before so this game is new to me.

The ZYNGA Draw Something Game is for everyone over 8 years.  There is no need to be an artist to win this fun-filled Draw Something game.  While one player draws, everyone else shouts out their guesses at what they're drawing.  Whoever guesses the word earns coins along with the drawer, and the harder the word, the more coins you earn.  To win, the person has to have 15 coins.  We really enjoyed this game and I think it does test our artistic skills :) and imagination so people can guess correctly.  This game includes 4 draw stations, 180 cards, 4 crayons, 4 pads of paper, 4 coin tracker clips and game guide.  My children enjoy playing this game on the iPad so it was nice to have something physical to play with instead.

I remember spending lots of time playing board games with my brothers and friends when I was little.   Sometimes I feel my children are missing making these memories because of all the technology that surrounds us.  Hope we will all get to play some fun board games and reconnect with our families during this weekend and then make it more of a regular routine to create lasting memories.

Giveaway:
To help you get started and have your own family time playing board games, enter this giveaway below through the rafflecopter below and win the ZYNG Draw Something Game.  This giveaway is open to everyone in Canada and ends on March 15th. 
Update: The winner is Sam
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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