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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What we enjoyed about The Berenstain Bears Musical

My children and we enjoyed the wonderful story line of The Berenstain Bears show at the Living art Centre.  The lighting, music, conversation and special effects at the show made it lively.  My children said their favourite part was when Papa bear was telling brother and sister bear the bedtime story about not talking to strangers.  
Before the show began, the audience was asked to take a clubhouse oath to not eat in the theatre or take pictures of the performance.  We were able to take pictures outside the theatre with brother and sister bear.  After the show children were provided with juice and a granola bar.

We sat in the balcony of the RBC theatre in the side edge, which made it very uncomfortable to enjoy the hour-long show.  I believe theatre should be visible and fun from all angles.  There is no designated seating so we can sit wherever we want on the levels printed on our tickets.  Many people like us didn't know about this and found it uncomfortable to watch the show from the top-side angle.  Next time when we plan on a show at the RBC theatre we would go inside the theatre a little earlier to secure comfortable seats.  Despite our seating we enjoyed the show.

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TIFF Kids International Film Festival 2013

This year will be the 16th annual TIFF Kids International Film Festival.  TIFF Kids 2013 features 117 films, 29 Features and 88 Shorts that represents 40 countries. 

There will be films like A Turtle’s Tale 2: Sammy’s Escape From Paradise (Belgium), Believe (UK), Buta (Azerbaijani), Cinnamon (Mexico), Elmo’s Alphabet Challenge (USA), Miffy the Movie (The Netherlands), Once in a Lullaby (USA), Rafiki (Norway), The Pee-Wee 3D: The Winter, That Changed My Life (Canada) and Waves (India) just to name a few.

The 13 short film programs will run between 50-90 minutes that cover a myriad of subjects and themes for children and youth aged 3 to 13.  Some of the titles are The Adventures of Pim & Pom: Safari, To Give a Present, Jungle Beat: Tiny Bubbles, Her Rain, Room on the Broom, My little Chicken, The Red Carpet, Children of Kabul and more.

Highlights of special events

• This year at the TIFF Kids Award ceremony will be on April 21st at 3:15pm.  There will be two brand new annual awards in the categories Best Live-Action Film and Best Animated Short Film. These two awards will be in addition to the TIFF Kids Jury Awards, TIFF Kids Audience Choice Awards, the Jump Cuts Awards and TVO Kids Choice Awards. 
• The festival lights up screens and imaginations with the best of children’s cinema from around the world. 
• Dino Dan-The Adventures of Trek will be on April 13th at 12:30pm. The premiere will be followed by Q&A with the Trek and Director. 
• The Monkey Bunch Live at TIFF Kids on April 14th at 3:30pm will have kids dancing, rushing the stage and going bananas. This will also end an educational message about the environment. 
• Wild Kratts: Rattlesnake Crystal on April 14th at 10:30am and April 21st at 11:15am. 

• The Festivals opening night film will be The Legend of Sarila (La legende de Sarila) is the first 3D Canadian animated feature.  This adventure is inspired by various Inuit legends and features the voice of Oscar-winning Christopher Plummer.  This film explores the themes of friendship, hope, perseverance and self acceptance.  Before the screening on April 12th at 5:30pm there will be free pizza, snow cones and lots of fun activities.

• We are excited that for the first time ever, Sesame Street will be coming to TIFF Bell Lightbox. During the weekend of April 20-21 there will be fun activities and a chance to meet and greet Sesame Street mascots. 

• This year’s closing night film on April 20th is the German film Famous Five 2 (Funf Freunde 2), which is an adaptation of the Enid Blyton classic.  This is the sequel to last year’s TIFF Kids Audience Award winner Famous Five.  

Hope you guys will be able to take your children and family to enjoy these fabulous events as well as check out the digiPlaySpace.

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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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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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Take Advantage of the Toopy&Binoo Toronto Tour Pre-Sale Code

 

Another fabulous musical quest tour Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon comes to Eastern Canada.  This live theatrical production is back by popular demand as it brings together two fun-loving and adorable characters, whose hilarious antics are driven by their out-of-this-world imaginations. 

Toopy and Binoo know that we only get to make a first impression once!  So to prepare the stage, Toopy has to find the perfect song to sing and the perfect place to perform it! As Toopy and his best friend Binoo embark on their most important musical quest ever, they encounter a Blue Cat Blues Band, a Loud Mouth Crooner Fish, some Adorable Sheep, a pair of Love Struck Dragons and many other zany characters along the way. 

Entertaining and whimsical, Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon is a fairy-tale for our times; it incorporates music, theatre, dance, puppetry and innovative multimedia technology to weave a story that will tickle the imagination of the entire family! 

My children enjoy watching Toopy and Binoo on TV so we are excited that they are coming to Toronto on April 27th. Toopy and Binoo is based on the best-selling children’s books by Dominique Jolin. The characters made their television debut in 2005 and quickly climbed into the hearts of children in hundreds of countries including Treehouse TV (Canada), Tiji (France), Rai Sat (Italy) and Sun TV (India). Did you know that Toopy and Binoo is the top-rated program for kids from 2 to 6 years old. 


Tour Date 
April 27 – Toronto, ON – Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 
(10:00am & 1:00pm & 4:00pm) 

Pre-sale Offer 
Take advantage of this one-day only pre-sale for the 10am show by entering this code HILARITY on March 7th between 10am to 10pm. 
The regular on-sale for the 3rd show at 10am will start on March 8th at 10am. 

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TV for March Break & a chance to win Netflix subscription

With March Break right around the corner, I am sure many parents like me :) are looking for ways to keep their children entertained.  
Although, I plan indoor and outdoor activities sometimes my children just want to watch TV from the the comfort of our family room.  I like allowing them to watch TV by themselves through Netflix, as I can control what they watch by selecting an age appropriate show for them for a controlled period of time. There are no commercials that I need to worry about :) 
I like the wide variety of content in the Just for Kids section, which is specifically for children up to the age of 12.  Here are some examples of shows and films that is available on Netflix, which will keep our children happy.

• Chip Wrecked 
• The Adventures of Chuck and Friends 
• Rango 
• Caillou 
• Dora and Diego titles 
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid
• Rugrats 
• The Karate Kid 
• The Adventures of Tintin 
• Hoodwinked 

Giveaway:
If you would like to win a 6 months subscription for Netflix please enter through the rafflecopter below. This giveaway is open to people in Canada and ends on March 31, 2013. 
Please follow all social media networks and leave comments to be eligible. Winner will have 48 hours from the time of contact to claim the prize.
Update: The winner is Paresh

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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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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Outstanding performance by Strawberry Shortcake and Doodlebops

We had a fabulous time this Family Day weekend at the Sony Centre watching Strawberry Shortcake and her friends performing. My daughter was super excited to see her favourite TV show characters and toys performing.  

My son is a big fan of Doodlebops and he enjoyed moving to their songs and dance.

The show started about 10 minutes late, which made everyone become very excited when Doodlebops appeared on stage and performed for about 10 minutes.  My son and daughter enjoyed when the three main characters, Deedee, Rooney and Moe from Doodlebops performed.  After the show, my son pointed out that he would have liked to see the rest of the characters from Doodlebops such as the Bus Driver Bob.  

I like that during the show Strawberry Shortcake kept children and adults entertained and gave advice such as never give up, believe in yourself and friends are there to help each other and many more life lessons.  

The show was lively and colourful with a wonderful story line about friends helping each other and following your very own beat.

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Learning All About Chocolates from Bonnie Gordon College

Update: Bonnie Gordon College is now closed

I recently attended a media event at Bonnie Gordon College and learned a lot about chocolates.  After the event, I think I understand the difference of the wide range of chocolates that are available.  The College uses the exquisite Cacao Barry chocolate couvertures, which has a minimum of 31% cocoa butter that makes it to be higher quality product. 

Learning about Cacao Barry definitely makes us talk about chocolates in a whole new way. The location of the cocoa plantation, how the beans are chosen and the climatic conditions results in the different variation of chocolates and taste.

For example:

• Alto el sol from Peru is an aromatic, fruity and acidic chocolate.
• Oropucce from Trinidad has a strong cocoa flavour, slight fruity, flowery and winy taste.
• Madirofolo from Madagascar has a balanced, fruity, acidic and slight bitter finish.
• The chocolate from Tanzania is my favourite as it is subtle, spicy, fruity and acidulous taste. This chocolate has 75% cocoa in it.
• Chocolates from Ghana have 40.5% cocoa with a sweet milk flavour.

Cacao Barry has existed since 1842, and they cultivate cocoa beans in limited quantities from different countries without mixing them.  Cacao Barry offers Kosher certified, rare and refined flavours of cocoa through their chocolates.  Their chocolates would be fabulous in all chocolate desserts i.e. pralines, moulding, coating, pastry, biscuits, mousse, decorating, sauce, ice cream and more.  

The higher quantity of cocoa butter in the chocolates makes it fabulous to melt, mould and dip to create a beautiful thin shell that looks neat.  The non-couverture chocolates like chocolate chips keep their shape when baked and not very good to melt or work with. We can find Cacao Barry products sold at Vanilla Food, Golda's Kitchen, Baker Haven and in many other locations.

  

We were shown three different methods of tempering chocolates by the instructors at Bonnie Gordon College. Tempering the chocolate is important so it will set well when we work with it.  Check the mini video I took when the instructor at Bonnie Gordon College demonstrated this cool method of tempering chocolates.

Tempering chocolates in the microwave is an easier method of tempering by gently melting the chocolates in the microwave till it reaches 32C by placing it for 1 minute, 

then another 1 minute, 

then 30 seconds 

and in 10 seconds segments.  

We have to mix it after removing from the microwave each time.

Here is the link to the Chocolate Bonbons (alcohol free) recipe I learned at Bonnie Gordon College.  If you want to learn about a variety of ways to temper chocolates and to make hand dipped truffles and bonbons, Bonnie Gordon College will be offering day classes on March 23rd and 24th.

Bonnie Gordon College is run by Bonnie Gordon, an internationally respected cake designer.  Bonnie's approach to cakes are as a form of art and her curriculum emphasizes artisanal education that encourages students to try their own creativity.  This approach attracts many students and has created successful businesses such as We bake in heels and Cupcake Girl who started their Cake design education from Bonnie.  Bonnie in her program encourages and emphasizes the use of best, high quality and natural products.  The college offers a variety of programs such as

• The Confectionary Diploma Programme is a 16 week program that is offered throughout the year in a full time basis so students can learn the entire cake design process from scratch.  

• The Designer Cakes Certificate Programme is a full time hands on class that explores all the skills and techniques needed to create custom designed cakes.

• Bakery Essentials Certificate Programme is offered full and part time to teach baking and pastry art i.e. cakes, cupcakes, cookies, breads, quick breads, filling and ganaches.
• They also have a variety of other classes for hobbyists and home bakers.

 

670 Caledonia Road
Unit 100 M6E4V9
Toronto, Ontario
416-440-0330

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