Family Entertainment: Great Big Adventure in #Winnipeg Coming Soon

Winnipeg will soon be home to one Great Big Adventure, thanks to NHL forward Alexander Steen who grew up in the 'Peg.  The 12,000 sq. foot indoor play land features a 3,500 sq. foot play structure, 5 x 4.5 meter slides, a mini-hockey area and a toddler area.  The facility will likely employ up to 35 staff, several of whom are going to be ECEs (Early Childhood Educators.)  They will host birthday parties, mini-stick tournaments and summer camps and activities.  The entertainment centre will be open this Summer, near the IKEA store in southwest Winnipeg.

I'm so excited to take my kids to Great Big Adventure and find out everything that the place has to offer!  I especially love that they are employing ECEs and programming for young children, as I really find that there's a lack of things to do with kids under the age of about 6 in this city.  My own kids being 1 and 4, I've been looking for ways to keep them busy and let them burn off a little energy especially during the colder Winter months.  What do you think?  Will you be visiting this new Winnipeg attraction with your kids?

You can have a look at the Great Big Adventure website HERE for more information.

 

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove #Giveaway - Family Pack of 4 Tickets! #Winnipeg

Hey Winnipeg Moms and Dads! Want to do something special with your kids this March? I have just the thing. Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove is coming to the MTS Centre on March 07 - 10, 2013. I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to offer a great giveaway, for a family pack of 4 tickets! Here's some information about the show. Discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to your hometown! 

Get tangled up in Disney's 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your other favorite Disney princesses -Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook and his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the 'Circle of Life.' Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don't be late to a very important date with Alice and the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts' Army Of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.




How exciting!  I know my daughter will be THRILLED to see this show live, and I can't wait to take her.  She adores all of the Disney Princess' - I look forward to surprising her!  Would you like to take your family to this awesome event?  Enter the giveaway, below!

Winner will receive 4 Tickets to the March 7th, 2013 Show @ 7pm at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

Giveaway Open to Residents of Canada.  Ends Feb. 22/2013.
Comment 1x Each:

1.  Who is your favourite Disney character?  (Mine is Lilo from Lilo & Stitch.  Just in case you were curious. ;)

2.  Please LIKE Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook

3.  Follow @Born2BeMom on Twitter, and Tweet about the giveaway!  Leave the link in a comment.


*** UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED *** 

Congrats to Rick G. on winning the tickets!

Good Luck!

 

New School Plan for Waverley West #Winnipeg

Recently, it has become apparent that budget cuts will mean fewer schools in the new Waverley West area of Winnipeg, as plans for 6 schools have been cut down to just 4. This means students will have farther to go to get to school, and local elementary school Bonnycastle will expand to 1000 students. As a parent of a soon to be Kindergartner, this is concerning news. Our schools are already filled to the brim with bright little people wanting to learn, and are already short staffed.  What effects will this have on our children's education?  Their safety?  Here are some articles highlighting the issue:

http://www.cbc.ca/m/rich/canada/manitoba/story/2013/02/04/mb-waverley-west-school-winnipeg.html

http://www.cjob.com/news/winnipeg/story.aspx?ID=1879269

What do you guys think about this?  How would you feel sending your Elementary aged child off to a school of 1000 other students?  Would you be concerned for their safety, or their quality of education?

Let's hear it!

5 Simple and Fun #Valentines Activities for your Kids!

With Valentines Day just around the corner, I've been collecting activity ideas for my kids and my daycare. D is at the age where holidays - big or small - are a HUGE deal for her. She is so excited, I want to make every holiday as fun for her as possible! The smallest things make her happy, which is why I put together this list of simple Valentines crafts and activities for young kids.  Check it out, and get your kids into this LOVE-ly holiday too! :) 

1. Smitten Snowflake Hearts Tree
How pretty is this?!  The older kids will have fun cutting out the hearts, and putting the craft together.  Little ones can water the tree.  And bonus for you, it will look lovely on your dining room table for a while. :) Find the instructions HERE.

2.  Stained Glass Hearts
These stained glass hearts will brighten up your windows on a wintery day.  And this craft is easily adaptable to kids of varying ages.  The wonderful www.TeachMama.com gives you the instructions for this craft HERE.

 
3. Chocolate Dipped Oreo Cookies
Who doesn't love a sweet treat on Valentines Day?  Delight your little sweet tooths with these pretty (and pretty tasty!) chocolate covered Oreo cookies.  The recipe can be found HERE.

4.  Friendship Bracelet Valentines
I adore this idea from www.dandee-designs.com  What for a wonderful way to make those Valentines last.  Such a sweet sentiment behind these!  Older kids will have a great time putting these friendship bracelets together for their friends.  HERE are the details.

5.  Hand Print Heart Shaped Valentine
Even the newest munchkins can participate in this adorable Valentines craft.  What a great gift for family and friends!  Have a look at this adorable Handprint Valentine HERE.

Here's wishing you and your little ones a fantastic Valentines Day!  What are your plans for February 14th?  

xoxo,

Maple Leaf Monster Jam - Win a Family Pack (4 Tickets) #Giveaway #Winnipeg

Maple Leaf Monster Jam is coming to Winnipeg's MTS Centre on February 23rd - 24th, and I've got a family pack of 4 tickets to giveaway!  Here's a description of the show:

Maple Leaf Monster Jam®, starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through!  Monster Jam provides a massive night's entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old. 

With a few more weeks of cold winter ahead of us, it's nice to get out and do something different to keep the kids (and the grownups!) entertained.  I've never been to Monster Jam or anything like it, but it sounds like a super exciting idea for an evening out!

Want tickets?  
Visit  www.TicketMaster.ca  
Use promo code MUM4 to get 4 Tickets for $44 on Weekdays OR $4 Off/ Ticket on Weekends.

Want to WIN tickets to the FEBRUARY 23rd 7pm Show? Enter below! 

Leave ONE comment for each entry!

1.  Tell me who you'll take to the show if you win.
2.  LIKE Born 2 Be Mom on Facebook
3.  Tweet this giveaway (Leave a link to your tweet.)

Contest open to residents of CANADA.  Ends Feb.06/13

Good Luck!  
_______________________________________________________________________

This giveaway is now CLOSED.  Congrats to winner Kathleen W!  

 

2013 Kindergarten & Pre-School Registration #Winnipeg

Registration for Kindergarten at Winnipeg elementary schools will begin over the next few days.  If you have a child born in 2008, don't forget to call your local school to find out about when your designated Information & Registration Session will be held.   It's a great opportunity to find out more about the Kindergarten program at your school, and to see where your child will be spending each day this Fall!   

Additionally, if you are looking to get your 3 or 4 year old child into a Pre-School program, registration will begin this February for those as well.  Make sure to call now, because those fill up fast!  I made the mistake of not calling until March last year, and almost didn't get my daughter in.  I wasn't aware that registration happened so early in the year! 

Let me know if you have any questions about schools in the South end of Winnipeg, as I have a list of contact information here. 

Have fun, and good luck to your little scholars. ;)

This Mom Understands: Fitness Inspiration from #Beachbody Coach @TheSarahKhan

Having been through 3 pregnancies in 4 years, my weight has fluctuated like crazy. It's something I've been struggling with, and now that my son has surpassed the 1 year milestone, it's something I want to get under control. I know for a fact that a lot of other Moms are going through the same thing. That's why I am honored to have Beachbody Coach Sarah Khan contribute to Born 2 Be Mom. Here is Sarah's inspiring story. 



***Motivation gets you started...Support keeps you going***

I've struggled with my weight for years. Most of my life in fact. Fad diets, expensive programs, fancy supplements, online menu guides, calorie trackers, you name it. But nothing has ever stuck. If I do manage to lose weight at all, it all comes back eventually. I couldn't figure it out. So this past summer after nearly 20 years of trying and failing to lose weight, I resigned myself to my size. I bought nice clothes in my size, instead of hiding in my "fat" clothes and wistfully looking at my "skinny" clothes thinking "one day". I threw them all into a bag and gave them to charity. It was liberating...but sprinkled with sadness and a feeling of defeat.

You see, that summer I decided I wanted to try running (again). I declared it on Facebook and asked my friends and family to support me, keep me going and to please regularly check in.

Let's back up for a minute. I'm a full time mom with a full time job and a part time business on the side. This leaves me very little time for my girl, and seeing as she's my priority, she always wins out if I only have a little bit of free time left in the day. I don't go to the gym for that very reason. I already only see her for a few hours in the evening after we all get home, I'm not going to sacrifice another 1-2 hours at the gym, where frankly I've never had results and always felt useless anyway.

So back to the running. After the first few days, no one really mentioned it again, despite my posts. I thought I was doing okay, until my hip gave out around week 3. (I have a previous injury which crops up around this time every time.) So I quit. No one noticed.

So I finally gave up. I'd had enough of wishing and waiting. Gave up my skinny clothes, embraced my fat clothes and went on with life.

A few months later a good friend of mine signed up as a coach at Beachbody and asked me if I wanted to try some of the products. I thought, "Sure why not." I didn't necessarily think it would do anything for me, but she was a friend and I wanted to help her out. So I signed up. My products came (a home workout and a nutrition supplement called Shakeology). I started them thinking "what the heck" and as before, 2 weeks in, my hip gave out and I called her in tears. I cried about how I couldn't do it. I failed again. Part of me was waiting for her to say "You're not trying hard enough / suck it up / work through the pain.". This is the kind of thing I'd heard for years from well meaning friends and family. I told myself if she said that, I was done. But to my surprise she said, "So take a day off. Take a break. Stretch, drink your shake and just be nice to yourself today."

What?

It sounds so obvious, but the truth is too many of us are NOT nice to ourselves. Especially moms. We have this need to be all things to all people and be good at everything because if we can't then somehow we're failures. It's not right but it's true. Especially when it comes to our physical health and well being.

My friend's words struck me to the very core. Later that day I logged into our little Beachbody group's private Facebook page and posted about how I was feeling. The encouragement, motivation and genuine stories of "I totally know how you feel." poured in, and I had my a-ha moment. This was the one thing I had been missing all these years. I always had the motivation to get fit, I just lacked the support. Not well meaning support from family, friends, coworkers, people around me; support from people who "got it".

That's why I love Beachbody. Coaches in the Beachbody family are rarely fitness experts, or personal trainers, or indeed even in shape. In fact, many of them are on their own health and weight loss journey, and it's THAT journey that helps them support their own teams. They are not lycra-clad personal trainers at many gyms who have already attained peak physical perfection and so forget what it's like when you can't perform at their level. They are people like you and me who understand how hard the workouts are, they understand how hard it is to fit it into your real life, and they understand that you have good and bad days. So when you struggle, they know. Because they struggle, too. Our destinations are the same, but our journeys are all very different.

So now, I'm a coach. I have a small team of my own and we run a fitness challenge on Facebook every other month where we provide support, encouragement, tips and tricks and EVERY SINGLE one of my group members is doing amazing! Pounds shed, inches lost, muffin tops shrinking...but mostly, they have found a sense of camaraderie, a sense of accountability and belonging. THAT is what I was missing all these years.

And so 20-odd days into my January challenge I have lost 10 lbs and my pants fit way better. I'm finally doing it. I'm finally doing it because I have support from like-minded individuals who support me as much as I support them.

So if you are interested in changing your life, please get in touch. I really, really want to pay it forward because I get it. Motivation gets you started, but it's support that keeps you going.

If you are interested in learning more about Beachbody products, programs or becoming a coach, contact Sarah Khan at sarahikhan@live.com, and visit her at www.beachbodycoach.com/sarahikhan. Her next Facebook fitness challenge, which you can participate in from the comfort of your own home anywhere in North America, begins Sunday, February 10, 2013.


 

Don't Let the #Flu Get Your Kids Down! 6 Tips For Helping Them Feel Better

Is it just me, or has this winter been particularly bad for nasty virus' spreading around? I know my kids have been sick several times - over Christmas my daughter had a nasty upper respiratory infection and my son had a double ear infection. Horrible! My husband and I have been sick also. 

I've heard well meaning advice from all kinds of people. Everything from "wash your hands more!" (I think if I washed my hands any more than I already do, they'd fall off) to "eat a healthy diet." Well, we get our fair share of fruits and veggies also.  Sure, your best offense is a good defense - but in my opinion, if you're going to get sick you're going to get sick.  Once you've caught that cold or flu bug all you can do is deal with it!  Here's a list of 6 tips for helping your littles feel better when they're under the weather:

1.  Stay Home!  It's my biggest pet peeve to see parents dragging their obviously sick kids out to daycare, play dates, shopping, etc.  If you're feeling like garbage, the last thing you feel like doing is running errends -- but at least you know how to prevent spreading your germs.  Little kids haven't got that figured out just yet.  You're perpetuating the problem, and your kiddos need rest as much as the next person.  

2.  Chill Time.  Why not take this time to snuggle up with your little one?  Watch some movies, read books, maybe play some board games if they're up for it, or do a puzzle. 

3.  Kids under the age of 6 should not use cough and cold medicines.  Instead, try these natural remedies: 

• To calm a cough, rub some Vicks Vaporub on the bottom of your child's feet, and put socks on.  It sounds wacky, but many parents swear by this! 
• A spoonful of honey is also said to help a cough.  Note: Check age guidelines before giving honey to an infant. 
• Try a nasal aspirator.  There are many brands available at your local pharmacy, targeted at young infants.  Saline solution can do wonders to clear the nasal passages. 

4.  Give plenty of fluids.  Warm broth, lots of water, and diluted juice all help to flush out the system -- and are comforting too. 

5.  Try a Cool Mist Humidifier for helping with breathing, especially at night.  I run one in my kids' room often when they're congested and having trouble breathing.  I find it helps clear their sinuses a bit, and they sleep a lot better.

6.  Lots of Hugs & Kisses from YOU!  

 How do you help your little munchkin feel better when they are sick?  

Stay healthy this season!  Don't forget to wash your hands.  ;)


 

Stock Up on Kids & Maternity at Old Navy #Canada #Sale

Time to stock up on clothes for the kids!  Woohoo!  Old Navy Canada is having a fantastic SALE right now.  I received a card in my mailbox that states the following:

Valid From February 07th to 20th, 2013
Take $15 Off any purchase of $50 or more every time in store, 
or once online with valid coupon code. 

Additionally, save 40% on select Kids, Baby and Maternity Wear.

Nice!  And in case you are wondering (because I was) I called Old Navy at St.Vital Centre and yes, they do carry Maternity wear once again.  Exciting news for all of you Mommas to be. ;)

Happy Shopping!

Communicate With Your #Baby - Guest Post By @MySmartHands

Communicating with infants and toddlers can be such a challenge!  I'm a firm believer in baby sign language, and have used it with both of my kids.  It's been a life saver, and I often recommend it to other parents.  That's why I was so excited to connect with Laura Berg, Founder of My Smart Hands, and Author of The Baby Signing Bible and to have the chance include a guest post from her about the benefits of teaching baby sign to your children.  Enjoy! 

Baby signing was once thought to be a fad but now we know it is here to stay and is a great tool for parents to use when raising their children. It can be very nerve-racking when your baby is crying and you have no idea why. Let the guessing game begin! Not a fun game to play, one that can be frustrating to both parent and baby. Sign language has lessened the frustration of not knowing what your baby wants. Because babies are able to sign before they can speak they are able to communicate to you at a much earlier age taking that annoying, and not fun, guessing game out of the equation. Plus, teaching your baby sign language is fun! You don’t have to have any prior knowledge of sign language, you can easily learn as your baby does. It is really rather simple to do. Just look up a sign for a word that you’d like to teach and show the baby that word.  Pick just a couple of words to start with. Milk is a great first sign to teach because it is such a huge part of the baby’s day. A few other great signs are eat, more, finished, mommy, daddy or any item that your baby is interested in. You’ll find signing opens up a whole new world of communication for you and your baby! Be consistent and have fun!

For helpful information and videos on baby signing please visit our My Smart Hands website http://www.mysmarthands.com or You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/smarthandsCA

For a great baby signing book check out The Baby Signing Bible written by My Smart Hands founder Laura Berg. http://www.mysmarthands.com/babysigningbible

Magazine Subscription #Giveaway - Your Choice! #Canada

What are some of your favourite ways to beat the winter blues?  I love to bake fresh bread, have "dance parties" with my kids, and I really love to curl up under a blanket with a good book or a fun magazine.

I thought I'd throw a little something your way, to help you get through these last few months of frosty weather! ;)

Born 2 Be Mom is giving away one 1yr. magazine subscription of your choice.  You can choose between the following 4 options:

To enter, fill out the Rafflecoptor form below.  Contest is open to all Canadians, and will close on the 8th of February, 2013.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good Luck!

 

Keep Your Kids Hydrated with Corpell's #Health #Winnipeg

One of the things I worry about constantly as a Mom is making sure that my kids are getting enough to eat, and especially enough to drink throughout the day. We are always on the go, no matter the season and sometimes it's tough to make sure that my kids have enough of the good stuff (like pure H2O) to keep hydrated.  I've found the best solution is making water easily accessible to my kids and my daycare kids.  When I know that they don't need assistance in helping themselves, and they are having fun with it, I can be certain that they are getting enough to drink throughout the day.  And I feel good about giving them the best bottled drinking water available locally, as opposed to sugary fruit juices or other less healthy options.  

Did You Know?

A minority of consumers buying bottled water can do so as an alternative to tap water.  However, according to a study conducted in May of 2006 by Probe Research Inc., the majority (70%) of adults who purchase bottled water do so as an alternative to buying other packaged beverages, not as an alternative to tap water. Bottled water competes with a variety of packaged beverages, including carbonated soft drinks, milk, juices, soya beverages, energy drinks, and sport drinks. - CBWA

Offering kids the option of water as opposed to juice is a huge benefit to their health.  Juice is a known factor when it comes to children's tooth decay, childhood weight gain and let me just go ahead and say it, can often cause hyperactivity in children, leaving water as the better choice to fill those sippy cups.  Who needs all of that extra sugar, anyway?  

Why We Need Water

• Water helps to convert food into energy.
• Water helps your body absorb nutrients.
• Water removes waste.
• Water carries nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body.
• Water is required for breathing.
• Water moistens oxygen for breathing.
• Water regulates your body temperature.
  - IBWA

My Experience

As a long time customer of Corpell's Water, I have seen the difference it has made in the simplicity of my everyday life as a Mom, as well as the health of my own children.  Since she's been able to use a regular drinking glass, my daughter has been able to get her own water to drink, straight from the water cooler.  I feel good knowing that she's getting pure water, without the added chlorine or funky colours sometimes coming from the kitchen tap.  I'm sure you've all seen that - nobody wants to drink it!  She's not asking for juice anymore, because there's the appeal of independence, and doing what she knows is good for her body.  Additionally, mixing my son's baby bottles was a breeze with the hot tap on my Corpell's water cooler, as no boiling of the water was required.  When we were on our way out the door, I would simply fill up a bottle with hot water and it was at the right temperature to mix by the time I needed it.  What more can a busy Mom ask for?  My kids are choosing the healthy option on their own, and at this point they are able to help themselves. 

Stay tuned for an extremely generous local GIVEAWAY coming soon from Corpell's Water in Winnipeg, MB.  You don't want to miss this!  



 

Bugaboo Stroller #Recall

A heads up to anyone who owns a Bugaboo stroller: More than 50,000 of these strollers have been recalled by Health Canada and the CPSC due to a fall and choking hazard. 4,400 of these have been sold in Canada.

Keep your kids safe!

According to Health Canada:

The white button on the carry handle may pop out when the Bugaboo Cameleon or Bugaboo Donkey pram body is placed on the ground or on an unstable surface. This may cause the carry handle to detach and result in a potential fall hazard and choking hazard. Bugaboo International BV has received 58 incidents of the carry handle white buttons failing in North America with no reported injuries.

What to do:  Immediately remove handle from effected strollers.  Contact Bugaboo for a replacement part here or contact Bugaboo at serviceus@bugaboo.com or at 1-800-460-2922 between 7AM and 4PM PT Monday through Friday.




 

Taking Potty Training Tips!

The big news around our house in the last few days has been my 15 month old's sudden interest in using the potty. I feel like we just finished this process with D, and now L is taking interest! It's certainly not something I planned on, but when I caught the little monster squatting on the bathroom floor peeing and/or pooping (on several occasions) before his bath, I figured it was time to get the little potty out. Much to my surprise, he peed the first time he sat on it! And then the next 4 times after that as well. I am super proud of him. :) I know he's still young, so the entire process is just beginning, but there's certainly no harm in continuing with it and seeing where it leads us. L tells me when he's pooped, and seems to know what he's doing when he sits on the potty, so those are good signs in my book.

With all of that being said, I've never potty trained a boy before! I'm sure the fundamentals are the same either way, but if you've got tips, I'd love to hear them. How old was your little one when you potty trained him or her?  Share your stories!


 

Create New Years Keepsakes with VistaPrint.ca

Now that it's 2013, I am thrilled to begin another year of creating wonderful memories with my family!  That's not all though, I always enjoy choosing a new calendar to move through the year with.  After all, it's my go-to place for planning and organizing my family's activities and appointments.  I would be completely lost without it!  This year I am looking forward to turning the pages of my brand new personalized wall calendar thanks to Vista Print.

 Vista Print offers such amazing ideas and options to personalize items for your family and friends.  There are so many ways to create affordable, unique gifts, with a variety of items available, such as mugs, t-shirts and tote bags... And what I really love is how customizable everything is.  They make great keepsakes for the people you love, and putting together something like a calendar with photos of your loved ones can be a fun craft project to do with your kids as well.  My daughter loves going through old photographs with me -- Pictures of when she was a baby, or when her little brother was first born.  Doing something like this, allowing her to choose the pictures, customize the colour, backgrounds, etc. is a great way to involve her in something she'll get to appreciate all year long!  I love that!

Do check out Vista Print for all kinds of craft ideas.  They're a great way to get everybody involved in gift giving, or even in items you can take pride in around your own home.  After all, what better way to remember 2012, than to re-live the special moments throughout the new year?  

Why not do something different this year and create your own calendars for family and friends!  Visit www.VistaPrint.ca to get started on your own Calendar or other craft projects to share.

Enjoy! 

 

My 2013 Resolution... A little different than usual.

I've been thinking about this post for a few days now, and haven't really been sure how to get started.   Not long ago, I mentioned the fact that my New Years resolution is a little bit different this year.  It really is, and here's why...

While getting healthy is certainly on my to do list (it's been a long time coming, and I'm at the point now where it's really, really necessary) it's not at the top of my resolutions for 2013.  As a Mom to two young kids, the last few years have seen me completely wrapped up in life as a parent.  It's been wonderful, and wonderfully busy.  When you have a 4 year old and a 1 year old, you're getting up at night with a crying baby, calming tantrums in the afternoon, and constantly on the go.  It's been so easy for me to lose touch with some very important people -- my friends.  I recently received a very upsetting phone call.  A good friend of mine lost her Mom to cancer.  Having been there myself (I lost my Dad to leukemia 3 years ago) it just completely broke my heart.  I knew I had to be at that funeral to support my friend.  So... I left my kids with my husband, and I went. 

 Being there was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  It was so hard, but it truly opened my eyes.  The message within the service was about taking care of those around you, and never losing sight of what matters most in your life on earth: The people who you love.  I looked around the room and I saw so many of my close friends who I've grown up with... All in tears, all there to support somebody we care about.  It hit me that I haven't been doing a great job of taking care of them.  Aside from a few phone calls, Facebook messages and the occasional visit, I've hardly been in touch at all since my daughter was born.  As one of the first people in my group of girlfriends to have kids, I've always felt like my life is so drastically different from theirs right now.   And it is -- but that doesn't matter.  When it really counts, they have ALWAYS been there for me.  When I lost my Dad, they got together and sent flowers and well wishes, and they were all there during my Dad's funeral service to offer their support.  When I lost my twin girls one year later, they were there too; getting meals together for my husband and I, and getting together to clean up my garden and plant lilac bushes in memory of my daughters.  These friends whom I've known and loved for years deserve more from me.  So this year, my New Years resolution is to take better care of my friends.  Life is busy.  I can't change that, but what I can do is make an effort to call more often, send small notes and gifts, drop in more often even if it's just for a quick coffee, and to make more of an effort to know what's going on in their lives and be there when they need me.  

What are your New Years resolutions for 2013?
   

@Playskool Toy Finder: Cookie Monster Kitchen Cafe #Giveaway #ThisSkoolRocks

Playskool Toy Finder:

The Holiday Season is in full swing, and you may or may not be done your shopping. If you've got little ones to buy gifts for still, I've got some great news!  The Playskool Toy Finder is the perfect way to choose the right gift for your little person.  How easy is it, really?  It's so simple.  You visit the website and can select from a variety of categories such as characters, age groups, and even options like "Peeling Kids off the Couch" -- Yeah!!!  Then the Playskool Toy Finder will bring up a list of appropriate toys, which you can then select to read a product description, suggested age, and even play benefits (ie. Fine Motor Skills, Cognitive Benefits, etc.)

As a Playskool Brand Ambassador, I was given the opportunity to try out the Playskool Toy Finder myself and select a toy to give to my own kids!  It was such a breeze, and a lot of fun!  The Toy Finder came up with the Cookie Monster Kitchen Cafe -- A wonderful option for my 1 year old and 4 year old alike, as its suggest age is 18 months and up.

Product Description & Play Benefits: 

Order up! A big batch of fun is cooking in the Cookie Monster Kitchen Café! There are “treats” to “feed” Elmo and Abby Cadabby, a stove burner with sizzling sound effects and a sliding window for serving hungry customers. It’s a play café little chefs will love!  Fine Motor Skills - Child manipulates toy in active play.  Imagination - Child is encouraged to engage in imaginative play, Cognitive Learning and Social & Emotional Development. Functions include vocabulary exposure and healthy eating habits

 
Bring On the Fun!:

It's neat to see that both of my kids can appreciate the toy on a different level.  The Cookie Monster Kitchen Cafe has given my kids the opportunity to play together, which is pretty unusual at this point.  D enjoys "cooking up treats" in the kitchen, while L enjoys feeding the characters and watching the cookies fall into the oven, then going back for more.  It's been great watching the two of them interact together while playing with this super fun toy! 

And here's the BEST NEWS EVER!  I'm giving away a Cookie Monster Kitchen Cafe to one super lucky Born 2 Be Mom reader.  Woohoo!  I'm so excited to bring this giveaway to you guys.  Giveaway is open to residents of Canada, and ends on the 28th of December, 2012.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 

#Christmas Nostalgia - Sharing #Traditions With My Kids

The kids and I have spent this past week getting ready for Christmas.  There's still time, but last year I was so last minute with everything (probably in part because I had a 3 month old baby) that this year I felt like I had to make up for it.  D and I have been busy painting little wooden Christmas ornaments, setting up the tree and stringing lights together.  It's been so much fun sharing these things with her, and watching her eyes light up with excitement every time we talk about the holidays.

Recently, my Mom invited my family and my brother's family over for dinner, to present us with some gifts.  I wasn't sure what she could possibly have for us so close to Christmas, but we went over and enjoyed a fun night watching my two kids and my 9 month old niece play together.  Just before it was time to go, Mom walked out with two wrapped presents - One for me and my kids, and one for my brother and my niece.  She told us to unwrap them at the same time. What was inside completely blew me away... It was magical.  It was childhood and Christmas and love and memories and joy.  Actually, it was a felt Advent calendar, but it brought all of those wonderful feelings along with it.  When I was a child, probably no older than 2 years of age, my Mom made this felt Advent calendar for me.  You've probably seen the design before, it's been a popular craft for Moms and Grandmas everywhere.  :)  A huge, sparkling green Christmas tree and 24 little pockets - each one filled with a new ornament to velcro on to the tree, one day at a time.  I remember my Mom making this, up late at night, gluing sequins and sewing little bells and creating each one so carefully.  When my brother was born, she made one for him too.  A stocking, to be filled with little ornaments and tiny presents.  Gorgeous!  Recently, Mom pulled these calendars out of storage and she tidied them up, fixed up the falling off bits and made them sturdy again to give to her grandchildren.  I was so touched! 

Sharing this fun tradition with my daughter has been awesome.  She loves the calendar and can't wait to stick her ornament up every morning.  I hope this is something we'll be able to take care of, and pass down to her own children some day.  I hope that some day, it will mean as much to her as it does to me.

Do you have any ornaments or decorations that you've passed down to your own kids?  Any special pre-Holiday traditions that you share?  Tell me about them :)


 

Mini Lalaloopsy Doll: Product Review

D is at the age now where her imagination is really growing.  I love watching her play pretend, and act out different scenarios with her toys.  Some of her favorite items to play with lately have been smaller sized dolls and play sets - toys that fit perfectly in her little hands, that she can take with her everywhere.

I knew when I was given the opportunity to review a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll that it would be an immediate hit.  It's small (just 4" tall) and wobbly with brightly colored, fabric inspired clothes, and cute little button eyes.  When the doll arrived in the mail, I immediately stashed it away in my purse knowing we'd be taking D out to a restaurant later that evening.  It worked out wonderfully because after supper when she started to get a little antsy, I gave her the new doll and it kept her busy until we were ready to go.  Each play set comes with small accessories and a pet, and the packaging converts into the doll's own house.  We received the Sew Pretty Mini Lalaloopsy with a little sheep for a pet, an alarm clock and a book.  D thought the doll was fantastic!  She really enjoyed setting up the doll's house at the table, and filling it with the small toys it came with.  She kept herself busy pretending the doll was sitting down and eating dinner with the rest of us.  It was such a joy for the rest of us to watch!  D even took her new little friend to bed with her that night (a sure sign that the new toy is a favorite.)

The Mini Lalaloopsy Dolls by MGA Entertainment are available at all major toy retailers across Canada, and sell at a suggested retail price of just $6.99  There are 8 different dolls to choose from, as pictured above.  (Side Note:  Does the Easter Bunny need any additional treats for your little girl's basket next weekend?  These dolls would be perfect!)  For more information on these and other great Lalaloopsy Dolls, visit their website at www.Lalaloopsy.com 









Disclaimer: I was sent a Mini Lalaloopsy Doll for review from Paradigm PR. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not financially compensated in any way for this review.