Save Handwriting and Support a Cause with BIC Fight For Your Write #BICFFYW

I have always had a passion for writing. I remember keeping a diary as young as 7 years old, and in all honesty since then I've never not used writing in one way or another as an outlet for creativity. Technology has really made a difference in the way most people choose to put words to paper (or screens.)  I still love to collect pens and notebooks and personally use them almost daily - Sometimes creatively, and sometimes for more practical reasons.  However, my handwriting has never been visually "pretty" and I chalk this up to my heavy reliance on the keyboard.  I worry for my kids' generation as technology advances and less focus is placed on handwriting in the classroom.  I believe in the necessity to learn handwriting at a young age.  I see my daughter practicing often.  She, too, loves to use writing as an creative outlet. The more she does the more confidence she builds and the more she's able to express herself.  She has great success in school, because her wonderful teachers have taken the initiative to ensure handwriting has been taught in a way that is fun, inviting but also given great significance. These teachers have given her and her peers a skill that is of lifelong importance. 

BIC is encouraging Canadians to join the BIC Fight For Your Write movement. The campaign includes weekly handwriting challenges on www.BICFightForYourWrite.ca  to help prepare children for the upcoming school year and spark their creativity. For every challenge submission, BIC will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada to help ensure Canadian children and youth have access to the best possible tools for success. You'll also be entered into a weekly draw for a chance to win amazing BIC® Stationery prizes and will earn one entry into the grand prize draw, to win $5,000 towards your child’s education. 

What better way to encourage something so integral to a well rounded education, while also supporting a cause that matters nation wide? 

Do check out www.BICFightForYourWrite.ca with your kids, for more information and to join in the fun!



 

5 Amazing (Budget!) Kids Playroom Design Ideas

When you're trying to design a kids' playroom for your little ones on a budget there's surely a lot going on in your head. But what happens when you've stretched your ideas to their logical breaking point and you are unable to complete the project as planned? By consulting this helpful guide to budget kids' playroom design choicecs, you can finish the job, while keeping costs to an absolute minimum! 

1. Cube Storage
Between the presents they receive from their parents, grandparents and other extended family members, children often end up with more toys, games and random knickknacks than they know what to do with. Especially with the great discounts on Build-A-Bear toys available with Discountrue.com coupons, it's not difficult to succumb to the temptation to gift your kids with something special. To create additional storage space in your kids' playroom and keep costs down, utilize cube storage for the walls. This provides a great place to stash extra books and toys, without laying waste to your original budget! 

2. Wall Stickers
One of the most costly additions that you will have to make to your children's playroom is the wallpaper. But did you know that there is a very easy workaround that can be implemented for a fraction of the cost, without making any design sacrifices? When you need to break up a blank space, let your children choose their own wall stickers. This also gives them the chance to switch things up as they get older and their taste changes (which it surely will). 

3. Add a Canopy
For those of us out there with little girls who want their playroom to resemble the sleeping quarters of a fairy princess, adding a canopy is a wonderful way to dress up the room a bit, without having to break the bank. Draping a pink canopy over the bed or another common area is a nice touch, as it adds a little bit of magic and gives the room a unifying theme. 

4. Showing Some Patriotic Pride
It is never too early to teach your child how to have pride in their heritage and covering one of their walls with a crisp national flag is a wonderful way to decorate their playroom, while saving money. These flags look especially nice with a neutral backdrop and you can also purchase matching lamps and furniture to complete the look. 

5. Reusing Older Picture Frames Reusing
old picture frames gives the kids' playroom a more personal touch, as they can be used to create displays in the play area that trumpet past accomplishments or simply serve as a place to keep those adorable old photographs from when they were even smaller. If you have some favorite keepsakes or old pictures that you'd like to put in the playroom, you can't go wrong with using older picture frames.

Playtex Diaper Genie Elite #Review and #Giveaway #Canada

I have changed a LOT of diapers over the years.  I'm confident in saying I've changed hundreds more than the average parent; Unless said average parent has also spent a number of years working in the Childcare industry. Or maybe a parent with just a ton of kids - but that's not so average these days, is it?  I remember my daughter's first bum change.  The nurse looked at me and said "well, I can see you've clearly done this before!"

Experienced or not, diapers are gross.

My kids are now 4 and 7 years old, but with a home daycare going on, I still deal with diaper changes every weekday, between the hours of 8am and 5pm.  With 2 toddlers in the house, that still equates to quite a lot of mess. 

Usually, I throw any soiled diapers straight into the bin outside.  The problem with this is that Winnipeg can be really, REALLY cold sometimes!  I'm far less likely to tipsy-toe outside in the -30, even to dispose of something uber-stinky.  I don't have any form of diaper pail in my house anymore. I tossed ours when we my son was done with diapers a couple of years ago.  So on days like this, they end up tied in a plastic bag and thrown in my kitchen trash bin, until the end of the day.  And that, my friends, is disgusting. As I'm sure you can imagine.

Hey ho, Diaper Genie Elite!  I am so happy I've found you!  This guy keeps the smell out, and what I love about it is how EASY it is to use.  I like it so much more than the bin I had when my kids were tiny.  Placing the diaper into the bin is as simple as using a trash can with a foot pedal.  (MUCH more sanitary!)  And while that is hugely important to me, what I really, really appreciate about the Diaper Genie Elite is the front tilt bin to remove the bag once it's full.  With my old bin, there was like a 3-step bag removal process, which ALWAYS resulted in a disgusting smell being released into the room (and my gagging) and this big production trying to secure the lid back on, after I was finished.  It was fiddly and time consuming - 2 things which are extremely irritating when you're busy with your small baby.  Not so, with the Diaper Genie! You just pop the front panel open, grab the top of the bag and pull through the built in bag-cutter and you're on your way.  Game changer!!!

The Diaper Genie Elite has been a very welcome addition to my home daycare space.  I adore it. I  chose a pretty, light gray for my home but this particular Diaper Genie is available in Gray, White, Pink or Blue to compliment the colours of your little one's nursery!

Lucky for you, I'm able to give away a Diaper Genie Elite to one of my readers!  Yahoo!  Enter the contest below, and be sure to check out all the great reviews of the Diaper Genie Elite on Amazon.ca  Also, don't forget to check back with this Winnipeg Mom Blog soon, to enter more sweet Giveaways! 

Contest is open to residents of Canada. Ends on April 26, 2016.

Good Luck!


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Get Moving with Pink Ice Energy #ProductReview

I've found myself in somewhat of a "slump" lately.  While the weather is (was?) finally taking a turn for the better, I've been trying to find the energy to get moving again.  I've signed up for a 10k run in June, and am really trying to get a start on my Spring cleaning around the home.  Meanwhile, I'm digging deep for the motivation and the energy to get this stuff done!

I was contacted by Pink Ice Energy at EXACTLY the right time.  I knew right away this product would be a perfect fit for my lifestyle, and for all of you!  

About Pink Ice Energy: 

Pink Ice Energy™ is a completely new way to get your daily boost of vitamins, minerals and energy. Fast, and convenient – it’s vitamins, energy and fresh breath in one. 

At only 5 calories per sachet, you are getting the energy you need without sacrificing your healthy diet. 

Pink Ice Energy has been approved by Health Canada as a Natural Health Product.

 
To use Pink Ice Energy -- Open a single serving sachet. Pour crystals in your mouth. Swirl them around and let them dissolve. Then swallow – it’s fast and easy.   No water needed.

I LOVE this stuff.  I have found myself grabbing a sachet from my purse, on my way out the door so many times now. I am a coffee drinker, but sometimes I literally don't have time to grab a coffee and take it with me.  Sometimes, I don't want to be hauling a drink around in my hand! I have bags to carry, and often a wagon to push, full of daycare kids!  I've used Pink Ice Energy before morning workouts, on my way out to get groceries at 3pm (when, admittedly, I would rather be enjoying a Couch + Pinterest session.) And one time, I used it for a late night energy boost so that I could enjoy a movie date with my sweetie, without falling asleep. Is that embarrassing?  I know there are a lot of other Moms out there who can relate. By the time my kids are in bed at 7:30pm, I'm often ready to crash myself. Ha. Just saying. 

I've become a huge fan of this product.  It tastes great and it 's like a grownup version of jacked up, healthy Pop Rocks.  I work with kids for a living, so I'd be lying if I told you I'm not a kid at heart. This appeals to my inner goofball, while giving me the energy to go about conducting (and rocking at!) my adult life.  

I'm sold!  If you are too, you should have a look at www.PinkIceEnergy.ca for more information or to grab yourself a box of the good stuff.  Pink Ice Energy will be available throughout stores in Canada this Spring, so keep your eyes peeled!

Enjoy!



 

Win Free Passes to The Little Prince in #Winnipeg

I love children's books so much.  I also particularly love film adaptations of children's books - possibly even more so than my own kids.  I have a few favourites, including (but not limited to) Tuck Everlasting, Where the Wild Things Are and the original animated version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.  Looooove!

So when I found out about The Little Prince coming to theatres on March 11th, I was embarrassingly excited.  Guys, the cast for this movie is surprising and speaks volumes - I know this is going to be another fave!   

Cast: James Franco, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Bridges, Marion Cotillard, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Giamatti, Ricky Gervais  

About The Film:  Rediscover one of the most beloved stories of all time. At the heart of it all is The Little Girl (Mackenzie Foy), who’s being prepared by her mother (Rachel McAdams) for the very grown-­up world in which they live – only to be interrupted by her eccentric, kind-­hearted neighbor, The Aviator (Jeff Bridges). The Aviator introduces his new friend to an extraordinary world where anything is possible. A world that he himself was initiated into long ago by The Little Prince (newcomer Riley Osborne). It’s here that The Little Girl’s magical and emotional journey into her own imagination – and into the universe of The Little Prince – begins. And it’s where The Little Girl rediscovers her childhood and learns that ultimately, it’s human connections that matter most, and that what’s truly essential can only be seen with the heart.

I happen to have been given a handful of Family Passes (Admit 4) to an advance screening on March 5th, at Silver City, St.Vital Centre. Want to see the film before anyone else?  Enter below - you can't win it if you're not in it.  ;)  Giveaway ends on Sunday, February 28th and is open to Residents of Canada.  Movie screening is for Winnipeg, only. 

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Parfum Berger Paris Review #HolidayGiftGuide

 Looking for a little something extra to gift a family friend, or perhaps a host/hostess gift for one of the many holiday functions this month?  Look no further. Parfum Berger Paris offers some beautiful options that will make anyone's house feel like a home with warm, pretty scents all winter long.

I was able to review this Parfum Berger Bouquet Parfume Cube in Ocean Breeze.  Its pretty, minimalist style is modern and appealing to most anyone.  The scent is not overwhelming, but just enough to make the home smell fresh and clean when you walk in the door. 

About the product: 
This elegant glass cube is topped by a ring and its bouquet of black sticks, which emphasise its contemporary design. The sticks, created in engineered polymer, guarantee optimal diffusion of the fragrance without discolouration in the solution. Product ready to use, filled with 125ml of the Ocean Breeze fragrance. A tropical and revitalising cocktail that blends the freshness and the exoticism of the grapefruit with warm and woody notes. Fragrances guaranteed without any colourings. Refillable with the refill for bouquet parfumé 200ml.

Look for the Parfume Cube and many other lovely products at www.lampeberger.ca  

Clothe Your Kids in Peekaboo Beans #KidsStyle #HolidayGiftGuide

I am admittedly picky when it comes to my kids clothes. I love simplicity, style and unexpected colours. And, of course, quality goes without saying. Pre-school and school aged kids can be remarkably hard on their threads, so personally I would rather spend a little bit more to get items which will stand the test of, well... recess, pre-school, rough housing, messy indoor picnics, playing in the trees at the lake, etc.  I'm lucky to have some amazing youngsters in my life who I'm always happy to pass on my kids' pre-loved clothing to, so this works well for us!

I've recently been introduced to a brand which I am now a huge fan of!  Peekaboo Beans makes amazing clothing for babies up to big kid sizes, and I'm sure you will love them too.  The brand has really thought of everything when it comes to design of kids clothing, from easy to pull zippers for chubby little hands, to the thumb holes to avoid sleeve bunching in jackets (a common complaint around here) to "grow-with-me" styles.  Check out the Anatomy of a Bean to see what I'm talking about! 

We were able to review several items from the new catalog, our very favourites being the following: 

Ten Karat Dress

Dazzl'n Dress

Dino Dynamite Hoodie

What I like most about these clothes is the fact that there's absolutely NOTHING my kids can say no to!  They love the easy, comfy design, and the small details like the cool dinosaur on the hood of the boys hoodie, and the modern looking diamonds on the sleeves of the Ten Karat dress. I am in love with the soft feel of the fabric, the incredible quality with reinforced seams and non-finicky zippers.  

Any of these items would make amazing gifts for the kids on your Christmas or Holiday gift list!  Be sure to check out www.PeekabooBeans.com to see what they have to offer.  Sizes run from Newborn to 14, so there's something for every little (or not so little) bean on your list! 

Happy Shopping! 

 

Make Holiday Magic with Disney Junior

I often struggle to find appropriate toys for my little guy.  He just turned 4, but with a big boy attitude and an older sister, I often find he's interested in games, toys and TV shows that are not quite age appropriate.

When it comes to screen time, we tend to stick with our fave Disney Junior.  The little Mister has taken a huge liking to our friend Jake - of Jake and the Never Land Pirates.  I have to say, I sorta love this show too!  Just last week we were watching an episode, and I caught a glimpse of a statue of King Triton from Disney's The Little Mermaid.  It's these little details that Disney ALWAYS gets right, and they make fans out of young and old alike, for this very reason.  

That is why I was SO excited to be able to present this super fun Fisher Price Jake and the Never Land Pirates - Mighty Colossus ship to my little mister!  It's such a very cool "big kid" toy.

Features
• Over 2 feet tall
• Real rolling wheels
• As seen on the show!
• 4 levels of play!
• Ship opens into playset!
• 8 Fun Actions!
• Double barrel cannon launches coconuts
• Launch the catapult
• Secret trap door
• Turn the wheel
• Spin the sail
• Zip down the slide
• Hidden treasure room
• Lock Lord Fathom in jail
• Includes Captain Jake and Lord Fathom figures - 7 play pieces & 8 cool actions in all

Girls and boys alike will love what this play set has to offer.  There are hours of fun to be had with this thing, as their imaginations take them away to Never Land.  My son is particularly a fan of the coconut launching cannon as, frankly, anything that "launches" anything is considered "suuuuuper cool" to this guy.  He's spent much time playing and incorporating his other action figures and little character toys into what he's doing.  Here's what he had to say about it: 

"I like Jake the best, because he can fight the bad guys and stick them in jail and make them stay there!  Mom, AND he's got THIS. This is a cannon which FIRES them all!  And the ship is big - so it can go and go and go in the ocean.  But no sharks will eat it."  

... That's my boy in a nutshell. lol.  He keeps me busy. 

Make sure to check out the Colossus playset for yourself here!  And keep it in mind for any little scallywags on your holiday gift list - they are sure to LOVE it! 

P.S.
For the month of December, Disney Junior presents “Magical Holidays” featuring festive premieres and new episodes of Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Miles from Tomorrowland, Sheriff Callie’s Wild West, Sofia the First and more.  Be sure to tune in and check out www.DisneyJunior.ca for more information!

Happy Christmas,

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Can you believe it's already December? It seems like just yesterday the kids and I were getting ready for "back to school," and suddenly we're well into the swing of things, with Christmas holidays just around the corner.

Have you had the opportunity to begin your Holiday shopping yet?  I've been remarkably organized this year.  I'm almost finished - which, frankly, is unheard of.  Online shopping is the way to go, guys.  I did almost everything from my couch.  And when it gets chilly outside, with blowing snow, slippery roads and the ever present risk of frostbite, what's more convenient than that?!  

I've had the opportunity to put together a nice roundup of gifts for all of the littles in your life.  Keep an eye out over the next week as I share a number of amazing products with you, perfect for kids of all ages! 

Happy Shopping! 

 

Save Handwriting in Canadian Schools! #BICFFYW

I am the first to admit that I love new gadgets and technology... But when it comes to taking notes, I'm a pen and paper kinda gal.  Nothing beats a good medium ballpoint black ink pen.  I love to doodle, and these make the perfect tool.  

With tablets and smartphones becoming the norm in schools and work places across the country, good, clean handwriting is becoming a lost art.  Moreover, it's far less a priority in Canadian schools than it ever was, meaning kids are losing out on this critical stage in development and education.

BIC is asking Canadian families to pledge to save handwriting with the Fight For Your Write campaign.

60% of learning in school happens before lunch making breakfast food, brain food. That’s why BIC Fight For Your Write is also partnering with Breakfast Club of Canada and donating $10,000 directly to the organization and giving an additional $10,000 (retail value) of stationery supplies to Canadian schools in need.

Check out www.BICFightForYourWrite.ca to take the pledge and learn more about the cause! 


 

Alfred Sung at Mark's #FallFashion #Review

One of my favorite things about Fall (aside from Pumpkin flavored everything) is Fall fashion!  I'm not a big fan of cold weather, but there's just something about layering up in cozy sweaters, scarves and a cute pair of boots.  When I'm not obsessing over bohemian style dresses and flowy tops, I like to add a little bit of 90s flair and edge to my wardrobe.  Colder weather is perfect for that.  Think short floral dresses with leggings, boots and a black leather biker jacket.  I was always an artsy kid... Some things never change. 

Except for the fact that now, in addition to being artsy I'm also a Mom!  I look for quality, versatile pieces to add to my closet.  I like knowing that my hard earned cash is going towards clothes that make me feel good, and clothes that will last!  Gone are the days in which I had hours upon hours to spend at the mall.  When my kids are with me, I'm in and I'm out - fast.  

Mark's is such a fun place to shop.  I find they have a little something for everyone.  Last winter I purchased an extremely practical pair of very warm Winter boots there for myself.  They're like wearing warm, squishy, furry, happy clouds of love on my chunky feet.  Haha!  Really, though.  I've raved about them a lot, to anyone who cares to listen.  I should have spent the money on boots like that years ago!  

Mark's offered to send me an outfit to check out from their new Fall line by Alfred Sung.  

The first thing I noticed was that the quality is second to none.  These clothes will not wear out fast, they will last through laundering and the everyday life of a busy Mom, either in or out of the workforce.  

The Double Hoop Necklace is super cute - I'm obsessed with it and have been wearing it a lot, with all kinds of outfits.  It easily dresses up something more casual like a tank top and jeans, and it's the perfect touch to something more formal.  I'll be wearing it to a wedding this Saturday with a cobalt blue v-neck dress.  Love!  

The Ottoman Dress turned out to be not quite my style.  The quality is incredible.  The fabric is thick and textured.  The sleeves are a nice length and actually I love that the dress is not too short.  I'm not sure whether I ordered a size slightly too big, or whether it's just a looser fit, but it was not flattering on me at all.  I'll be passing it along to a friend!  It's still a gorgeous dress on the right person, but this free spirit just isn't diggin' it.  

As for the Rib Knit Riding Leggings... GO!  Go now and buy yourself like 6 pairs.  They are amazing!  They are thick, warm, comfortable and wonderfully structured so they hold in any mommy-tummy you might have leftover from giving birth to your *cough* now 4 year old ... And they are ridiculously versatile.  They go with everything.  In fact I'm wearing mine today with a black tank and a cuffed sleeve chambray button down shirt.  I beyond love them and I want more!  


I'm looking forward to seeing what Mark's has on offer for Winter wear.  How about you?  Check it out at www.Marks.com

Learning and Fun with Safari Tales #KidsApp

When I was a kid, video games were played on an Atari with my cousins, in my Grandparents basement.  Some of them (umm.. I'm looking at you, E.T.!) were completely pointless and virtually impossible to win.  Did I learn anything?  Nah.  It was fun yelling at the TV screen though, and it was definitely a treat when I had the chance to play. 

Life in 2015 is SO different with regards to technology and gaming.  Not only do we have 2 functioning game consoles in our home (and at least 2 older models stashed in a storage closet somewhere,) my kids also have access to my smart phone, my tablet and my iPod touch - all of which they've ever so sneakily overtaken with a multitude of Apps.  It's funny how that works, isn't it?  

I'm always careful to read the reviews before installing an app for my kids.  While there's a time and place for "princess mermaid dress up beauty parlor" (I'm not sure if that's a thing, but there are a zillion games just like it) I much prefer to know that my kids are learning while playing.  With the little miss going into Grade 2, one of the biggest things we love to work on in our house is her reading skills.  I absolutely love how far she's come.  When I find an app that encourages her to build upon her already pretty impressive reading skills while still having fun, I am all for it.  My little miss is a constant thinker.  She worries about things, she thinks and gets excited about events coming up, there's just always something on her mind.  So while most people wouldn't encourage screen time before bed, I find that even 15 minutes of time on the tablet distracts her, and helps her settle down so that she can sleep.  Reading apps are perfect for this. 

Kuato Games Ltd. offers a series of great learning apps for kids of all ages.  Of particular interest are the "Tales" series of games.  

About Dino Tales & Safari Tales 

Our ‘Tales’ series of games (Dino Tales is the first, Safari Tales the second) aims at enhancing literary skills in kids ages 4 – 10. We have created a wonderful 3D world which young kids can play in, rich with places to visit, games to play and animals to discover. Throughout the game, kids will be reading in order to follow their quests, and can ask an in-game character, Darwin, real questions by selecting words and joining them together to form sentences. We have a few thousand possibilities and he will speak back the answer with facts about animals, their environment, eating habits, etc. This encourages kids to form sentence structure correctly, read and understand meaning. At the end of each play session, Safari Tales uses patented technology to convert children’s adventures, discoveries and achievements into an incredible interactive storybook. Each new tale can be saved and stored to be read over and again with parents and loved ones, strengthening literacy, reasoning and enquiry skills.

To download Safari Tales for iOS or Google Play, visit the following links:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/safari-tales/id1003842599?mt=8 

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kuatostudios.safaritales&hl 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Kuato-Studios-Safari-Tales/dp/B011VCDF7A

Don't forget to check out Hakitsu (a Robot Battle game) and Dino Tales as well!

Enjoy!

 

Misfit Shine Fitness & Sleep Monitor #Review #HealthyLiving

While I generally try to keep an active lifestyle and live healthfully, I'll admit to a couple of things:

1. It takes work.  I honestly love running... but I also love sitting on the couch, eating pizza & drinking wine.  Like, a lot. So keeping myself motivated is always something I strive for. 

2. Summer does me no favors! While most people see Summer as a prime opportunity to run outdoors, go for bike rides and workout in the backyard I tend to find myself relaxing at the lake, meandering down to the boathouse fridge to grab a beer and then slowly wandering over to my neighbor's deck for snacks and cocktails while the kids play.  I mean... Running, guys?  Pfffft, nah.  Ain't nobody got time for that!

I was offered the opportunity to review the Misfit Shine Fitness & Sleep Monitor from Sport Chek.  I have to tell you, this thing does its job well.  It arrived just in time for my Mid-July Summer fitness slump.  I was literally on my way to the lake to partake in some killer cream cheese dips (which I happen to be Queen of), martinis and a little Swimming - When it showed up on my door step.  Perfect!

The idea behind the monitor is that it helps you set and reach your Fitness and sleep goals, by lighting up throughout the day as you progress through your activities - thereby motivating you to keep going.  The monitor syncs up to your phone/tablet via bluetooth, and the available app makes it extremely easy to set your goals and activities before you get going.  With just a quick tap of your device in the morning, you can find out how restful your sleep was the night before.

What sets the Misfit apart from other other monitors available is its modern and sleek look.  There's nothing clunky or even obviously "sporty" about it and with the available accessories (Watch bands, pendants, etc.) it's both versatile and fashionable. 

I had a several compliments on the Misfit in the first week of wear.  It looks like a sleek watch, so it was fun to talk about what it does and how well it works!  It turns out that I'm a little more active at the lake (sometimes) than I expected, and that walking to the local patio for dinner and drinks is better than driving.  ;)  Go figure?  And hey, it definitely makes me feel great when I go for a run and watch the tiny lights glitter away as I keep on moving towards my goal. 

To find out more about the Misfit Shine, visit the website here. Check out Sport Chek to snag one for yourself!



 

Family Channel Big Ticket Summer Concert #Winnipeg

Family Channel has been a go-to in our house recently, with my little girlie growing up and losing interest in TV shows meant for the early years. At nearly 7, she's more into watching shows like The Next Step and X Factor UK.  This kid - like so many other kids her age - is fascinated with celebrities and pop stars.  Which is why I'm pretty excited to have the opportunity to surprise her with tickets to the Family Channel Big Ticket Summer Concert.  Whoop!  

The kiddos have been watching Becky G videos on YouTube like crazy, and I think the little miss has a new fave performer.  The concert rolls into the 'Peg this Thursday, August 20th and tickets are still available!  

About the Show: 

Hailing from the UK, pop-rockers The Vamps are ready to bring down the house at this year’s Big Ticket Summer Concert. Most recently, the multi-talented group collaborated with Canadian breakout artist Shawn Mendes on a revival of “Oh Cecilia” and their high-energy performance will electrify the stage. This year’s concert also marks the Canadian debut for singer/songwriter Becky G, whose hit single “Shower” became her first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #16. With multiple hits burning up Top 40 charts worldwide, her Latin pop flare will ensure the crowd “Can’t Stop Dancin’.”
This year’s Big Ticket Summer Concert bill will also showcase the talent of Canadian alternative-pop artist Shane Harte whose debut single “Let You Know” is racking up views and streams from around the world.  And from California, The Tide will open the shows. Of course, the event wouldn’t be complete without appearances by some of Family’s biggest stars and, after performing across the country on a sold-out national tour, cast members of the wildly popular tween drama The Next Step will bring their high-energy dance routines back to the live stage for what will be their fourth Big Ticket Summer appearance. Series stars Jordan Clark (Giselle) and Lamar Johnson (West) show off a few of their other talents, bringing an added dose of charisma and charm as this year’s concert hosts.       

I love that this is a concert that my kids can completely enjoy - It promises to be good, clean fun for the entire family while still maintaining a way important cool factor for my "wannabe tween."  ;)

Check it out for yourself, and maybe we'll see ya there!



 

Fuel Your Summer with Kellogg's! Vector Prize Pack Giveaway #Canada #Kelloggers

Summer in our house has been all kinds of busy. Between spending time out at the lake, and keeping the kids entertained we have been on the go non-stop. I've been careful to keep my pantry stocked full of healthy snacks, to keep both myself and the shorties full of energy while we're on the go.  One of my favorite go-to snacks is granola or energy bars that I can just grab and throw in my purse on the way out the door.  

Kellogg's Vector granola and protein bars are a fave in our house.  I like to start my day with some plain greek yogurt, mixed berries and a handful of Kellogg's granola.  Plus (of course) copious amounts of coffee.  :)  We were able to try out the entire Vector line, and so could one of you! 

Enter to win a Kellogg's Vector Prize Pack valued at $45 - Contest is open to Residents of Canada and ends on  August 6th, 2015.

To enter, comment below!  What has been the most fun thing you've done so far this Summer?

I can't wait to read your entries.  Enjoy the rest of the season and fuel up, friends!

Marvel Universe LIVE! #Winnipeg Ticket Giveaway

My pint sized Superhero could not be any more excited that his favourite Marvel heroes and villains are coming to the 'Peg!  I can not wait to see his eyes light up when Iron Man and Hulk hit the stage to perform some rad stunts.  This kid has been into superheroes since shortly after he began to talk, so Marvel Universe Live is a REALLY BIG DEAL!  We're going to have a blast and so could you!  I'm giving away a family pass of 4 tickets to one lucky reader.  Whoop!  Check it out.

About Marvel Universe Live!
Marvel fans, assemble! Marvel Universe LIVE! is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with a mind-blowing show unlike anything you have seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider-Man and The Avengers (Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk and more) and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza, coming to Winnipeg. You’ll definitely feel the energy with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever. Join Marvel fans of all ages for this once-in-a-lifetime, monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it! 

Want to buy tickets?  
Visit  http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/139625/1936934  
Enter the Promo Code MULOC for a 20% Discount
(Offer valid on select performances   Code available to use on April 1, 2015   Service charges and handling fees may apply.   No double discounts   Excludes FR, VIP and all premium seating   Maximum 8 tickets per code.)    

Want to WIN? 
Enter below!  Winner will receive 4 Tickets to Marvel Universe Live, at the Winnipeg MTS Centre on July 23rd at 7pm.  Giveaway ends on June 30th /'15.  Open to residents of Canada. 

Good Luck!

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Cirque du Soleil - Varekai Ticket Giveaway #Winnipeg

I've never had the opportunity to see a Cirque du Soleil show, so I am absolutely thrilled that Varekai is coming to the Winnipeg MTS Centre, for a total of 8 performances on June 24th - 28th.  This looks like such an amazing production!  I can not wait to see it.  

About the show:  

A dormant volcano, a mystical forest and an ancient prophecy... The adventure of Icarus begins.

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world-a world where something is possible. A world called Varekai.

The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of Varekai begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.

The word Varekai (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsies the universal wanderers.  Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.

Show Details:Cirque du Soleil will perform in Winnipeg with Varekai at the MTS Centre from June 24 - 28, 2015 for eight performances only.

Tickets:Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai,  Ticketmaster or by calling 1-855-985-5000. Ticket prices range from $40 – $95 (subject to change).

Show Schedule (June 24 - 28, 2015):
Wednesday, June 24 at 7:30pm
Thursday, June 25 at 7:30pm
Friday, June 26 at 4:00 pm and 7:30pm
Saturday, June 27 at 4:00pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, June 28 at 1:30pm and 5:00pm

For complete show and ticket information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai 

I have 2 Tickets to Cirque do Soleil - Varekai to GIVEAWAY to 1 lucky winner!  
Tickets are for the June 24th show at the Winnipeg MTS Centre, at 7:30pm.  Giveaway open to residents of Canada, but must be able to attend the specified show.  ENTER BELOW for your chance to win! 

Good Luck and check back in to this Winnipeg mom blog again soon for more AMAZING giveaways! 



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