Raise a Reader

I helped raise a reader today, did you?

Reading with your children is probably one of the most important things you can do to stimulate their brains. Reading helps with problem solving, imagination, learning letters, and comprehension, to name a few. Today volunteers are out collecting money for underpriviledged children to grow up with books and to learn how to read.

A quote from Life Literacy Canada

"Fifteen per cent of the Canadian adult population has serious difficulty reading even basic material. An additional 27 per cent can only deal with material that is simple and where their limited comprehension makes it difficult for them to face novel demands such as learning new job skills. In total, these two groups make up 42 per cent of adult Canadians – 9 million – who are deemed to have low literacy skills."

If these people are parents and are not teaching their kids the importance of reading, they need support from their local communities, their families, and from us. Today, I donated all of my change (about $3) to this wonderful cause. Not all of us are independently wealthy, but we can all chip in. If everyone in Canada donated $1 to this cause, there would be a lot more books on the shelves of kids' homes. Go on, Raise a Reader today!

Some of Our favorite Books:

Carters: Update

When I heard that Carter's was in Canada, I was so excited!! However, if you've read my previous rant about Carter's, you know that I was not too impressed with the Canadian stores. Well..... We went back to the Langley Carter's store this weekend, and I tried to push my bias out of my head. I was more prepared this time. I didn't go in thinking that I was going to get a whole bunch of cute clothes. I went in with the positive attitude that I would get some really cute PJ's for my 4 year old.

It was quite a good experience! I went straight to the Pajamas, he picked 2 pairs that he liked. OshKosh had some cute Halloween shirts (regular price $6), and the summer stuff was on sale too. The prices were decent. It is still not as good at the US outlet stores, but they will do for now. I would therefore like to say that Carter's Canada: You're OK. I will return to you to purchase pajamas and gifts for my niece, and I no longer have high expectations of you. I am looking forward to our future relationship.

-Melissa

Hockey Night Out

Ever wish you could take your family to a Vancouver Canucks game, only to look at the ticket prices and have your mouth hang open in shock? Canucks games have quickly become a place for business and not a place for families.

But, have you ever thought of taking your family to a different game? A game that you could take your family of 4 to for the cost of 1 Canucks Ticket?

There are a few teams that are exciting, fast paced, and fun! Go see the up and comers of the NHL and see the Vancouver Giants, Chilliwack Bruins or the Abbotsford Heat. The Vancouver Giants and the Chilliwack Bruins are made up of teens from 15 to 20 years old who will be, or have already been, drafted for the NHL. They have skill and want to play professional hockey. They put on a good show every night and will knock you off your socks. The Abbotsford heat are the farm team for the Calgary Flames (I know I know... booooooooooo!). They are constantly trying to prove themselves to make it to the NHL by being called up to Calgary when they need another player or if someone gets injured.

Price for a WHL game (Giants or Bruins) is $20 or under.
Price for a AHL game (Heat) is $15-$45

Best Groupon Yet!

The Best Pedicure for the best price!!!

Do you need some pamper time all to yourself?
Do you need someone to rub your feet?
Do you need your toes to look super sparkly?

Well I do. The most amazing pedicure salon that I have had the privilege go to go it called Bloom Essentials. Located near Burrard on West 1st, it is a cute little shop in the front, pedicure studio in the back. What they do is not only high quality (awesome foot rub!), it is also amazingly beautiful! They can draw almost anything you want on your toes. Last Christmas I had tiny snowflakes with rhinestones and glitter. A friend of mine had skulls, another had daisies, and there were poppies, candy canes. I've seen Santa hats, boats, leopard print, etc. It's awesome!

Not only is it amazing, but TODAY ONLY there is a special on Groupon! Buy it for yourself, buy it for someone in your life, or get someone to get it for you, but ACT NOW!!! Click the link below! NOW!!!
Click here for the Bloom coupon!

Here is how Groupon works:


What is Groupon?

Each day, Groupon features an unbeatable deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in your city. By promising businesses a minimum number of customers, we get discounts you won't find anywhere else. We call it "collective buying power!"

I like today's deal - how do I get it?

Just click "BUY" before the offer ends at midnight. If the minimum number of people sign up, we'll charge your card and send you a link to print your Groupon. If not enough people join, no one gets it (and you won't be charged), so invite your friends to make sure you get the deal!

What happens if the Groupon doesn't reach its required minimum number of purchasers?

If not enough people sign up, then the deal is canceled, and you won't be charged. Better luck next time! So if you really want the Groupon, be sure to either beg or threaten your friends

Teach your child to build for FREE!

With everything these days being geared towards mommy and me, there has to be something out there for the dads. The Home Depot has a great program that happens once per month called the "Kids workshop". This is a way for dads to give mom a break on a Saturday morning for an hour or so. It is for girls and boys age 5-12 (but we bring both our boys since the ages of 2 and 3 and no one blinks an eye.). They include all the tools necessary, glue, hammers, nails, etc. Each month is a different project like a sled for December, a flower box for May (for Mother's Day), etc. Kids get to build and experiment with tools in a safe environment and bring home a masterpeice they can show off! Or, if you aren't very handy, dad (or mom) can learn with their kids how to use tools.

In Canada, these workshops are on the second Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm at most Home Depot stores. In the US, the workshops are on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12pm. Call your local Home Depot store to confirm. We've gone a few times and so far we've built a birdhouse, race car, book ends, bean bag game, message board, tiny foozeball, flower pots, etc. Kids get their very own Home Depot smock - like what the employees wear - and a pin for each piece completed. You can use smocks later for your own art projects at home.

If you are usually busy on Saturdays, try to go to the May or February ones and surprise mom with something "home made".

Extra idea: If you want to paint your project (they all come in plain wood colour), you can go to the paint section and choose any paint colour (Let your child pick one of the Disney colours. They have fun names like "Mickey's Pants" or "Ariel's Fin") and get a sample container. They cost only $4.99 each container, and you can get foam paint brushes from Michael's craft store 10 for $1.00. This is a way to make your project last a little longer. First you build and then you decorate!

This is the US link - so if you are in Canada, it will have the incorrect date!! But it will tell you what project is upcoming.
Click here to find out what's coming up next in Canada

Complete this project every month for under $15!

Toons for Tots

More animated movies are making it into the theater these days and more families are going. Are you wondering if your kids will sit through a movie in a movie theater? Wondering if they'll have a melt down and all other movie goers will be throwing popcorn at you? Well, start with this!! Toons for Tots is movies especially for preschool aged children. They are held in smaller theaters across Canada (but mostly in Ontario), are inexpensive, and child appropriate. This month is Thomas and Friends: Misty Island Rescue. If you can't make it to the theater, you can buy Misty Island Rescue when it comes out this month Thomas & Friends: Misty Island Rescue (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

This is much like Movies for Mommies. Haven't heard of it, check it out here. Movies for mommies has adult movies at a quieter volume for infants to come along. That way you don't have to get a sitter and no one gets pissed off when you baby cries during a movie!

Click here to find a theater near you. AND, if they don't have your theater, talk to the manager at your local theater and see if they will consider bringing it there.

And, remember: to save money, bring snacks and drinks from home!

And, if they really loved the movie or Thomas in general, get this special Misty Island inspired Thomas Take along track! We bought it for our youngest for his birthday this summer and they LOVE it!! Comes with a Thomas die cast engine and space to add on other "Take along" Thomas track. We also bought "Captain" the boat shown in the picture above to go with it. See it here or order it from the states cheaper here Thomas & Friends: Take-n-Play Rescue from Misty Island

Toopy and Binoo

Who doesn't love Toopy and Binoo?? They will be at Capilano Mall in North Vancouver on September 25. They will have two shows and a special meet and greet for winners of a contest.

Click here to find a location near you. 


Saturday, September 25 at 11am & 2pm
Playdoh presents the Treehouse LIVE presentation featuring TOOPY and BINOO in Capilano Mall's Grand Court on Saturday, September 25th.
Come play with us before the show!  Playtime at the main stage will begin 1 hour before each show.  There will be two shows only, 11am and 2pm, so arrive early.  Bring the whole family and make a day of it.  After the show, visit the Hasbro Interactive Play Area for more giveaways and a Play-Doh play session or visit the J n J Game Area featuring child friendly interactive computer games in a colurful setting.  Visit Treehousetv.com for full tour details.
Win the chance for you and your little ones to attend a very special VIP Meet & Greet with Toopy & Binoo.  Saturday September 25th at noon.  Enter in person at the lottery/information booth near the food court in Capilano Mall.  Contest begins Friday September 3rd at 10am.  Contest closes Wednesday, September 22nd at noon.  Winners will be selected at random.

Have a great time!