Create and explore in the #digiPlaySpace

My first TIFF encounter included Adam Sandler and one of my best friends in 2002. I was in university at the time, and he had a movie screening near Yonge and Bloor. I’ll never forget the look of excitement and happiness on my friend’s face after she got his autograph.

Recently, Hannah and I got to check out the digiPlaySpace – and let me tell you, her excitement and happiness matched or perhaps even exceeded my friend’s when she was able to explore and create.

I donated 8 inches for @Pantene #BeautifulLengths - you can stilldonate! #8or8 #PGmom

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom/mamanP&G. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

If you follow me on social media, you may already know that yesterday I donated 8 inches of my hair as part of Pantene Beautiful Lengths National Donate Your Hair Day to help create real hair wigs for women fighting cancer.

When I entered the BANG Salon in Toronto on the Danforth, there was already a buzz of excitement and nervousness in the air. Many ladies had much longer hair than mine and went just as short as I did!

I was in the amazing hands of Justin German, owner of BANG Salon and Pantene Consulting Stylist. He suggested we cut my hair using two ponytails instead of one which would keep a little more length. It's a strange experience going for a hair cut when at the beginning you are presented with cut off ponytails of your own hair, but there's also the feeling of thankfulness knowing that you have strands of hair  to give that can help someone else feel a small sense of normalcy when they are going through a difficult time.

10th Annual HorseCapades at the CNE - Free this August!

One of my favourite parts of the Canadian National Exhibition is visiting the animals. The excitement of the CNE stampedes into Toronto early this summer with HorseCapades, an exciting and interactive program that introduces fans of all ages to the wonder of horses.

In its 10th consecutive year, HorseCapades returns to the CNE beginning August 2nd, 2015, at the Horse Palace, Exhibition Place. You and your kids can pet horses, learn about grooming and shoeing, guess a horse’s weight, as well as enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride. Children can also enjoy a free pony ride!

Mystic Drumz "The Legend of Marshmallow Island" DVD and Release Party #Review #Giveaway

One of Hannah's favourite things is to go to shows. I was once told by another mom that watching Hannah dance in the aisle was worth the price of admission for her alone. So I knew she would be a fan of Mystic Drumz.

Mystic Drumz has been performing shows, delivering programs, and facilitating workshops for over 15 years. With over 5,000 events and counting, their one of a kind “World Music Safari Adventures” are a sensation in music education.

Mystic Drumz presents “The Legend of Marshmallow Island” on DVD

This 55-minute world music safari adventure features music from around the globe takes viewers from the giant gongs of China to the talking drums of Africa and even into outer space. The show features high tech screen projections, incredible sound effects and unique instruments from around the world.

We got to review a sneak peak of the DVD and Hannah LOVED it. She stood up and followed the action just like she was at the show herself.

Top 5 Tips to have a blast at the Canadian National Exhibition with a little kid #CNE2014 #letsgototheex

As a native Torontonian, a yearly tradition for me is attending the annual CNE (Canadian National Exhibition). When I was younger, I was all about the Tiny Tom Donuts and the rides.

Now that I'm a Mom, I'm still all about the Tiny Tom Donuts, but I see the Ex through my daughter's eyes. We still spend a little bit of time on the midway (Hannah isn't quite tall enough to ride the rides herself), but we enjoy watching the President's Choice SuperDogs, spending hours in the CNE Farm building looking at the piggies and cows and of course riding the Fun Train (well, Hannah, I'm too big for that one).

The CNE can be so many things to anyone. Great shopping. Great food. Great entertainment. It's all at the Ex.

Pawsitively Pets offers educational, up-close encounters with a variety of animals

Hannah has entered a phase wherein whenever she enters an open space she just wants to run. Not so at Pawsitively Pets. Recently we participated in a Preschool Tadpole Class at the Leaside location. I think she was impressed as Chris and I were.

Michelle, our program instructor, started off by singing a song to welcome the kids to the class. Then she read a book that had actions the children could do - the class was all about movement and how different animals move.

Lil' Strikers teaches more than just soccer skills

Lil' Strikers is more than just soccer lessons - the classes teach kids 18 months to 9 years coordination, listening skills and most importantly (to me) balance through fun games and activities with their parent/caregiver and/or peers. If you're looking for an activity for your kids this year when they are back in school, this could definitely be it.

You know how when you were younger your mom yelled at you, "One day I hope you have a kid just like you!" when you did something wrong or said something that upset her? My Mom never said that to me about my absolute worst fear - that Hannah will be as klutzy as I was am. (Although I do also fear all the times my Mom used that line in regards to my behaviour.)

When I was two, I walked into a wall. When I was 24, I found a letter from my paediatrician about the incident which stated I have a balance problem and injuries resulting from my lack of balance would plague me my entire life (or that's what she wrote in layman's terms). I don't know where that doctor is now, but she was correct. And maybe if Lil' Strikers had existed when I was little my parents would never had to go through that ordeal (or have a whole photo album of me looking like a raccoon).

This past weekend Chris, Hannah and I were able to attend an open house at the Lil' Strikers GTA at their Soccerworld (on Cherry Street) location. There was a clown who did face painting and balloon animals, a colouring station, obstacle courses and of course, the biggest pull, the chance to try out a class.

Affordable Family Fun at the Bowmanville Zoo

One of Hannah's favourite noises to make for the past few months is trumpeting like an elephant. You ask, "What sound does an elephant make?" and she responds with such a convincing noise that you would think she is being raised by a herd.

So this past weekend when Hannah first saw 50 year old Asian elephant Limba bathing in the stream at her home, the Bowmanville Zoo, it's not a surprise she trumpeted like an elephant.

#IAMSSoGood Canada's first ever concert for dogs! (#PGmom Giveaway)

Full disclosure: I am a cat person. I have always owned cats and will always own cats.

Booyah (or Boo Bear as I fondly refer to him), is a cat with a dog's love. And by this I mean, he greets me at the front door. He follows me around in the morning until he gets some attention. Even as I type this, he is sitting on the couch with me, glancing at me as to ask, "Are we ever going to bed?"

But what makes Booyah a house cat is that he hates is afraid to leave the house. Therefore, he won't be making the trek to Echo Beach on Saturday, June 8th. But dogs and their owners should.

Update Your Outdoor Space for $100 #WalmartFrugalHeroes

This is the first place Chris and I have lived in that’s had a working balcony. When we first started dating, neither of our places had balconies (although Chris’ did have a pretty nice roof top patio for the whole building to enjoy). Our first apartment was constantly under renovations, and we hardly ventured out on to that balcony at all.

When we moved to our current place back in November, I was excited we finally had a balcony we could enjoy – with a pretty nice view to boot (we have a partial view of the CN Tower, my favourite Toronto landmark…I write partial because a good portion of it is covered by a huge hold tree...)

So when Walmart Canada asked me to take the Frugal Heroes Challenge, I pretty much knew I wanted to use the $100 to make my balcony as pretty as the view from it.

Rock of Dimes Toronto takes place May 3 (Giveaway)

The Ninth Annual Rock for Dimes Toronto takes place May 3, 2013 at the Hard Rock Cafe!

Six bands featuring groups comprised of Toronto business professionals will shake Club 279 at the Hard Rock Cafe to raise an estimated $25,000 for children with physical disabilities.

ToddlerTrunk - Sell, Buy and Trade Kids Stuff

This past weekend, we cleaned our apartment. And I mean, REALLY cleaned our apartment. We unpacked our last boxes and re-arranged some furniture. Everything seems more tidy and more manageable, and I just feel less stressed.

One area that still needs a little work is Hannah's toy mountain which, while trying to be maintained in one area of our living room, erupts in a fashion that leads into our dining room and dangerously close to our kitchen.

ToddlerTrunk was created to address this specific issue. ToddlerTrunk provides a way to buy and sell gently used children’s items, but it is targeted to moms and dads, so everyone on the site is looking to buy or sell children’s stuff. The items are organized by type, gender, and age, making it easy to find the toys, clothes, or furniture you need. Much better than throwing these items in the garbage, harming the planet. Plus, you can exchange things you are looking for, since we all know children's needs and wants are constantly evolving.

Disney On Ice #RockinEverAfter (Coupon Code)

March Break is swiftly upon us. How are you going to keep your kids busy when school's out and it's cold outside?

Hannah may only be in daycare (and therefore doesn't get a March Break), but that doesn't mean I'm not excited to attend March Break activities with her!

We are going to her very first, full-lenth ice skating show - Disney On Ice Rockin' Ever After, LIVE in Toronto from March 13-17, 2013 at the Rogers Centre. My cousin is so in love with Disney, she took a whole weekend off work so she can come to Toronto (from a city two hours away) just so she can join us!

Disney On Ice Rockin' Ever After Giveaway - Toronto

Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols of all in a musical showcase that features the hottest tunes and talent from across the kingdom in Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After! Jam to a Scottish jig as a group of royal contenders from the latest Disney•Pixar film, Brave, competes to win the heart of headstrong, sharp-shooting Merida, making her ice debut! Experience a show-stopping performance as Sebastian breaks out of his shell for one night only to make waves with Ariel. A chorus of harmless hooligans from Tangled unleashes musical mayhem when they get a visit from the sassy and spirited Rapunzel and her charming ally Flynn. And, get your feet moving as the Beast and his castle's enchanted entourage take center stage in a spectacular show for Belle. It will be a rockin' remix of royalty when Disney On Ice brings this superstar line-up to your hometown!

Disney On Ice presents Rockin' Ever After

So, March Break still seems a little far right now (and therefore my tickets to the June NKOTB, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men concert seem even further...) but I am SO excited to take Hannah to her first live Disney show - on ice, no less!

The first Disney movie we ever watched together was Beauty and the Beast. I chose it because Belle looks most like Hannah - brown hair and brown eyes (and because my favourite Disney movie, The Lion King, may have been too scary). I am definitely most excited to see Belle, but also looking forward to seeing Merida from Brave, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Rapunzel from Tangled.

Wild New Year's Eve Party at the Toronto Zoo

So how will I make Hannah's first New Years wildly exciting?

Spend it at the Toronto Zoo of course! (And quite fitting, since the last time I was at the Zoo I was 40 weeks pregnant, and walked around the entire place (save the huge hill to the Canadian animals) to try to get labour going.)

On Monday, December 31, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., partiers can enjoy:

• "That 60s Show" tribute band 
• Kung Fu Panda 
• Majinx Magic Show 
• Kung Fu Panda's "Po" and The WotWots Meet & Greets 
• WILD animal visitors 
• Kid's Countdown at 8 p.m.!

Space is limited, so the Zoo suggests buying your tickets online or at Guest Services.

What are you and your kids doing on New Year's Eve?

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Visit Mozart's Magical Castle at Casa Loma

Two amazing things about living in Toronto include: having a castle in our city AND having a thriving cultural scene.

This holiday season, Casa Loma and Opera Atelier are partnering to create Mozart’s Magical Castle, a month-long installation which will bring Toronto’s castle to life with the sights and sounds of Mozart’s beloved opera The Magic Flute.

Running December 1-30, 2012, this unique interactive installation will feature a variety of performances, educational workshops, and creative activities that will expose participants of all ages to the music, dance and story of Mozart’s most famous opera in the magical environment of Casa Loma.

Artists from Opera Atelier’s production (running April 6-13, 2013 at the Elgin Theatre) will be on-site to perform excerpts from The Magic Flute, a team of arts educators will help participants connect with the artist inside them, and activities such as costumed characters and a scavenger hunt will ensure that all Casa Loma patrons will get to participate in the fun.

Company of The Magic Flute
Photo: Bruce Zinger / Company of The Magic Flute(2006)

Casa Loma will also be maintaining its holiday tradition of strolling carolers, an elves’ workshop, beautiful decorations including a 25-foot tree, and - of course - visits with Santa Claus.

For more information on Mozart's Magical Castle, including descriptions and specific timing of events, please click here.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Space Chums! (Review and Giveaway)

Watch out earthlings, there's a new kids band on the planet and they hail from Outer Space.

The Space Chums! consist of Disco-Cosmonaut Nickolai, Space Ninja Linda, Galacto-Fashionista Gussy and Bleep Bloop their robot drummer.

Hannah and I got a chance to listen to their EP Blast Off, and we have become huge fans. When the song "I Love It" comes on, Hannah's face lights up and she starts to clap (her ultimate sign of approval). As for me, I love "Crazy Moves" and have been singing it in my head (and to the annoyance of Chris, out loud) for the past three days. Chris has nothing against the song - he just doesn't like my singing voice.

The songs are fast-beat and popish, daring you not to dance along. They sing about acceptance, support, friendship and being positive. They also teach how to rhyme. And of course, they sing about their space adventures. All of their songs are out of this world!

Check out their YouTube video below.

If you live in the Toronto area, the Space Chums! are touching down on Sunday, November 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a Dance Party! They will be landing at 3030 Dundas West (the address and name of the venue).

To keep up with the Space Chums!, make sure to visit and like their Spacebook page.

One lucky YYZ Bambina reader can win the Space Chums! CD and a t-shirt. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below!

Open to Canadian Residents only. Valid entries only. Contest ends Sunday, November 11, 2012. For further contest rules, refer to the Terms and Conditions within the Rafflecopter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not compensated to review the Space Chums! CD. As always, all opinions and language are my own.

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.

Diaper-eez Annual Birthday Sale

On Saturday, October 20th, 2012, Diaper-eez is holding their 17th Annual Birthday Sale.

There will be great deals in store all day, including:

• 17 per cent off of all cloth diapers and cloth diaper covers 
• 40 per cent off select sale items 
• Draw an apple at the cash to win between 17 per cent - 40 per cent off of everything else in store 

There will also be snacks and music all day. Families are both welcome and encouraged to attend!

For more information, please visit www.diaper-eez.com.

Unfortunately (perhaps fortunately for my wallet?), I will be attending the ShesConnected Conference so won't be able to make it. Hopefully someone can score some great deals on my behalf!

© 2012 YYZ Bambina. All Rights Reserved.