momstown Kitchener-Waterloo

Another Fabulous Resource Brought to You From momstown.ca - Positive Parenting Solutions

2012-02-08T14:00:00.001-05:00

Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling!

momstown is excited to partner again with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, to offer a free live training webinar on Tuesday, Feb 21st, 9-10 PM EST or 11 - 12 PM EST. Choose your time!

The webinar promises that we’ll walk away with concrete tools we can use the next day and see results. I know you'll be especially interested in learning the 5 R’s of Fair and Effective Consequences. You can watch, listen and even interact with our host, Amy. Participants are not required to have a webcam, only a computer with speakers.

You'll love the way this webinar is structured. Amy is right there LIVE, a video image of her is in the upper left corner of your monitor the whole time. As she talks with you, you'll watch her PowerPoint presentation that is packed with valuable information. She'll also stop to answer our questions about difficulties and needs when it comes to getting our kids to listen.

You will also have the option to write in specific questions and she’ll address them, right there for you!

All you have to do is RSVP (sorry due to limited ‘seats’, you MUST register on positive parenting) (http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown) and then kick back and learn the proven strategies to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling!

Have a friend(s) that are not momstown members that you think could benefit from this training? Please Invite Them Too! Just share this registration link http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown!!

A Little About Amy McCready

Parenting expert Amy McCready is the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, which has empowered thousands of parents worldwide to correct their kids’ misbehavior without nagging, reminding or yelling. Amy is a frequent guest on the TODAY show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, and elsewhere. A regular contributor to the TODAY Mom’s blog, Amy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons. http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown

Family Winter Fun Day at Steckle Heritage Farm

2012-02-04T19:28:00.000-05:00

Family Day is just around the corner and momstown KW has the perfect event for you & your family! Winter Fun Day at Steckle Heritage Farm.

The Farm in the City!

FREE. FARM. FUN. FAMILY.

Why Do Babies & Children Need Probiotics?

2012-02-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

momstown KW Asks Tania: Why Do Babies and Children Need Probiotics?

Probiotic means good bacteria or the literal translation is “for life”. Antibiotic means “against bacteria” or to eradicate life.

When it comes right down to it, probiotics are really just a way to help the digestive tract do what it is supposed to do. This is no less true with infants than it is with older children or with adults. In fact, probiotic use in infants may not only help your infant’s digestive tract, it may provide a variety of other health related benefits.

Probiotics are actually live bacteria. The bacteria in probiotics are the same types of bacteria that normally live in the digestive tract. These bacteria make up what is known as the “gut flora,” which is just a phrase that describes the environment of bacteria and other organisms that exist in the digestive tract. These are beneficial bacteria. These bacteria aid the gut flora in doing its job. They help with digestion. They help to absorb minerals and other sorts of nutrients. They help to synthesize vitamins. They even help to provide something of a barrier against harmful substances.

Why do babies, children and even adults lack this healthy flora in their guts? Bacteria is passed during labour and birth to your baby, so if Mom has had a history of antibiotics (which kill the bad and good) she may have imbalanced flora. If baby has been in the hospital for a while or is not being breastfed your baby may be a good candidate for probiotic supplementation. Babies lack a strong immune system for the first three months of life so healthy bacteria help to promote this!

Probiotics can even help to boost the immune system. In all of these ways, probiotics can help your infant’s digestive tract.

In turn, by helping your infant’s digestive tract, probiotics can help your infant in other ways. For example, colic in many babies seems to be related to problems in the digestive tract. By helping your infant’s digestive tract, probiotics may be able to reduce your baby’s crying. In addition to helping with colic, probiotics also can help protect your baby from eczema. In some cases, eczema is caused by a reaction to a food allergy.

In scientific studies, probiotics helped to prevent eczema outbreaks for as much as two years.

The very conservative journal Pediatrics published this year on how probiotics can reduce the duration and severity of Upper respiratory tract infections in 3-5 yr olds. Some of the highlights include: (these are improvements over control)

63% reduction of fever
54% reduction of cough
44% reduction in runny nose -also associated with ear infections
80% reduction in antibiotic use. WOW
sick days reduced from 6.5 to 3.4. That's a 3 day reduction!! What's a day off work worth?!

There is also a link via some initial studies that show probiotics can help reduce the symptoms of and also help with the severity of ADD and Autism.

Probiotics are naturally occurring in many foods we eat on our planet, however for many many reasons, we who live in North America lack these healthy bacteria in our diets, lifestyles and internal environments.

This article has been modified from: http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/how-do-probiotics-help-my-infants-digestive-tract/

Winter Wonderland Sleigh Ride - Trotting Through the Snow

2012-01-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

A Guest Post by momstown KW member Ramona:

This hasn’t exactly been a winter wonderland. But luck was on our side the day of the momstown Kitchener-Waterloo horse drawn sleigh ride at Beitz Horse & Carriage Farm. The ground had a thin coating of snow; enough for two beautiful Belgian horses - Pete and Prince - to guide our sleigh.

And making up for the abundance of snow was a bright sunny day with a bitter cold that reminded us it was indeed winter in KW.

The momstown KW mamas and their families -bundled in winter wear and snuggled under blankets - set off to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery. Our journey took us through farmland and an active maple syrup farm. We weaved through miles of maple trees that were tapped and ready to collect the yummy liquid gold that will flow in a few short months. Maybe we will see it at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in March?

Our trip ended with appreciative pats and hugs for our two guides who had worked up quite a sweat (you would too if you had to drag a bunch of people around) and some delicious hot chocolate.

My days seem to always be filled with activities that keep me on the move. It was nice to be able to slow down and appreciate the season and nature around me.

Thanks Ramona for sharing your story of a great day in the outdoors with family, friends and beautiful horses!

Have You Ever Thought about Being a Mompreneur?

2012-01-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Mommy A Go Go is FOR SALE and needs a new ‘mom’!!

Have you ever thought about being aMompreneur? Does the idea of making your own hours, connecting with thecommunity and bringing in some extra income sound appealing? Maybe you’d liketo be a stay at home mom, but haven’t yet found a way to make that happen? Mommyagogo.ca could be for you…

From event listings and fresh, funarticles, to a Mommy Pages Directory of programs, services and products, MommyA Go Go is the established, local, online resource where you can find it all.

The mom (aka owner!), behind Mommy AGo Go is responsible for maintaining the successful website, sending out themonthly e-newsletter to over 2400 local moms, interacting online with fabulousadvertisers and more. Of course, any new mom would also be able to do with itwhat she wishes…with a well established site and dedicated members…the sky isthe limit!

For more information on thisextremely flexible, small business investment opportunity (that requires lessthan 10 hours per week!), visit listing #12213002 at Business Sell Canada.com oremail sandra@mommyagogo.ca (serious enquiriesonly please).

momstown KW 2012 Health Challenge

2012-01-01T12:37:00.001-05:00

Take your New Year's Resolution and join momstown KW & friends for our 2012 Health Challenge!

Be supported, be accountable and be rewarded.

Email paula.garceau@momstown.ca on how to join for just $5.

Cherishing & Creating Christmas Traditions

2011-12-15T16:33:00.000-05:00

I look at this picture and think, "Oh my goodness, my baby is growing up and FAST!" Where did the time go? That picture was 2 Christmas's ago and what I have taught her since then? It must be the magic of the holiday season that gets us wondering what traditions we grew up with and what traditions we will start with our new families. So I starting thinking, what traditions did we look forward to every Christmas in my house when I was younger? I know we didn't open any Christmas presents on Christmas Eve like I know some families do...But we did feast! And we went to church. We weren't raised Catholic but my dad was, so we always went to midnight Christmas mass to witness the true celebration of Christmas. And we did so on a full stomach of appetizers like tuna stuffed olives, veggies & dip and other finger foods that my mom always prepared. A definite highlight!

In our house, you always had to wait until Christmas morning to see what Santa had brought. Oh yes, there is a tradition, some of our gifts were from Santa, not just Mom & Dad, or Sally or Sue. From Santa! And usually the largest gift was from Santa. And there was always one big one for all of us to share, like a board game, Nintendo game or something like that (boy I am dating myself here).

We each had to take turns ( either 3 or 5 of us depending on what stage of childhood we are talking about) opening a gift. Patiently we waited until our turn came around again to be able to open our next gift. And the gifts only came after the stockings were opened! We could spill out our stockings all together, without waiting for "Santa Dad" to be ready for gift distribution.

I think like in most households, after presents was breakfast! Always a yummy breakfast before getting ready for Christmas Day. We always had to dress up on Christmas day, no slouchers allowed!

As I was writing this post and thinking of my family traditions, the one thing that stood out the most was the midnight Christmas mass, not the gifts or the food or even the dressing up. Nope. The midnight mass. This obviously is a meaningful tradition and forces me to think about what traditions I should be starting in my own family.

Will we go to a Christmas mass? Will we let her open a gift on Christmas Eve? Will she have to dress up after breakfast? And what handmade-homemade things will we always do together?

The list could go on and on and but today I realized that she is old enough for us to start creating these traditions for her and for her fond memories. Who knows, maybe some day she will be writing a blog post like this about her childhood Christmas traditions!

Wordless Wednesday - Santa Sydney

2011-12-07T13:01:00.001-05:00

momstown Kitchener-Waterloo 2011 Holiday Guide

2011-12-06T11:38:00.001-05:00

_____________________________________________________________

K-W Regions only all-Zumba fitness studio!

15 classes per week and open 7 days a week! Zumba is a fusion of Latin and international rhythms and is taking the world by storm!! Burn calories while having a blast; Zumba is exercise in disguise!

Ditch the Workout and Join the Party!

STUDIO FUZION, 1-1253 KING ST. E. Kitchener 519-208-8520

www.studiofuzion.com

__________________________________________________________________

The end of 2011 is almost here ... but IT'S NOT TOO LATE to make your RESP contribution or start your RESP!

Hurry - if you complete the paperwork before November 30^th, you will receive FREE DIAPERS ($50) from PAMPERS!

Act now - call (519-883-4768)/email (laura.cowley@kff.ca) me TODAY to schedule your free RESP tutorial to discover if your child qualifies for the $7200 in government grant money!

Laura A. Cowley, B.A.

Sales Representative / Représentante des ventes

Knowledge First Financial Inc.

Phone: 519-883-4768

Email: laura.cowley@kff.ca

http://www.knowledgefirstfinancial.ca/laura.cowley

_____________________________________________________________________

A gift for every person on your list (even dads) and to fit every budget!

Buy it Once.. Buy it Right!

Shop, Order, or Book Your Party with Deanna today.

Deanna Descary

deedescary@rogers.com

OR by checking out her website!

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Inspiration & Perspiration

2011-11-28T13:43:00.001-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, 22 momstown mamas (and a few babies) from across Canada gathered for our momstown.ca winter conference. This was the first time we all had the chance to meet face to face! We connect and support each other through a portal on Meetup but that's not the same. We were able to put faces to names and stories to chapters. We are a strong network of women with the same goals, aspirations, passion and love for our communities. We are THE leading organization for connecting and supporting Real Moms across Canada. Now remember that statement because you are going to be hearing that a lot in the coming months. On this particular weekend we bonded, we branded, we created visions & values, we talked sales & strategies, we worked & wine-sampled (using this term loosely), we reviewed, we planned, we were inspired and we perspired. And I don't mean sweating....more on that in a moment.

After a jam-packed weekend, on the Monday we headed downtown to CBC for a strategic partnership meeting. Yes, you read that correctly, partnership meeting with Kids' CBC. For me, the real essence of this meeting was about the shared passion and missions that we both were bringing to this partnership. And they were honored to be working with us! So honoured that Mamma Yamma and Patty Sullivan re-wrote a Justin Beiber song just for momstown. Cue the soundtrack for "I was like Baby, Baby, Ohhh" and replace with "I was like momstown, momstown, ohhhh". As we were glued to the tv screen watching this recorded video, we quickly realized that Mamma Yamma had included every single one of our names in the song!! All 22 of us.

This is where the perspiration part comes in! I found myself with a very wet face as tears streamed down my face awestruck at this moment. A public broadcasting company with a heart so big that they thought about each one of us. A fun project for them, an emotional moment for us. For me personally, I have worked so hard at this business, have oodles of passion for it and have made a lot of sacrifices for it, as we all do for things we love -- and here was this video, this song, this moment, where it all just melted together for me. We had talked a lot over the weekend about Pride, Passion and Purpose and here it all was for me, wrapped up with a big red bow. Or should I say in a cute touching video.

This weekend was not just about connecting, supporting, face-to-face, planning, strategizing or even fun, it was about the connection of a brand, its partners and its people.

Real Moms. Connected.

You CAN Watch a Movie and Take Baby Too!

2011-11-01T22:59:00.001-04:00

PICTURE THIS:

You’re at your favourite family restaurant, about to take your first bite out of that delicious entree when Baby starts to fuss.

You cast a nervous glance to the neighbouring tables, but there’s not an empathetic smile among them.

While you and Baby do the pace-and-shush, you wonder if there’s a place you can bring Baby, but enjoy adult fun, with like-minded moms who get it.

Well, there IS. And you get to experience it first-hand!

Here are just a few of the reasons why we love the Empire Reel Babies Program:

· Twice a month you can enjoy a new-release movie in a baby-friendly environment.

· Each theatre is equipped with a change table, bottle warmer, play mat and swing, so you can take care of your little one while you catch the latest blockbuster

· They even keep the lights on dim and lower the volume a bit

· For more information, feel free to visit

http://www.empiretheatres.com/reelbabies

Why Twitter? Why Tweet?

2011-10-27T14:08:00.000-04:00

Where else can you jump into a room full of people all waiting to hear what you have to say? Where is it encouraged to jump right into a conversation, even interrupt a conversation? Where you can engage with ANYONE that you want, regardless of career choice, status, gender, age or any of those other usually limiting factors? And even more importantly for a Work from Home Business owner, where can you walk into a room and network while still sitting at home in your pj's? TWITTER! That's where.

Twitter has changed my business in so many ways; so many that I probably can't count or reference them all. BUT what I can tell you is that I have made a lot of meaningful relationships, business partnerships and even local friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise. I just wouldn't have. And I can't omit 2 ladies on there that have touched my heart. Not in a charity way, but just in their struggles...but alas that's a whole other blog post :)

If I hear one more time, that Twitter is silly because its just people talking about going to the bathroom, I swear, I am going to show up at their house and force them to have just one conversation on Twitter. Just one. Yes, I believe you need to give Twitter an average of 3 months investment to really see its benefits, but just one conversation could be all they need. One conversation, one engagement, one new relationship, for the skeptic to be convinced. I could easily go on and on about all the things that Twitter has taught me, where it has led me, how many followers I have and how many sanity checks it has given me but that's not the purpose of this blog post. People do care what you have to say and people do want to engage with YOU.

Recently I have gone to the #140 Characters Conference (yes, that's a hashtag I just dropped in there) in Kitchener and the Blissdom Conference in Toronto. I have been to a few local tweet-ups as well. And I have to be honest, it’s such a great feeling to walk into a room of people and either have them meet you in person for the first time OR be greeted with a How Are You. These are people that I would not have met without Twitter. Local people that are in my backyard that I would not have met. Businesses from further away that I for sure wouldn't have met. And how do they all know me, from my twitter handle "momstownKW".

Far and near, male and female, small and big, friend or foe, mom or dad, big brand or small entrepreneur, they have all changed my business. They know me and my business and I know theirs. We are talking and we are engaging on Twitter. These conversations allow us to bond, network and share. Then we will share that knowledge of these businesses with all of our followers, friends, business partners, clients and family. This is Twitter. Sharing, support and engaging, not updates about going to the washroom. Not regular updates about the latest promo you have to offer. Sharing, supporting and engaging. And you don't even have to get dressed if you don't want to. Now tweet that!

SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Goes to... MOMSTOWN.CA!

2011-10-24T19:54:00.000-04:00

momstown.ca owner Ann-Marie has won the SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year award!! And we couldn't be more proud of her and the "the community that Ann-Marie built". Ann-Marie tells us what this award means to her and how it will affect momstown mommas everywhere.

momstown is not only my business, but my passion too (just ask my family & friends)! I feel like I am my very own momstown member testimonial since I hardly knew anyone when starting this journey, and I now have many momstown mommas that I can call friends of my own too. I have not only connected neighbourhood moms with other moms and local businesses, but I have connected myself with these moms and businesses as well.

In celebration of this award, we want to thank everyone by giving them one month of momstown membership FREE!

MEMBERS win when we win! Free one month membership to NEW members and a free month extension for EXISTING or EXPIRED members. To redeem, please register on your local site and complete the form* at http://momstown-moments.momstown.ca/node/372. Available between Oct 21- 28th. Memberships will be extended the first week of November.

PLUS, are you an ONLINE MOM ENTREPRENEUR? momstown wants to share our success by offering Online Mom Entrepreneurs exposure with a FREE national contest & member discount listing! Details, rules*, and entry at http://momstown-moments.momstown.ca/node/372. Available from Oct 21-Oct 28 for ad activity Nov – Dec 2011.

Thank you all for your continued support!

momstown KW Picks Pumpkins at Shantzholm Family Farm

2011-10-22T18:02:00.000-04:00

Today momstown KW famillies headed out for our annual Shantzholm Pumpkins & Family Farm visit to get in our Fall outdoor activities and to gather some perfect pumpkins! The weather was damp and chilly but that wasn't keeping us home. I recall our trip there last year being a lot warmer but it is late October after all..

With moms,dads and kiddies all dressed in their warmest layers and wet weather boots, we hopped on the wagon and grabbed a seat on the straw bales. Since it had been raining all week, the fields were super sloppy and muddy. We were thankful for the wagon "drive-thru" tour of the pumpkin patch and corn maze from Farmer Kevin. You can tell Farmer Kevin is no stranger to the farm, he recognized immediately that a lot of parents were not appropriately dressed for a farm visit after days of rain.

It was also from this comedic and observant Farmer Kevin that we were informed that the lack of rain affected both the pumpkin and corn crops this year. A definite shortage of larger pumpkins and a plethora of short-stalked corn.

After our chilly, bumpy, dry and cozy wagon ride, we headed over to the animal section. This animal section is very interactive! You can pet the sheep, donkey's, cows and piggies. You can even climb into a shelter with a calf -- "sooo cute" as my daughter says. Just be prepared for lots of kisses and slober!

Before we turned into little pumpkin popsicles, we grabbed a little wagon and hiked into the muddy pastures in pursuit of plump pumpkins and pretty pictures. How are these?

To finish off the day, we let the kids play in the playground maze that stays surrounded by bales of hay. A perfect place to keep them contained, busy, warm and burning off the last little bit of energy before heading home for lunchtime :)

momstown KW Eats Up & Meets Up at Kelloggs Breakfast Party

2011-10-06T14:32:00.000-04:00

Last week, momstown KW mamas had the privilege of being treated to a full nutritious breakfast from Kellogg's. Kellogg's treated us to their popular yummy cereals like Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes, Blueberry Flavoured Mini-Wheats and the list goes on.... And not only did we have cereal to try, we had non-fat yogurt, coffee and tea. There was even a selection of fruits like bananas, apples, clementines and strawberries that we could either pretty our cereal up or have as an added snack! Since this event was all about nutrition and healthy breakfast options, even our milk options for low fat and even soy milk for those who choose so or have a dairy allergy).

This event for momstown KW was a Breakfast Pyjama Back to School Party and a Monthly Meet & Greet all rolled into one. Our moms and their children had a chance to learn about healthier breakfast options AND they also got to connect with some new moms too. What better way to connect with other moms than over cereal, and in your Pyjama's!! Crunchy cereal, comfy pj's and connections all in one spot!

Not only did we go home with new friends, nutritional education and full bellies, we went home with a nice swag bag from Kellogg's too. PLUS, one lucky mom went home with a huge Gift Package filled with Kellogg's gear like t-shirts, books and of course, tons of cereal!

Now that I am telling you all this, you are probably wishing you had come along too. Well, no worries, check out our video and you will feel like you WERE there :)

(Warning, you might have a certain song stuck in your head after watching this video.)

Thank you Kellogg's, WE LOVED OUR CEREAL!

The Loving Family Dollhouse by Fisher Price for Girls of all Ages!

2011-10-04T15:04:00.000-04:00

My little girl screamed out when thise box came from the courier a couple of weeks ago! I was so excited that I couldn't wait to put it together, luckily my daughter was napping at the time. It felt like Christmas for me, snapping the pieces together with ease so that when my little peanut woke, she would find this brand new sparkly pink dollhouse in her living room! A brand new Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse!

I know I mentioned this with the Stride-to-Ride Dino that we received in the summer and I wasn't exaggerating, these Fisher Price toys are SO EASY TO ASSEMBLE! Within minutes I had the whole thing fitted together and ready for me to test out before nap time ended.

I love how it included a mom, dad and 2 baby figurines along with some furniture pieces so that we could get playing without hesitation. Soon nap time was over and my play time was over... It was time to pass the torch onto my daughter and show her the "dollhouse" ropes :) To my surprise, she didn't need my help, participation or example, she knew exactly what to do with this brand new cuter-than-cute pink house. The cuter-than-cute pink dollhouse that even folds up for minimal storage!!

She was thrilled with all the little touches that the dollhouse included, like flower pots at the front door, the removable staircase, the balcony and of course the babies. She totes those babies around with her everywhere and when we head out of the house, she gently stores them in her purse.

As you can see, she was quickly digging out all her toys to include in her dollhouse fantasy and had a place for all of them. This should definitely be on every Chrismas list!! I LOVED how this pretty pink dollhouse brought out the little girl in my daughter, and even more so, in me :)

Don't want to just take my word for it, check out what momstown Guelph, momstown Central Alberta, momstown Edmonton South thought and even a delighted little boy.

Why Time Out is a Waste of Time with Positive Parenting Solutions

2011-10-03T14:12:00.000-04:00

momstown.ca is excited to partner again with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, to offer a FREE live training Webinar: Is Time Out A Waste Of Your Time?

We have 2 options for you to attend - Thursday, October 20th at 2PM EST or Monday, October 24th from 9PM

Amy promises that we'll walk away with concrete tools we can use the next day and see results. In fact, you'll learn one of the all-time "parent favourite" tools for stopping any power struggle in its tracks! You can watch, listen and even interact with Amy. Participants are not required to have a webcam, only a computer with speakers.

Webinar seating will be limited so learn more and RSVP now

Please share this on your FACEBOOK page (friends of friends welcome) by clicking here!

momstown is now offering even more events, discounts, and interactive features than ever!

WIN A $50 GROCERY GIFT CARD!! #luvurcereal

2011-09-26T15:23:00.003-04:00

DO YOU LUV YOUR CEREALS? You have a chance to win a $50 Gift Card this week just by guessing in our "Which Cereal Am I?" contest. Yes, just by guessing.

HOW DO I WIN? Every day, on the momstown KW Facebook Fan page, I will give you clues about a particular nutritious Kellogg's cereal.

You might know the right answer..... and you might not. But we want you to have FUN either way, so......every guess enters you a chance to win!

For every guess, you get 1 entry. For every right answer, you automatically get 2 chances to win! Wait, there's more :) Tell a friend to come and guess, and you each get an additional chance to win! (Remember to tell us which friend you referred and have your friend tell us who referred her).

Phew, that is a whole lot of chances to win.
(just one entry per day per person please.)

WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT CEREALS? Because we want you to learn how nutritious breakfast cereals can actually be and how they can help your daily eating habits with your children can be easier! You didn't think I was going to give away a grocery gift card without sharing a little cereal love & knowledge too, did you?

And if you are on Twitter, join in the #luvurcereal discussion with us!

All this discussion and winning will be happening from Monday to Friday Sept 30th, to celebrate our Breakfast & PJ's at our Kellogg's Back to School Meet & Greet! Not yet a momstown KW member, sign up for your 2 week free trial today.

momstown KW Portraits in the Park Location Details

2011-09-23T15:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend, momstown KW mamas are doing Family Portraits in the Park! We originally had Victoria Park chosen but with Word on the Street happening this weekend, we have had to find a plan B. And a Plan B we found!!! Our new location is the Doon Presbyterian Church, a hidden gem. There are many spots around the outside of the church to take photos, like the front steps, trees, stone benches, or even using the brick church as your backdrop. As an added bonus, attached to the parking lot the Homer Watson Art Gallery with some nice outdoors spots in their backyard, and a stone wall just a 2 min walk away from the church! (and, we have permission from the church to shoot there outside over the weekend).

Our photographer, Jen Lefler, will meet you on the grounds of the church and then you can discuss your photo spot wishes with her, keeping in mind you have just 30 mins for your time slot :)

On Thursday afternoon, Melissa and I headed to the Doon Church and the stone wall to check it out and ended up taking some photos of our kids :) Here are some of the photos (unedited) we took as an example of the landscaping, architecture and surroundings. Please excuse the casualness of the photos, we hadn't planned on doing a photo shoot and they were taken with my iPhone!

Doon Church

The Stone Wall

Watch a quick slideshow of some of the favourite photos at the wall in the different lights and parts of the wall. There are more great photo spots near the wall that would make awesome pictures!

If you want to check out/use the stone wall for photos, it is located on Old Mill Drive, just at the bottom of the hill (Roos Dr) of the church. There is a brown pole labeled "Community Trail" just by the bridge. This is where the stone wall is, right near the begging of this trail. The Schneider Creek runs right along it. So, the Stone Wall is between Roos St and the bridge on Old Mill Drive.

Enjoy your portraits, I can't wait to see how they all turn out! Have fun!!

I am a Rubber Band - Always Bouncing Back

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000-04:00

Today just wasn't my day and I don't think yesterday was either... but working from home is like that. Its not about today or yesterday, its about a choice. A choice to stay at home, raise my daughter, and be the provider at home for a husband who works 7 days a week. A choice to be passionate about a business that allows me to stay home, work from home and be my own boss. And like anything in life, this has its good days and its bad days. Most days I feel like a rubber band being pulled in a million different directions and not breaking or buckling at any tug.
Having a trying defiant toddler sure doesn't make it any easier. She is the light of my life, she is the cutest thing ever but lately I hardly recognize this little person that I raised. Is she having a long term out of body experience? Has she switched bodies with another child? I don't have the answer.

What I do know is that just because today was a bad day, it doesn't mean tomorrow will be as well. Just like being passionate about my business, I too am passionate about my little peanut and the joy she brings me, good days and bad. And really, when I think about, I feel like I gave birth to twins and have grown 2 babies over the past 2 years at the same time. The brave soul that I am, I decided to take on self-employment and start building a business when my baby was just a mere 4 months old. Although momstown Kitchener-Waterloo isn't a person, it is a living dynamic business that requires the same nurturing, feeding, attention, playing, juggling and yes, the sleepless nights that a baby demands. I have raised 2 babies for 2 years and naturally, not every day is perfect. I have to be honest here and say that a large majority of them are so awesome and both my babies are so rewarding but the odd day, is a bad day.

But just like that rubber band, I will rest and bounce back again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next too. This, afterall, is what motherhood and entrepreneurship are about, riding out the not so good and celebrating all of it!

Backyardigans Are Coming to Town!! Win, Win, Win!

2011-09-05T09:00:00.001-04:00

Everyone loves the Backyardigans! And you have a chance to go! I will be giving a lucky winner Free Tickets to their upcoming show on October 23rd at Centre in the Square!
Check out www.ToopyAndBinooOnTour.com for more details on the Show!
Of course I am sure what you really want to know is how do you win those tickets! All you need to do is visit the momstown Kitchener-Waterloo Facebook Page and post a picture of your kids loving the Backyardigans!!!. A picture of them dancing to their songs or telling you why they are their #1 fan. TODAY ONLY!!
Then come on back here and let me know you did so (please leave your Facebook name as well so I can easily find you)!
At the end of the day I will choose one lucky winner! Make sure you go check out the Koba Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter as well!

Do Your Kids Love Toopy & Binoo? Win Tickets!!

2011-08-29T09:00:00.001-04:00

Do your kids love Toopy & Binoo? Mine do!

Great news! I am about to reward one of you with Free Tickets to their upcoming show on October 2nd at Centre in the Square!

Check out www.ToopyAndBinooOnTour.com for more details on the Show!

Of course I am sure what you really want to know is how do you win those tickets!
All you need to do is visit the momstown Kitchener-Waterloo Facebook Page and post a picture of your kids loving Toopy and Binoo TODAY!!!. A picture of them dancing to their songs or telling you why they are their #1 fan.

Then come on back here and let me know you did so (please leave your Facebook name as well so I can easily find you)!

At the end of the day I will choose one lucky winner! Make sure you go check out the Koba Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter as well!

UnBelievable Birthday Bash!

2011-08-24T16:42:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a party that was! Although momstown KW is only 2 years old, momstown.ca was turning 4 and it was time to throw a Big Bash. And a Bash it was!

There was no rain date for this party so when I woke up and saw the clouds that morning, I was a little worried about the weather and attendance. But the show must go on!

With approximately 150 people in attendance, this party was filled with fun, face painting, fashion, fire trucks and festivities! There was over 15 stations to check out, interactive with fun to keep the kiddo's busy. And we can't forget the bouncy castle, photo booth, and the outdoor toys that added an extra element of celebration and excitement for everyone!

There was a list of scheduled demonstrations where attendees could get an interactive experience with local businesses and family- friendly activities. Kids could make their own body lotion, a sparkly birthday card, finger paint a picture and decorate the Letter A for Alphabet. Moms could get a hand reflexology treatment, learn how to make baby food, make chemical free cleaning choices, learn about infant speech research and even shop for some new bling! There was even a diaper changing station for parents. Yes, in the park.

Then it was time to raffle off all those awesome prizes off that I had been bragging about for weeks!! Some of the prizes included a Sport Coupe ride-on toy, a Rockstar Baby Stroller, baskets of cleaning products and lots of gift certicates to spend and redeem. Once all the raffling was done and prizes handed out, it was time to dig into the too-pretty-to-cut cake and cupcakes.

There were so many people that made this party happen the way it did and I am so grateful for their contribution, participation and help. Check out this full list of all our sponsors and vendors who made this bash a complete success! A special thank you to Courtney at GCS Designs for making eveything look pretty, to Christa at The Urban Cakery for the nicely branded cake, to Grand River Inflatables for the Bouncy Castle, to Bre Creative & Hullabaloo Party Planners for making the kids look pretty and to my momstown mama's that volunteered their time and energy to help me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you (tear). The support and overwhelming joy from everyone showed me how many lives I am changing on a daily basis with the connections of momstown.

Our 5th Birthday Bash isn't far away and is going to blow your socks off next August!

Bullfrogs and Butterflies: Butterfly Crafts

2011-08-10T16:28:00.000-04:00

During the month of May, momstown KW’s educational curriculum was based on the theme of Bullfrogs and Butterflies. To learn more about butterflies and what makes them unique, momstown KW moms and kids set out to craft two types of the pretty insects.

momstown KW turned coffee filters, paint, pipe cleaners, googley eyes and some added fun decorations into a beautiful butterfly project. The coffee filter was opened and decorated with a variety of materials. Once decorating was complete, a pipe cleaner was threaded through the webbing at the top of the coffee filter to represent the butterflies antennae. Some googley eyes brought this beautiful insect to life!

To teach the children about the natural line of symmetry that butterflies possess - the next craft was to create a mirror imaged butterfly. We cut the shape of a butterfly out of construction paper and folded it in half. Then, laid it open and began painting the inside of one half. Then fold again – and squish the paint together! After the squishing process is complete, the kids opened it up to reveal a beautiful, perfectly symmetrical butterfly.

Take a peek at the calendar for more fun and education activities! Also check out the momstown arts and crafts blog for more beautiful butterfly crafts :)

momstown Kitchener-Waterloo Birthday Bash!

2011-07-29T17:04:00.002-04:00

Still need more reasons to come out to this fantastic birthday event? Look at the fun lined up:

A Fashion Show from Peekaboo Beans

A Photo Booth and Backdrop from Hulahoop Photography

Reflexology Treatments from Soul Treatments

Glam & Gloss from Very Important Party & Spa

Make & Take a Handmade Birthday Card with Flutterby Creations
Face Painting, Clowns & Crafts with Parallela Inc,
Bouncy Castle from Grand River Inflatables

and of course, a variety of arts & crafts from momstown KW!

And check out our sponsors and prizes who are making this event so fantastic:

Our National Sponsors - President's Choice, Life Choices Foods, Clorox, Greenworks, Maple Leaf Foods, Hasbro, Little Tikes, Smashbox Cosmetics and Kids CBC

Your Local Sponsors - Yellowood Nutrtion, Very Important Party & Spa, Norwex, USC RESP, Peekaboo Beans, Kindermusik, HulaHoop Photography, Allstar Mommy Fitness, Flutterby Creations, Lakeshore Co-op Preschool, University of Waterloo-Lab for Infant Development, Soul Treatments, The Childrens Marketplace, The Baby Boutique, Shelby Styles and Parallela Inc!

Don't forget to check out when our other momstown friends are having their parties too! Do you have friends or famillies in these areas?

momstown Barrie - Aug 20

momstown Burlington - Aug 14

momstown Georgina - Aug 27

momstown Guelph - Aug 16

momstown Hamilton - Aug 13
momstown Markham - Aug 31

momstown Milton - Aug 5

momstown Newmarket-Aurora - Aug 13

momstown Oakville - Aug 10

momstown Toronto - Aug 27

momstown Whitby - Aug 27

momstown Winnipeg - Aug 14

momstown Central Alberta - Aug 29

momstown Edmonton South - Aug 21

momstown Edmonton North - Aug 13

momstown Calgary - Aug 28

Keep watching our blog for all the details as they pour in for this big bash!

Stride-to-Ride Dino from Fisher Price Delights This 2 Year Old!

2011-07-27T17:00:00.001-04:00

This month, a special surprise arrived at our doorstep and luckily the packaging disguised the contents of the fun toy stashed inside! Inside the box, anxiously waiting to greet his new riding friend, was a Stride- -to-Ride Dino from Fisher Price. And then came the assembly!

This was the easiest toy that I have ever fastened together and since I am the one who assembles all the toys in our house, I can say that honestly.

Within 15 minutes, I had Dino all assembled and ready to Ride! With his easy to grip handles, cute sounds and riding vs pushing options, he was an instant hit. Not only did my daughter think this was a great friend to tour around the house on, but a friend that she could bond with too.

While I was preparing dinner for her that night, I turned around to find her on the floor, hugging Dino, rubbing noses with him and even giving him a big kiss on the nose (sound effects and all). Even cuter than that, was that Dino even gave kisses back......

I think if it was possible, she would have brought Dino to bed with her but instead, she opted for another hug, kiss and goodnight salutation as she headed upstairs for night-nights.

Thank goodness for a great smartphone that allowed me to catch these great photos in a candid moment and for a cute Green Dino that brought out the affection in a very delighted 2 year old!

Enter to Win your very own Fisher Price Stride-to-Ride Dino today from momstown.ca!

Celebrating Canada Day with Crafts!

2011-07-26T20:15:00.003-04:00

In honour of Canada Day, momstown KW celebrated with some red, white and PAINT!

momstown KW families had gorgeous weather (and yes, it was families as some of the Daddy’s even joined in on the fun).

The event started with rock painting to look like Canadian flags.

How cute are these?

As a group, momstown kw created a big flag using handprints and baby footprints to show our Canadian pride.

An event is always best when fireworks are involved, so momstown KW created their very own fireworks! Moms and kiddos (and daddy’s) sprayed watered down acrylic paints out of water bottles onto white t-shirts, onesies and undershirts.

Some moms even chose to use their hand as a stencil on their white garments and spray around it which makes a hand/finger shaped maple leaf! momstown KW is SO creative!

Even with the park and splash pad as a distraction around this event, the kids were totally excited about their red & white crafts!

momstown KW is proud to be Canadian!

Cake Decorating with The Urban Cakery

2011-07-25T14:55:00.001-04:00

momstown KW gathered together for one of the yummiest events yet and learned the basics of cake decorating with Christa from The Urban Cakery. Christa taught our moms how to decorate a cake starting with her ever-faithful cake recipe and basic butter cream icing recipe!

The Urban Cakery is a peanut-free bakery that Christa runs from her home when she isn’t chasing around her three children. For the first session, momstown KW learned how to properly ice a cake and how to ‘build a damn’ to contain crumbs and seal layers together. We learned all about the differences between fondant and butter cream icing. She even gave us homework – we had to Practice!

momstown KW rejoined for session two (and we had to bring our homework - an already baked cake). Those who were really ambitious came with it already iced. Christa helped each of us with whatever stage we came prepared for and some of us needed all the help we could get!

What did momstown KW moms take away from this? Well, baking and decorating a cake isn’t as ‘easy’ as it looks and everyone left with a new appreciation for anyone who can decorate a cake!

Wordless Wednesday - Cutest momstown Baby

2011-07-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

I am a momstown Baby!

Finger Painting for momstown KW's Picasso's in the Park!

2011-07-19T17:11:00.000-04:00

momstown KW’s first picasso’s event of the year was finger-painting and boy! This was a COLD day!

A lot of the momstown KW moms cancelled for this event – but the ones that did come stayed strong and ventured out into the cold (albeit most weren’t dressed appropriately).

We offered a variety of finger paints and tempra paints to the kiddos – along with some sponges and stamps and encouraged the kids to run wild and be creative on the mural paper.

momstown KW had everything… apples, happy faces, suns and stars! The little picasso’s loved it! In fact, they were showing so much excitement, even the geese wanted to participate.

Meet our newest members! :)

After the picasso’s had tired themselves from the creativity, they burnt some energy at the park – and became daredevils! They ventured to a huge slide that seemed almost ten stories high!

Despite the cold, it was a great day! Check out the momstown KW events calendar for more picasso's in the park happening once a month until October!

Apron Painting at Kids Kreations Art Studios

2011-07-14T20:30:00.001-04:00

In early may, momstown KW headed out to Kids Kreations Art Studios in Cambridge. All the little artists were ready for a fun filled morning showing off their creative skills.

Using acrylic paints and plain white aprons, the kids painted their hearts out. Some parents encouraged the children to draw something specific, while others let the kids run wild and explore using their fingers.

As if the aprons couldn’t get any cuter - the instructor had momstown KW moms/kids write the children’s names on their aprons! What a way to up that cuteness factor! We are sure you will be seeing these creations at future momstown KW events.

A big thank you to one of our very own momstown KW members, Tiffany, for getting the kids singing and dancing in a circle while the others cleaned up the artistic mess that was left behind.

Once all the artists were done with their aprons - the troops headed on over to Burger King for some much needed lunch. The kids spent some time running around the indoor playland, wearing themselves out for their afternoon naps.

It's always nice to hang out with your friends... look how cute these two are, giving each other hugs!

Momstown KW will definitely be taking another trip back to Kids Kreations Art Studios in the future!

Butterfly Fun at the Butterfly Conservatory!

2011-07-12T09:54:00.000-04:00

momstown KW teamed up with momstown Guelph, momstown Oakville, and momstown Milton for a trip to the butterfly conservatory this May. A great start was had by the kids when they got to colour their very own butterfly crowns, followed by circle time with a butterfly expert!

Then it was time for a tour through the conservatory. It was very much like a rainforest, warm, lush, and muggy. Some of the little ones were a bit scared of the bugs and butterflies, but still enjoyed watching from afar. We also learned that the butterflies will land on you, mistaking you for a flower if you stand still and wear brightly coloured clothes. Another highlight was the landscaping, the waterfalls were beautiful.

There are over 2000 Birds and butterflies at the conservatory. They are great entertainment for kids of all ages! There was also a special exhibit on owls for the kids to see. They had many owls an display and the kids were able to touch some real wings and look at some real scat! Of course they thought that was awesome even if not every mom did! momstown KW and friends finished off the day with more circle time featuring story time. It was a wonderful visit and I’m sure many of the moms will be re-visiting again soon!

The Big Cook - Sponsored by Chateau Des Charmes Winery

2011-06-24T14:02:00.000-04:00

Recently, momstown KW got together for The Big Cook! A huge thank you to Chateau Des Charmes Winery for sponsoring the event and providing us with four bottles of their delicious Generation Seven wine! We enjoyed two of the bottles during our prep and raffled off the other two to a lucky momstown KW member!

The idea behind The Big Cook is to do all the prep work for a bunch of meals, freeze them, and then have great home cooked options available in the freezer for those days when you need something quick! With amazing recipes like Always a Winner Grilled Chicken, Maple Glazed Salmon, Orangalicious Beef Steak, and Lime Pepper Chicken; mouths in the momstown KW kitchen were watering! Though the prep took a lot longer than expected, we all worked together to prepare one recipe at a time. Once we had one recipe completed we moved on to the next!

Of course to do a Big Cook like this is a big investment in meat and ingredients up front, but it was so worth it and really that money would have been spent on groceries eventually anyway! We all had so much fun, there's nothing quite like cooking with a group of friends, and now we each have 9 prepared meals in our freezers that are marinated and ready to go! Luckily, a local church let us use their kitchen complete with a large island in the middle. Since this Big Cook was such a hit with momstown KW, we're planning to do another. This time featuring our members' own favourite recipes and marinades!

Where would any momstown mom be without their little helper? Sydney came along and helped mix together rice and sugar, invaluable assistance! ;)

And of course this is too great an activity for just momstown KW, look at how much fun the other momstown chapters had doing their own Big Cook!

momstown Guelph: http://momstown-guelph.blogspot.com/2011/06/every-mom-loves-easy-meals-and-wine.html

momstown Central Alberta: http://momstown-centralalberta.blogspot.com/2011/06/cookin-up-storm.html

momstown Burlington: http://momstownburlington.blogspot.com/2011/05/loads-of-fun-at-big-cook.html