Sunday, February 3, 2019

Safe Mode for Your Kids with Safety Tree – Enter to Win


We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes this is a sponsored post, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win a free safety class from Safety Tree! Enter the contest at the end of this post



Start 2019 in Safe Mode

When your computer has issues, it is suggested you start it up in safe mode to diagnose the problem and plan a solution.  When it comes to setting up your kids for a safe life, Safety Tree Canada has many SAFE MODES for you to help your children tackle safety issues both in life and online.



My Safe Life Course
My Safe Life is a safety course best suited for kids from 6.5 years of age to 8.5 years of age.   My Safe Life teaches children about safe people, self-defense, bullying, being assertive and online safety. Bullying in the schools is starting much younger and Safety Tree wants to give children the tools to deal with it. They will also do activities where they will learn about calling 911 and role play small emergencies. It is a course all about personal safety. You can learn more about this course at https://safetytreecanada.com/courses/my-safe-life

Home Alone Course
The Home Alone course is for children ages 9 to 12.  It prepares kids for emergency situations and gives them the confidence to handle them.  They will learn the tips and tricks to being home alone and keeping safe.  Information about this course can be found at https://safetytreecanada.com/index.php/courses/home-alone-safety

Digital Superhero Training
If you have kids that spend time online, then you should consider signing them up for the Digital Superhero Training.  Safety Tree has partnered with Cyber Safety Canada to create a course for kids 8-11 years old.  Here are some of the topics being covered
*. How children/youth can safeguard their identity
*. How lurking predators use common apps & game features
*. How to avoid being a predator’s target
*. How students can protect their online reputations
*. How to deal with cyber-bullying
*. Includes a fun and interactive superhero theme
You can get all the info about this course at https://safetytreecanada.com/courses/digital-superhero-training

COMING SOON Digital Training for Kids 12-14 Years Old
Also keep watch of the Safety Tree Website for information about their upcoming Digital Training for older kids! Head to https://safetytreecanada.com and click on their drop-down menu for COURSES.
For more information about Safety Tree Canada visit these links

Get your kids in the SAFE MODE way of thinking and help them stay safe!

Enter to Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us what course would be of interest for your kid(s). It may just win them a spot! (NOTE when commenting below it is best to be logged into your google account. After you click publish, it may take up to one minute for your comment to show. Please wait for it to publish before clicking anything else). THIS CONTEST IS FOR THOSE IN THE KITCHENER WATERLOO AREA.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, January 27, 2019

Bingemans Family Day Carnival – Enter To Win



Spending the Family Day Weekend at Bingemans Indoor Carnival is a great way to enjoy family time. With Inflatable amusements, rides, food and fun activities, it is the perfect combination of enjoyment and entertainment for the whole family. 

Click To Enlarge


Bring the family to Bingemans for the Family Day Carnival! 
Enjoy inflatables, rides, food and activities! The fun takes place in the Ballroom on Sunday Feb. 17th and Monday Feb. 18th. Children ages 2 - 11 are $10 each, adults and children under 2 (with accompanying children ages 2-11) are free. The fun goes from 10am to 4pm (All prices subject to applicable taxes & fees).

DATES AND TIMES

Sunday, February 17, 2019
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, February 18, 2019
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

TICKET INFO

Save by pre-purchasing your tickets.
Tickets at the door are $15, but by buying online you can save $5 per child
Children ages 2 - 11 are $10 each (online tickets), adults and children under 2 (with accompanying children ages 2-11) are free. Order yours today by clicking the link below.

We think this is will be a great day of family fun!  In fact, we are so excited we are having a giveaway for a pair of child tickets to attend (remember adults are free).
Remember what it was like going to a carnival? The music in the video below may spark some memories and those memories might just win your family’s way into Bingeman’s Family Day Carnival! 
Enter To Win 

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us what your favourite carnival memory. It may just win you a pair of child tickets to attend! (NOTE when commenting below it is best to be logged into your google account. After you click publish, it may take up to one minute for your comment to show. Please wait for it to publish before clicking anything else). THIS CONTEST IS FOR THOSE IN THE KITCHENER WATERLOO AREA ONLY.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

New Year's Levee, KW Titans, Winterloo and More January 2019 Events, Activities and Stuff To Do in Kitchener Waterloo and Area






As always please check all links provided as times, dates, venues and registration information often changes without our knowledge.
WE ALSO SUGGEST GOING THROUGH THE FULL LIST BECAUSE SOME EVENTS MAY REQUIRE PRE-REGISTRATION.
First is list of ongoing events followed by our Monthly Blast

Make sure you are following us!


Ongoing Events
University of Waterloo Research Studies
Research Studies @ UofW Contact Lens Research
Currently the top contact lens research centre in the world is continuing to accomplish great things through research done right here at UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO. The studies are non-invasive and all of our participants are compensated at $20/hr for their time and often get free contact lenses or glasses. Right they are recruiting 7-11 year olds to participate in a 3yr study cclr.uwaterloo.ca

Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo  and is recruiting for a new scientific study (ID: CYPRESS) that examines how to treat nearsightedness in children aged 6-9. Participants will receive up to $690 for 9 visits over 3 years, and also receive a free pair of spectacle frames to keep.
If you are interested in participating, please call for more details or to book your appointment at 519-888-4742.  Please provide the study ID “CYPRESS” when you call. You will be provided with all relevant study information prior to study enrollment and you are under no obligation to participate.
Infant Studies Group
If you’re looking for something new and fun to do with your child, we would love to have you participate in one of our studies! Help us discover how children learn about language and the world around them. Typical studies involve a one time, half hour visit. You stay with your child the entire time and receive a small gift for participating as well! Please contact us or visit our website for more information. We hope to see you soon!
Social Development Lab

Our lab is currently looking for children to help with our research! Our lab looks at personality and the social world for young children. Our study involves parents and their children coming into our lab and answering a few questions. Kids get to play some fun computer games as well! The typical sessions take around 2 hours and parents are always able to observe their child during the social interaction tasks. In appreciation of your time, children get a small gift. To learn more about our lab and what we do, check out our website! Follow us on Facebook and twitter to keep up to date with our fun!

Twitter: SDLab_UW
Facebook: Social Development Lab Waterloo
Website: uwaterloo.ca/social-development-lab
TEL: 519-888-4567 ext.38775
Email: sdl@uwaterloo.ca

Youth Drum and Bugle Corps
Great program for youths in the KWC area. Our participants come not only from Cambridge, but Waterloo, Kitchener, Brantford, and surrounding areas as well. We are not the Scouts. We are not the Army, Navy or Sea Cadets. We are the only Youth Drum and Bugle Corps in the area!
No experience required and we have a modest membership fee ($20 per year). We provide a unique musical education program that not only teaches kids to play music or perform colour guard, we instruct them how to march, perform and basically just have fun! Check us out on our website: www.scouthouseband.com/cadets

FULL MONTH EVENT CALENDARS

These places have so many events each month, it is better to just look at them individually
Region of Waterloo Libraries Calendar http://calendar.rwlibrary.ca/?_mid_=17409
Cambridge Libraries – Idea Exchange Calendar http://ideaexchange.org
Have an Infant and/or Toddler? Check out OUR PLACE EARLY YEARS CENTRE calendar http://www.ourplacekw.ca/
Grand River Conservation Authority https://calendar.grandriver.ca/default
If you are willing to drive a little out of town, then this is the list for BRANTFORD’s HARMONY SQUARE http://www.brantford.ca/residents/leisurerecreation/communityfacilities/HarmonySquare/Pages/EventsandPrograms.aspx


Daily
Calvary Church Cambridge Indoor Playground
What: We are an indoor playground located directly in the church building which opens its doors to our community to allow a safe and friendly environment.
 
Ages: Suited to infant/crawlers, toddlers and pre-school children.
 Cost: $1.00 minimum per head. This helps reduce the cost of regular cleaning and new toys.
Hours: Monday – Thursdays 9:30 – 11:30 am.
Closed: Fridays all season and Holiday Mondays
Schedule: September to June (closed for the summer months)
Special Activities: Twice a week there will be different activities offered, from Play-doh Play to arts and crafts, the activities are geared toward preschool aged children.
Daycare Workers: We will be opening the playground every Tuesday for any caregiver that operates a daycare. If you are not a daycare worker, you are still MORE than welcome to attend on Tuesday! Every day we have coffee, tea, juice and snacks available for purchase.

Sleep And Your New Baby Waterloo Region Sessions
(various dates and times)
Session Details:
The purpose of the session is help families understand and respond to their baby’s sleep patterns and language, which will in turn strengthen family relationships and contribute to achieving optimal child health.
The 1.5 hour session will be offered weekly at all three Ontario Early Years Main sites with a mix of daytime, evening and weekend timings
Parents/caregivers can register online at http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-registration.html The session will be most beneficial if parents/caregivers brings their baby with them and we encourage bringing a support person to assist with this http://www.earlyyearsinfo.ca/sleep-and-your-new-baby-regist…
Earth Sciences Museum @ University Of Waterloo
Conestoga Rovers Learning Centre (the “Dino pit”) open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The museum’s main atrium, mining tunnel, Great Lakes fountain and stunning mineral exhibits open evenings Monday to Friday and weekends from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Plus info about the Scavenger Hunt can be found at https://uwaterloo.ca/…/earth-sciences-museum-scavenger-hunts

Mondays
Legacy every Monday at 7pm. $4 entry with a pack per person into the prize pool @ KW PlaySpace (until Sept 24) https://www.facebook.com/events/317175528805117

Tuesdays

Bring your little ones to the Kitchener Market select Tuesdays from 11a.m.-noon for a fabulous, fun-filled morning! Be prepared for a high-energy, hopping good time at these FREE weekly children's events as our performers entertain your tots!
  • January 7

Colour Our Community @ KPL Central (Downtown) every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 2pm-4pm
Art can be a tool for increasing social connections and fostering community inclusion and integration. Colour Our Community aims to make connections between those who are often marginalized and members of the community at large in a comfortable, accessible venue where all are welcome to explore their creativity and experience connection through art. Colour Our Community is a partnership with Kitchener Public Library and Circle of Friends.

Thursdays
A FREE art program every Thursday!
(Please note some Thursdays in December may be cancelled, call the phone number below to be sure)
Thursday from 11 a.m. - noon, ARTSHINE will be hosting a parent and tot program at the Kitchener Market - a program for children and their parents. Participate in a fun, unique, hands-on creative art experience!
AFTER the program, be sure to stop by one of our market vendors for a healthy, kid-friendly lunch with lots of options for adults too.
Space is limited! Reserve a spot now for the ARTSHINE programs on Thursday by calling 226-647-2777, or emailing ARTSHINE.
Fridays

Beginning January  11th Music and Movement @ Kitchener Market  9:30am – 10:00am
Imagination and creativity are developed and explored through rhymes, songs, finger plays, and gross motor activities. Support your child's language development and experience the benefits of physical activity.
and
Drop In Play @ Kitchener Market  10:00am – 11:00am
Come any time. Join other children and families in play and exploration. An Early Learning professional is available to provide support and information around early learning topics, community resources, programs and referrals.

Saturdays
Family Favourites $2.99 Films @ Cineplex
Home Depot Workshops 2nd Saturday of Each Month
FREE Hands-on Workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12. Held on the 2nd Saturday of each month at all The Home Depot stores. Each child can bring home a newly constructed project, an achievement pin and certificate https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/ideas-how-to/workshops.html
REMINDER OF OUR MABEL’S LABELS FUNDRAISER!

ONGOING IN JANUARY



January 2019 Event Blast

Jan 1
Kitchener Utilities Free Skating until 1pm @ The Aud https://www.facebook.com/events/127889684795942
Free Skate in Elmira 1:30-3:30pm @ Woolwich Arena https://www.facebook.com/events/537640433376185
First Day Hike @ Huron Natural Area 2-3:30pm
Start your new year off with a visit to the woods and join us for a First Day Hike! We’ll be exploring the trails at Huron Natural Area and nourishing our senses with the sights, sounds and fresh air! If conditions permit, this will be a moderate paced walk with stops to take in our surroundings. 

Meet at the picnic shelter located at the main park entrance. This drop-in event is offered for free to the community. 

Please note that washroom facilities are closed for the season. Make sure you dress for the weather and trail conditions. In the event of severe weather, this program will be cancelled. Notification of any changes will be made on Facebook and Twitter. https://www.facebook.com/events/1230128627136081

The Wonders of Winter fireworks are now re-scheduled for today @ 6pm https://www.facebook.com/CreateWaterloo/photos/a.136687730003635/802114303460971/?type=3&theater

Jan 4
Free Kids Games and Crafts 10:30am-4pm @ Williamsburg Community Centre https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10156590421200973&set=p.10156590421200973&type=3&theater&ifg=1

Free Skating @ Waterloo Rec Complex 4pm-4:50pm Free skating for the whole family and fun activities too. A great way to wrap up the holiday break. https://www.facebook.com/events/200893820838817/?active_tab=about


Jan 5

Jan 6





















City of Waterloo Mayor’s Leeve
11:30am-1pm @ Waterloo Rec Complex
The community is invited to celebrate 2019 with Mayor Dave Jaworsky and council at the annual New Year's Levee. Grab your kids, grab your skates and swimsuit for a fun afternoon. Free skating from 10am-noon and free swimming from 2:05-4pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/2153633664689330
City of Kitchener Mayor’s Leeve
1:30-4pm @ Kitchener City Hall
Come one, come all! Celebrate the New Year with Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, council members and your neighbours at our free carnival-themed celebration under the big top of City Hall!

Step right up and enjoy these activities:
- Carnival games
- Face painting
- Balloon animals
- Magician
- Skating in Carl Zehr Square
- Live musical performances

Warm up with some hot chocolate and enjoy popcorn and cotton candy on us! Light refreshments catered by Bingemans will also be available.

A big thank you to our sponsors: Grand River Inflatables, Bingemans, and Cheek Squad Face Painting! https://www.facebook.com/events/215915025957130


Jan 10

Jan 12
Chicopee Community Night - Guelph

Free all-access lift tickets from 5 pm to 9 pm for Guelph residents with proof of residence. $36 Discover Package also available. http://www.discoverchicopee.com/index.php/events

FORMER NHL ALL-STARS VS GUELPH PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTER ALL STARS IN SUPPORT OF THE GUELPH FIRE FIGHTERS BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION
The Guelph Firefighter All-Stars will face off against a full line-up of former NHL hockey heroes. This annual game is a great family event that includes lots of skill and lots of laughs. This (25th) annual game is to raise funds for the Firefighters Benevolent Foundation.
This fund is used to assist area hospitals in purchasing medical and emergency equipment. The fund has risen over $500,000 since it began in 1984. Money is used to purchase electric beds and crash carts, as well as contribute toward the C.T. Scan (CAT scan), Dialysis Machine, and equipment for the Chemotherapy Unit.

FEATURING
Mark Laforest, Al Iafrate, Darryl Shannon, Larry Murphy, Craig Muni, Ric Nattress, Nik Antropov, John Ogrodnick, Bernie Nicholls, Gary Leeman & Dave Hutchison 
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019
7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
 SLEEMAN CENTRE
50 Woolwich St. - Guelph

TICKET AND INFORMATION LINE 1-800-516-5810
NOTE this event doesn’t list the ticket price http://www.prohockeyheroes.com/2018/06/pro-hockey-heroes-vs-guelph.html

Jan 14
Falcons @ Country Hills Community Centre
Please join the staff and community at Country Hills Community Centre for a free family falconry demonstration! This event is great for all ages so please feel free to bring your family, friends and neighbours.

TICKETS: Free tickets are available at Country Hills Community Centre, or phone the centre at 519-741-2596 and let us know you will be attending https://www.facebook.com/events/1955874308055841

Jan 15
KW Titans @ The Aud SPECIAL 11am SCHOOL DAY GAME http://kwtitans.com/14519/schedule-and-results

Jan 17

Jan 19
Mini Pop Kids In LONDON ONTARIO (also in Kitchener in February) Info at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2018/10/mini-pop-kids-live-in-london-and.html


Jan 20
Chicopee Community Night - Cambridge
Free all-access lift tickets from 5 pm to 9 pm for Cambridge residents with proof of residence. $36 Discover Package also available. http://www.discoverchicopee.com/index.php/events

Jan 24

Jan 25-27
Winterloo
Winterloo is the city's annual cold weather festival. 
This three day winter festival takes place in Waterloo Public Square, Waterloo Park West, and the Train Station. Each day new and repeat activities will occur. This event has been running for sixteen years, and this year we have some old favourite’s like skating, chili cook off, and the Tumblebus along with some fun new events.
Friday, January 25
Waterloo Public Square, 7 to 9:00 p.m.
Skate Night Date Night - Musician TBA
Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 27
Winter Uptown
Various locations in uptown Waterloo, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Princess Cinemas - movie screening at 4:00 p.m. (movies to be announced)
Waterloo Public Library - winter storytime inside + an outdoor hot chocolate warming station
Button Factory Arts - TBD - Saturday only
UpTown Waterloo BIA Chili Cook-Off - Chainsaw Restaurant
More TBA
Winter Warmth
Visitor and Heritage Information Centre, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
JACK the Nimblebus - indoor playground on a bus
More TBA
Winter Cultures
Waterloo Park West, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ice Carvings (2)
Matt Morris - Giant Snow Carvings
Snowman Building Station
St Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours - Free Horse Drawn Carriage Rides 
More TBA
Winter Survival
Waterloo Park West, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Ice Fishing Game - large county fair style game with magnets and foam fish
More TBA
Winter Sports
Waterloo Park West, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Winter Golf - chipping
Moutain Equipment Co-op Kitchener - Snow Shoe Nerf Biathlon
Winter Obstacle Course

Jan 27
Family Literacy Day @ Conestoga Mall 11am-4pm https://www.facebook.com/events/517651142061276

Chicopee Community Night - Waterloo
Free all-access lift tickets from 5 pm to 9 pm for Waterloo residents with proof of residence. $36 Discover Package also available. http://www.discoverchicopee.com/index.php/events


Jan 31

Looking Ahead

The Mini Pop Kids in Kitchener in 2019

Monday, December 31, 2018

Toasted Sunflower Seed and Chick Pea Hummus Recipe


This is how a make a great tasting hummus with my pantry staples. While I cooked most of the ingredients in this recipe, I am sure they will be fine raw too.  The toasting makes everything more flavourful.


Ingredients
·        2 cans of chick peas (garbanzo beans) with the liquid reserved from one can
·        2 cloves of garlic, peeled & sliced
·        1 cup of raw sunflower seeds
·        2 tablespoons of olive oil
·        ¼ teaspoon of rice wine vinegar (optional)

You will also need a large frying pan and a high-speed blender (like a Vitamix or similar)

1.     Keep the liquid of one can of chick peas aside, but then rinse & drain the chick peas from both cans.

2.     Begin by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan (the 2nd tablespoon will be used later) on your stovetop. I suggest medium high.  Now comes the tricky part, this is a method of taking the frying pan on and off the burner so that none of the ingredients burn.

3.     While on the burner add the garlic to the fry pan but as the one side begins to brown, take the frying pan off the burner and turn over the pieces (either with a silicone spatula or tongs). The hot oil will continue to cook the other side. Then stir so that the garlic is now flavoring the oil.

4.     Return the frying pan to the burner & ad the sunflower seeds, constantly stirring for about a minute and then take the frying pan off the burner but keep stirring until the seeds have stopped cooking.  Now your kitchen should smell delicious with the smell of toasted sesame seeds and garlic.

5.     Add the drained chick peas to the pan and return to the heat, but keep stirring the sesame/garlic mixture up from the bottom of the pan.  Do this for about 2 minutes.  This won’t toast the chick peas, but it will get rid of the raw flavour.  Again, remove from the heat and keep stirring until the pan is no longer cooking the items.

6.     Next carefully ladle the mixture into the blender, as the ingredients will be very warm.  Then pour the reserved liquid from the can of chick peas into the blender.

7.     Begin to mix on low and gradually increase the speed.  You may have to turn the blender off and tamper it a bit (or push down the ingredients with a spatula).  I do this with the blender off to be on the safe side.

8.     Once it is combined, add the remaining olive oil and rice wine vinegar.  Blend on high until desired consistency.

9.     Remove lid from blender and allow to cool for about 10 mins before putting it into containers for refrigerating or freezing.

RECIPE TIP
Did you know you can freeze hummus? It won’t have the same zing as your fresh batch, but it’s great to have it ready to go for your lunch.  When thawing frozen hummus, stir it really well as it will be a little watery on the top.

Want to know how to incorporate it into a healthy lunch? Check out my BENTO BOX idea post at https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2018/12/start-2019-with-healthy-lunches-thanks.html

So enjoy your HUMmus with these 30 songs with HUMMING in them