December Hacks by @Those2Girls - A REELS Series on Instagram

 

December can be a busy time for many.  This December I want to give you some of my hacks that make the month a whole lot easier.  From holiday shopping, events and entertaining, I am sharing my simple December Hacks on Instagram @Those2Girls and hope they lend a helping hand. 

Get Ready for the December Hacks Series!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and I'm excited to announce our upcoming December Hacks Series! 🎄✨ This month, I will be sharing a variety of tips, tricks, and life hacks to help you navigate the busy holiday season with ease and style.

What to Expect from Our December Hacks Series

Gift Wrapping Hacks

Cooking Tips.

Gift Ideas

Holiday Hairstyles

Festive Outfits

Last Minute Gifts

December Self-Care

Community Support

Festive Activities

I might try some of your hacks too!

Why You Should Follow the December Hacks Series

Save Time and Money: Our hacks are designed to help you save both time and money, making the holiday season more enjoyable.

Stay Organized: Keep track of your holiday to-do list with our organizational tips and tricks.

Add Festive Fun: We'll be sharing fun and festive ideas to make your holidays even more special.

Creating Community: Join our community of readers who are all in this together, sharing their own tips and experiences.

Stay tuned for my (almost) daily posts throughout December, and get ready to make this holiday season the best one yet! 🎁🎅

You can find the December Hacks Series at https://www.instagram.com/those2girls beginning December 1st

Holiday Shopping at the Eaton Centre? Visit the Light the World Giving Machines and Make a Difference

Whether you start your holiday shopping on Black Friday or anytime soon at the Eaton Centre in Toronto, there is one stop you won't want to miss. Now through December 8th you can help out by visiting the Light the World Giving Machines.

With just a few quick taps you can help local and global charities. 100% of all proceeds go directly to the charities and this year the charities involved in Toronto are Covenant House Toronto, Daily Bread Food Bank, Jays Care Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, CARE Canada, Right To Play and UNICEF Canada.  Even Drew Barrymore and Travis Kelce approve.

Check out how easy it is to make a difference this year with the help of Light the World Giving Machines at the Eaton Centre.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Giving Machine Toronto (@givingmachinetoronto)

Thanks to The The TARO Group for letting me know about this great initiative!

 

Experience the Magic of Bingemans Gift of Lights in Kitchener-Waterloo! NOW OPEN FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

 

Last week was the Bingemans Gift of Lights VIP + MEDIA night and I have included some great info about the annual event!

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting the dazzling Gift of Lights at Bingemans? Running from November 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025, this spectacular drive-thru light display is a must-see event for families in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

What Makes Gift of Lights Special?

Over 2 Kilometers of Light Displays: Drive through an enchanting wonderland featuring over 300 animated and static light displays. From twinkling stars to festive characters, there’s something to delight every member of the family.

Majestic Light Tunnels: Experience the magic as you drive through two magnificent light tunnels, each over 150 feet long. It’s like stepping into a fairytale!

Holiday Music: Tune in to the special FM radio station and enjoy your favorite holiday tunes as you drive through the light displays. It’s the perfect soundtrack to your festive journey.

Walk-Only Nights: For those who prefer to take a leisurely stroll, select evenings are designated as walk-only nights. Enjoy the lights up close and at your own pace, all while supporting local community partners.

Special Highlights

• Jingle Bell Rock Elements: These seamlessly integrated light elements add an extra touch of magic to the experience (now part of Gift of Lights) including the 40-Foot Twinkly LED Tree: This giant tree is the centerpiece of the display, and it’s sure to leave you in awe.

Event Details

• Location: Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr, Kitchener, ON.

• Dates: November 22, 2024 - January 4, 2025.

• Times: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday-Sunday).

• Tickets: Purchase online in advance to secure your spot.

Why You Should Visit

The Gift of Lights at Bingemans is more than just a light show; it’s a holiday tradition that brings joy and wonder to families year after year. Whether you drive through or enjoy the walk-only nights, it’s an experience filled with festive cheer and beautiful memories.

So bundle up, gather your loved ones, and head to Bingemans for a magical evening of lights and holiday spirit. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://bingemans.com/giftoflights

Return of the Roman Empire from Revenge to Redemption - Gladiator II Review - Parents' Night Out

Please note this is an R-rated film (but for me the R-rating can also mean Revenge and Redemption)

I think it will be great for a Parents' Night Out

Gladiator II Review

Gladiator II takes us right back to the Roman Empire and the quest for power.  It begins with a country reading for battle and how a anti-hero begins a journey from revenge to redemption.

With constant echoes of the original Gladiator film, the sequel will remind fans of the impact the first film had on audiences and create new fans of these movies.

Much like the first film, all of the characters had their own agendas when it came to their visions of Rome and it's place in history.

In Gladiator II they are once again battling one another both in the colosseum and on the political field. This time Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) has the assistance of her husband, General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) and some senate members loyal to her father.  The thing they had not planned for is the arrival of a new Gladiator (Paul Mescal) that has some familiar battle tactics and his keeper (Denzel Washington).who each have plans of their own. 

With the movie being shown in IMAX the experience is extremely exhilarating and incredibly immersive.

This film is exciting, emotional and mesmerizing.   I think you will enjoy Gladiator II on your next Parents' Night Out. The film will be released this Friday November 22, 2024

Let me know what you thought of Gladiator II in the comments and THANK YOU to The TARO Group for tickets!

Santa Claus Parade, Holiday Train, KW Titans Home Opener and More Stuff to do in KItchener Waterloo and Area

 

Please check all the links listed as info tends to change without our knowledge.  We also suggest you go through the full list as some activities require you to pre-register and many have limited spaces. Dates/Times and Prices Vary.

The top part of our list is for ONGOING EVENTS (daily/weekly events) and further down you can see the MONTH SPECIFIC EVENTS

ONGOING Events

Attractions ONTARIO coupons for https://attractionsontario.ca/coupons

Bingemans https://bingemans.com/entertainment_home.php

Playgrounds Movement and Training Centre https://kwplaygrounds.ca

Skyzone Kitchener https://www.skyzone.com/ca-kitchener

Funvilla https://funvilla.ca

THEMUSEUM https://themuseum.ca/families-kids/

Early Years  https://earlyyearsinfo.ca

KPL Calendar https://kplca.evanced.info/signup/

WPL Calendar http://calendar.wpl.ca/eventcalendar.asp?lib=all

Region of Waterloo Library Calendar https://www.rwlibrary.ca/en/programs-events/virtual-programs.aspx

Cambridge Libraries Calendar https://ideaexchange.org/programs-events

City of Waterloo Museum Activities https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/city-of-waterloo-museum.?_mid_=1764

Region of Waterloo Museum (DOON) events https://www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca/en/index.aspx#

Joseph Schneider Haus events https://www.schneiderhaus.ca/en/index.aspx

Woodside National Historic Site Self Guided Tours Thursday and Fridays https://www.facebook.com/WoodsideNHS/photos/a.797717783604573/4705277552848557

Castle Kilbride in Baden https://www.wilmot.ca/en/living-here/Events-and-Exhibits.aspx 

Wilmot Family Resource Centre https://wilmotfamilyresourcecentre.wordpress.com/events/calendar

Kitchener Market Events Calendar https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Month

Breastfeeding Buddies Events Calendar https://www.breastfeedingbuddies.com/neve-home/about-services/news-events/

Grand River Conservation Areas https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Things-to-do.aspx

Infant and Child Studies group is a group of researchers interested in better understanding child cognition: so how kids learn! All our studies are designed as games for children to play while we observe how they respond to various toys, videos or sounds. The activities are fun for the kids, and help us to understand concepts like how children learn new words, when children can begin to understand math, or what learning strategies kids use to understand new concepts. We deliver studies in person, as well as online and in take home formats.

Lab Website: http://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/ 

Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/infantstudiesgroup/

Follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/infantstudiesgroup/ 

Have a new child? Sign them up too: https://uwaterloo.ca/infant-and-child-studies-group/sign

Early Childhood Music @ WLU - FREE
https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/faculty-of-music/laurier-academy-of-music-and-arts/group-programs-and-camps/early-childhood-music.html

Parent and Tot Drop in on Fridays at Bridgeport Community Centre 10am-11am https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/10161329086425750

Dog Friendly Events https://www.dogfriendlykw.com/events

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum info https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/ 

University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Walking Tours - Various locations https://uwaterloo.ca/earth-sciences-museum/walking-tours

FREE COMMUNITY SKATING AT VARIOUS ARENAS IN KITCHENER https://www.theaud.ca/en/events-tickets/public-skating.aspx then select Free Community Skating for schedule

or

https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/activekitchener/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_category_ids=31&activity_keyword=Free%20Skating%20Sponsored%20by%20Josslin%20Insurance&viewMode=list

Guided Nature Walks in Kitchener - scroll down at link for various days/locations https://www.kitchener.ca/en/parks-and-trails/kitchener-natural-areas-program.aspx

Kitchener Rangers Home Games https://chl.ca/ohl-rangers/schedule/10/79/home/

KW :Titans Schedule https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

November 2024

Ongoing

Cambridge Winterfest 

https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/winterfest.aspx

Disney on Ice Ticket Giveaway

https://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.com/2024/10/disney-on-ice-glides-into-kitchener-in.html

November 16

Kitchener Santa Claus Parade https://kitchenerlionsclub.ca/santa-claus-parade/

Photos with Santa @ Conestoga Mall – From November 16 through December 24, guests can visit Santa’s Magical Fairy Garden at Centre Court and capture their special moments. Sensory-Friendly Santa for those with special needs and sensitivities are available on November 24 from 9 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m. and December 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Pet Party Bookings for photos with Santa and furry friends are available December 1 and December 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests can purchase various photography packages that include print and digital options. Registration for all photo opportunities opens November 13 at conestogamall.com

DiwaliDhamaka@DTK, 2024 is on Saturday, Nov 16th at the Kitchener Market, upper level. Main programming will be from 2 pm to 6 pm. While other activities will start from 12 noon.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/free-entry-no-tickets-or-registration-requiredsushila-goyal-groups-upcoming-diwa/10161951522165750/

Cambridge Evening Santa Claus Parade https://cambridgesantaparade.com/info/

November 16-17

St. Jacobs Village Sparkles

https://www.stjacobsvillage.com/sparkles

November 17

Family Skate @ Albert McCormick Arena 3pm 

https://www.facebook.com/events/346890415180900/

Giftables Guelph https://www.facebook.com/groups/2369595749/posts/this-coming-sunday-34-elizabeth-street-its-time-to-start-holiday-shopping-walk-o/10161937746515750/

November 21-24

St. Jacobs Village Sparkles

https://www.stjacobsvillage.com/sparkles

November 22

Movember @ Kitchener Rangers Community Corner

Phil Kline's Unsilent Night in Cambridge

https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/phil-kline-s-unsilent-night.aspx

November 23

KW TITANS HOME OPENER - MOVEMBER NIGHT

https://www.kwtitans.com/schedule-3/

November 24

CPKC Holiday Train Cambridge 

https://www.cambridge.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/cp-holiday-train.aspx & then goes to Ayr https://calendar.northdumfries.ca/default/Detail/2024-11-24-1730-CPKC-Holiday-Train

November 29

Walk of Lights 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1086962396314358/1086962399647691/?active_tab=discussion

November 30

Belmont Village Holly Jolly Event

https://www.belmont-village.ca/eventsuse-to-populate-calendar/belmont-village-holiday-market

Wonders of Winter Opens @ Waterloo Park

https://www.wondersofwinter.ca/