12 Days of Christmas Giveaways – Sonshine and Broccoli’s Hug Life

Finding age-appropriate songs for kids can be a challenge, but this year Sonshine and Broccoli have just the thing. Their new album Hug Life is musical journey of entertaining songs mixed in modern themes that children can learn about through song.  Each tune is kid-friendly and gives a lot of information to children.

Hug Life

The album Hug Life contains a dozen songs for families to listen and learn together.

One such song teaches kids to be a Buddy Not A Bully.  This song tackles the issue from both sides.  It teaches kids to tell someone if they are being bullied, but it also gives ideas of what to do with emotions of anger and frustration.  This is just one of the many songs your kids can enjoy on the Hug Life album.  Of course, being basketball fans, we really like the Slam Dunk song too!

The Hug Life album from Sonshine and Broccoli is sure to be a hit with families and we think it will make a great Christmas Gift.

For more info visit these links

Website: https://www.sonshineandbroccoli.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonshineandbroccoli

Twitter: https://twitter.com/S_Bmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonshineandbroccoli

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC54HWiM2GKUUC5EeX4h8jNQ

To celebrate all the release of Sonshine and Broccoli’s Hug Life we are giving away their CD as part of our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways.

Enter to Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to tell us why you would like to win a Sonshine and Broccoli CD.  (it works best if you are logged into your google account when commenting). It may just win you a pair of tickets.

The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply.  If we do not hear from the winner within the 48 hour time period, a new winner will be chosen.

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Are Your Kids Ready To Be Home Alone For PD DAYS? Safety Tree Is Here To Help – Enter To Win

With upcoming PD Days and Christmas Break right around the corner, are you wondering if they are at the right age to stay home alone?

Does the thought of this conjure up images in your mind of KEVIN DURING THE HOME ALONE MOVIE?

 

Safety Tree can assist with your decision making by making sure they are properly prepared when the time comes.

As mentioned in our SAFETY TREE CLASSES FOR KIDS post, Safety Tree offers classes to prepare them for the challenges of being home alone.

This winter they are helping families get ready by offering 3 different course at 4 different venues for a variety of age groups. Some of them are even day programs on the PD DAY happening on November 18, 2016.

Safety Tree Winter Courses In The Kitchener Waterloo Area

 

Kitchener/Waterloo Safety Classes November

Click To Enlarge Image

 

AGES 9-12 YEAR OLDS
Home Alone Safety for Kids - Elmira Nov 5th

·       Topics include:

o    Street smarts and bike safety

o    People safety (Stranger danger vs. Safe strangers and “not-so stranger” danger). Identifying "Tricky people".

o    Online and internet safety

o    Snacking and kitchen safety

o    Home fire safety

o    Sibling rivalry

o    Preventing accidents

o    How to handle emergencies and other situations

o    Basic first aid skills

PD DAY November 18th

AGES 9-12 YEAR OLDS
Home Alone Safety for Kids -  Kitchener

·        Topics include:

o    Street smarts and bike safety

o    People safety (Stranger danger vs. Safe strangers and “not-so stranger” danger). Identifying "Tricky people".

o    Online and internet safety

o    Snacking and kitchen safety

o    Home fire safety

o    Sibling rivalry

o    Preventing accidents

o    How to handle emergencies and other situations

o    Basic first aid skills

PD DAY November 18th

AGES 11-14 YEAR OLDS
Red Cross Babysitting Course - St.Jacobs
and
Red Cross Babysitting Course - Bridgeport Community Centre

·        Topics include:

o    How to find clients and make money babysitting

o    Caring for children of all ages

o    Creating safe environments and preventing accidents

o    Fire safety and prevention

o    What to do in an emergency

o    Good decision-making and leadership skills

o    Basic First Aid skills

 

PD DAY November 18th
AGES 7-10 YEAR OLDS

My Safe Life - Bridgeport Community Centre

·         Topics include:

o    A Child’s Right to be safe and to get help.

o    People Safety

o    Tricky people/inappropriate adult behaviours

o    Safe strangers and strangers to avoid

o    Bullying Prevention

o    Being Assertive and Getting help from busy adults

o    Basic self defence

o    Building Strong Communities (Respect, Kindness and Manners)

o    Online Safety

o    Travel Safety

o    Fire Safety

o    Injury Prevention

o    Emergencies vs Non-Emergencies

o    Basic First Aid

For more information about these and other Safety Tree courses, visit their website and social links

Website: https://www.safetytreecanada.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safetytreecanada

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Safety__Tree

Plus, we have a contest! See below to learn about how you can win a FREE SAFETY TREE CLASS.

Enter To Win

We are giving away a FREE SAFETY TREE CLASS! Just enter the Rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with which Safety Tree Class your family would be interested in.

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Safety Tree Safety Classes For Kids – Enter To Win

Click Image To Enlarge
 

When most of us were growing up, families knew each other in the neighbourhood and everyone looked out for one another.  In fact, the most I learned about strangers was from the Block Parent information we received at school or by listing to Rick Springfield.

Modern Day Safety Concerns

Things have really changed.  Nowadays there are bullies, cyber stalkers and a lot of “Stranger Danger” in our communities.  While this is disheartening for our area, it is important to be vigilant when it comes to keeping kids safe.  It is more than just being aware of your surroundings or never opening the door to someone you don’t know.  Actually safety goes well beyond that now.  It’s important for children to know what to do in an emergency situation such as someone getting hurt or what to do in case of a fire.  All of these things are issues that kids need to be prepared for.  That’s where SAFETY TREE comes in.  They provide Safety Training For Kids.

Their goal is

“to demonstrate that we're all competent capable learners and if given the proper tools, encouragement and chance each individual has potential to succeed”

We think that giving kids the best information will make them confident in the choices that they will make when unexpected situations arise, that’s why we’re letting our readers know that there will be Home Alone Safety for Kids, My Safe Life and the Red Cross Babysitting Courses being offered in the in Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph/Cambridge this Fall and Winter. Go to safetytreecanada.com to register for a class.  These courses may just save you from paying high rates for before and after school care, knowing that your competent kids want to stay Home Alone or Babysit on the PD Days. It will give you piece of mind knowing that your kids are safe and sound. 

Safety Tree Upcoming 2016 Class dates are Sept 10, Sept 18, Sept 23, Sept 30, Oct 2, Oct 16, Oct 28, Oct 29, Nov 25 

Need more information about Safety Tree? Visit these links

Website: https://www.safetytreecanada.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safetytreecanada

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Safety__Tree

Plus, we have a contest! See below to learn about how you can win a FREE SAFETY TREE CLASS.

Enter To Win

We are giving away a FREE SAFETY TREE CLASS! Just enter the Rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your best safety tip for kids.

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Koba Entertainment Brings Toopy And Binoo To Centre In The Square - Enter To Win

Family Friendly Stage Show

Families will be glad to hear that TOOPY AND BINOO are headed to Kitchener Ontario for the new Koba Entertainment musical production TOOPY AND BINOO FUN AND GAMES.  This show will happen on November 20, 2016 at Centre In The Square. It will have lots of singing and dancing for your little ones to enjoy and being a 1pm performance on a Sunday afternoon, it would make for a great family outing.  It also gives kids in our area an opportunity to take in some children's theatre and learn what it's like to see a concert! Take a look at what you can expect from this family friendly live Toopy And Binoo show.

 

Entertaining and unpredictable, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games integrates music, theatre, dance, puppetry and innovative multimedia technology to create an off-the-wall experience that will delight the entire family!

Now imagine experiencing it through the eyes of young child.  Think of their reaction as they see their favourite television characters come to life in this new show. We think lots of children will be excited to attend!

Get Your Tickets

Head to http://www.kobaentertainment.com/shows/toopy-and-binoo/tour-dates to grab your tickets to TOOPY AND BINOO FUN AND GAMES.  There is even a VIP package available for the Centre In The Square performance! Plus, we are so excited about this stage production that we are holding a contest for a family of four pack of tickets to the show! Read on to learn more

Enter To Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us why you would like to win tickets to this show. It may just win you a family four pack of tickets to Toopy And Binoo Fun And Games at Centre In The Square!

 

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Cooking Up Spring And Summer Fun With #KitchenerMarket

As many of our readers know we are Jamie Oliver Food Revolution Ambassadors for Kitchener Waterloo.  This means we love letting the community know about great events happening in our area.

This spring and summer the Kitchener Market is offering lots of great events both at the Kitchener Market building and other spots in Downtown Kitchener Ontario Canada.  Below we have compiled a list of both weekly and occasional events that the Kitchener Market is involved with! Be sure to visit the registration links to get all the information.

WEEKLY EVENTS

Tuesdays - Kids Hop @ Kitchener Market
Bring your little ones to the Kitchener Market every other Tuesday 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! http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Kids_Hop.asp

June Schedule

• June 7: Erick Traplin
• June 21: Erick Traplin

July Schedule

• July 5: Erick Traplin
• July 19: Erick Traplin

August Schedule

• August 2: Erick Traplin
• August 16: Erick Traplin
• August 30: Erick Traplin

Then beginning July 5 - Long Table Tuesdays @ Kitchener Market

Join us on our outdoor piazza Tuesdays at lunch time this summer for live music and a friendly atmosphere for your mid-day break. If you bike to the Market you will receive a $5 off coupon that can be used at any of our International Food Court vendors courtesy of Bike Kitchener! http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=81562983-f3d5-43d6-a292-a4eb03ea986a

Music lineup:
July 5: Tea for Two
July 12: JuneyT
July 19: Jessie Treener
July 26: David G
August 2: Jesse Webber
August 9: Tea for Two
August 16: Jesse Webber
August 23: David G
August 30: Jessie Treener

Wednesdays In June - Mid Week Market DOWNTOWN KITCHENER (City Hall)
Join us EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE for our first ever Mid-Week Urban Farmer's Market at Kitchener City Hall. 11am-2pm
 5 local producers, Breadheads Pizza Oven and Velofix Mobile Bike Repair will be on site! Plus, live music, lots of seating (bring your lunch!) and a few surprises!
Look forward to seeing you there,
The Kitchener Market and The Downtown Crew!
https://www.facebook.com/events/961952643922618/

Thursdays - Artshine @ Kitchener Market
A FREE art program every Thursday!!
Ages 2-12
Every Thursday from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., ARTSHINE will be hosting a parent n' 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 and kid-friendly lunch with lots of options for adults too!
Space is limited! Reserve a spot now for the ARTSHINE programs ON THURSDAY by emailing ARTSHINE at:manager@artshine.ca
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Kids_Art_free_art_program.asp

Saturdays - Kitchener Farmers' Market
Every Saturday, for more than 140 years, Kitchener residents have enjoyed the bounty the Saturday farmers' market offers including meat, produce, dairy products and more. Market vendors delight in offering unsurpassed variety, quality and freshness to their many customers, some who are fourth and fifth generation market shoppers.
Hours of operation:
Saturdays: 7 a.m.- 2 p.m., year-round http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/vendors/Hours-of-Operation.asp

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES

June 4 - Bike Picnic Day @ Kitchener Market
Check your bike in our bicycle stand on the piazza and shop at the market for fresh, local food! Dine outside on our community tables with your family and friends, our International Food Court vendors are open from 7-2 PM. There will be live music, face painting, balloons and more fun for the whole family.
Kitchener Art Bomb will be surprising us with some art explosions too!
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=30cacd1c-9e01-4d7b-881b-584c61f4422b


June 18 - Father's Day @ Kitchener Market
The quickest way to Dad's heart is through his stomach! Celebrate Father's Day at the Market with a BBQ in the sunshine on our piazza. We will have a sneak peek of Cruising on King classic cars, music by Matt Weigner, Face paint by Bre Creative, knife sharpening
Free jumbo hot dog … for all dads
A free jumbo hot dog for all Dads provided by Finest Sausage and Meats!
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=462a7ce5-4b5c-42a1-9a0e-fa845d61d0d3

June 25 - Kids In The Kitchen @ Kitchener Market
Join us for a summer treat as we use local Ontario strawberries to make a yummy recipe that is easy for kids of all ages and do a fun strawberry themed craft. This event is free, please drop by the Marketplace Room between 9:00-11:00 AM to participate.
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=5811f423-8eff-4d34-a72e-ed891315de97

July 2 - Canada Day celebrations continue on Saturday at the Market!
9am-2pm
The piazza will be decorated for Canada Day! Come visit the Market booth. We'll be handing out 500 red and white Kitchener Market shopping bags to show our customers how much we appreciate them.There's lots happening outside our piazza!Ride your bike to the market and check it into our bicycle stand. Enjoy breakfast or lunch outside on our community tables with your family and friends. Our International Food Court Vendors are open from 7 a.m.-2 p.m.Play chess in the sunshine, enjoy live music, or get your face painted.
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=ea99d78e-e9db-4f2b-8ab0-0037a6501a2f

There's something for the whole family!
August 20 - Vegetable Puppets @ Kitchener Market
9am-11am join Kitchener's Artist in Residence Sarah Granskou as she teaches us how to make vegetable puppets in the Marketplace Room!
http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=5eeb621b-e5b7-4120-878b-ec3a6a131c95

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT @ KITCHENER MARKET

June 8, 2016 - 6:30-8:30 PM

Bernardin Canning presents Summer Strawberries! Learn how to safely and properly preserve summer berries so they stay fresh and sweet all year-round. There will be prizes and handouts during this seminar with many opportunities to engage and ask questions from our expert canner Emerie! Fee - $5.00 incl. tax To register email info@kitchenermarket.ca with your name and number of guests attending, or phone us at 519-741-2287.

http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/Calendar/Details.aspx?Id=9d6d7355-6346-49c0-99b5-078de2cb8975

PLEASE NOTE COST FOR THESE CLASSES ARE $47 PER PERSON UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER 

June
Tasty Thai: Wednesday, June 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WebReg #217917
Thai dishes are created using many different elements in a harmonious way to create a full dish. Although it sounds complex, the ingredients are simple and healthy! Come in and learn about all of the different components of Thai cuisine, and leave with recipes for some of your favorite meals from Thailand.
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Artshine N' Wine - Encaustics: Thursday, June 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WebReg #217916
Encaustics is an ancient art form that involves fusing layers of oil tinted beeswax together with various heating techniques  As the layers are built up, objects can be embedded in the wax and gouging techniques are incorporated to create shapes and designs.  Colors are used simultaneously to add depth and beauty to the work.  Encaustics is a unique medium which allows participants to explore their creativity while effectively engaging the senses. It is both deeply therapeutic while at the same promoting a sense of play. Participants will be taught the basics of encaustics including safety of the equipment, layering and fusing of the wax, embedding of objects, image transfers, and gouging techniques.  Each participant will be given 1-2 practice pieces and then led step by step through the creation of their 'masterpiece'. 
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Intro to Indian: Wednesday, June 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WebReg #217918
Indian food can be spicy, sweet, sour, buttery and salty - but most of all it can be addictive! For authentic Indian recipes and hands-on teaching from a professional chef, look no further. Our Indian Cuisine class will show you just how easy it can be to make classic Indian dishes to wow your family and dinner guests alike.
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Summer in Italy - Wine and dine: Wednesday, June 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. WebReg #217919
Wine and dine yourself with this fun, hands-on class and wine tasting event! We will feature classic Italian small plates and wines from a little closer to home - our very own VQA Niagara wine country. Featured winery TBA.
Register at http://www.kitchenermarket.ca/en/events/Cooking_classes.asp

Libman Hardwood Floor Cleaning System Helps You Clean Up In A Snap! Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes we did receive product to test for this post, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to try it out too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

We think Mary Poppins said it best when she said

"In every job that must be done
There is an element of fun
you find the fun and snap!
The job's a game"

While we don't have the magic touch that Mary Poppins has, The Libman Company has just the thing to help you clean your hardwood floors in a snap! The Libman Hardwood Floor Cleaning System is a cleaning kit created to keep your hardwood floors in great condition.

Kids And Pets Test Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors take a beating.  Whether its from dinky cars being rolled across their smooth surface or spills that never seem to stop happening, or those muddy paws and nail scratches from pets, the best way to keep your hardwood floors looking great is by using products designed to keep them looking that way. By following the 3 step "S"system listed below your hardwood floors will look their best.

The 3 "S" Step System

1. Sweep debris off your hardwood floor. Getting rid of the dirt, dust and pet hair is the first step to cleaning your floor.
2. Squirt the HARDWOOD FLOOR EVERYDAY CLEANER on to the floor in an "S" pattern. This product not cleans the mess, it hides minor scratches on your flooring.
3. Swipe the floor cleaning pad across the floor and watch the millions of microfibers lift that dirt from the floor and lock it into the microfiber cleaning pad.

We call it the 3 "S" step system for several reasons. Each step begins with the letter S, you apply the cleaner in an S pattern and cleaning the floor becomes a "S"nap!

We also say that the "S" stands for safer choice! Learn more below

Why You Should Choose The Libman Hardwood Floor Cleaning System For Your Home

As we come to the end of Earth Month, it is very important to keep the environmental practices that you have started through the remainder of the year. The Libman Company has set high standards in sustainability for their business and this carries on into their hardwood floor cleaning system.

The microfiber cleaning pad is machine washable which means you can use it several time before grabbing a new one and the hardwood floor everyday cleaner has the EPA Designed for the Environment seal. That means it is a safer choice. Watch the video below to see how Environmental Protection Agency Administrator McCarthy feels about safer choices for households with children and pets.


In Canada you can find Libman products coast to coast in Home Depot Stores and here on our contest below!

Hardwood Floor Cleaning Contest  

We're giving away lots of hardwood floor cleaning products from The Libman Company.  Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load).  Be sure to leave an entry at the end of this post about your experiences with cleaning hardwood floors at your house. Please note this is contest is for Canadians ONLY.

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Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic - Review And Ticket Info #DisneyOnIce

Last month we let you know that we would be celebrating some social media milestones by heading to Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic. Yesterday was the big day! We headed to Disney On Ice at the Rogers Centre in Toronto to see how Disney Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic and they know how to throw a celebration!

This spectacular ice skating show covered Disney's most popular movies. Everything from the  traditional animated features like Pinocchio to modern day Pixar films like Frozen! With so many movies being covered in this production everyone got to see many of their favourite characters come to life. With authentic costumed skaters and incredible set designs it felt like you were transported into each musical production. Plus with the show being hosted by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy there was lots of funny jokes, sing a long moments and clap to the beat moments.  By getting the audience involved they really made sure that there was a lot of interaction in the stadium.

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the ultimate Disney experience at Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic! Be charmed by a cast of over 50, with Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse, sweetheart Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. Relive the magic of Disney’s Frozen with Anna, Elsa and the hilarious Olaf as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. Sing-along to over 30 unforgettable songs including “Let It Go,” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” and “Hakuna Matata.” Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Disney’s The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and more will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime. Show off your moves at the Disney Magic of Healthy Living dance-along pre-show inspired by the Disney Healthy Living commitment as the celebration of the century skates into your hometown!

This Disney On Ice production is at ROGERS CENTRE (formerly Skydome) in Toronto Ontario Canada over March Break!

Schedule:

March 17, 2016	11:00AM     3:00 PM	7:00 PM
March 18, 2016	11:00 AM	7:00 PM
March 19, 2016	11:00 AM	3:00 PM	7:00 PM
March 20, 2016	11:00 AM	3:00 PM

Pricing:
Tickets start at $28!
Grab you tickets at  http://www.ticketmaster.ca/venueartist/131114/830558?brand=doi

Take a look at some of fun moments we captured.

Duuuuuuude it's Crush #disneyonice

A photo posted by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls) on Mar 17, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT

#frozen #disneyonice

A photo posted by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls) on Mar 17, 2016 at 4:47pm PDT

Plus you can see just how wonderful the show is by listening to Elsa sing Let It Go from Frozen


For even more pics click on the image below

Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic #disneyonice
Posted by Lisa McDonald on Friday, March 18, 2016