Free Valentine's Day Printable Colouring Sheets and a Giveaway from My Friend Toothy's Kickstarter

We'll start with the Disclaimer - In order to receive the free colouring sheets you will need to subscribe on the download page, but we are also able to do a giveaway too! Enter the contest at the end of this post! 

My Friend Toothy is an incredible Learning Toy Set created by a Canadian Mom that needed a solution for her family. You can learn more by watching the video below.

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A post shared by Stacey Laviolette (@myfriendtoothy)

The new book My Friend Toothy - A Journey to Fairyland explains the origin of how our sweet friend Toothy came to be! Learn what the Tooth Fairy does with lost teeth, and where  Toothies come from.

Children's imaginations will be captivated by the whimsical characters and their exciting schooling adventures.  

My Friend Toothy is a great way to get children motivated to take an active part in their dental hygiene health.

Help Kickstart the New Toothy Set

Toothy needs your help on Kickstarter!

At this point, the current Kickstarter is over 80% of the way to being funded.  You can help by ordering your own My Friend Toothy Set for $47 at http://kck.st/3YwweEJ which comes with the new RAINBOW Toothy and companion book! There are lots of other options as well. See them all at http://kck.st/3YwweEJ then click the Back this Project button on the right side of the page to find the best choice for you and help this important learning tool reach funded status!

My Friend Toothy is Spreading Love this Valentine's Day 

If you are looking for a family-friendly activity to celebrate Valentine's Day, you can head to https://www.myfriendtoothy.com/freestuff to download Valentine's Day Colouring Pages and other Toothy Themed Printables.

For more information about My Friend Toothy, visit these links

Website; https://www.myfriendtoothy.com

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/myfriendtoothy

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myfriendtoothy

Enter to Win

We think your family will love learning about Toothy, so we are giving away a copy of a Toothy Book! Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it works best if you are logged in to your Google Account).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Happy Crab Book Teaches Children to be Selfless with the help of a Shellfish - Review and Giveaway

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes, we did receive a complimentary copy of this book for review, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win one too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.

The Crustacean that is Crushing It!

As the story of The Happy Crab opens we meet a curious crab that travels the seas, finds treasures and makes new friends.  You could say this little crustacean is truly crushing it.  He knows that life is good.

Sometimes you come across Rocky Waters and decisions need to be made

One day the crab is mistaken for an empty shell and is pulled from the water by a young boy. When the boy discovers the crab inside he must make a big decision. The shellfish hopes that the young child will decide not to be selfish and instead be selfless and return him to the sea. He knows that is where he is happiest.

The Happy Crab Book Makes a Great Gift

With vibrant images and easy-to-understand lessons, The Happy Crab illustrated book will make a great gift this holiday season.  Your family will learn the importance of curiosity, the feelings of friendship, the security of home and how acts of kindness can make a big difference. This story is based on the true-life events of the authors Layla Palmer, Kevin Palmer and their son Steevenson

and what took place when they found a beautiful shell.  As you see in my Reel below, The Happy Crab has me feeling happy too!

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A post shared by Diane Morgan & Lisa McDonald (@those2girls)

Enter to Win

Thanks to a partnership with Graf-Martin Communications, we are able to giveaway a copy of The Happy Crab to a lucky reader! Enter for a chance to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our World Is Weird! Weird But True by National Geographic Kids Turns 10 + Contest Info

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive a complimentary product, but this just means we're able to offer tell you about the books and the contest!

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions.  Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

I Received A Weird Package

As you can see in the photos above, I received a package filled with weird stuff. The package had lots of National Geographic Kids items and has all the facts about the wonderfully weird world we live in.

Their WEIRD BUT TRUE books have been capturing the interest of kids for a decade and this year to celebrate 10 years they are introducing WEIRD BUT TRUE! CANADA

This book is filled with fun facts about Canada and all it’s weirdness.  One fact I had no idea about is on page 142 that states

James Bond was based in part on a real-life spy from Winnipeg, Manitoba named Sir William Stephenson

How cool is that?!?!?! The Canadian themed facts are sure to get your whole family reading and learning about our nation!  Want to read about other topics? There is even holiday themed book. Weird But True Christmas: 300 Festive Facts to Light Up the Holidays which would make a great gift! See a sample of the info at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/videos?videoGuid=0000015f-e03e-d43e-a9df-e8fefe020000

There are lots of subjects in the Weird But True book series to encourage kids to read and learn all about the weird world around us.  The pages are bright and have clear simple text to encourage even the most reluctant readers to get all the weird facts. 

You might be surprised to learn that honey never spoils. Get the buzz on more #WeirdButTrueWednesday food facts here.https://t.co/dMihepBgoG pic.twitter.com/EQ5bwPcBDl

— NatGeoKIDS (@NGKids) November 21, 2018

This not only helps your family but a portion of all book purchases help support National Geographic’s projects including exploration, conservation, research and education. With the cost around $11 per book it makes it an affordable, fun and fulfilling purchase. Pick up one at Indigo, or your favourite book store.

Learn more about these books by checking out these links

Website: https://natgeokids.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ngkids

Weird But True! Canada Contest

Know a weird fact about where you live in Canada? Then head to https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/adventure_pass/weird-but-true/weird-but-true-canada-contest and enter the Weird But True! Canada Contest.

Free Comic Book Day May 5, 2018 #FCBD18

I have always been a fan of Free Comic Book Day! It is a great day to see what is buzzing in your community.  When I first heard of Free Comic Book Day I thought it was a day that comic book stores got rid of old comic books that didn't sell. BOY WAS I WRONG!

 

What Is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day is when comic companies such as Marvel and DC Comics giveaway limited edition Comics made especially for this yearly event.

You can find a sneak peak at this year’s MARVEL comics at https://www.freecomicbookday.com/Article/210962-Look-Inside-Marvels-Free-Comic-Book-Day-Comics

and many others at https://www.freecomicbookday.com/catalog

Every store seems to have a different selection, so it is almost like a treasure hunt!

Where Does Free Comic Book Day Take Place?

Free Comic Book Day takes place at most comic book store and some retail book stores. Check your local listings for comic book stores to see if they take part in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Here in Kitchener Waterloo Area Comic Book retailers are

LOOKIN FOR HEROES
93 Ontario St S

Kitchener, ON, N2G1X5

(519) 570-0873

 

HAGANLAND INC

3310 KING STREET EAST

KITCHENER, ON, N2A1B3

(519) 569-9431

 

CARRY-ON COMICS and BOOKS

32 King Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J2W8

(519) 886-4267

 

J and J Cards And Collectables

230 Weber Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J3H4

(519) 725-0443

 

RETRO ROCKET COMICS AND TOYS

124 Bishop Street North

Unit 14

Cambridge, ON, N3H2K1

(519) 653-4460

 

THE DRAGON
55 Wyndham St N

Unit T-19B

Guelph, ON, N1H7T8

(519) 763-5544

 

If none of those locations are near you then make sure to visit the Free Comic Book Day Store Locator Page

If you know of a local retailer participating in Free Comic Book Day that is not on this list, make sure to leave it in the comment section of the post!

Make sure to come back after you did your Free Comic Book Day run and let us know which comics you received!

Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-care Survival Guide for the First Year – Enter To Win

We'll start with the Disclaimer – Yes, we did receive complimentary copy, but this just means we're able to offer you a chance to win one too! Enter the contest at the end of this post!

 

Blogging Moms Doing Big Things

Many of our readers know that we consider ourselves early adopters of social media.  Through those early days of blogging and posting we connected with many other Canadian Bloggers via twitter.  That is how we first connected with Maria Lianos-Carbone first known to us as @amotherworld.  Since those OG twitter days the term “Mom Blogger” has evolved into “Digital Influencer” and many of our early twitter connections have evolved themselves as well.  Today I am happy to announce that Maria has released her first book, Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-care Survival Guide for the First Year and let me tell you why it was the book we wish we had around when we first became Moms.

Oh, Baby There Is A Lot of Info in This Book

From the time this book begins it makes you well aware that bringing home a new baby means there is a new reality waiting for you as soon as you leave the hospital.  All those preparations you thought were important quickly change once you experience your first sleepless night.  Maria’s book lets you know that you are not alone in the process and that many new parents are going through the same issues and emotions as you.  By taking the time to read each chapter you become aware of what that first year really entails.  Everything from swaddling to spit up is covered in this book.  Along with the quotes and advice from parents, you get a real picture of what “bringing home baby” is really like.  For me, the best piece of advice is the shopping list of items that every Mom should have when she returns home after labour.  Let’s just say in my case, it would have saved me a pit stop at Shoppers Drug Mart on my route home from the hospital.  Whether you are a first-time parent or looking for a fantastic Baby Shower Gift, this book fits the bill. It will be a welcome addition to those welcoming a new addition to their family.

Enter To Win 

Raincoast Books has permitted us to giveaway a copy of Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-care Survival Guide for the First Year to a lucky reader!

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and tell us why you want to read this book in the comments at the bottom. It may just win you a copy! (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 giveaway is for Canadian residents only, aged 18+. 

If you are selected as the winner, your contact info will be given to the prize provider.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get Ready For Canada’s 150th Birthday With Canada ABC – Enter To Win

Here in Canada we are getting set for a 2017 celebration! Canada turns 150 years old next year! There will be activities across the country to mark the occasion but you can get the celebration started at your house be reading CANADA ABC by Paul Covello.

This wonderful ABC book has bright illustrations and something Canadian to go with each letter of the alphabet.  Being listed as one of the TOP 25 BOOKS FOR FALL by Today’s Parent, you can be sure that this book will quickly rise in popularity and will make a great Christmas/Holiday gift for the children in your family.

We are so excited to have such a fantastic book about Canadian culture that we are holding a giveaway for the CANADA ABC book!

A is for Arctic, B is for Beaver...

A gloriously bright and detailed board book for the very young highlights Canada’s iconic symbols, souvenirs and events, including the Dogsled, Inuksuk, Loonie, Totem Pole and the Zamboni machine.

For more information about the CANADA ABC book, visit these sites

Website: http://www.paulcovello.com/Canada-ABC

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulcovello

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

Enter To Win

We are giving away a FREE CANADA ABC book! 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 Canadian memory.

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Birdy Book Series - Review, Event And Giveaway

Getting To Know The Author

As many of the readers of this blog know I wear many hats (and a tiara) which includes working at The Sign Depot where I regularly attend Chamber of Commerce meetings.  Recently Stephanie Van De Ven joined our group as a representative of Lutherwood (which is a wonderful community organization).  When we got to talking she let me know that she follows this blog and was working on an upcoming children's book.  Now that that book has been published we thought it would be a great book for the familes visit this blog.

Review Of The Birdy Book Series

The Birdy Book Series is great book for families with children in the 4-7 age range.  As you can see in the image above it provides Life Lessons and Positive Affirmations for Kids and Their Families. It is well written and beautifully illustrated.  It teaches children about the power of positivity in an easy to follow format.  There are even spots for families to write there reflections in the book.  These areas are called My Mindful Reflection Section.  I always say if I need to remember something I write it down.  This takes that idea and turns it into a positive mental attitude.

Meet The Author Event

Our friends at Chapters Waterloo are hosting a FREE Author Event with Stephanie and The Birdy Book Series on June 6th at 10:30am.
Here are some of the event details

• Kids who sign up can create and decorate their own little bird houses, and will receive a goody bag to take home!
• Stephanie will read a story from her book as well!
• Juynet who many of you may know from various Kitchener Market and local events will be performing and giving away copies of his CD to those who purchase The Birdy Book at the event.
• The Chapters Waterloo Starbucks location will be offering 50% hot beverages during the event.

To get all the information be sure to RSVP on the event page https://www.facebook.com/events/1389840721343184

If you cannot attend the event you can always click here to purchase her book online

Enter To Win

Want a chance to win this adorable book?
I have a signed copy of The Birdy Book to giveaway to one lucky reader (Canadian Residents Only).

Stephanie asks her readers, "what is your song" so it is part of our contest!

What keeps you in a positive state of mind? In other words, what is your song?
Answer in the comments and here are the full contest instructions.
The contest listed below (might take a minute to load the rafflecopter contest form. If the contest does not pop up, clear your cache and refresh) is for a chance to win a signed copy of The Birdy Book. Be sure to post your answer to the question listed in the Rafflecopter Widget in the comment section below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More Boredom Busters - Book Review

Making The Most Of March Break

Caroline Fernandez has created a follow up to her Boredom Busters book.  2015 brings More Boredom Busters to the bookshelves with over 50 activities for kids age 7 and up! With March Break this week, the timing is perfect!

What You Will Like About It

Many of the activities in the book use items that can be found in most households. From empty yogurt containers to toilet paper rolls your family will be able to upcycle many of the items that would end up in your recycle bin.  For the extra crafting items you need for the activity, I would guess you could find a lot of things your need at the local dollar store. 

Also the book is set up by season so it can be used as a learning tool to teach about special occasions. Think of all the artistic "Make Ahead" gifts you could be making too!

Here is an example of a spring art craft to make for Mother's Day.



Plus the you don't have to worry about bookmarking all the pages.  The index in the back is designed to be very helpful to see a quick list of what project you might be interested in creating.

What Will You Make?

Do you have some creative "makers" in your home? Or perhaps you are looking to let your inner "crafter" out. Let us know in the comments what you like to craft at home.  Need some inspiration? For ideas we suggest heading out to grab More Boredom Busters! Perhaps you can get it when you head to the Chapters Waterloo March Break events this week!

Canada Doodles Review and Canada Day Link Up

We'll start with the Disclaimer - Yes I did receive a complimentary signed book, but this just means I'm able to offer you some FREE activity pages from the Canada Doodles Book. See the images at the bottom of this post!

Get Set For Canada Day

July 1st will be here before you know it! Here is Kitchener Waterloo there are lots of Canada Day Celebrations but here's another great way to get set for Canada Day!

Grab a copy of CANADA DOODLES by Megan Radford

Canada Doodles is fun activity book for all ages.  The activities include things like drawing sprinkles on Tim Hortons doughnuts to colouring CFL fans painted chests. There is even some "local-love" by designing the costumes the Stratford Shakespear Festival performers are wearing.  It also includes a lot of little known Canadian Heritage facts along with some of our favorite "Canadian-isms" This doodle book would be great to give as a gift for someone, and is a great size for shipping! Do you know a Canadian who is living outside of Canada? This book would certainly bring them great memories of home.

 

Show Us Your Doodles

We want to see your doodles! Print out the images below (click on the image to enlarge) and tweet us pics of your finished doodle sheets! Tweet them to @Those2Girls and the books author @MeganRadford and I'm sure the Canada Doodles publisher @RaincoastBooks would love to see them too!

 

 

More Ways To Celebrate Canada Day

Looking for more ways to get ready for Canada Day? Check out these links and be sure to add your own Canada Day themed post to the link up!

Free Comic Book Day In Kitchener Waterloo And Area

Free Comic Book Day  Locations In The Kitchener Waterloo Area

 

 

The first Saturday in May is FREE COMIC BOOK Day!

 

 

 

I have always been a fan of Free Comic Book Day! It is a great day to see what is buzzing in your community.  When I first heard of Free Comic Book Day I thought it was a day that comic book stores got rid of old comic books that didn't sell. BOY WAS I WRONG!

 

 

What Is Free Comic Book Day?

Free Comic Book Day day when comic companies such as Marvel and DC Comics giveaway limited edition Comics made especially made for this yearly event.

It happens yearly on the first Saturday in May. So many comic book stores in many areas participate! Some years double the fun when that Saturday happens to be May the 4th aka Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You)

 

Where Does Free Comic Book Day Take Place?

Free Comic Book Day takes place at most comic book store and some retail book stores. Check you local listings for comic book stores to see if they take part in FREE COMIC BOOK DAY.  Here in Kitchener Waterloo Area Comic Book retailers are

 

LOOKIN FOR HEROES
93 Ontario St S

Kitchener, ON, N2G1X5

(519) 570-0873

 

CARRY-ON COMICS and BOOKS

32 King Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J2W8

(519) 886-4267

 

J and J Cards And Collectables

230 Weber Street North

Waterloo, ON, N2J3H4

(519) 725-0443

 

RETRO ROCKET COMICS AND TOYS

124 Bishop Street North

Unit 14

Cambridge, ON, N3H2K1

(519) 653-4460

 

THE DRAGON
55 Wyndham St N

Unit T-19B

Guelph, ON, N1H7T8

(519) 763-5544

 

ALTERNATE ICONS
257 Marlborough St
Brantford, ON, N3S4T4

(519) 720-0771

 

If none of those locations are near you then make sure to visit the Free Comic Book Day Store Locator Page

 

If you know of a local retailer participating in Free Comic Book Day that is not on this list make sure to leave it in the comment section of the post!

 

Make sure to come back after you did your Free Comic Book Day run and let us know which comics you received!

 

 





 

Easter, Elmira Maple Syrup Festival and a Free Ebook

Happy Easter!

We have a special EASTER GIFT for you! From now until Easter Sunday March 31, 2013 get a **FREE** ABC Ebook from a local author! Grab it here while it's still available http://www.amazon.ca/Alberts-Sports-Alphabet-Adventures-ebook/dp/B00BY9UOWK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364381378&sr=8-1ar

Source: amazon.ca viaLisa on Pinterest

Easter Egg Hunts and Activities
We made a post dedicated to the 2013 Easter Egg Hunts! It can be found here http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.ca/2013/03/easter-egg-hunts-in-kitchener-waterloo.html

Ongoing
March KPL Calendar
http://on.evanced.info/kpl/lib/eventcalendar.asp?Lib=All

March WPL Calendar
http://www.wpl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/MB-flier-2013.pdf

March Cambridge Libraries Calendar
http://www.cambridgelibraries.ca/calendar/date/2013-03/args/all/all/all

Comic Creators Exhibit at Waterloo Museum (Conestoga Mall)
http://www.waterloo.ca/en/government/currentexhibition.asp
running until May 31, 2013

Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Is Happening Soon!
April 6 from 7am-4pm
http://www.elmiramaplesyrup.com/
Here is there official event listing http://www.elmiramaplesyrup.com/the-festival/


Monday, April 15, 2013
Taste Of Woolwich
at Breslau Mennonite Church, 226 Woolwich St. S.
Meet local farmers and restaurateurs, see cooking demonstrations by chefs and local youth, sample and buy savory foods, and learn about the benefits of buying local!
Admission $5 per family; $2 per adult
Times and activities are listed here http://ow.ly/hW8OO

Mark May 18th off on your calendar!!!! We're hosting another Family Friendly Event at the Kitchener Market!
Make sure to come to FOOD REVOLUTION DAY at Kitchener Market!!! You can find the details here http://stufftodowithyourkidsinkw.blogspot.ca/2013/03/food-revolution-day-at-kitchener-market.html

As always if I missed a great FREE or LOW COST event be sure to post it in the comments!
Keep Smiling!
Lisa