Wednesday, March 11, 2020

I Still Believe Tests the Boundaries of Love, Faith, Hope, Forgiveness and Family – Enter to Win Run of Engagement Passes

Disclaimer: Yes this is a sponsored post, but that just means there is a chance for to try to win Run of Engagements passes to see this film! Enter the contest at the end of this post.





Last month I told you how excited I was to be able to review I Still Believe, a film that caught my attention with this trailer last summer 


and how this film was making its way to Canada with Canadian Singer Shania Twain in the cast.  


After screening the film last weekend, I am thrilled to say that these trailers did not disappoint.
This film is based on the true story of Jeremy Camp. It is a story that is emotional and endearing.
In fact, Seventeen Magazine put this boundary breaking film first on their list of the most romantic movies of 2020!



There are so many takeaways from this film. 

It begins with a family preparing as their son is leaving for college and how it affects all the family members, especially the youngest son, who is troubled by his brother leaving home.  You immediately learn about the connection that Jeremy has to his family and how important he is to his siblings.

As the story progresses you learn of the role music plays in Jeremy’s life and how attending one concert changed his trajectory.

What you may not expect from this film is how turmoil was created between Jeremy and the new faces in his life.  This includes a love triangle, a secret romance, betrayal of a friendship, a severe diagnosis, some parental disapproval, the power of forgiveness and how one’s faith can be tested. 

Through these challenges Jeremy experiences love, heartbreak, strength and hope.  He channels these experiences through song writing and the notes he sings as an artist.
Below you can hear KJ Apa, who plays the role of Jeremy Camp, and how he found his voice.


Can one love change your life?




You will have to see for yourself this Friday March 13th when I Still Believe hits theatres.
Check your local listings for theatres and showtimes
To learn more about the film, be sure to visit these links

Enter for a Chance to Win
To mark the release of I Still Believe we are giving away TWO pairs of Run of Engagement Passes to see the film.  Be sure to comment why you would like to see it and fill out the rafflecopter entries below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Spring Forward with International Cooking Classes at Kitchener Market – Enter to Win

Disclaimer, yes we received free admission to this event, that just means we are able to giveaway a chance to attend too! Enter the contest at the end of this post.





Now is the time to spring forward and switch things up a bit.  Trying something new is a great way to start off this spring.  This week the Kitchener Market is hosting a lesson in THAI COOKING as part of their International Cooking Classes.  It is taking place on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 6:30pm at the Upper Marketplace Kitchen inside the Kitchener Market.
Event Details:
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 to learn about all of the different components of Thai cuisine, and leave with recipes for some of your favorite meals from Thailand. This is a demonstration and not hands on, but you may be invited to come up with the chef if interested.
To register for this class visit
The cost to register is $52 per person and spots are filling fast!

Enter to win a Parents’ Night Out

The International Cooking Classes at Kitchener Market make for great Parents’ Night Out events.  It combines the fun of going out for dinner along with a shared learning experience.  To celebrate springing forward we are giving away a pair of passes to this week’s Thai Cooking Class! Think of it as adding some spice to your spring!

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to tell us with what type of cooking class you would like to see at the Kitchener Market in 2020.  (it works best if you are logged into your google account when commenting). It may just win you a pair of tickets to attend this week’s Kitchener Market Cooking Class.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Saturday, February 29, 2020

March Break, St. Patrick's Day, KW Titans Promo Codes and More March 2020 Stuff To Do in Kitchener Waterloo



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 a list of ongoing events followed by our Monthly Blast



Make sure you are following us!




Ongoing Events

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



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
The Creekside Playground is open on Sundays and is available to the general public Monday through Thursday 9:30am-11:30am at various seasons throughout the year.  You do not need to be a Creekside attender to enjoy the use of the playground.
Admission is free!  Aside from regular play, special events/classes are offered throughout the week.  This is a great place for your children to play and for you to meet new friends.
Choose from 2 locations. Begins Mid September see link for info
660 Conservation Drive, Waterloo.
1356 Weber St East, Kitchener.


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 to 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

register a free coding lesson from Algorithmics Waterloo:
http://Waterloo.alg.academy

Mondays
Parent and Tot Art for Babies 18 mo and younger 1-2pm at Downtown Community Centre FREE EVENT


Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)
Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.
For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.
  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Manulife Financial Soccer & Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo


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! (DATES MAY VARY DEPENDING ON THE SEASON. CHECK THE LINK TO BE SURE)


Parent and tot drop in at the Carmel New Church and School gym will be running Tuesday mornings. There will be ride-on toys, balls, slides and lots of space to run around.
Our gym opens into our nursery room where babies and little ones can play with toys or do a craft.

Tuesdays from 10-11:45 @ 40 Chapel Hill Dr. Kitchener
Ages 0-5
Free to attend
Join us and bring a friend!
We request that parents bring their own children to in order to maintain a balanced program https://www.facebook.com/events/2969967333020159


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.


Nature Play @ Kingsdale Park 3pm-6pm

Frontier College has a Reading Circle program every Tuesday evenings at Chandler Mowat! It starts this Tuesday, January 28 and runs from 6:30pm-7:30pm until Mar. 30
Wednesdays
Nature Play @ Gzowski Park 3pm-6pm


Thursdays
A FREE art program every Thursday!
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.

TOT SPOT @ Downtown Kitchener Community Centre 12:30-2:3pm
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=816047210816&set=p.816047210816&type=3&theater

Ukelele Jam Thursday Nights ages 16+ see registration info at http://www.musicatgreengables.com/ukulele
Free Community Music Jam Session (ages 16+)


Fridays


Tots at Play (Mondays and Fridays)
Unleash the kids with toys galore! Unrestricted floor space allows for tons of creative play and action games.
For newborn - 6Y. Caregivers must supervise children at all times.
  Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Manulife Financial Soccer and Sports Centre in Bechtel Park, 185 Bridge Street, Waterloo


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


Nailed It Nite will be hosting children’s DIYs every Saturday morning at the Bridgeport Community Center starting in September. Costs start at $10-$20/child www.facebook.com/naileditnite

Sundays
Open Nerf play Sunday, 10:30-12:30. Drop in, drop by, drop over. Just $15.00 at Flag Raiders indoor https://www.facebook.com/FlagRaiders/photos/a.333905425940/10157763645595941/?type=3&theater

Best Places to Toboggan in Kitchener Waterloo

Where To Skate

MARCH E-BLAST

CURRENT CONTEST

March 1
Kitchener Comic Con 11am-6pm @ Kitchener City Hall (I am not sure if there is a cost)

March 5
KCI parent Council invites parents of current and future KCI students to a parent workshop for Bystander Intervention Training. Active Bystander Training provides participants the opportunity to see themselves as potential Active Bystanders who can intervene when they are witness to abusive, isolating or stigmatizing behaviour. This training teaches them about pro-social behaviour, making them more aware of why they may be hesitant to intervene and encourages them to consider taking action in the future. The program focuses on behaviours relating to interpersonal violence (such as abuse, bullying/hazing, physical violence, dating/relationship violence, and sexual violence) and signs of loneliness or emotional distress.

March 6
MOM’S NIGHT OUT @ KITCHENER MARKET

Celebrate International Women’s Day with your girlfriends at the Kitchener Market! Join Chef Rob and learn how to assemble a beautiful charcuterie board complete with all the trimmings.   Enjoy a glass of wine, sample some new trends in appetizers and celebrate all the beautiful women in your life! Charcuterie boards will be available for purchase. Musical entertainment provided by Juneyt.

March 7
Kids in the Kitchen @ Kitchener Market 10am-11:30am HOME BAKING FREE EVENT – Register at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-03-07-1000-Kids-in-the-Kitchen

Kitchener Model Train Show 10am-3pm
KITCHENER MODEL TRAIN SHOW AND SALE takes place on Sunday, March 8th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bingemans (Marshall Hall), 425 Bingemans Centre Drive. The Kitchener Model Train Show features over 160 vendor tables, with vendors selling Model Trains of all scales including Train Sets, Locomotives, Transformers, Rolling Stock, Track, Structures, Books, Photographs, DVD's, and Railroad Memorabilia. Several new vendors will be attending this show. The show also features at least three Model Train Layouts in operation throughout the day. Admission is $5.00 per person; Children under age 12 will be admitted for Free when accompanied by an adult. THIS IS A GREAT EVENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY TO ATTEND. https://www.facebook.com/events/615577662343481/

KW Titans at the Aud @ 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 7-17
Irish Real Life Festival
Various events and locations https://www.irishreallifekw.com/

March 8
Learn to play sledge hockey (waiting to hear back if there is a cost) Noon-4pm at the Kitchener City Hall Outdoor Rink https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2994744957244434&set=pcb.10158066678650750&type=3&theater&ifg=1

KW Titans promo code for each City for $15 Adult and $10 Child Tickets
Kitchener promo code = KITGAME
Waterloo promo code = WATGAME
Cambridge promo code = CAMGAME
Waterloo Region = WRGAME
 at the Aud @ 2pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 12
KW Titans promo code for Kidsability
$17.50 Adult and $10 Child Tickets
promo code for Kidsability promo code = AllTitans2020
KW Titans at the Aud @ 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 12-13
All Things Pregnancy and Baby Expo 2020
@ Former Holiday Inn on Fairway Rd (Now Doubletree)
Thursday, March 12th from 5:00pm-9:00pm and Friday, March 13th from 10:00am-5:00pm
- Cost: FREE

March 14
Kids in the Kitchen @ Kitchener Market 10am-11:30am ST. PATRICK’S DAY FREE EVENT – Register at https://calendar.kitchenermarket.ca/default/Detail/2020-03-07-1000-Kids-in-the-Kitchen

March 14-22
Butterfly Conservatory on Kossuth is having their Bug Feast during March Break. Regular admission


CANSTURCTION @ CONESTOGA MALL
Have questions about 2020 Canstruction® Waterloo Region? Please contact us at 519-743-5576

March 16-20
Newcomer Youth Theatre Project
10am-3pm during March Break
All High School students who are new to Canada.


March 17
KW Titans at the Aud @ 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 18
KW Titans at the Aud @ 7pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 18
Carnival Day on Wednesday March 18, 2020 @ Cambridge Ice Centre  FREE public skating from 10:40am-noon and 2:10pm-3:30pm as well as balloon art by The Twisted Ones, face painting by Expressions by DSK and popcorn from Kiddies Fun Trak.

*Maximum Capacity of 200 skater, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

*Regular public skating rules and rates apply
https://www.facebook.com/events/165981168056362/

March 20
Fairytale Unicorn Princess Party
Join the March Break party with our very own
 Unicorn Princess
​Rainbow Sparkles

Unicorn Games, craft, story-time, glitter tattoos , dancing, photo time and more!
Friday,March 20, 2020
2-3:30pm
$20 per child
includes 1 free accompanying adult
22 Kevco Pl, Kitchener, Ontario

*children must be accompanied by an adult
Limited seats available.

March 21 and 22
KW Women’s Show
Be sure to visit some of our favourite Kitchener Market Chef’s there too!
Ticket info

March 22
Frozen Party @ Boston Pizza Guelph 11am-1pm Ticket cost is $20 but it doesn’t give a ticket link (I suggest you call them) https://www.facebook.com/BPGuelph/photos/gm.499748587644831/10162990221955573/?type=3&theater

KW Titans RENOS FOR HEROES promo code R4H2020 for $17.50 adult and $10 youth bowl tickets at the Aud @ 2pm https://www.kwtitans.com/

March 24
FREE TRIAL CLASS AT GRAND RIVER KARATE!
All you need is a T-shirt and track pants or shorts. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class so we can show you the facilities and answer any questions. Class starts at 7:30pm
St. Louis Auditorium - 53 Allen Street East, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo, ON
 For more information, please email: fortun@rogers.com

March 28
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny in Guelph
9am-11am Trinity United Church at 400 Stevenson St. N. Guelph
Prices: Adults $10 / Kids 6-12 $5 / Kids 5 & under FREE!!.

Menu: Pancakes, Ham, Sausages, Scrambled Eggs, Fruit Juice, Coffee and Tea.

Call for info (519) 821.2747

Kitchener-Waterloo Model United Nations V
Kitchener-Waterloo Model-United Nations (KWMUN) is Waterloo Region's premiere Model-UN organization
About this Event
Secondary students from across the region and Southwestern Ontario come to Kitchener City Hall to attend the one day conference, focusing on global economic, political and social issues. It is our goal for both beginner and advanced delegates to experience diplomacy and to inspire debate through rich discussions and accurate simulations.

March 28-29 National Snow Cross @ Chicopee One Day Pass $25, or both days for $40 info at http://snowcross.com/events/rockstar-national/

LOOKING AHEAD
GO TO THE GAME - HELP FEED THE KIDS! Get your tickets for the April 2nd KW Titans basketball game - it’s “Food4Kids Waterloo Region Night! Advance ticket sales for $20 each available via ME or Food4Kids Office and $7 from EVERY TICKET SOLD helps feed local kids! 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050c44a9aa2fa2ff2-food4kids7

Friday, February 21, 2020

#IStillBelieve is a True Love Story with a Canadian Connection – Enter to Win



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


Last year I remember seeing the trailer below for I Still Believe. As it began, I thought I was looking at a film that would be similar to A Star Is Born, but by the 30-second mark, I realized this was a different story altogether.




This film was based on a true story.  A story about love in the face of hardship and devotion despite all circumstances. That is what makes it a True Story, a Love Story, and a True Love Story.
The movie chronicles the life of Jeremy Camp, played by Riverdale’s K.J. Apa, and his wife Melissa, portrayed by Britt Robertson. Many of our readers will remember Britt Robertston from Tomorrowland.

Also starring in I Still Believe is Academy Award Nominee and Emmy winner Gary Sinise, but there is one more familiar face that may surprise you (click the twitter link below to see)




Did you see her yet? Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain is included in this star-studded cast.  Seeing Shania Twain in an acting role will be new for me, but I am looking forward to seeing how she tackles the role of Jeremy’s mom.

A new 2020 trailer for I Still Believe has been released and I was just as touched by it as I was by the one from last summer.



I Still Believe will be released next month and this looks like an inspiring film that I think our readers will enjoy.  To learn more about the film, be sure to visit these links


To mark the release of I Still Believe we are giving away a Pair of Passes to the Advance Screening happening in Kitchener Ontario on March 7th at 10am.  Be sure to comment why you would like to see it and fill out the rafflecopter entries below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Family Fun @ Kidapalooza on Family Day Weekend at Lot42 - 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 family pass to attend the event! Enter the contest at the end of this post




Family time activities at this time of the year and be hard to come by, so KIDAPALOOZA has a great festival happening they want you to attend.
The FAMILY DAY Long Weekend is just around the corner and the best plan for fun family experience is the KIDAPALOOZA event happening at Lot42 in Kitchener Ontario.

This fun filled event running from February 15th to 17th of this year, features both indoor and outdoor activities to ensure there is something for every member of your family to enjoy

Over 40,000 sq ft of INDOOR space with ​some outdoor activitiesThe event will feature Kidapalooza's signature ​activity stations, interactive inflatables, mechanical rides for the whole family, stage shows,  special guest appearances, plus so much more! You will also be able to shop local and artisan vendors along with all of the Family Festival Fun! Kidapalooza is committed to providing a hands-on, creative experience for families from all across the Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge regions!

Imagine how excited your kids will be to find out there will be a DINOSAUR EXHIBIT!
Take a look
With lots of rides, shows, hands on activities and character Meet and Greets, there will be lots to do at the event.

Other than pony rides and face-painting, all activities and rides are included in the admission price!

GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE

By buying your family pass early you save on the admission price.
Head to https://kidapalooza.ca/kitchener.html to purchase your tickets online.
NOTE the ticket prices are the COST PER DAY.

For more information visit these links

Enter To Win


We are giving away a FAMILY PASS TO ATTEND KIDAPALOOZA! 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 why you are excited attend.



Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Git Up and Get Ready for Kidz Bop Live in Kitchener – Enter to Win



Kidz Bop is on a world tour and one of the stops for this talented bunch of kids will be in Kitchener on February 22, 2020 at Centre in the Square.  We know many of the local families will be excited to take their kids to see the live performance.  The concert is sure to be memorable and to GET YOU READY, we want you to take a listen to their new release THE GIT UP


For those of you that are THE GREATEST SHOWMAN fans like we are, you will want to watch this one too!

Bopping to Kidz Bop

Now that you’ve heard the fun music that they perform, we want you to get excited about them Kidz Bop taking the stage this month!
The KIDZ BOP Kids, with more than 3 billion streams to date, have been named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artist” for nine consecutive years. The KIDZ BOP World Tour is headed to new cities in the US and Canada, including Miami, Orlando, Vancouver, and Calgary, and will be back by popular demand to New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta

Git Up and Get Your Tickets for Kidz Bop Live

Tickets start at $35 and there are even ways to upgrade to VIP! 
then scroll through all the ticket options to see what works best for you.

We are very excited that Kidz Bop is coming to Kitchener, and we are thrilled to give away a family four-pack of tickets to attend!

Enter to Win

Enter the rafflecopter contest below (it may take a minute to load) and be sure to tell us what song you hope they will perform.  (it works best if you are logged into your google account when commenting). It may just win you a four-pack of tickets to the show!

a Rafflecopter giveaway