Who can resist Mickey and the gang?Disney just seems to get it right when it comes to family outings and entertainment; that’s why we were so excited to head down to the Rogers Centre for Disney on Ice presents Mickey and Minnie’s Magical Journey.
My husband, who has a slight obsession for all things Disney, was looking forward to taking in the music and waving hello to the Characters (yes, he actually waved).I was looking forward to the figure skating and family-time.The kids were looking forward to the ice cream and cotton candy.Don’t get me wrong, they were really excited for the show – in conjunction with the snacks.
We arrived early and settled into our seats.Familiar music played in the background:Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid.My daughter began reading the program (my son had gone with my husband to get – surprise – snacks).I checked my blackberry for e-mails (yes, I’m one of those moms); checked on the baby, who we’d left behind at grandma’s; consulted my play-date agenda for the winter-break… the lights went down and the show began.
Jackpot.
The seats in front of us were occupied by small children and we had a clear view of the stage.
I am five feet tall. Let me tell you that small luxuries, such as this, matter.
Rats.
The kid in front of me has one of those light-up, swirling, noisy, hand-held, costs-a-fortune-impulse-buys (availablefor purchase both out by the concessions and on either side of the stage).All around us, Disney items were available for purchase and consumption: taste, touch, hear, see, and smell.We were immersed.But, this is to be expected, I think.
Four Disney musicals – The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch and Peter Pan – are woven into one interconnected show.The storylines are condensed, but retain the essential moments and, most importantly, our favourite songs.
I’m not trying to be sappy here, but the best ice dancing occurred during the love songs (“Can you feel the love tonight,”“Kiss the Girl”).I must give credit, though, to the 15-20 monkeys at the beginning who really just stole the show from Mickey et.al.Perhaps, though, monkeys are naturally better figure skaters than mice?
My daughter was amazed at how “flexible” the dancers were.She also wondered why Mickey “makes all those hand motions” when he talks.
The variety of sets, props, and costumes were particularly impressive.Ariel looked longingly at Prince Eric on the upper-stage; Tinkerbell and Peter Pan (suspended from the ceiling) “flew” over the stage; small fireworks punctuated the storyline; a huge inflatable crocodile finally ate Captain Hook.
My children liked the bubbles released into the air during “Under the Sea.”
For Disney enthusiasts, the show was “classic” Disney.We even clapped for Tinkerbell (you know, to show her we “believe”).There were numerous familiar references to Disney storylines, characters, and songs.It wasn’t exactly “fresh,” but it was pleasantly nostalgic.
My children said they liked the funny parts the best.
Yes, Disney still does slapstick humour; and, yes, children still get a “kick” out of it (pun intended; you can all groan now).Goofy keeps falling on the ice and dropping his suitcases.Captain Hook kicks Smee and calls him silly names.
My favourite part?I really did love having some special family time.I was happy to give my children these special treats – an outing, a show, sticky-messy junk food…
The moment I was most impressed by Disney?That would be when I found a small, packaged wet-nap at the bottom of that bag of cotton candy.
Double-jackpot.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey is taking audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends at the Rogers Centre in Toronto from December 25, 2010 to January 2, 2011. You can save $5 dollars on the upcoming show by using the promo code BLOG. This offer is not valid on Rinkside, Front Row or VIP seats. Some restrictions may apply. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-870-8000. Learn more at www.rogerscentre.com or at www.disneyonice.com.
Holiday time is approaching, and we have some fabulous gift ideas and savings to make your preparations easier. Avoid the lines and parking headaches … browse online and shop from the comfort of your computer.
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Applause! Toy Store Sponsored Listing Applause! Toy Store is a magical place filled with toys, games, puzzles and crafts for kids of all ages. Featuring a full range of Plan Toys, the latest baby gear, and fun-filled stocking stuffers, you’re sure to find something just right for the kids on your list. Coupon code: KIDSAROUNDCANADA for 15% off until December 31, 2010
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Gifts by Material, Origin or Brand! Sponsored Listing: The Polka Dot Pond Shop has a large selection of wooden and organic toys from top-selling brands such as Plan Toys, ImagiPlay, HABA, Sprig and Anamalz. Filter by material or origin to refine your choices! You can find gifts for the entire family this holiday season! Coupon: 10% off plus free shipping with coupon KACGG10
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TORONTO, ON – The waiting is over! Mastermind Toys, Canada’s largest independent specialty toy retailer, will drop its annual gift guide this week featuring over 400 toys, games, books and puzzles. Prices in the holiday gift guide range from $2.99 for Lego Minifigures to $299.99 for the Radio Flyer Family Wagon, offering customers a variety of affordable price options suitable for everyone’s budget.
“The Wow factor is clearly evident in our toy selection this year,” said Jon Levy, co-founder and chief toy buyer for Mastermind Toys. “All of the items featured in our gift guide represent a combination of fun, innovation, quality and value, resulting in lots of choices for the perfect present.”
A digital version of Mastermind’s 56-page gift guide will be available for download at www.mastermindtoys.com. All gift guide items are available at Mastermind’s 11 GTA locations and online. Mastermind Toys ships across North America and offers free gift wrapping, plus personalized gift tags for all online orders.
To help consumers get started on their toy-buying mission, Mastermind has prepared a list of the Top 24 Toys ranging in age from birth to 12 years. Over half of the items listed in the Top 24 are under $40.00.
MASTERMIND TOYS: TOP 24
1. GIANT FOAM BUILDING SETS, 2 IN 1 ROCKET AND BOAT/2 IN 1 RACECAR AND AIRCRAFT ($79.95) AGES 4+
These brand new foam building sets are perfect for the playroom! Each comes with colourful and durable foam pieces that assemble to make two large models for play, and there are two different models to build! Build a giant race car then turn it into a plane, or build a rocket and convert it into a boat!
2. CHUGGINGTON WOODEN RAILWAY SYSTEM (PRICES VARY: $12.95-$149.95) AGES 3+
A Mastermind Exclusive! Welcome to Koko, Wilson, Brewster, and all of their friends from the hit TV show! This brand new system of wooden railway features new and exciting sets like a two-story roundhouse, a clock tower figure-eight set, and tons of fun new chunky characters for zippy railway play!
3. HAND-CRANK SLOT CARS ($39.95/$49.95) AGES 8+
Slot-car racing using kid power! Just like classic slot cars, this set lets you race your rides around the track as the cars stick to the slots. The difference is that YOU are the power source! Turn the hand crank faster and slower to increase and decrease your speed to skid through the corners, avoid crashing, and win the race! A Mastermind Exclusive!
4. LITE HAWK RC HELICOPTER ($49.95) AGES 8+
The world’s BEST remote-control helicopter! The Lite Hawk has a special stabilizing system and precise controls for addictive, up-in-the-air, easy-to-fly fun!
5. TRUNKI “LUGGAGE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE” ($49.95) AGES 3+
Junior jetsetters will love traveling this holiday when they pack their funky Trunki, the lightweight luggage for little people! Featuring a fun and colourful design, this ride-on luggage is filled with kid-friendly features like chunky wheels and a tow-strap for easy travel, internal straps, secret compartments and more!
6. FUN EXPLORERS PIRATE SHIP PLAYSET ($129.95) AGES 3+
Ahoy young swashbucklers! This giant pirate ship play set comes with all the fixings…er…riggings! Pirate figures, cannons, sharks and more hide in and amongst this giant ship, which also folds open for interactive interior play!
7. BAMBOO SUNSHINE DOLLHOUSE ($229.95) AGES 3+
This cool three-storey dollhouse takes “GREEN” to a whole new level! Made entirely from sustainable bamboo, this bright and open-concept modern dollhouse has a real working solar panel that absorbs light and powers 5 LED lights inside the house!
8. MY BACKYARD BBQ SET ($119.95) AGES 3+
Who says you can’t get grilling in winter? This sizzling giant wooden BBQ play set is realistic-looking with an opening hood, temperature dials, and even a collapsible side table, just like the real thing!
9. RADIO FLYER CLASSIC BUMPER CAR RIDE-ON ($79.95) AGES 1+
Your walls are safe again! This classic, cool red bumper car comes with fun sounds including a honking horn and features a soft foam bumper for safe ride-on and furniture-friendly play!
10. 10 ASSORTED LEGO GAMES
A new way to play with two of the greatest things in the world combined: board games and Lego! Lego games take classic board game play and add their signature building fun to the mix! With 10 great games, here are two of our faves:
• Harry Potter Lego Game ($39.95) Ages 8+
Build your own Hogwarts game board and help Harry and friends navigate the magical maze to win!
• Ramses Pyramid Lego Game ($39.95) Ages 8+
Build your game board to create Ramses Pyramid, where the object is to get your explorer to the top of this ever-shifting Lego pyramid. But beware of the cursed mummies along the way!
11. PLAY HOUSE GYM LAMAZE ($99.95) AGES BIRTH AND UP
This gym grows with baby! It starts as a classic playmat with archway, covered in fun activities. As baby grows it can transform into an activity mat and finally a play dollhouse. This three-in-one gym was created for three different stages of development!
12. GIANT MAC TRUCK BRUDER ($129.95) AGES 4+ This giant Mac truck toy is super-realistic, and features a real working crane that goes over four feet high! Bruder makes the VERY best truck toys!
13. GRAPHIC T-SHIRT STUDIO SET ($49.95) AGES 8+
Make old T-Shirts new again, or take boring T-shirts from blah to bling! This kit has EVERYTHING your favourite fashionista will need to create her own cool look: fabric markers, ribbon, stencils, and the “Cooler Jeweller”! This piece allows you to simply and safely affix gems and rhinestones to your shirts for amazing designs.
14. BEEP BEEP WORLD (PRICES VARY: $3.95-$39.95) AGES 1+
A Mastermind Exclusive! This new line of car-play toys for little ones is perfectly designed! The track snaps together easily like a puzzle, and the cars start and stop with a simple pat to their roof! Other toys in the line include a fun parking garage and ramp racer set.
15. KISS NATURALS KITS ($14.95 - $19.95) AGES 5+
These Canadian-made, do-it-yourself kits are perfect for craft time! Make your own lip balm, bath fizzies, soap and more with these different kits, all made with 100% natural ingredients.
16. CRAFTY ADVENT CALENDAR KIT ($24.95) AGES 5+
A Mastermind Exclusive! Countdown to Christmas with a make-your-own advent calendar! This easy-to-do craft has 150 peel-and-stick felt shapes for you to decorate your advent calendar. When you’re done, fill it with treats for each day!
17. ZIPFY AND ZIPFY JR. ($39.95/$29.95) VARIOUS AGES
Congratulations! The bestselling mini-luge has a new baby brother. The Zipfy is simply the most fun you’ll have on the hills this winter, and the all-new Zipfy Jr. is safely sized for younger riders!
18. SUPER-STAR STAGE MICROPHONE ($39.95) AGES 4+
A star is born! The Super Star Microphone comes with a stand and cool sound effects like applause. The best part is you can sing along to your favourite tunes since it includes an MP3 jack as well!
19. 4D CITYSCAPE PLAYSETS ($29.95) AGES 10+
Your favourite cities, including Toronto, in a cool 700-piece puzzle format! Assemble the puzzle to form the base, complete with glow-in-the dark streets and street names, and then add the major building landmark pieces to complete your cool cityscape model!
20. STICKY MOSAICS BLINGLETS KIT ($19.95) AGES 5+
This Made in Canada kit is blingtastic! Make your own stylish jewelry with a kit that lets kiddie crafters stick and style their way to 12 different blinglets, using over 700+ sparkling jewel stickers!
21. TOTALLY GROSS GAME ($24.95) AGES 8+
A dose of gross helps makes science fun! This board game for kids features icky experiments and activities in a fast-paced game that camouflages learning with fun!
22. CHRISTMAS BOX OF QUESTIONS ($19.95) ALL AGES
Designed to inspire fun and great conversation, this fun-filled box of questions is great for a family gathering over the holidays. The box is filled with questions like “what is your favourite ornament on the tree and why?” A perfect present to start a new family tradition.
23. SNOW PLAY BOOK ($18.95) ALL AGES
The perfect book for the snow lover-young and old. With crazy creatures to build, challenging games to play, and outrageous spaces to sculpt, author Birgitta Ralston, a Europe-based designer, has imagined 25 creative ways to play in the snow including how to build a Loch Ness monster and a giant frosted snow cake.
24. TY LIL’ ONES ($4.95) AGES 3+
Don’t let the small package fool you; these are some of the cutest and hottest dolls available! From the maker of Beanie Babies, each Lil’ One is beautifully made, perfectly poseable, and comes with a trendy outfit and a miniature pet!
ABOUT MASTERMIND TOYS
Celebrating its 26th year in operation, Toronto-based Mastermind Toys was founded in 1984 by brothers Andy and Jonathan Levy. Mastermind is Canada’s largest and most successful independently-owned, specialty toy retailer with 11 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Both in-store and online, Mastermind carries over 10,000 educational and fun toys, books, games, puzzles and software offering exceptional service and complimentary gift wrap. Visit www.mastermindtoys.com. Mastermind Toys can also be followed on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.
My family went to Camp Spooky at Canada’s Wonderland last weekend, and had a wonderful time. The day offered all of the fun of Canada’s Wonderland and so much more.
I am delighted to share some of the reasons why this new seasonal event is such a hit with kids, and their parents.
• The weather was gorgeous and Canada’s Wonderland offered a great way to enjoy the best of the season outdoors.
• The line-ups for the rides were significantly shorter than the summer, and we did not have to wait more than five to ten minutes in Kidzville to enjoy the excitement which makes Canada’s Wonderland a favourite family attraction.
• Canada’s Wonderland was decorated for Fall and Halloween fun with hay bales, pumpkins, straw and more. There were also staff and visitors in costume, adding to the fun.
• All children had the chance to collect pre-Halloween treats as part of a vampire treasure hunt that led them to several stations where they could collect a spider ring, lollipops, vampire teeth and more. Their ‘map’ was collected beside the carousal.
• A costume parade gave dressed-up children the chance to show off their costumes.
• Charlie Brown was on hand to build Halloween excitement early and take photos.
• Charlie Brown’s Trick or Treat live, an all-new live show had audiences clapping and smiling.
• In the playground area, children could walk around life size displays of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, while the story played over loudspeakers.
… And all the while, parents had the chance to enjoy the nostalgia of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang from our own childhoods, and see the glimmer in their kids’ eyes all over again. In fact, as my younger child left Canada’s Wonderland we heard “Can we come back again tomorrow?”
Camp Spooky is happening on Saturdays and Sundays in October from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets
Destination Jungle encourages children to explore the joys of reading
TORONTO, June 30 /CNW/ - The TD Summer Reading Club, one of Toronto Public Library’s free cornerstone programs for children, is now up and running. This summer, reading with a flashlight under the covers and imagining lions and tigers and monkeys, will be a fun way for kids to keep up with their reading skills thanks to the TD Summer Reading Club. This year’s theme is “Destination Jungle.”
To encourage participation, Toronto Public Library is offering reading games, challenges and discussions, book-related crafts, author visits and storytelling sessions at its 99 branches. The TD Summer Reading Club website, http://tdsrc.torontopubliclibrary.ca also has all kinds of activities, reading lists and related sleuthing fun. To find out more, pick up a copy of the July-August What’s On at local branches, or visit the library website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca for details about Destination Jungle programs and events.
“Statistics show Canadian kids aren’t reading enough: four in 10 youths have insufficient reading skills,” said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Financial Group and TD’s Literacy Champion. “We can help make an improvement by encouraging more children to read at a younger age. The TD Summer Reading Club is a fun and engaging approach to helping Canadian families foster a love of reading during the summer months and for many years beyond.”
Now in its fifteenth year, the TD Summer Reading Club is a partnership with the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. There were over 500,000 participants across Canada in last year’s program, reading more than 1.9 million books before heading back to school in September. In Toronto, more than 30,000 children participated in the program last year.
Toronto Public Library is the world’s busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
The Mastermind Toys Warehouse Sale is coming May 26th to June 2nd.
Save up to 70% on baby & toddler toys, cuddly plush, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, Corolle Dolls, Lego, Playmobil, Groovy Girls, books, loot bag items, Thomas the Tank Engine, Ravensburger, jewellery, Melissa and Doug, outdoor toys and more.
One Location Only - 415 Milner Avenue (located East of Markham Road, North of Highway 401 on Milner Avenue).
Free parking is available on location. All sales final.
Warehouse Sale Hours:
May 26 to 28 - 9 am to 8 pm
May 29 - 9 am to 6 pm
May 30 - 11 am to 5 pm
May 31 to June 2 - 10 am to 5 pm
Everywhere you turn in May you find wonderful Mother’s Day ideas to treat this extraordinary lady in your life. From restaurant brunch specials to fancy (and expensive!) flower bouquets to chi-chi spa treatments. All of these are wonderful and thoughtful gifts you can give your mother or request if you are the mother in question but this year I am taking a pass! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a nice meal out, a bouquet of fragrant roses and a hot stone massage just like any sane woman but this year I want something different for my mother’s day. I want nothing. And I want to enjoy that nothing on my own! I love my kids and husband to the end of the earth and back again but sometimes a mom just needs to recharge her batteries and she can’t do that at a Denny’s with a rose corsage! So on May 9th I am asking dear hubby to take the kids out for breakfast and a long, long play at the park while I enjoy not one but two cups of Maple Cinnamon Coffee in peace and quiet. I’ll spread out the morning paper and read the sections I want to without interruption and then indulge in a couple of Spinach & Ricotta Hotcakes with Honey Ham (extra Crème Fraiche please.). After that I’ll unlock the door, turn the phone back on and welcome my little family home with open arms, a renewed spirit and satisfied tummy! Happy Mother’s Day.
MAPLE CINNAMON COFFEE
Makes 8 cups
Preparation 10 minutes
Notes: This coffee is an excellent way to start your morning off. The syrup and whipped cream are the perfect exchange for your usual milk and sugar!
Ingredients:
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 4 heaping tablespoons good quality coffee
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 cups (2L) cold water
• 1 cup whipped cream - optional
1. Pour the maple syrup into the bottom of a coffee pot.
2. Place coffee in filter and sprinkle cinnamon on top of grounds.
3. Brew coffee. Stir brewed coffee with wooden spoon ensuring maple syrup is dissolved.
4. Pour coffee into mugs or cups and top with whipped cream if desired.
SPINACH & RICOTTA HOTCAKES WITH HONEY HAM
Serves 4
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking 10 minutes
Notes: These hotcakes are hearty enough for brunch, lunch or dinner. Simply serve a green salad on the side. You could also substitute smoked salmon for the honey ham.
1. Sift the flour and the baking powder into a bowl. Stir in the egg yolks and buttermilk until combined. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the chives and ricotta
2. Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and spoon in batter to make 3 small hotcakes about 12cm in diameter. Cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface; flip continuing to cook for a further 1 minute. Set aside in a warm place and continue with remaining batter.
3. To serve, top hotcakes with sliced ham and crème fraiche.
Nadine Hughes is the creator and owner of, The Cook’s Companion and The Menu Companion, through which she offers kitchen consultations, menu planning services as well as private cooking classes for adults and teens throughout Southern Ontario. She is also an award winning author. Pick up a copy of her latest cookbook “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet – Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining” (awarded Best Canadian Entertaining Cookbook at the 2009 Gourmand Cookbook Awards) for $7.98 at www.groovemamma.com
Fresh from being a finalist for a Nickelodeon Award, 
If you are looking for a holiday gift that will make your child’s eyes twinkle and their smile widen, browse our award-winning collection at 
Here’s a unique gift idea that lasts all year long! Subscribe to the 
Online shopping is the answer to avoid holiday shopping stress. Let us do all the work, while you sip a cup of tea at your desk! Support the health of your children, and the health of the planet by purchasing non-toxic products this Christmas. 
With Christmas around the corner, 
Looking for that special Holiday gift that any child would love? Need a Company Holiday Party idea? Look no further then the 
• The weather was gorgeous and Canada’s Wonderland offered a great way to enjoy the best of the season outdoors.
rown was on hand to build Halloween excitement early and take photos.
