What To Do This Weekend - Parades! SANTA! Tree Lightings!

Hey folks - Gosh, I am so late getting this out this weekend, I bet you all thought I forgot! Nope! Just busy! So, here is the short-and-sweet-nothin'-fancy version.... full details in the calendar!

NOTE: Several Santa Parades, Tree Lightings and Breakfasts with Santa this weekend! Plus, make ornaments at The Rooms, Mummers at Clay Cafe and Hobby Horses at Victoria Park.


 

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Sat Dec 1

• Mount Pearl Lions Club Santa Claus Parade
• Goulds’ Girl Guides Breakfast with Santa
• Wesley United Church Women's “Breakfast with Santa” and a mini bake sale
• St. John’s Farmers’ Market - Lion’s Club Chalet on Bonaventure Avenue 
• book signing and reading of "Under my Pillow Book" by local author Derek Peddle
• Fluvarium Kids Club - December Program: Giving Back 
• Saturday Afternoon Story time @ Mount Pearl Public Library  
• Town of Conception Bay South Christmas tree lighting
• Festival of Music and Lights
• Night Time Santa Parade (Torbay)
• Whales Sharks and Mermaids!
• Mount Pearl Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Sun Dec 2

• St. John's Kid Hava Java Play dates - Hava Java  
• Paradise District Girl Guides Brunch with Santa
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• Hobby Horse Workshops 
• Fluvarium Kids Club - December Program: Giving Back 
• THE TOWN OF PORTUGAL COVE-ST. PHILIP’S & VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Christmas Parade
• TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS (The Rooms)
• Gymboree Clothing Sale ONE DAY SALE!!!
• Clovelly Stables Family Sundays 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 

Tue Dec 4

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Weekly Tots Program at The Rooms 
• Mummer Raw Clay Class (Clay Cafe Avalon)
• THE TOWN OF PORTUGAL COVE-ST. PHILIP’S Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Wed Dec 5

• 10,000 Villages Fair Trade Gift Sale
• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 

Thu Dec 6

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Hobby Horse Workshops 

Fri Dec 7

• Gingerbread House Decorating Contest (Registration Deadline) 

Christmas Shopping - Gymboree Clothing Sale, Sunday Dec. 2nd Only!

From Naomi's Little Nook:

Gymboree Clothing Sale 

ONE DAY SALE!!!

Sunday, December 2nd 

NEW LOCATION -

Chasing Rainbows Retail Store

140 Stavanger Drive 

(same building as Sharkey's/Health Quest....at the REAR of the building!!)

10am-4pm

Glam Gifts

Got that special someone on your list who loves everything sparkly? Here's a round-up of  toys featuring Make-up, Fashion, Glitter & Bling!

Project Runway Make-Up and Hair Design Sketch Portfolio & Artist Set at Toys R Us -Includes 40 make-up and hair design sketch pages, 7 stencil sheets with 100+ stencil designs, 10 "Tree-Free" coloured pencils, 4 pencil grips, pencil sharpener, and instructions.

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Inkoos - Glitter Blingoos - Pig - White & Pink at Toys R US - Blingoos love of all things sparkly. Glam them up with glitter and gems - the shinier the better -  then follow the washing instructions to bling all over again! 

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Gelarti Designer Studio at Toys R Us - Colour and create reusable stickers!

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Ravensburger Junior Mandala-Designer at Walmart - I love Mandalas! This kit includes a star, flower, heart, and princess-face stencil with princess related designs to draw out and mix together to create a little masterpiece.

Seedling The Fashion Designer's Kit at Goodthingsforkids.com- This is my FAVOURITE Pick on this page! Kids can design, sketch and make their own unique fashions for their enclosed manikin!

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Seedling Design your own Superhero Cape at Goodthingsforkids.com - Did I already claim something as my favourite? Because I think this one is up there too! Kids can create their own superhero character and design their signature cape.

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Disney Princess Cinderella Transforming Pumpkin Carriage at Walmart - Help Cinderella arrive in style! This toy transforms from a pumpkin to a carriage and back again.

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Recall - Step2 Children's Riding Toy

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports of a recall involving Children's Riding Toy Recalled by Step2. Children who lean too far forward on the seat can go over the handle bar and hit the ground. This poses a fall hazard. See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items.

▲The firm has received four reports of incidents, with one incident resulting in head bumps and one resulting in a minor concussion and cuts to the gum and lip from the child's front teeth.

Sold at: Target and other retailers in the U.S. from January 2012 through August 2012 for about $25. HSW has confirmed with the manufacturer that 6 of the recalled toys were sold in Canada.
Corrective Action:
Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Step2 to receive a free replacement toy.
For more information, please contact Step2 toll-free at (866) 860-1887, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.step2.com, and click on the "View Details" link under Recall Information for more information.

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HSW Comment: At the time of posting this Event, Health Canada had not issued any information about this recall. Because the recalled items were sold in Canada, we elected to post this information prior to any official notice from Health Canada.  If additional information becomes available, we will update this Event.

Cool - Way Too Cool - Gifts

Hey, you. 

Yeah, you... How's it goin'?

Oh, really... A little overwhelmed, huh? Still struggling to come up with that perfect gift? 

Never fear.... here are some coooooool ideas that have caught my eye.... and I think they will capture the kids' attention too!

Set Sails Pirate Ship play set at Indigo:

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Seriously, People! I LOVE this! A friend and I saw one of these set up last week at Chapters last and we went ballistic! ....Or at least I did - I want one - it is like a doll house.... but it's a pirate ship! Oh, to have kids that age and a reason to buy it!!!! 

Creative Sorter at Indigo:

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All I can say about this one is: combining the classic shape-sorting idea with Legos is GENIUS!

Snap Circuits Jr, also at Indigo

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This smart "toy" allows children to build their own circuits and understand how electricity works! I have my eye on it for my own two kids :-)

Fisher-Price Jake Magical Sword at Walmart

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Any fan of the Jake the Pirate TV show will be sure to adore this talking sword!

Little Tikes Play n Scoot Pirate Ship at Walmart

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OK, OK, OK.... so I have a thing for pirates and their ships ;-) But this one is different.... it is a ride-on!!! I know, right! 

Switch & Go Dinos at Walmart

These cool new dinos easily transform from a dinosaur to a vehicle and back again, plus they feature wild sounds and phrases, LCD screen and pilot animations and they educate wee ones with dino facts!

LAZER TAG Single Blaster Pack at Walmart

... Another one that caught my eye with my own imps in mind. This Blaster Pack has everything they'll need for solo, team and multi player LAZER TAG battles! 

Stay tuned.... I will have more ideas this week including dolls & lovies, gifts for the fashionista and techie items!

Recall - Simply Charming Hair Clips

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Simply Charming Hair Clips. Health Canada's sampling and testing program revealed that the surface coating on the barrettes contains lead in excess of allowable limits.

See HSW Product tab for specifics on the affected items.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. See Hazard tab for more information.

Recalled rings were distributed in Canada from January 2010 to November 2012.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of the item in their regular household waste.

What To Do this Weekend - Head to the Santa Parade and see the Commisariat by Candlelight!

Santa Claus is coming to Town....

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That's right folks - Santa will be right here in St. John's on Sunday for the annual Downtown St. John's Santa Parade (12 noon start)! Combine it with a morning Playdate at HavaJava (they have toys on Sunday AM's!) and you will likely snag a prime spot - complete with a ready supply of hot chocolate and coffee - when the man in red goes by :-)

And that is not the only BIG Christmas event in town this weekend!Christmas at Commisariat House is on Saturday and Sunday 11-4 and will be fun for the whole family with festive music, Christmas pudding, crafts and more! Join them again for Commisariat by Candlelight at 7PM Saturday the 24th to light the yule log, enjoy hot cider & carols, and to tour the house by candlelight! Admission to both is a non-perishable food item.

Plus, several venues and churches continue with fundraising flea market/bake and craft events. The two biggest craft fairs this weekend are:

• the NL Sports Centre Christmas Craft Fair - start tonight, continues 10-9 tomorrow and ends at 5PM on Sunday - proceeds support the NL Sports Centre supplies and programs for kids who otherwise could not afford to participate in sports
• Gifts for Mom Project Craft Fair - Sunday - proceeds support women affected by domestic violence and their families. 

However, you likely won't want to miss the 'Twas the Month Before Christmas Fair at Queen E in CBS or the Paradise International Food & Craft Fair (both on Sunday - since you are in the area, head to the RPYCC for e Paradise Tree Lighting Ceremony too!) Also, the following Churches are hosting fall fair style events as well: St. Mary's Church; St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church; and St. Thomas Church. 

And the weekend brings even more entertainment: Family Day at Centre Des Grands Vents; Fluvarium Kids Program; Saturday Afternoon Story time at the Mt. Pearl Library; Ninja's Hideout; and St. John's Kid/Hava Java Playdate... just to name a few! As always, see calendar for complete details on these and other events :-)

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at the week ahead:

Fri Nov 23

• NL Sports Centre Christmas Craft Fair
• Yoga for Peace

Sat Nov 24

• NL Sports Centre Christmas Craft Fair
• Breakfast with Santa (Torbay) - tickets must be bought in advance
• St. Mary’s Church Christmas flea market and bake sale
• St. John’s Farmers’ Market - Lion’s Club Chalet on Bonaventure Avenue 
• St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - Christmas sale/morning coffee
• St. Thomas’ Church fall fair mini sale
• Christmas at Commisariat House 
• Humans vs Zombies (MUN)
• Holiday Open House
• Family Day/ Fest du Vent
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• Saturday Afternoon Storytime @ Mount Pearl Public Library 
• Ninja's Hideout
• Commisariat By Candlelight

Sun Nov 25

• NL Sports Centre Christmas Craft Fair
• Twas the month before Christmas - Queen E Fundraiser
• FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS @ MUN BOTANICAL GARDEN 
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• Gifts for Moms Project Craft Show
• Paradise International Food & Craft Expo
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• Christmas at Commisariat House 
• Downtown Christmas Parade
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• Clovelly Stables Family Sundays 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 
• Paradise Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Kids Acrylic Christmas Painting (Clay Cafe Avalon)

Tue Nov 27

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Weekly Tots Program at The Rooms 
• CHRISTMAS PAINTING WITH POLYMER CLAY SCULPTURE (Clay Cafe)

Wed Nov 28

• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 
• Tree Lighting (Torbay)
• Campfire Circle @ Michael Donovan Public Library

Thu Nov 29

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Christmas Tree Decorating
• Bedtime Storytime @ Marjorie Mews Public Library

Christmas Camps 2012

I have started my Christmas Camps Page.... so far, I have details on the Geo Christmas Camp on Dec. 27, 28 and 29, and the Jingle Bell Horse Camp on from  December 28-30 (Friday- Sunday). Visit the Christmas Camps 2012 page here for full details. 

If you have a camp to add, just let me know and I will include it in my next update :-)

NL Sports Centre Christmas Craft Fair

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Black Friday.... Shopping Specials

Well folks, you may have heard... the American "Black Friday" tradition has been spilling over into Canada the last few years....

In the States, Black Friday - the day after the Thursday thanksgiving Holiday - marks the start of the holiday shopping season and, rumour has it that it is the day many retail outlets go from being "in the red" (owing money for stock bought and wages) to being "in the black" (making a profit). It has been a mega-shopping day for well over 50 years - according to Wikipedia, even in the early 60's there were traffic jams due to the number of shoppers out & about!

I guess, with the high CDN dollar and the ease for the bulk of mainlanders to cross the border, combined with the popularity of online shopping, Canadian retailers felt they had to offer similar sales here - they all seem to be promoting specials for tomorrow and the weekend! Here are a few I thought I would bring to your attention:

Toys R Us - Stores open 7AM. 1/2 off select toys. Spend $100 or more and receive $15 off a future visit. They will also have online specials on Cyber Monday (Monday coming). 

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Grand River Toys - Shop online with the following codes and save (visit their site tonight at 11PM EST for a list of sale items): 

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Spend $119 Save $10 Use Code GRTBLACK12471

Spend $179 Save $20 Use Code GRTBLACK12472

Spend $239 Save $25 Use Code GRTBLACK12473

Spend $299 Save $35 Use Code GRTBLACK12474

BookCloseouts.com - 50% off 40,000 titles Black Friday through Cyber Monday 

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Ape 2 Zebra - 12% off and a "free gift" using code "BLACK":

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Sears: up to 50% off all weekend

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Happy Shopping!

SPCA Thrift Store Grand Opening Celebrations!

The SPCA thrift shop is now open on Park Ave! And, according to their Facebook page, they do accept donations of pet food/supplies for the shelter at the thrift store location...pick up an extra bag of pet food or litter, or even just drop them your old blankets and towels as bedding for the animals :-)

SPCA Thrift Store  Grand Opening Celebrations!
We are so happy about how well our new thrift store has been doing since we opened on Nov 1. We want our customers to be as happy as we are! Every week until we close for Christmas we will have a new special for you.
November 20- 30  All Adults Clothing 1/2 off December 1-7 All books 1/2 off December 8-14 All glasswear 1/2 off December 15 to 22 All Christmas items 1/2 off	Donation Facts: We do not take furniture, large appliances or computers We do accept gently used clothing- no undergarmets please Donations can only be made during store hours Drop off donations only- we do not have pick available at this time.
For more information, please contact the Thrift Store during business hours at 709-699-8885. Hours Of Operation Monday-Closed Tuesday-Noon to 9 pm Wednesday-Noon to 9pm Thursday-Noon to 9 pm Friday-Noon to 6 pm Saturday- 10 am to 6 pm Looking forward to seeing you there! 162 Park Ave, Mt.Pearl Forward this message to a friend

Recall - Metal Mood Rings

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Metal Mood Rings. Health Canada's sampling and testing program revealed that the rings contain cadmium in excess of guidance levels proposed recently by Health Canada. See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).

Recalled products were sold in vending machines located in department stores and shopping malls from December 2009 to November 2012. 

Cadmium is a heavy metal which is known to be more toxic than lead. Both are known to be very toxic metals, especially for children. A range of serious health effects have been associated with exposure to lead and cadmium, including anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma, as well as effects related to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system. In extreme cases, there have been deaths. See Hazard tab for more information.
Corrective Action:
Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of the item in their regular household waste.
For additional information, consumers may call the company's toll free Customer Service Line at 1-800-265-8363, emailsales@actionmatic.com or visit the firm's website.

Shopping 101: Zazzle.com

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be doing half a dozen posts on Christmas and Holiday Shopping.   This idea was actually inspired by a recent email from Zazzle.ca - they offered me a gift certificate, and so I couldn't resist poking around their site ;-)  They have a slew of great gift ideas, particularly if you can't find your-kids-favourite-character t-shirt (or mug, or iPhone case!). Here are just a few of the things that caught my eye:

For the movie-buff Grandpa:

The Grandfather Mug
Look at another grandpa mug

For an older sister from her younger sibling:

Big Sisters Rock T Shirts
See more new big sister gifts

For the new hockey fan:

Hockey My First Hockey Season (Stick and Puck) T Shirts
Browse other kids hockey t shirts

For the trendy baby:

Black Mustache T Shirt
Shop for other funny baby shirts

For the Grandma who loves to bake with her Peeps:

I love to cook with Grandma apron
Browse more great grandparent gifts

For the child of a mathematics junkie:

Sweet as Pi Tee Shirt
Browse more math baby clothes

Enticed? Head over to Zazzle.ca and do some shopping!


Disclosure: This post was in response to an offer from Zazzle.ca (a gift certificate in exchange for my time visiting their site). I have not received any of the above mentioned products for free (or otherwise). As always, the opinions stated are my own and were not influenced by the arrangements with Zazzle.ca. 

Testing, Testing....

The funny thing about graduating high school and university... you think, at that moment, that your days (and nights) of study-drudgery are over.....

Then you have kids...

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You have kids... and you are back at it. Teaching them how to study.... and getting them to do it. It is exhausting! A mommy friend has had a minimum of one test per week to study with her little girl - every week since the beginning of October! And another friend had a two week period with 4 tests and 3 assignments due (we were almost as bad with 3 tests and 2 assignments :-S).... and another had three tests in 2 days (2 on the first day and one on the second)! The pressure!

Our recent barrage of tests has had me giving a lot of thought to balancing study expectations with my kids' personalities and the often-forgotten notion of being a kid. I strive to do everything in my power to help my children succeed at school AND am a firm believer in ensuring my kids have their down time and know their value is not measured on a test mark or report card.

So, I am at the stage now where I am establishing {hopefully} good test study practices and expectations with the kids. Here is some of the stuff that is working in our house:

• Our first step for any quiz is to review the study guide. It may be a handout from the teacher, or a "chapter review" section in the text. When there is no study guide given, or if a book has been forgotten, I will go to the Dept of Education's Curriculum Outcomes page for an idea of expectations. 
• I've also been known to request a copy of the text for home use - if you have a child who forgets books frequently or needs a lot of help at home in a particular subject area, it makes things so much easier! Also: I looked up the publisher websites for the math texts used at our school - they have great online reviews!
• For "booky" subjects (Science, Socials), we will create notes, based on the study guide/review. To do this we discuss the question/answer and identify the important points. I then write down our answer (for speed and simplicity at this stage - once they know the process, the kids can take this on as well!). I have also been using a highlighter to identify key words/ideas and I write definitions "dictionary" style. Once we have their notes complete (it may take a few nights based on the subject), the kids review it and I question them on it (after study time, but also driving somewhere or in the grocery line ... "so, how does a plant get energy again?").... and I'll get them to fill in my rough diagrams or time lines if appropriate. 
• For practice subjects (i.e.: Maths) I get them do a few examples of each of the main ideas (chapter reviews are great for this) - this helps to identify their problem areas which we can then work on together, or with the teacher or a tutor if need be. 
• Here is a great study tip I got from my Dad - always try to end on a high note! Have the last task be something you know they can answer or do well, that way they finish off on an I-can-do-it! note instead of a why-can't-i-get-it? one - it DOES make a big difference!
• For my elementary school kids, I find they zone out after a while and need a break, so I rarely keep them "on task" for more than 15-20 minutes.... Then they come back at it 20 - 30 min later. Our "on task"periods usually add up to 40-60 min total over the course of the evening. 
• On that note: Know your kid - they are all different! With mine, if I "go over" it often backfires.... I may want to get one more equation in, but end up frying the boy's brain for the evening :-) Your child may not need as many breaks... or s/he could need more!
• During study time, I encourage concentration and effort.... and I encourage play and a change of scenery with the same vigor during their "break" periods. Kids need to burn off energy, and we all need some time to devote to our own interests and move at our own speed. I find the best breaks are a complete gear shift....I will kick them out the door, make them go to another room, or force feed them a snack if I have to! I find it energizes them and makes the next study session go quicker and easier. I also try to limit their extra-curricular commitments for the same reason - I think they need their "down" time!
• Lastly, because they work hard, I don't put the added pressure of "you better get an A or else" or "if you get a 100% we'll get you a present" or "if you don't get at least a 90% you will loose your DS for the weekend" - all threats I have overheard, no lie! My message to the kids is this: if they work hard and do their best, that is all that matters. A test is just a snapshot of their abilities to answer a specific set of questions at a certain point in time...some days are better than others. A low mark resulting from a true effort is no less important or pleasing than a high one and just means we need to work on that area in the future :-)

So.... that is what works for us right now. I know my involvement will change over time and hope that, with guidance, my children will develop the skills to study independently in higher grades and/or university.

What works in your house?

Recall - Children's Rings: MAJA collection by Créations DPR

The following recall notice is from HSW:

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources

Health Canada reports of a recall involving Children's Rings from the MAJA collection by Créations DPR. Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program has revealed that the recalled jewellery contains lead in excess of allowable limits.

See Product tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos).

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. See Hazard tab for more information.

Recalled garments were distributed in Canada between November 2009 and September 2012.

Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewellery away from children and dispose of the item in their regular household waste.
For more information, consumers may contact Créations DPR Inc. by telephone at (418) 627-5735 or by

FREE SHIPPING @ Grand River Toys & Ashton Green - Ends tonight @ Midnight

FYI...

Visit Grand River Toys and get some Christmas shopping done! Free shipping if you spend over $50... ends midnight tonight!

Click here for code and to start shopping :-)

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And... for the Foodie on your list: free shipping on orders over $69 at ASHTON GREEN today as well.... click here for code. 

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What To Do this Weekend....Welcome Santa and Visit Exotic Animals!

Another packed weekend! The Arts & Culture Centre is having their Christmas Craft Fair, Weecycle is hosting another Kids Yard Sale at the Kilbride community Centre, and several Churches are having their variety sales and fairs! If fairs aren't your thing, you can still do some holiday shopping and help a local charity by shopping at Chapters between 3-8 on Sunday evening. Mention Heavenly Creatures at the checkout and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the animal welfare group.

Plus, of course, there is the Kids Program at the Fluvarium (Sat & Sun at 1:30). I haven't dropped by for this one yet, but I am curious - it is all about Fish Nests! And, at The Rooms, kids can learn about Family Crests and even make their own at the Family Fun Event: My Family and Me (Sun 2-4).

.... But, let me tell you right now: the MOST EXCITING FUN for your kids this weekend will be at the mall! Why?? SANTA IS COMING! Both the Avalon Mall and the Village Shopping Centre are welcoming the Jolly Man in Red this Saturday... Santa will be at the Avalon Mall 9AM, before beating it over to the Village for 9:30 AM (must be that lightening fast sled!).

Terry Rielly (The Teddy Bear Man) and CJ Moose will also be at the Village for a sing-a-long and will have a treat for the first 150 children (9:30 Saturday)

At the Avalon Mall, there is also a treat for the kids (9AM Saturday), AND there is a special showing of the movie Arthur's Christmas at 11 AM (admission is a non-perishable food item) to get everyone in the Christmas Spirit!

AND THAT IS NOT ALL! There are more special guests in St. John's this weekend: Little Ray's Reptile Zoo is back! They will have all sorts of exciting animals, from venomous snakes to an Eurasian Lynx with them at the St. John's Convention Centre Saturday and Sunday 9-5.

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Now, you will very likely be beat out after that busy weekend, but, there will be no rest for the weary this week: on Monday evening, the Happy Tree is being launched at the Avalon mall and there is a special parent & teen information session on Teen Mental Health at St. Peter's Junior High on Munden Dr. at 6:30; Tuesday evening there is a Make a Mug class at Clay Cafe Avalon; and Wednesday brings the tree decorating at the A&C and a pajama party at Mt. Pearl Public Library! Thankfully though, you will have a couple of days to recover for next weekends events (heads up: Santa Parade on the 25th! and it's Christmas at Commissariat House all weekend long!!)

Full details on the above are in the calendar, in the meantime, here is your cheat sheet of what is on the go:

Fri Nov 16

• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture

Sat Nov 17

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• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture
• Welcome Santa @ Avalon Mall
• Welcome Santa & CJ Moose (Village Shopping Ctr)
• St. John’s Farmers’ Market - Lion’s Club Chalet on Bonaventure Avenue 
• Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo  
• ACW — Craft fair and flea market
• Kids Yard Sale (WEECYCLE)
• Special Showing: movie “Arthur Christmas"
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• George Street United Church will hold their afternoon tea and variety sale
• Saturday Afternoon Storytime @ Mount Pearl Public Library  
• Jungle Adventure!
• Family movie night at St. Teresa’s Parish

Sun Nov 18

• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture
• FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS @ MUN BOTANICAL GARDEN 
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo  
• Winter Woods Walk
• Fall Fair @ St. Teresa's Parish
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• St. Pius X Parish’s annual Christmas Bazaar
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• MY FAMILY AND ME (The Rooms Fam. Fun)
• Clovelly Stables Family Sundays 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 
• Shop @ Chapters = Support Heavenly Creatures

Mon Nov 19

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• Special Playgroup Inclusion Event
• Teen Mental Health Matters - parent information and training session
• HAPPY TREE OPENING Avalon Mall

Tue Nov 20

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Weekly Tots Program at The Rooms 
• Make a Mug - clay Cafe Avalon

Wed Nov 21

• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 
• A.C. Hunter Public Library's Annual Christmas Tree Decorating
• Pajama Party at Mount Pearl Public Library

Thu Nov 22

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 

Sat Nov 24

• Breakfast with Santa (Tobay)
• Christmas at Commisariat House 
• Humans vs Zombies
• Holiday Open House
• Family Day/ Fest du Vent
• Commisariat By Candlelight

Sun Nov 25

• Twas the month before Christmas - Queen E Fundraiser
• Paradise International Food & Craft Expo
• Christmas at Commisariat House 
• Downtown Christmas Parade
• Paradise Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Have a wonderful weekend!

New Site for Early Childhood Learning

I am passing along the following information pertaining to the new webpage for the Division of Early Childhood Learning in the Department of Education - as you will see, they have done quite a bit of work! The link has been added to the "Some Great Local Sites" section in the right-hand sidebar for future reference... in the meantime, check it out! :-)


Good morning,

I work with the Division of Early Childhood Learning in the Department of Education. Your blog was mentioned in a recent meeting with an interdepartmental working group as a potential way of sharing our newly updated website. The site has a wealth of information and links about programs and services for young children as well as parent resources on a wide variety of topics related to children’s learning and development.  There is also information about the Early Childhood Learning Strategy, called Learning from the Start. The site is updated regularly with new information, videos and links added on an ongoing basis.

The Early Childhood Learning webpage can be found at www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/earlychildhood . We have had very positive feedback and we would be pleased if you would consider adding this to your list of links on your blog. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much.

Best regards,
D. @ Division of Early Childhood Learning

Diabetes Risk Assessment/Info Sessions

As a follow up to my last post on World Diabetes Day, I wanted to pass along the following information on diabetes risk assessments and information sessions (I found it in the Tely Go Guide!):
During the month of November, select Dominion locations will be offering diabetes risk assessments and hosting diabetes information sessions presented by our pharmacists on the topic of blood glucose monitoring. Locations are Dominion on 55 Stavanger Dr., 20 Lake Ave., 260 Blackmarsh Rd. and 150 Old Placentia Rd.

World Diabetes Day!

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Today folks, is World Diabetes Day!

November 14th is set aside as the day to educate and inform about this serious disease as it is the the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who was (along with Charles Best) the discoverer of insulin  and the co-founder of what is today known as the Canadian Diabetes Association.

People with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, either because their body's insulin production is inadequate, or because their body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both. There are three kinds of diabetes:

• type 1/early-onset - this used to be referred to as "juvenile diabetes" - it is a genetic  deficiency in the body's ability to use/produce insulin and requires that the patient take insulin injections for life and follow a special diet
• type 2 - this is also sometimes referred to as "adult-onset" as it tends to occur later in life. The patient's body was once able properly produce enough insulin and react to it efficiently, but is no longer able to do so. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed by lifestyle changes as the body can operate more effectively and perform its functions better when we eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight and get exercise. However, it can get worse as the patient gets older due to age (and older organs ;-) so blood sugar must be monitored and insulin may need to be taken even if lifestyle changes are made. 
• gestational diabetes - this form of diabetes occurs during a woman's pregnancy. Her blood sugar levels were fine before she was expecting, and she typically had no issues with insulin before. During the pregnancy, the body may become unable to produce enough insulin to transport all of the glucose to the cells, resulting in rising levels of blood sugar that may or may not require medication. This is tested for regularly in Canada as uncontrolled gestational diabetes can lead to complications during childbirth and a higher birth weight.

Diabetes is all around us: 9 million Canadians and 366 million people world wide are afflicted with it or the precursor condition (pre-diabetes)! Do you know what puts you at risk of diabetes? Do you know the signs you may have it? The dangers of the disease? Here is a little cheat sheet:

• Risk factors:
• overweight
• family history
• high blood pressure or cholesterol
• gestational diabetes or having a baby over 8lbs
• being of Aboriginal, Hispanic, Asian, or African descent
•  Signs of diabetes:
• frequent urination
• frequent thirst
• hunger
• blurry vision/vision changes
• skin conditions
• light headiness/nausea
• Dangers of diabetes:
• cataracts and other eye complications
• eczema and other skin conditions
• gangrene and other foot complications
• gum disease
• increased risk of infections
• cuts/bruises take longer to heal
• hypertension
• risk of stroke & heart disease
• nerve damage

Pretty alarming, huh? For me, I would be at risk because of family history - my grandmother had it and several members of my blood relations do as well - and, my babies were over 8lbs. My blood pressure can also be wonky. So I will have to watch my weight and activity levels and monitor my blood sugar as I get older to stay on top of things :-) And that is the goal of World Diabetes Day... to educate on the risks and signs so we all know what we need to look out for!

You can support the Canadian Diabetes Association by donating online, or donating to their clothes drive. And, show your support by wearing blue every World Diabetes Day! I know I will :-)

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In addition to the links in this post, you can also find some great information on diabetes and how to manage it here and here. 

News Flash: Christmas is Coming!

I don't know what it is.... but all of a sudden I am {finally} excited about Christmas coming!!! I mean, CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!!! It is a mere 40 days away.... only another 10-14 days and it won't seem too freaky if I start decorating... maybe put up one of the trees ;-)

Hmmmm, I wonder....What brought this on? (Since it is definitely not the plus-15-in-November weather :-)....

Perhaps it was the Gifts - a Holiday Fair this weekend and all the holiday goodies I saw there... or the Christmas magazines I saw at Shopper's last night (can't wait to get my hands on the Canadian Living and Better Homes & Gardens December issues!!!).... or that I discovered, via St. John's Kid, that Torbay has their Santa parade at night.... I'll be updating it in the calendar, but in the meantime here is a sneak peek of their poster:

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Now, of course, with my realization that Christmas will, in fact, be on schedule, I have also become aware of just how much there is to do!!! Must. Go. Shopping. 

....And on that note, I'm off :-)

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NEWFOUNDLAND REGIMENT WW1

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CANADIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

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You are not forgotten.

Thank you!

What To Do This Weekend - Remembrance Activities, Craft Shows and Fall Fairs

Good Friday, Ladies and Gents!

It is one of those weeks for me, so today's What To Do this Weekend post is going to be short & sweet....though I will bring your attention to the following:

• there are many, many, many Fall Fairs, Church Bazaars and Christmas Craft Fairs this weekend! 'Tis the Season! So, pick one or two and pop in.... anything you buy will support local crafters, artisans and/or local charities/church organizations!
• SUNDAY IS REMEMBRANCE DAY: There will be parades and services across the area, and The Rooms has a special exhibit on this weekend as well. Whether you honour it at a Parade, by a moment of silence or through a visit to Bowring Park's Caribou with the kids, let us not forget all those brave souls, past and present, who fight for freedom :-)

So.... without further ado, here's what's up - details as always in the calendar here.


Sat Nov 10

• Craft Sale
• The Parish of St. John the Evangelist, Topsail fall fair
• St. Michael and All Angels’ Parish fall sale
• Holy Trinity Parish, Torbay Fall Fair
• St. John’s Farmers’ Market - Lion’s Club Chalet on Bonaventure Avenue 
• Jingle All The Way Craft Fair
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• Saturday Afternoon Storytime @ Mount Pearl Public Library  

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A caribou just like ours in Bowring Park stands
at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial  in France . 

Sun Nov 11

• ST. JOHN'S Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremonies
• Remembrance Day Parade Mt Pearl
• Holy Trinity Parish, Torbay Fall Fair
• FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS @ MUN BOTANICAL GARDEN 
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• Holiday Gift Fair
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• *FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS* (update coming) - MUN Botanical Garden 
• Fluvarium Kids Club November Program: Fish Nests!  
• Clovelly Stables Family Sundays 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 

Mon Nov 12

• Holy Trinity Parish, Torbay Fall Fair
• All Saints Parish, C.B.S. fall fair
• The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties

Tue Nov 13

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 
• Weekly Tots Program at The Rooms 

Wed Nov 14

• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture
• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 

Thu Nov 15

• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture
• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 
• Active Kids @ NL Sports complex on Crosbie Road 

Fri Nov 16

• Christmas Craft Fair at the Arts & Culture