What To Do This Weekend - Visit the Downhome Expo!

Well, Folks - we all survived our first week back after Easter Break (right?? you are all still out there, yes?). And that means.... the Downhome Expo is here!

This is an all-weekend, fun-for-the-whole-family event at the Glacier. If it is anything like last year, the Kid Zone will feature various bouncy castles, demos (like skateboarding!), petting farm, colouring, milking a plastic cow.... who knows what delights await!!!! Oh, and they have an indoor zipline!

source

Shave for the Brave is on this weekend as well, so head over to theAvalon Mall on Saturday to show support :-)

If you haven't been in for a while, the Kids Club Program this month at the Fluvarium is Going Green, and Sunday's Family Fun at the Rooms sounds fun too - this weeks theme is Laboratory of Imagination!

The short and sweet list for the week ahead is below, for details on these events, see my calendar on the bottom of every page of the blog.

Have a great weekend!

Fri Apr 12

• Kid Zone @ Downhome Expo!
• Active Start program at the NL Sports Plex (Crosbie Rd) 
• After School Club-Fun with The Lorax! Marjorie Mews Public Library

Sat Apr 13

• Kid Zone @ Downhome Expo!
• Shave for the Brave
• Alive Adventures Drumming Circle 
• April Fluvarium Kids Club - Going Green! 

Sun Apr 14

• Kid Zone @ Downhome Expo!
• St. John's Kid Hava Java Playdates - Hava Java  
• CLB Sunday Market - CLB Armoury, Harvey Road 
• April Fluvarium Kids Club - Going Green! 
• Family Fun at the Rooms - Labratory of Imagination 
• Clovelly Stables Rides by appt 
• Flea market @ Jack Byrne Arena 

Tue Apr 16

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - Family Childcare Connections 50 Pippy place, St. Johns 
• Active Start program at the NL Sports Plex (Crosbie Rd) 
• Big Fun for Little People at The Rooms 
• Little Toot Tuesdays 

Wed Apr 17

• Baby Steps 
• Earth Day with MMSB
• Free Admission @ The Rooms - The Rooms 

Thu Apr 18

• Family and Child Care Connections drop-in playgroups - FCC - 50 Pippy Place 

New NL Blog on The Block - Holly Momma!

Peeps! I just discovered a great new blog for Mamas of wee ones: Holly Momma! And... Holly Mama, Batman (I hear you groan, but sorry, couldn't resist!).... I love it!
Sunday's post was about how, since the birth of her child, Holly Mama has found herself seeking out new family adventures and outings.... even stepping out of her comfort zone to explore events she would not have considered prior to having her son. I felt exactly the same way after I had my children! Kids really open our eyes, make us want to experience everything that life and the world around us have to offer - we want to teach and show them the world, and in doing so, we see it anew ourselves!
Visit Holly Momma here and read this and her other posts.... you will love - and identify with -  her accounts of Mom Life and appreciate her advice!
... And when you are there, say "Hi" from St. John's Mom!

What To Do This Weekend - Explore :-)

OK, Folks, a confession: I wondered if there was even any point to posting this today, it being May 24th weekend and all. I mean you are all going out of town, right?

Then, I remembered I am not going camping, so perhaps, like me, you aren't either....

I looked at the calendar, and to be honest, it is kinda bare.....

So, just what is a townie supposed to do on May 24th weekend? 

Well, here's a thought or two:

• Go shopping! Saturday brings another Handmade Market at the Hotel Mt. Pearl, House To Home has a tax free savings event on now through Sunday and Stella & Dot has a 50% off sale online. Or - and here is my favourite shopping idea - head downtown and pop in and out of every little store that catches your fancy :-) When you need a break, pop by the War Memorial to let the kids hang out and tell them any family military history while you are there. Or bring them to Harbour Side Park and let them climb on the Newfoundland & Labrador dog statues there :-)
• Take a walk in Victoria Park (brave souls can roll down the hill!), Bannerman Park (play on the swings!), Bowring Park (feed the ducks! Birdseed, not bread - available at Bulk Barn :-), or at Pippy Park (where the trails will lead you to believe you did go out of town, plus you can pop into the Fluvarium for their Kids Program at 1:30 both Saturday and Sunday to boot!). Or stroll though the Botanical Garden - a beautiful, cheerful place for young and old alike!
• Head to Topsail Beach or Middle Cove Beach and marvel at the beauty of the ocean.
• Go iceberg hunting - Iceberg Finder show several "active" 'bergs on the Avalon right now!
• Want a little day trip? Try a walk through Manuels River Park, or the boardwalk in Holyrood (visit the marina or the old train car while you are there), or pack a picnic and visit the day-use area of Butterpot, situated near Big Otter Pond. 
• Or, keep it uber-simple: Bust out the hockey sticks, soccer balls, bubble wands and bikes and head to your neighbourhood park! Once you get back home, have a BBQ ;-)

Whatever you do.... have a great May 24th Weekend!

source: The Weather Network, submitted by Connie Duffett

Childhood Obesity - Causes, Prevention and Treatment (interactive discussion)

We hear about it all the time: there is a growing childhood obesity epidemic in North America. But, did you know that 1/4 of preschool children in Newfoundland  and Labrador are overweight or obese? Or that 80% overweight adolescents grow up to be obese adults?  

Obesity is not just a problem later in life - obese children are at risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breathing problems, joint and bone pain, as well as many other health issues while they are still young. Heartbreakingly, they are at a greater risk of social (i.e.: discrimination, ridicule, bullying) and psychological problems (poor self esteem, depression, etc.). These issues can continue later in life, or develop into heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers (Basics About Childhood Obesity, cdc.gov).

Now, we all do our best to ensure our children eat healthy and stay active. That is why I wanted to draw your attention to an event this coming weekend. It will be an opportunity learn from some of MUN's top researchers in the field of childhood obesity in an informal and interactive session. Several doctors will share their knowledge in an interdisciplinary conversation on the roots of childhood obesity, methods of prevention and possible treatments. The event will take place at the Fluvarium, and while everyone is welcome, seating is limited, so head over to the Facebook page to reserve a seat (or email mcwhelan@mun.ca).

"Childhood obesity: causes, prevention and treatment"

Sunday Nov. 20 

2-4 PM

Suncor Energy Fluvarium

RSVP: mcwhelan@mun.ca

One quarter of preschool children in Newfoundland & Labrador are overweight or obese, a condition associated with a variety of health issues including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and increased incidence of asthma and type 2 diabetes.

Join three experts from Memorial University for an interactive discussion on the roots of childhood obesity, methods of prevention and possible treatments. Refreshments will be served.

Experts:

Dr. Guang Sun
Associate Professor
Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Laurie Twells
Associate Professor
Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy

Dr. Antony Card
Director
School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

Moderator:

Dr. Ray Gosine
Associate Vice President (Research)
Memorial University of Newfoundland

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #16

Well, folks, today marks the end of the last full week in August! So, I thought it was high time I give us a little male perspective. Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a Dad in NL? Find out on the NL Dads Blog. The blog is a "made-for-and-by" effort of several fathers who share their parenting experiences and chat about guy things... without being inundated by us girls! Poignant and real, humourous and informative.... share it with the Dad in your life:-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #15

If you are into decorating, you may have already come across Margaret Ryall's blog: Designing Home.

The blog is an extension of her interior decorating business of the same name (also located in St. John's). Her goal is to show the many ways to turn a house into a home, and she provides plenty of inspiration! In addition to her own work, she posts pictures of beautiful interiors from around the web (with easy links to the source) and commentary on what works and why. Its like having a treasure chest of decorating magazines right at your fingertips!

So, before your next reno or furniture shopping extravaganza, visit Margaret at Designing Home for some tips (or how to contact her for a consultation even!).

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #14

A Wicked Scoff was one of the first NL food blogs that I started following. I like the knowledgeable-but-not-stuffy style, the travel and foodie anecdotes, and the food ain't half bad either ;-).

Started by a Newfoundlander now living in New York, this blog features regional food from NL and New England. The chef tends to lean more towards meat-based meals than desserts in the blog postings, yet, despite not being much of a meat eater myself, I always find something there - i.e.: the Chicken BLTA Sandwich (A is for avocado), Beer BBQ Sauce (for chicken or ribs), and the Spaghetti (sans the meat in my case ;-).... plus, I like the little NL touches he mentions on his visits home (like the review of some downtown  St. John's eateries - I haven't been, but he says that The Rooms Cafe rocks!).

Check out A Wicked Scoff   for a wicked good time ;-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #13

So, I got an unsuspected surprise the other day.

Yeah, I know, by definition a "surprise" is unexpected. Sue me. 

See, I got a comment on a post from a blogger I follow! 

AND - double whammy - it implied she reads MY blog regularly too! 

In fairness I could have figured this out by reading through either her followers or mine,  but who has time for that???

You wanna know who, now, don't ya? Well, she was actually on the list to be featured as part of my little NL blog series...albeit on Wednesday, not today, but now I am just uber-excited...sooooo.....wait for it:

It is Momster Tales!!!!! Go check her out... she has an edge and I love it ;-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #12

I referenced this blog ages ago, when the author's book came out, but I love it and just had to re-iterate that Planting Dandelions, by Kyran Pittman, is one heck of an awesome blog! Now, to be fair, Kyran no longer lives in NL - she is living State-side now with her family - but, she was born & bred, writes with humour and honesty, and seems like a lot of fun! And, not only can we enjoy her wit & wisdom online, in addition to her book, she is also a contributing editor of Good Housekeeping magazine (you go girl!). 

Check out Planting Dandelions today: Recent postings have included personal anecdotes (summer at her place is sounding a lot like summer at mine!), weight-loss confessions, and pictures of the squirrel who sensed danger and the cat who spied her.... you won't be disappointed!

PS: Erika of St. John's Toddler just posted on my Facebook page that Kyran is her cousin! Now that's one talented family! (And what a small world!).

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #11

I'm really enjoying sharing these blogs with you all! Today, I'd like to post about Baby Gear To Share. The author and her husband started a baby equipment rental company after the birth of their son and ended up finding so many new and interesting products and services that they felt they just had to share them with the rest of us! It is a great resource, interspersed with the occasional anecdote all of us parents can relate too ;-)

Check out Baby Gear To Share for travel-with-baby tips, rental gear and product news and useful links (such as a listing of baby equipment rentals worldwide).

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #10

There are many, many reasons why I like the NL blog Sweet Treats, by Dani, but I can best sum them up in three words: Peanut Butter Blondies. Yes, if the easy, yummy recipes, delicious pictures and her blog description (quote: i love the simple things in life - chocolate chip cookies, brownies, ice cream....i always lick the spoon) didn't get me, then she surely would have had me at Peanut Butter Blondies!


Be prepared when you visit Sweet Treats to drool... perhaps it is best to ensure a well-stocked pantry before doing so ;-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #9

Have you ever visited Bitstop? It is a "photo-a-day" blog, started in 2006 by Karen, but she rarely stops at just one picture! Whether she takes a still life or shoots places around town, her photography is always beautiful! For example, today she posted some gorgeous shots of Quidi Vidi, a while back,  it was kids splashing at Middle Cove Beach, and a few days ago it was glassware... she has a thing for coloured glass (I would too if I could do what she does with it ;-)

Perhaps my favourite thing is her collage at the end of every month - how nice it must be to see a month of accomplishments every time she posts those!

Stop by Bitstop and let Karen know I said hi ;-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #8

Well folks, I am willing to bet that you see The Scope at Chapter's, The Mews Centre or various other locations through out the City....

I'm also going to wager you have read it a time or two. But, have you checked them out online yet?

That's right, The Scope  has a blog! And it has all sorts of extra goodies - restaurant reviews, fashion from the streets... an amped-up version of the paper, very informative ;-) I would tell you to check them out, but you are probably already gone there...

Bye for now, then!

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #7

Today, I am giving a shout-out to another Mommy blogger, Erica of  St. John's Toddler. I only discovered her a few months ago and wish I had known about her, or that she had been around, when I had kids under 5! Her blog is a little bit of everything, with child friendly activities highlighted, and her favourite part of making pancakes is eating the splatters in the pan too! Yes, it is truly a simple case, my friends, of  "great minds think alike"! ;-)

Right?.... Right?...

...Anyone?....

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #6

Today, it being another Tasty Tuesday and all, I have another foodie Newfoundland blog to share with you. It was the name of this guy's blog that first got me. He is a programmer, see and actually has another blog called I Code by the Sea. His baking blog though.... it is called I Also Make Cookies! Haha!! Get it?? It cracks me up every time.

Yes, it is that easy to amuse me.

But seriously, with a title like that, don't you just have to visit?


Yeah, I thought so, too.

Have fun!

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #5

The Grumpy Goat Gallery has got to be one of my favourite blogs of all time. I discovered the blog before I discovered their paintings, and now, oh, how I covet a grumpy goat original. It is a goal of mine to one day visit their gallery live. The humour! The perspective! The colours! The CATS!! ( I LOVE cats, did you know?).

Visit them - I guarantee it will brighten your day :-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #4

What do creepie-crawlies, sea creatures and pretty flowers all have in common? You can find them all on Newfoundland Nature! T. shares my view that Newfoundland is AwEsOmE and uses the blog to share some of the "cool aspects of the province's natural environment". Topics cover everything from a walk in the woods to common bugs and flora. 

Check it out - you will learn something.... and sound uber-smart on the next family hike ;-)

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #3

If you haven't yet discovered 365 Days of Children's Books then you are in for a treat! The site promises to feature a different children's book every day of the year, including at least one book by a Newfoundland author each week. Emphasis is also given to Canadian titles, and Sundays usually feature a "Christian-themed" book.

I think you will enjoy this site even if you do not have young children - I love checking out the day's selection - and relish in the memories of books I loved to read as a child, or of those I have enjoyed with my children.

Go find out for yourself!

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs #2

Well, since it is Tuesday, let's go with a food theme today: this site is one I only recently discovered and have to make a note to follow more. I love it - delicious recipes and OMG!! - the pictures of the food! (drool, drool): Rock Recipes.

Check him out!

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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs on St. John's Mom! ~ Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what? Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!
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August is.... A Month of NL Blogs!

Are you curious about who else in NL is blogging? And on what?  Well, instead of the usual posts this month, I decided I'd share with you some of my favourite NL blogs. The posts will be short & sweet - perfect for summer ;-) - with a link to the other site. I hope you find something you like!

First up - Fit to be Seen.... by Andrea. She has a unique way of seeing the world around us, and shares it in thoughtful images and prose. Here is her "About Me"

I was born middle aged.

I am learning to lighten up.

I have come to love the playful, childlike side of me.

A side full of life and whimsy.

I walk around with my mouth hanging open in awe most days...

Especially since falling in love with the view finder.

I believe in gratitude, creativity, love, grace, living fully, authenticity, 

appreciating beauty and old things... 

I believe we as humans should do our best to protect the Earth and it's creatures.

I have not eaten Beef or Pork for 16 years, partly for health reasons and partly because I love these animals...

(I still wear leather shoes and use leather bags...Thrifted)

I gave up poultry on New Years Day 2010 for the same reasons.

I still enjoy Seafood and Dairy but replace these with plant proteins quite often.

 I can't look a Lobster in the eye. 

I rarely buy anything new. I love vintage and antiques. 

I salvage as much as possible for the renovations of my 80 year old home. 

Luckily I am a big fan of Wabi-sabi.

I live as cheaply as possible because I do not want to work for someone else.

I love my freedom.

I love my life more and more everyday.

I love the term "long-suffering" in relation to the significant other.
I hope to use it someday.
;)

I am currently {June 2011} in a class for women which allows us try different trades.
Perhaps for a day, perhaps a week.
 I loved welding but more for the artistic possibilities than the trade itself. There is a short night class that I may look into taking...
Of course carpentry, electrical and millwright were interesting and very useful.
I am not exactly sure where this will lead me but I know I belong in a skilled trade...

I am learning to take better photos everyday. 

Because I love it and someday hope to share them in print.

I use film often and someday will have a darkroom to develop my own.

I always use cloth napkins and place mats. 

Even if it is only me dining.
Because "Only Me" is worth the good stuff!
Just like you are...

Welcome to my space...

I hope you find something you enjoy here.
 ♥♥♥

~ About Me, Andrea, Fit To Be Seen

Enjoy your visit!