momstown guelph

moms helping moms

2012-02-01T06:46:00.002-05:00

Brand new this year to momstown Guelph is our moms helping moms program. This program is about making sure that we all continue to support and benefit from this network we are creating.

The idea behind moms helping moms is just that. If you know of a mom who is having a baby, going through something personal or even that has had a death in the family let us know so we can help. (E-mail us at info.guelph@momstown.ca with the header moms helping moms)

Helping can involve donations of time, meals or be monetary. Anyone can put their name in for needing help or you can nominate a mom in the group you think can benefit. Once the need is presented it will be brought to the group on the message board so that volunteers can be found. You volunteer as it works for you, there is no pressure to volunteer.

I will also be starting a community fund for this program. If you wish to donate to the community fund just let me know. This fund will be used in cases where volunteers are not available or needed. It could be used to purchase some prepared meals for a mom that just had a baby or even an hour of cleaning for the mom in need.

The program will continue to develop as we get it started so suggestions and volunteers are welcome at any time. If you wish to help organize this please let me know.

If you are not yet a part of momstown Guelph but would like to be register here for a Free Two Week Trial!
Or
E-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca for more information!

Our January Open house

2012-01-31T13:19:00.012-05:00

We had some Winter Wonderland fun in January here at momstown Guelph.

Mid month we hosted an Open house Sponsored by Bulldog Interactive Fitness! Five days filled with crafts, play, songs and to finsih it up a Winter Wonderland Party!

This open house showcased some of the best momstown Guelph events including our Brand New Monday Mystery adventure and our Alphabet Soup! Each day we also made use of the gyms at Bulldog and had the kids running and tumbling with their gymnastics equiptment!

Big thanks for that to Bobbi, owner of Bulldog!

Check out the pictures below of our moms and their tots having fun at our Winter Wonderland Party!

If you want to join in on our fun make sure to register here http://guelph.momstown.ca/user/register for a free two week trial of momstown Guelph!

music & movement

2012-01-25T19:07:00.004-05:00

momstown Guelph meets every two weeks for our music & movement event.

We start by sitting in a circle (or something vaguely resembling a circle) and singing some songs that go along with our theme for that month.
January's theme was Winter Wonderland!

The moms all get song sheet with the lyrics so they can sing along.
Many of the songs have fun actions that go along with them.
Sometimes you just have to stick your butt out and do the chicken dance!
(although I don't remember that being in the January songs, Clinton....) :)

There's always time for lap-sitting and snuggles between the songs.

We sang about snowflakes and snowmen, and everything white!

The children all enjoy trying out the different instruments that we have.

This month we sang the 'Snowflake Pokey' and got to dance around in a circle!
That was a big hit with our little musicians.

Once we've run out of songs, the children have time to explore the different instruments and enjoy some free play with them.

Come and join us next month for music & movement.
Our February theme is Mix & Match!

Children's Book Club - Winter Wonderland

2012-01-17T17:11:00.003-05:00

Earlier this month momstown Guelph met once again for our monthly
Children's Book Club which is sponsored by Scholastic Canada.

We started off with some play time for the kiddies, and chatting time for the mommies.

This month's book was Perfect Snow by Barbara Reid. In the story, snow comes one night, and the next morning it's Perfect Snow for the schoolyard. Scott is making snowmen, and Jim wants to build the world's best snowfort. They find a way to work together to make a great creation from the perfect snow!

After story time, we held a draw to win a copy of Perfect Snow. Thanks to Scholastic Canada for sponsoring our Children's Book Club,
and supplying the books!

The illustrations in the book are all made of play-doh! After story time, the kids
had fun playing with some play-doh and making their own creations.
Join us next month for our Mix and Match Book Club!

Open House This Week!

2012-01-15T12:45:00.003-05:00

Open House week for momstown

sponsored by Bulldog Interactive Fitness Guelph!

We have a full week of programs for you to come and check out! There is something to keep your little ones busy each day! Ages 0-5 years welcome!

Find us at Bulldog

259 Grange Rd. Unit #1, Guelph, ON N1E 6R5

for the following events.

RSVP to info.guelph@momstown.ca if you are not yet a member or register at http://guelph.momstown.ca/user/register

Click here to view larger image!

Noon-Years Eve Party!

2012-01-03T17:08:00.004-05:00

On December 30th, momstown Guelph met for our annual Noon-Years Eve Party!

We had a pot-luck brunch with lots of yummy treats - pasta, muffins, cookies, chips, banana bread, fruit salad and more! We can always count on our momstown mommies to bring great snacks!

The kiddies had fun exploring the book shelf and Christmas tree decorations.

We made Party Hats to celebrate the New Year -
modeled below by our youngest party-er. :)

It was great for the moms who had time to relax and enjoy some
chatting time during the busy holiday weeks.

The toddlers of course found things to get into and climb on to
(yes, the climbing monkey is mine.. hehe).

We counted-down to 11:00 and celebrated with apple juice!

Happy New Year to everyone from momstown Guelph!

Crafty Critters - Handprint Reindeer

2012-01-03T16:58:00.005-05:00

momstown Guelph gathered in December for our monthly Crafty Critters.

Sticking with our December theme of 'R is for Rudolph', we made Handprint Reindeer.

Our little crafters had fun tracing their hands to make antlers for these cute little critters.

Coloured paper backgrounds, googlie-eyes and pom-pom noses completed Rudolph! Some were fridge-ornaments and some became Christmas cards for grandparents.

Join us next month for our next Crafty Critters day! Our January theme is 'Winter Wonderland!'

Santa Visits momstown Guelph

2011-12-16T14:47:00.016-05:00

Santa came to visit during our annual Christmas Party for momstown Guelph! There were some very happy children and some who were not so sure. Still everyone took home a small gift!

Big Construction from Fisher-Price!

2011-12-11T16:33:00.012-05:00

This month I had the chance to review the Big Construction set from Fisher-Price. This set is for ages 3-7 and a hit with both the girl and boy in my house! The box even had me excited to see the kids reactions to this one. However I do not think that anyone in the house was more excited than my Husband was when he found out what we were going to be playing with this month! ;)
It seems like a lot of pieces but really was not much more work than the Loving Family Dollhouse was to put together.
My Husband was happy to volunteer and put this one together for me.
As I said it was a big hit, my son really took to the remote control which is colour coded to make it easy for all ages to drive the truck. The truck can move forward, reverse and turn 360 either way. Very cool!

The set comes with two boulders which the truck can pick up and then deliver to different areas. There is a working elevator which takes the truck from the floor to the second level of the set and then back again. Also a put stop where you can refuel. The detail on the set was very well done.

I am very impressed with this set, it is very high tech in what it can do but in a way that young children can still operate with ease. It is also lightweight and has a handle to make it very easy to move from center of the floor off to the side when play is done.

A big hit in my house! If you are looking for something this Christmas for a child that likes anything trucks or construction this would be perfect.

Christmas at Springridge Farm!

2011-12-10T19:07:00.001-05:00

This month as we are doing all things Christmas we took a trip out to Springeridge Farm in Milton. Have a look below at the pictures of us making Gingerbread cookies and Christmas Ornaments.

Fun at Funmazing!

2011-12-08T12:18:00.001-05:00

Every month we visit Funmazing for our monthly meet and greet. Have a look below at all the fun we have!

Children's Book Club - R is for Rudolph

2011-12-07T11:19:00.005-05:00

Children's Book Club - R is for Rudolph!

momstown Guelph met once again for our monthly Children's Book Club, which is sponsored by Scholastic Canada!

This month's book was A Porcupine in a Pine Tree - A Canadian 12 Days of Christmas written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Werner Zimmerman.

This is the classic 12 Days of Christmas, but with a Canadian twist! There are beavers, caribou, loons, and even Stanley Cups!

The children loved the cute pictures of all the animals as they gathered around the pine tree. It's a great book to read or sing.

We ended our morning by raffling off a copy of the book generously donated by Scholastic Canada! Clinton was this month's lucky winner!

Welcome to the Polar Express!

2011-12-05T10:16:00.004-05:00

This Past week momstown Guelph joined forces with momstown Burlington, momstown Milton, momstown Oakville, momstown KW and momstown Hamilton!

What a group we make! Moms and tots as far as the eye can see!

We headed out to Puddicombe Farm where they had a day full of fun waiting for us. It included making some fun Jingle Bells (see video below), snacking on some homemade cookies and Hot Chocolate, hearing the story of the Polar Express. Also a trip on the Puddicombe Polar Express which took us to the North Pole where we met Ms Clause and wrote our letters to Santa!

It was a magical morning and I want to Thank Puddicombe Farm for hosting us!

Congratulations to our Winners!

2011-11-30T18:43:00.007-05:00

The winners of our great prizes are...

Jacquie, winner of the prize from Simply Wonderful Toys!

Sue, winner of the Yummy Mummy Gift Certificate.

Aphra, winner of the Bulldog Gift Certificate.

Jennifer, winner of the Segue Music Gift Certificate.

Lindsay, winner of the earrings from Stella and Dot!

Thanks to all of our partners for contributing their gifts and thanks to all who entered!

Watch our Facebook page for more giveaways in December!

Love the Doodle Bear from Fisher-Price!

2011-11-24T14:23:00.006-05:00

This month I had the chance to review the Doodle Bear from Fisher-Price. I am not sure what some of you moms out there are thinking but it might be along the lines of, "let them draw on a stuffed toy?" I can hear the concern for all the rest of the toys in the house.

However I was very pleased with how well my kids understood the concept of this being a special toy that they are allowed to colour on. Also that this is a limited time offer and colouring on anything else in the house will not be tolerated! ;)

This toy was a hit for both kids, Son only two and Daughter who is four. My daughter has definitely become attached to her new friend and will take the doodle bear where ever she goes even when not colouring. She also gets this canvas can be cleaned so she can colour all over again. Her requests to wash the bear make me want to laugh as I could see her starting a load of laundry if only she knew how.

This toy is attractive, interactive and great for all ages. It would be great under the Christmas tree this year!

Win Lessons from Segue Music!

2011-11-23T06:08:00.000-05:00

Want a chance to win three 30min. private music lessons, with the instrument of your choice.

From Segue Music
www.segue-music.com
519-835-3251,
seguemusic@rogers.com,
82 Beaumont Cres.,
Guelph, ON N1E 6A8

Make sure you "like" the segue music's Facebook page here!

Please e-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca with Segue Music as the subject letting us know you have liked the Facebook page to enter.

Contest closes November 30th at Noon!

Win a Gift Certificate from Bulldog Interactive Fitness!

2011-11-23T05:54:00.000-05:00

Enter to Win! This gift certificate can be used for any gymnastic class or preschool program. Our preschool programs consist of Pups or Paws activity class, First Ball sports program or Tots N Soccer. These programs run at various times throughout the year.

Please check our website for dates, times and details www.bulldoginteractivefitness.com or call 519-836-3838

To Enter
Make sure you "like" the Bulldog Facebook page here!

Please e-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca with Bulldog as the subject letting us know you have liked the Facebook page to enter.

Contest closes November 30th at Noon!

Win a set of Goddess Teardrop Earrings from Stella & Dot!

2011-11-23T05:46:00.000-05:00

The Holiday Season is here and Marnie Raeside, independent stylist with Stella & Dot, is celebrating in style with momstown Guelph by giving away a pair of Goddess Teardrop Earrings.

Be among the first to dress in the emerging rose-gold trend. These beautiful rose gold teardrops complement your look, from casual to elegant or day to night. Hung from a handset crystal earwire with an approximate 2” drop; lead & nickel free and hypo-allergenic.

To check out more holiday styles, www.stelladot.com/marnieraeside

Please LIKE Marnie’s Stella & Dot Facebook Fanpage , leave a ♥ on the Facebook wall (or write LOVE), come back and e-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca with Stella and Dot as the subject letting us know you have liked the Facebook page to enter!

Contest closes November 30th at Noon!

Win a Gift Certificate from Yummy Mummy Fitness!

2011-11-23T05:26:00.000-05:00

New Year. New Baby. New You!

There's no reason you can't look better than ever after giving birth!

Yummy Mummy is excited to offer the following prize to the momstown moms:

Win a $50 gift certificate to use towards any of our mom+baby or mom-to-be fitness classes including Mommy and Baby Workout & Play, Indoor Stroller Fit and Fit to Deliver!

Check out our website to find great classes near you!

www.yummymummywellness.com

or contact Cindy for more information 519.362.0980 yummymummy.s.f@gmail.com

Please e-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca with Yummy Mummy in as the subject letting us know you would like to enter.

Contest closes November 30th at Noon!

Win a fun Toy from Simply Wonderful!

2011-11-23T04:37:00.000-05:00

Simply Wonderful is a local independent toy store offering quality and unique toys from infant to adult. Our selection and uniqueness if what keeps people coming back. It is truly a great shopping experience.

Our gift giveaway is from Hape, a company recognized for their high quality toys that children love. The Organeco Blocksare lightweight and beautifully illustrated with unique building shapes to build interesting designs. Age 18 M + Please e-mail info.guelph@momstown.ca with Simply Wonderful as the subject to enter.

Contest closes November 30th at Noon!

Love the Toshiba Thrive Tablet!

2011-11-19T16:24:00.005-05:00

This past weekend at the momstown conference our Canada wide team was given 4 Toshiba Tablets to test out!
We had lots of fun checking out what this new technology could do.
I was quickly adding a Toshiba Tablet to my 2012 wish list. So imagine how pleased I was to be voted by my peers to take one of the four tablets home with me!
I am loving my new tablet, it is easy to learn and manuver. I can easily check my e-mail, social networks and of course the momstown site.
I am just starting to learn all that this Tablet is capable of but so far it has been very easy to work with. The touch screen has just the right sesitivity to know what I want to do. The keyboard is just the right size for typing as you would on a regular keyboard and it take cool photos and video.

If you are looking for something to add to your wish list for Christmas I would definately recommend a Toshiba Tablet. It adds up to fun all around.

Also enter here to win your own Toshiba Tablet from out momstown contests page!

I love being a part of the momstown Team!

2011-11-19T14:20:00.010-05:00

This past weekend for me was spent in the company of woman from across Canada. What made these woman come from all over to gather? momstown! These are the woman behind momstown. Owners of local community chapters, community managers and the ladies who run the national website.

It is not always obvious how much goes into running a national community like momstown but let me tell you these ladies are pretty special.

Looking around the room during the conference was inspiring to me. Here was a room full of woman who want to provide all moms across Canada with community. They want to diminish the feeling of isolation new moms feel and provide them with a special place all their own.
Something you might not know is that not only am I the owner of momstown Guelph but I am also the team leader for all momstown organizers across Canada. I was very proud to look around the room and see these strong inspirational woman and know that great things are ahead for all of us.

As a member of momstown you might wonder what this means on a local level. You should know that there is an entire team of woman behind what come to you on a local level. We share ideas of what was well liked and what wasn't. We are also providing more content then ever on the national blogs as well as fun contests. momstown is growing and we are hoping that you will continue to take this ride with us!

Expect great things from 2012!

Crafty Critters!

2011-11-17T14:10:00.006-05:00

Each month momstown Guelph has a Crafty Critters event that fits into our theme for that month.

September's theme was At The Zoo! Our little crafters made Fingerprint Giraffes. It's always a hit when they can get all messy with finger paints and glue!!

October's theme was Scarecrows! This time we decided to make Paper Bag Scarecrows. November's Theme is the Wild West! We're going to be making Lace-up Cowboy Boots! You can take a peek of what they'll look like on the momstown arts and crafts page. If you're a momstown Guelph member - go to our Calendar events page and sign up for this month's Crafty Critters! We hope to see you there! :)

Children's Book Club - Wild West

2011-11-10T13:44:00.003-05:00

Children's Book Club - Wild West!

momstown Guelph met for our monthly Children's Book Club which is sponsored by Scholastic Canada. This month's theme was Wild West.

We started off with some play time so everyone could get to know each other, and check out all of the toys.

Our story this month was Are You A Horse? by Andy Rash. Cowboy Roy is the hero of the story, and he gets a saddle for his birthday. It comes with two instructions:

1. Find a horse

2. Enjoy the ride!

So off goes Roy to find a horse... which is not as easy as it seems!
Read more about Are You A Horse? on the momstown Book Review Page.

After reading this great story, we raffled off a copy to a lucky winner!

We finished up the morning by colouring some horse pictures (which the moms enjoyed just as much as the kids!)

Join us next month for our Children's Book Club - December's theme is R is for Rudolph! :)

Check out those Halloween Costumes!

2011-10-27T15:13:00.002-04:00

momstown Guelph held our annual Boo Bash today! Check out some of the great costumes we saw!

Local mom is converting bras into nursing bras!

2011-10-25T13:07:00.006-04:00

Hello Breastfeeding Moms!

Are you tired of buying expensive nursing bras that don't necessarily fit you well and are difficult to use?

I'd like to let you know about a new service that I'm offering which will save you money and make the breastfeeding experience more pleasant for you. Simply give me one of your regular bras (in your new nursing size, of course), the style that fits you the best and that you know looks and feels great and I will convert it into a nursing bra that is easy to use.

Cost: $20 for 1

or $35 for 2

Contact me (Andrea) at guelphnursingbra @gmail.com or (519) 265-8729

I look forward to hearing from you!

Wow have you heard the news?

2011-10-24T16:30:00.004-04:00

momstown.ca owner Ann-Marie has won the SavvyMom mom entrepreneur of the year award.

All of us momstown mamas are so proud of Ann-Marie! This is a definitely result of all the hard work she puts into the momstown community on a daily basis!

What this award means to Ann-Marie is posted here.

momstown is very dear to my heart! As the owner of momstown Guelph and also the team leader for all momstown mamas it provides me with two amazing communities to be a part of and also turn to for support. What mom doesn't need that?

In celebration we want to thank everyone by giving them one month of momstown membership FREE!

MEMBERS win when we win! Free one month membership to NEW members and a free month extension for EXISTING or EXPIRED members. To redeem, please register on your local site and complete the form* at http://momstown-moments.momstown.ca/node/372. Available between Oct 21- 28th. Memberships will be extended the first week of November.

PLUS, are you an ONLINE MOM ENTREPRENEUR? momstown wants to share our success by offering Online Mom Entrepreneurs exposure with a FREE national contest & member discount listing! Details, rules*, and entry at http://momstown-moments.momstown.ca/node/372. Available from Oct 21-Oct 28 for ad activity Nov – Dec 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Sunny Day

2011-10-19T22:03:00.000-04:00

Let me introduce you to Eleni from Get Fit Guelph!

2011-10-18T13:32:00.003-04:00

Eleni Kapetanios opened Get Fit Personal Training 8 years ago because she wanted to help people of all fitness levels get in great shape in their own homes. She has helped hundreds of Guelphites get in the best shape of their lives!

She specializes in weight loss, pre-post natal fitness, core training, interval training and, most recently, bootcamps. Bootcamps are great for all levels of fitness- they involve interval training, to burn the most amount of calories in a workout. It doesn't matter where you start in a bootcamp - it matters where you finish!

Just this month, Eleni and her great team of trainers opened Get Fit Bootcamp at 279 Woolwich St. She offers beginner and intermediate bootcamps, yoga, Zumba, muscle workouts and core training. There are also baby-friendly classes.

She knows that not everyone can do bootcamps all the time - crosstraining is important! Sore from your workout the day before? Go to our fabulous yoga class, or wiggle around to Zumba! Bootcamps are super hard, but you will accomplish things you never thought you could do, and get to places you never imagined possible!

Her summer bootcampers became powerhouses in just a few short months! Don't be intimidated by the word "bootcamp" - it forces you to push your limits and be your best you!

Call Eleni anytime for more information:519-546-1859. Schedule can be found at www.getfitguelph.com

momstown Pampering night

2011-10-12T06:12:00.018-04:00

We had an amazing evening on Wednesday dedicated to spoiling and pampering moms! I want to take a moment to highlight and thank all the businesses that participated.

Thanks to Heidi who is an It Works Independent Distributor. She offered a chance for the moms to try her Greens and It's Essential bars along with some fresh fruit. To contact Heidi e-mail her at heidi@themcneils.ca or check out www.heidimcneil.itworks.net

Jenn a Mary Kay Consultant offered a chance to try a treatment for your lips. Finished off with a kiss for the Best Kiss Contest! To contact Jenn e-mail her at maxwelljenn@rogers.com or check out www.marykay.ca/jmaxwell

Linda an Avalla Group leader brought in some hand lotions for the moms to try. You can contact Linda at lclaing@gmail.com and check out www.avalla.com

Marnie is a Stella and Dot stylist and brought in lots of bling for the moms to try on. You can contact Marnie at marnie.raeside@gmail.com or check out www.stelladot.com/marnieraeside

Susan offered a short massage as well as a chance to try a product called Body Balance. To contact Susan e-mail her at susan.mcquay@gmail.com or check out www.lifeforce.net/susanmcquay

Dawn from Arbonne offered a foot or hand treatment. To contact Dawn e-mail her at DawnSnyder@myarbonne.ca or check out www.dawnsnyder.myarbonne.ca

Jacquie from Loft Photography took a head shot of each of the ladies. To contact Jacquie e-mail her at loftphotography@rogers.com and check out the photos at www.loftphotography.blogspot.com

Christy from The Little Cake Co. made some tasty cupcakes for all the ladies to try. To contact Christy e-mail her at thelittlecakeco@hotmail.com and check her out at http://thelittlecakeco.blogspot.com

JC's Hair Design & Aesthetics offered up some consultations on hair care and cuts as well as a free eyebrow wax for those who wanted it. Check out www.jcshair.com for more information.

We had a number of prize winner this evening as well!

Terri Herron - winner Arbonne Pampermint Body Wash and Lotion
Paula O'Donnell - won one dozen custom cupcakes from The Little Cake Co.
Erica Eugenio - won the TARRAH Satin Body Exfoliator from Avalla
Jenn Curtis - won the Stella & Dot's Purple Single Wrap Leather Bracelet made from Italian leather studded with their signature clover motif

2011-10-11T17:56:00.005-04:00

Children's Book Club - Scarecrows!

momstown Guelph met for our monthly Children's Book Club which is sponsored by Scholastic!

This month we read Story County by Derek Anderson. Story County is a story about a farmer and his animals building their farm together, including a very pretty scarecrow! Read more about Story County on the momstown Book Review page.

Our little readers had fun playing at the park before our story time. The swings are always a favourite, especially when the ground is too wet to crawl around on. :)

A great big Thank You to Scholastic for this month's book - and for an extra copy that we raffled off to a lucky winner!

The kids enjoyed the book so much that it had to be re-read again before we went home!

Another Fabulous Resource Brought to you from momstown!

2011-10-05T08:15:00.000-04:00

momstown is excited to partner again with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, to offer a free live training webinar to our members!

The session is…Why Time Out is a Waste of Time! Amy promises that we’ll walk away with concrete discipline tools we can use the next day and see results. In fact, you’ll learn one of the all-time “parent favourite” tools for stopping any power struggle in its tracks. You can watch, listen and even interact with our host, Amy. Participants are not required to have a webcam, only a computer with speakers.

You'll love the way this webinar is structured. Amy is right there LIVE, a video image of her is in the upper left corner of your monitor the whole time. As she talks with you, you'll watch her PowerPoint presentation that is packed with valuable information. She'll also stop to answer our questions about difficulties and needs when it comes to getting our kids to listen.

You will also have the option to write in specific questions and she’ll address them, right there for you!

All you have to do is RSVP (sorry due to limited ‘seats’, you MUST register on positive parenting) (http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown) and then kick back and learn the proven strategies to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling!

Not a momstown member? Think could benefit from this training? Please Join In Too! We wouldn't want you to miss out!

About Amy McCready

Parenting expert Amy McCready is the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, which has empowered thousands of parents worldwide to correct their kids’ misbehavior without nagging, reminding or yelling. Amy is a frequent guest on the TODAY show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, and elsewhere. A regular contributor to the TODAY Mom’s blog, Amy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.

Get your Christmas Portraits done!

2011-10-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Loving Family Dollhouse from Fisher Price!

2011-09-30T13:11:00.002-04:00

Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse!

Was my daughter ever impressed when we not only received this dollhouse but were also going to get to keep it! Being the momstown Guelph mama isn't always fun for my kids when they have to watch all the fun items I get for prizes that then are given to another little girl or boy. This one was just for my little girl!

She was eager to help me put the house together. It was very easy assembly that I managed to complete in a very short time! Which is good as I had one very excited little girl waiting for a chance to get her hands on those dolls!

Of course after nap time little brother had to get in on this. It appears that big sis might have to share this toy after! He absolutely loves the little babies that came with it!

Honestly forget the kids, I love this dollhouse. The details are gorgeous and it encourges imaginative play which I also love. There is nothing better than watching your little girl play out scenarios with these little people. It really shows you how much she is learning from her own environment. I am looking forward to growing our Dollhouse family a Christmas with one of the school aged dolls. Now that my girl has started school herself I bet she would enjoy a doll who is at the same stage as her. This toy gets two thumbs up from me!

Back-to-School Breakfast in our Pajama's!

2011-09-28T21:13:00.006-04:00

momstown Guelph moms were treated to breakfast at our Back-to-school pajama party this week! We had a great selection of Kelloggs cereals along with milk, yogurt, fruit, orange Juice and coffee and tea for the moms.

Both the moms and the kids jumped right in and served up a variety of cereals! We had Raison Bran, Mini Wheats, Rice Krispies, Frosted flakes, corn pops and froot loops to choose from! Some of the choices the kids made were a surprise! My own DD decided she suddenly like Raison Bran, another little girl ate all of the pink 0's from her froot loops and no other colour!

We also made cereal a part of our crafts! Froot loops make great rainbows! See the full details on this craft on the momstown.ca arts and crafts!

We had story time among blankets and pillows!

and Lindsay took home the amazing gift pack from Kelloggs!

It was a great morning to Love our Cereal and have some fun!

Cleaning up our Beautiful Shorelines!

2011-09-25T16:53:00.005-04:00

Guelph is a wonderful city to live in! Why wouldn't we want to keep it clean? This past week momstown Guelph moms participated in The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup. The cleanups were taking place all week across Canada to encourage us all to keep our shores and water ways clean!

This initiative is a yearly event sponsored by WWF Canada and the Vancouver Aquarium. This year Coca Cola reached out to a few momstown chapters to encourage us to take part. How could we say no to that!

Check out how momstown Barrie helped to clean up their local beach and make their community a cleaner place!

Have a peak at this short video of our morning and some great pictures of our group! We had a great time and removed some damaging waste from our beautiful city!

Kids, Nutrition and School Days!

2011-09-18T19:52:00.001-04:00

Music Time with Mr. Bear!

2011-09-16T16:55:00.004-04:00

The little musicians of momstown Guelph had fun last Wednesday afternoon with their moms at Segue Music for Music Time with Mr. Bear!

We had fun sitting in a circle and singing lots of fun songs and rhymes. Judy taught us some different songs, as well as some classics that the moms all knew.

Horsey songs are always a favourite, and include lots of knee bouncing and giggles!

Then we got to play with lots of different Baby Instruments. All little ones like to play with drums and shakers!

Music Time with Mr. Bear is offered every Wednesday at Segue Music - see their website for more details.

Love your Cereal!

2011-09-14T08:35:00.000-04:00

momstown Guelph is hosting a Kelloggs Back to School Pajama Party this month! We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we are all looking for ways to make it
simple! Want to join us? Check out all the great information here about why you should Love your Cereal!

Morning at Legato Music for some kindermusik fun!

2011-09-12T12:59:00.001-04:00

momstown Guelph moms had a chance this morning for a sneak peak into our local Kindermusik program. Held at Legato Music in Guelph Ms Jennifer led us through some fun interactive songs!

The Children had lots of fun copying the actions of the songs and moving around the room. They also had a chance to get creative with rhythm sticks and scarfs. This is a great program to introduce any child at any stage to the fun world of music and Ms Jennifer does a wonderful job of that!

Fun morning at Emotion Dance Studio!

2011-09-11T18:06:00.003-04:00

Our little ones had a chance to move to the music today along with fantastic direction from Ms. Michelle.

We all had so much fun showing off our Jazz hands and taping our heals and toes to clip clip beat of tap. Ms Michelle was fantastic with the kids and was able to teach them dance steps with fun instructions like smashing bugs and galloping like ponies across the room. The studio boasts viewing windows so the moms were able to sit back and watch the little ones learn to dance.

Thank you so much to Ms. Michelle of Emotion Dance for a fun filled morning!

Interested in signing up your little one for a year of Dance? Ms. Michelle will run a 45 min day time program for 3 and 4 year olds if there is enough interest! Please contact me at leanne.ballard@momstown.ca and let me know you are interested or, contact Michelle at the studio direct to let her know you would love a daytime option for your grooving little bean!

Kids Book Club - At The Zoo!

2011-09-09T17:02:00.003-04:00

momstown Guelph met for our monthly kids book club that is sponsored by Scholastic!

We had a great time playing at the park and reading The Underpants Zoo by Brian Sendelbach.
Check out an interview with Brian Sendelbach by momstown on the arts and crafts blog.

Thanks to Scholastic for the great book, and for an extra copy that we raffled off to a lucky winner!

Come check out Lil' Jammers by Jam School!

2011-09-07T15:24:00.004-04:00

Want a chance to check out a local music program?

Jam School is offering 4 times for you to go and check out their Lil' Jammers program.

These are Group Music Classes with several options including

Family
Preschool
Kindergarden
Fine Musicians (Gr 1/2)
Star Singers (Gr 2/3)

Call to Register for the FREE Trial Family Class
519 763 8526

FREE Classes are happening on
September 10th at 10:00am
September 10th at 11:00am
September 14th at 10:00am
September 14th at 11:00am

Classes take place at
201 Alice Street, Guelph On, N1E3A7

Find more information at
JamSchool.com

Vote for momstown to be Canada's top Mom Entrepreneur!

2011-09-04T19:13:00.003-04:00

momstown has put our name into the ring to win The SavvyMom Mom Entrepreneur of the Year Award, a readers' choice contest designed to find Canada's top Mom Entrepreneur.

We need your help, so please take a moment to view our submission and if you luv momstown as much as we do - please vote for us! And/or leave a comment!

The contest ends September 12th so please hurry on over and vote! You can actually vote once for every 24 hours so if you are so inclined please go back each day and leave your vote! We appreciate your support!

momstown moms Cloth Diapering Tips!

2011-08-31T12:55:00.000-04:00

momstown Guelph moms have been giving advise on the message board about getting started in the world of cloth diapering!

There were a lot of great ideas and tips which I thought all moms could benefit from so I thought I would share!

Below is a list taken from the momstown Guelph Message board!

Get a little tutorial and can decide what you might like to try.

Diaper shopping with a friend who had already used cloth diapers.

Do they cost a lot? Depends on which route you take. If you do prefolds and covers it's super cheap (6pk prefolds/$20 and about $15/cover but only need 3-4 covers a day). Pockets are generally more popular because they're closer to disposables in terms of use but usually run at about $20 give or take, each. Plus you need at least 2 days worth meaning about 16-20 of them.

You could check out a rental package to see if you will like it. That way you get to try different kinds and see what you might like.

What works for one doesn't always work for the other. Every baby is different, but it's such a fun world out there.

There are also Diapering services to check out.

I bought SO MUCH cloth and cloth diapering supplies that we HATED or never even used. I wish I would have borrowed or done a rental program first to test things out. It is so individual what works for each family/baby. Getting to know the basics though is a good place to start.

Everyday there is something new on the momstown Guelph Message Board. If you want to join in on the conversation register today for a free trial!

The winner is....

2011-08-30T12:38:00.003-04:00

Our Winner for the Toopy and Binoo Tickets from Koba Entertainment!

You can purchase tickets for this show through the River Run center!

Thanks to everyone who participated this week in all our Toopy and Binoo Fun!

Want to win Toppy and Binoo Tickets?

2011-08-28T12:17:00.000-04:00

Do your kids love Toopy & Binoo? Mine do!

Great news! I am about to reward one of you with Free Tickets to their upcoming show on September 30th at the River Run Centre!
Check out www.ToopyAndBinooOnTour.com for more details on the Show!
Of course I am sure what you really want to know is how do you win those tickets!
All you need to do is visit the momstown Guelph Facebook Page and post a picture of your kids loving Toopy and Binoo. A picture of them dancing to their songs or telling you why they are their #1 fan.
Then come on back here and let me know you did so (please leave your Facebook name as well so I can easily find you)!
At the end of the day I will choose one lucky winner!
Make sure you go check out the Koba Entertainment Facebook page and follow them on Twitter as well!

Great Fall Photography Event!

2011-08-27T13:13:00.005-04:00

This is being offered by Loft Photography!

Session includes 20 minute shoot which includes unlimited shots and poses, a disc with up to 20 edited full size photos with all reproduction rights.

E-mail loftphotography@rogers.com to secure your space today!

4 spaces left

9:40

1:00

3:00

3:20

These sessions are $20.00 but being offered at $15 for momstown members!

momstown Guelph Little Picasso's!

2011-08-19T14:01:00.003-04:00

momstown Guelph moms enjoyed another morning out at the park! We let our kids have some creative time with paper and paint for our Picasso's.

Picasso's in the Park is a great regular event we run through the summer when we can be messy in the great outdoors.

We set up on the long picnic tables and bring out the beautiful coloured tempra (non-toxic paint) and a million types of brushes, sponges and fun applicators. Let your child go wild!!!

If you are looking for paint activities for our kids check out our momstown arts and crafts for ideas!

momstown Guelph Birthday Celebrations!

2011-08-18T13:40:00.006-04:00

Thank you to all the moms who came out to celebrate our Birthday with us! We had a beautiful Sunny day and really enjoyed it!

Thanks to all of our Sponsors for this event! Without you it would not be possible to hold these fantastic community events!

Check for more photos on our Facebook page and enjoy this video of the day!

Thanks from momstown Guelph!

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Kids Book Club - Let's Make Music

2011-08-05T13:36:00.007-04:00

momstown Guelph gathered for our monthly kids book club which was sponsored by Scholastic!

Check out the two babes enjoying the books that followed our Let's Make Music theme for August!

The Preschoolers in the group had a blast learning these new songs which their moms grew up singing!

Thanks for the books Scholastic! Check out the review of these books on the momstown arts and crafts blog!

Field trip to the White Rock Ostrich Farm!

2011-08-04T19:16:00.002-04:00

momstown Guelph was joined today by momstown Milton, momstown Burlington and momstown KW!

We had a great time taking a ride on the Hay wagon and feeding the teenage Ostriches. White Rock Ostrich Farm were wonderful hostesses and we really enjoyed our time there!

We're Having a Birthday!

2011-07-29T22:12:00.002-04:00

Come join us as we celebrate momstown's Birthday! There will be something for everyone including crafts, entertainment and Goody Bags!

This is a free event and everyone is welcome to join us!

Check our Facebook event for Details as they are released!

ElanneandIvy and Shelby Styles summer Tent Sale

2011-07-26T19:06:00.009-04:00

Come on out for the Elanne&Ivy and Shelby Styles summer Tent Sale, featuring Andrea Martin photography!

Sign up and let them know you are coming on the event page here!

72 Harvard Road, Guelph Saturday Aug 20th from 10am until 4pm.

Lots of great sales, with door prizes and tasty treats!

Check below for a preview of the great items you can expect!

Fergus Truck Show!

2011-07-24T15:27:00.009-04:00

Take a peak into the Children's area that momstown Guelph provided for the Fergus Truck show this year!

There was fun to be had all over the truck show as demonstrated by my kidlets!

Here is the children's area, we were tucked away in the shade! Perfect for hours of fun!

Hard Hat Bean Bag Toss!
Corn Sand box!
Make your own Dump truck in our arts and crafts area! Check out the craft directions here!
Let's explode some volcano's!

Join us at the Fergus Truck Show!

2011-07-17T11:47:00.007-04:00

It's Almost Time!

Time for what? The Fergus Truck Show of Course! momstown Guelph is hosting the kids fun one for the Fergus Truck Show and it is almost here!

Come on out and join us this weekend in Fergus. There will be something for everyone. Trucks and tractors as far as the eye can see!

Check out below for the schedule of events for the childrens area. We will have crafts, painting, games, and more! Our activities have been taken from the momstown arts and craft blog construction section!

I will also be giving away goody bags and mom will receive coupons valued at over $50.

Splish, Splash, Splosh!

2011-07-13T11:02:00.004-04:00

Summer is here and at momstown Guelph that means heading to our local Splash Pad!

Today we had our very first momstown Splash Pad day of the summer where we had the whole Splash Pad to ourselves. It was a great time had by all. There was lots of space for the kids to run and play while us moms could sit back and watch.

Check out some of the moments we captured of our fun and come join us for our next Splash Pad day in August!

Before heading out into the sun this summer check out these Top 5 Child UV protection Products on the momstown.ca minds blog!

Picasso's in the Park!

2011-07-12T21:29:00.008-04:00

Today we headed out to the park for one of momstown's top summer events!
Picasso's in the Park!

This is the event that allows our little budding artists to get messy and express themselves in their art!

Children of all ages can enjoy this as they explore the paint with brushes, sponges and of course their hands!

Want some fun activities to do outside with paint? Check out this Sunset Canvas Art from our momstown.ca arts and crafts blog!

Want to join our group in August for another Picasso's morning? Register here!

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Kids Book Club - The Sandcastle Contest

2011-07-11T10:01:00.004-04:00

Friday was our monthly kids book club here at momstown Guelph. Monthly we meet out in the playground at Riverside Park and once the kids have run off some of their energy we sit down for snack and a book.

Each month we have a themed curriculum from momstown. This month is At the Beach and to go along with that theme we read the book The Sandcastle Contest. This is a classic from Robert Munch and the kids really enjoyed it!

A big thank you to our sponsor Scholastic for providing with not just one book to read but a second book to give away to one lucky mom! The winner of that book today was Jacquie! Congratulations Jacquie!

If you want to join us for our monthly kids book clubs or for any of our other 30+ events a month make sure you register on the site!

Thanks to Loft Photography for taking these photos for me!

Wordless Wednesday - a momstown Craft!

2011-07-06T14:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Canada!

2011-07-02T20:16:00.009-04:00

As we are approaching the end of the Canada Day long weekend I wanted to share with you some of the activities momstown Guelph moms were enjoying!

We started off our activities on Thursday at our weekly A to Z fun! We were on the letter O and with Canada Day the next day we completed an O is for "Oh Canada" craft. Our O Canada flags turned out quite good!

For more Canada Day crafts check out the momstown.ca arts and crafts blog.

On Friday I know there were a lot of momstown Guelph moms taking in the festivities at Riverside Park. There was something for everyone including Pony rides, a petting zoo, of course the merry go round and train, ice cream, inflatable slides and castles and rubber ducks in the river.

Happy Canada Day Weekend everyone!

Wordless Wednesday! - Enjoying Nature!

2011-06-29T11:03:00.007-04:00

I want to Thank C. L. Nike Photography for Capturing this moment for me!

8 Tips for moms of Glasses Wearing Toddlers!

2011-06-28T08:53:00.002-04:00

Some of you already know that my wonderful Son wears glasses. He was only 16 months when we discovered that he needed them! Having a toddler who needs to wear glasses is a big transition. Recently my busy little boy snapped his glasses right in half. Look closely at the picture below and you will be able to see my fix with the hot glue gun. It was then that I thought, perhaps a list of tips for parents who have yet to experience this would be useful. With the help of another momstown Guelph mom I have compiled the below list!

Make sure they fit well. Buy frames that fit their small face and go back and have them adjusted over and over again if you have to. When they fit well they don't slip down their noses or fall off when they run or look down.
Think about getting a warranty (remember the hot glue) "We have LOVED having a warranty... are on our 3rd or 4th full replacements in the past year and a half with no charge." (quoted from momstown Guelph mom)
Have a place they ALWAYS go when they are taken off. Make sure kids understand that even if they just want a break from them for a few minutes they have to put them up.
Keep lens cleaner with you all the time. They get dirty quick!
Other kids are fascinated by your child's glasses. Explain that NO ONE else gets to touch them.
At first supervise every second they have them on! It only takes a second for them to snap an arm off or chew off the nose pieces They will be really curious about them at first. (both have happened to me)
Start slow and keep the kids busy while they are starting to wear them. (The local indoor playground worked well for me)
At first take them off for car rides or any other time you can't get to them quickly. While they are still curious and very aware of their glasses they will take them off and 'experiment' with them. (refer to #6)

music and movement!

2011-06-22T16:43:00.002-04:00

Yesterday morning momstown Guelph moms gathered at Riverside Park for our bi-weekly music and movement!

Each month there is a new theme that the program is based upon. Its part of the momstown educational curriculum that encourages learning thru play! This month we were singing about construction! If you want to see some of our construction themed activities check out the momstown.ca arts and crafts blog!

The kids love moving and digging thru the bin of toys and instruments! Our momstown Guelph parachute also made an appearance and the kids had lots of fun running and identifying the colours of the parachutes triangles!

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Summer reading - join the club!

2011-06-21T06:50:00.001-04:00

All across momtown communities, kids can join summer reading clubs at their local libraries! You don't need to be a reader to participate! Even children as young as 2 yrs old can count the books we read to them!

Sponsored by TD Bank, the reading program is launched Canada-wide at the end of June/early July in many communities*. The goal is to encourage children to engage with books throughout the summer.

Upon signing up, children usually receive a poster, stickers, colouring book, and a way to track their summer reading. When milestones are hit (say, 10 books read) kids receive a reward - such as a free ice cream from a local restaurant, or a pass to a local entertainment complex. Each year my kids look forward to the library reading program, and it's a great way to start off the summer!

The theme this year is Splash! Celebrate Summer and the website has lots of links to recommended book lists (ranging from pictures books up to teenage years).

An interactive kids website has been designed to engage kids in reading with online games and activities. Whatever momstown community you're part of, there should be a local library ready to engage your kids in reading this summer!

momstown has a strong literacy program as part of its educational curriculum for children aged 0-5. Our kids and baby book clubs, book reviews, and parent resources help families make reading a part of their every day.

Even the youngest child can engage with letters - momstown has a full range of alphabet crafts to get kids interested!

Click on your community for your local library information on the TD Summer Reading Club.

Calgary Edmonton Winnipeg Aurora Barrie Burlington Georgina-East Gwillimbury Guelph Hamilton Kitchener-Waterloo Markham Milton Newmarket Oakville Oshawa-Port Perry Toronto Whitby-Ajax

Ripe Red Strawberries!

2011-06-20T06:31:00.003-04:00

On Friday momstown Guelph, Milton, Kitchener-Waterloo and Burlington all met at Springridge Farm to go strawberry picking!

We arrived and gathered the troops (thanks to momstown Milton owner Sam who was happy to stand up and shout "momstown moms over here, can we have momstown moms over here") and then we all headed out on the tractor pulled wagon to get to the strawberry patch.

There was a lot of picking going on but somehow my basket just did not fill up as much as should be expected! Might just have to go back for another visit before the season is over!

Along with picking strawberries Springridge offers many activities for the kids. Once we had our berries we headed over to their giant sandbox filled with Tonka trucks of all sizes. (A great addition to our day since this months momstown curriculum theme is construction.)

A first experience for some that went over VERY well!

Our next group outing is to Kelso beach so make sure you have signed up on the calendar!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-15T16:02:00.001-04:00

Hot Rod Hamster Kids Book Club!

2011-06-10T19:45:00.006-04:00

Today was our monthly kids book club here at momstown Guelph. We met out in the playground at Riverside Park and once the kids had run off some of their energy we sat down for snack and a book.

Our momstown themed curriculum for the month is construction and to go along with that theme we read the book Hot Rod Hamster. In this story the Hamster builds himself a cool hot rod! The book really engages the kids asking them to choose what type of car, tires and flames they would choose for the Hamster!

A big thank you to our sponsor Scholastic for providing with not just one book to read but a second book to give away to one lucky mom! The winner of that book today was Elisa! Congratulations Elisa!

If you want to join us for our monthly kids book clubs or for any of our other 30+ events a month make sure you register on the site!