.@TeddyOutReady: January 2015

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Disney's Tomorrowland Big Game Tease #Tomorrowland #SuperBowlXLIX

The future awaits. Tune in to the Super Bowl tomorrow to see more Tomorrowland!  Do not miss an opportunity to get a first look at the Disney movie during the Big Game, coming out this spring.



Brad Bird’s "Tomorrowland" is  a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as "Tomorrowland."

What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever. "Tomorrowland" promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of. "Tomorrowland" opens in theatres on May 22, 2015.

To add more excitement to the Big Game, take your chance to catch a trailer of Avengers: Age of Ultron that will be airing for the first time in Canada during the pre-game show, plus a :30 spot for Avengers: Age of Ultron and a :30 spot for McFarland airing in-game as well.

McFarland opens in theatres on February 20, 2015. Avengers: Age of Ultron opens on May 1, 2015.
Read more ...

You are invited to Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza! (Giveaway)

Teddy at Media Preview

February is almost here and while it is still cold outside, we are ready to warm with upcoming holidays including Valentine’s Day and Ontario Family Day. This year Mississauga Kids prepared for families an amazing event: Mississauga Family Day Extravaganza. Last month we had an opportunity to attend a media preview and had a sneak peek of upcoming Mississauga Kids Family Day. Knowing what a series of activates await families that day I am sure Extravaganza is the right word to express what is going to happen there during Family Day.

QMack QMack and Teddy

At the media preview we were excited to meet the host of our first Family Day Events Mississauga Extravaganza Q-Mack, a professional basketball freestyle entertainer. His show filled with breathtaking tricks, passes and jumps. You should see how he can hold a ladder on his chin and other balancing acts at Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza on February 16.

Canadian Soccer Trick Champion

Q-Mack along with his friend Canadian Soccer Trick Champion, Magnet are such an inspiration for kids. Their athletic skills are far beyond entertainment, giving children a chance to see what everyone can reach with some practice and perseverance. Do not miss a chance to see them at Mississauga Family Day Extravaganza. After the media preview and meeting with Q-Mack and Magnet, Teddy tried to do some tricks with a ball, so impressive their skills were.

Super Dogs

Another must-see show is President’s Choice SuperDogs. These amazing performers are cute, skilled and bring entertainment for the whole family. We saw SuperDogs at the CNE last fall, it was so much fun and looking forward to meet them again. Good to know that over 40% of the SuperDogs have been adopted from Shelters or Humane Societies across North America. When Super Dogs are not performing, they are lovely pets for their owners.

Safari Science

Safari Science will be at the event with their lizards, turtles, tree frogs, spiders and more. Three performances to see real animals, you can even touch them and learn more about their life, habits and favorite meal.

Our friend Suzie Sunshine will join Mississauga Family Day Extravaganza with her catchy tunes easy to remember and interactive performance. We love so much her Two Word Sentence and Alligator Purse songs. There will be lots of other activities for children including Fun Zone where kids can jump in bouncy castles, meet superheroes, princesses, participate in interactive exhibits, face painting, balloons creations, treats and more. Creative little hands can join Home Depot workshops and build a wooden craft.

Mississauga Kids has partnered with a local charitable organization, Breakfast With Santa Foundation and will donate a portion of proceeds to their summer breakfast program. Local vendors will be happy to present their products and services, and the list grows every day.

Family Day is an amazing opportunity to spend a day with together. Mississauga Kids Family Day Extravaganza invites you to join them at Mississauga Convention Centre on Monday, February 16th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Get your tickets today for $12 each or family pack of four for $42!

Vendors

Tickets include one SuperDogs performance, plus all other entertainment acts, and access to the bouncy castles, activities, games, superhero and princess characters, building workshops and more. Get ready to have a busy and fulfilling day, see you at the Family Day Events Mississauga Extravaganza.

Mississauga

Thanks to Mississauga Kids, we have a fantastic giveaway for our readers, a chance to win a Family Pack to Mississauga Family Day Extravaganza. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents who can attend the event on February 16. The giveaway ends February 9, 2015. Good Luck, everyone!
  a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more ...

Thursday, January 29, 2015

TVOKids Polka Dot Play Series & Bear’s Birthday Party Math Game for Preschoolers

Polka Dot Play

Last week we had a chance to visit TVO studio for Polka Dot Play Date. The celebration was dedicated to the launch of new series called Polka Dot Play with original characters and an online math-based game called Bear’s Birthday Party.

Gisele TVO Polkaroo

The event started with Green Screen challenge where kids and parents had a chance to have behind the scene experience and learn the tricks of a TV segment production. The funniest part was a hide-and-seek activity using green magic sheet.

TVO Kids TVOKids

Then we were excited to meet Gisèle and Polkaroo who joined the party. Just few days before the celebration, new Polka Dot Play TV segments were aired on TVO Kids and presented by Gisèle from Gisèle’s Big Backyard. Now we can follow adventures the Polka Dot Door characters Marigold, Bear, Humpty and Dumpty on TVOKids and play the on-line game Bear’s Birthday Party

Teddy was eager to try Bear’s Birthday Party game on iPad (now children know how to use tech without any help). In the game, featuring Gisèle and the dolls, kids can help Bear get ready for his birthday party by counting, sorting, and pairing balloons, cupcakes, and presents. I think it is a great way to engage children in learning math since all kids love Birthday parties. First few levels of the game were easy for Teddy and the following ones he had to think how to manage and move forward. 

Polka Dot Play characters once were parents favorites in Polka Dot Door series. These days both Polka Dot Play series and Bear’s Birthday Party is the perfect way to involve two generations and help preschoolers with math basics. Strong math skills bring more confidence and contribute to future learning when children start school.

Green Screen TVO Online game TVO

The rest of our party we spent playing with Gisèle, Polkaroo and other kids. It was so much fun and everyone had a good time. Teddy left TVO knowing that now he has great helpers in his math journey and he needs to learn much more about it.

Kids at TVO

Do not miss an opportunity to enter TVO Kids contest, where kids can join Bear’s Birthday Party for a chance to win a mini tablet, details can be found here.

About TVOKids
All TVOKids’ content is based on the Ontario School curriculum and is designed to help kids succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Polka Dot Play and on-line game Bear’s Birthday Party are an example of the integrated educational experience TVO is creating as part of its transformation from educational broadcaster to digital educator.
Read more ...

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove in #Toronto

Woody Disney on Ice

Disney On Ice is always a special event for us. During holiday season when Disney On Ice visits Toronto we try to be at one of their shows. This time we were excited to be at Disney On Ice: Treasure Trove performance.

Toy Story Disney on Ice Queen of Hearts army

Disney shows always better to watch in a costume and Teddy was happy to be Woody from Toy Story knowing in advance that Toy Story theme would be on stage and first one. Introduced by Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Goofey and Donald Duck, the Treasure Trove took us on breathtaking adventures on ice. Featuring favorite Disney movies and characters we were able to experience the value of friendship in Toy Story and then follow Alice in Wonderland. The Queen of Hearts’ army was pretty impressive with two–side costumes that you trying to catch which side turned out. Then talking about treasures we always come to brave Peter Pan and Captain Hook, these two characters brought lots cheer in the audience along with a huge crocodile appearance at the end of the scene.

Lion King Peter Pan

The second part with characters from the Lion King was the one which left the strong impression on our kid. I assume it was longer scene than other ones we saw that day. The following performances were much shorter and included favorite Disney princesses Ariel with catchy songs, Rapunzel, Jasmine and Tiana with romantic scenes on ice, skating smoothly with their loved ones following lovely music tunes.

Treasure Trove Ball Treasure Trove

Overall, it was a great holiday event filled with favorite characters, funny scenes, amazing costumes and spectacular jumps. Now we are looking forward to next Disney On Ice Toronto stop, totally excited what March Break performances bring us this year.

Woody Costume
Read more ...

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Our Adventures in Italy Day III - the Vatican City #familytravel

Vatican

One of the Rome must see place is Vatican with Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. It is probably the most crowded place in Rome. A line to buy a ticket to Vatican museum was about 500 meters long at 10am. We expected it and bought our tickets online in advance and were happy to avoid wasting few hours of our precious time in crowd under the hot Italian sun.

Teddy In Vatican Summer Vatican Park

There are 54 galleries in Vatican Museum in total, with the Sistine Chapel, being the very last gallery within the Museum. The collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries including some of the most famous classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

Vatican Museum History Vatican Museum Posseidon

The Museum designed the way that you have to go through all galleries one by one (with few shortcuts to Sistine Chapel on the way).We enjoyed Roman sculpture, tombstones, and inscriptions as well as paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio and others.

St Peter's Basilica entrance St Peter's Basilica

Vatican Museum is huge and we were tired when reached Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel is famous for the frescoes that present the interior, and most particularly the Sistine Chapel ceiling and “The Last Judgment” by Michelangelo. It was so crowded there that I had to take Teddy on hands. Everyone was looking on sealing and absorbed a beautiful art in subway rush-hour like environment. From Sistine Chapel there is a direct pathway to St. Peter's Basilica that meant to be use by official Vatican guides and their groups. Fortunately, we knew about it and sneaked as a part of the big group and save at least one hour to walk around Vatican and wait in big line to enter Basilica.

St Peter's Basilica Teddy in Vatican

St. Peter's Basilica is a Late Renaissance Church located within Vatican City. Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's Basilica is the most famous work of Renaissance architecture and remains one of the largest churches in the world. By Catholic tradition, the Basilica is the burial site of its Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, also according to the tradition, the first Pope and Bishop of Rome. We spent some time in Basilica and St. Peter's Square. Teddy played with pigeons trying to catch them. Pigeons didn't fly away and just ran from Teddy inviting him to play more.

Vatican Outside Vatican Guards

Our afternoon plans included Tiber river cruise and after lunch we headed to the Sant'Angelo Castle – the closest boat stop. There is a hop-on hop-off boat that runs between 2 stops (Tiber Isle and Ponte S. Angelo) during the day with ticket valid for 24 hour. Sant'Angelo Castle was awesome, but Tiber River is completely abandoned. To get to the river you have to take stairs around 20 meters down and enter a deserted area. I am wondering why they don’t create a river walk like in San Antonio, Texas and use kilometers of river bank for entertainment. I remember that in “Roman Holiday” movie it was a big dancing party on the Tiber river at Sant'Angelo Castle at the very place we were (when the princess Ann hits the royal agents over the head with beer bottles and then with a guitar). What happened there since 1953?

We took a boat and ride to Tiber Isle and back. It was no more than 10 tourists on the boat with us. We didn’t see a lot of the city because of 20 meters walls on both sides of the river. We enjoyed a relaxing breeze and architecture of the bridges and buildings.

Sant'Angelo Castle Italy Boat Tour Rome

Next day we booked for Colosseum – number one tourist attraction in Rome.
Read more ...

Monday, January 19, 2015

Experience Frozen Sing-Along Edition

The popularity of Frozen is out of question and even after over a year of the movie release the number of fans grows every day, no matter if they are kids or grown-ups. Most winter time week-ends this holiday season we were listeners of Frozen songs performed by my nieces. Every girl took a character name after her favorite princess and sings the songs related to selected scenes of the movie, so now we have our own Anna and Elsa.

Frozen

Frozen Sing-Along DVD which already hit the stores, makes it possible to sing and dance with your favorite character whenever you like, and definitely, would not leave you bored. First, when I saw the DVD, I thought we got Frozen movie songs one by one, but it was a nice discovery to get the whole movie with an additional karaoke feature. Now while watching a movie you have the lyrics on a screen with a bouncing snowflake helping you  to follow a song’s flow.

Frozen Party

Canadian winter can be pretty cold, and long days inside can be more cheerful with Frozen songs, jumping out of the screen. Now if you wanna build a snowman, fight the ice monster, ride a sleigh or save little princesses, you can easily do this with music and dance. The whole family can join the signing including older siblings, mom, dad and grandparents. What about Frozen parties which hosted almost everywhere only showing how popular this movie is? Frozen Sing-Along DVD is the perfect addition to Frozen-themed party where kids can sing together their favorite songs and even have a mini-play.

Time to join Anna one more time as she sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and a snowman named Olaf – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. It’s pure adventures and fun for everyone!
Read more ...

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Paddington Teams up with Chuck E Cheese to Celebrate Movie Release across Canada (Giveaway)

Last week I had a chance to join Paddington advanced screening with my friends from London. We had an amazing experience watching adventures of Peruvian bear in London, who got his name after Paddington station. For my friend this movie was more than just a regular film because her cousin worked in Paddington production team and seeing a family member involved in creating such an amazing family-friendly movie is pretty exciting.

Paddington Bear Canada

Paddington movie opens in theatres across Canada on January 16. Do not miss an opportunity to join adventures of marmalade-loving bear coming to a big screen from favorite Michael Bond children’s books.
Paddington

You cannot resist this charming and polite bear who seems do not fit London lifestyle at first, but later helps to understand what is the family is all about. Paddington does not have any experience living in a big city and he often gets into funny situations. His sincere and honest attitude finds love and respect in return. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi and Nicole Kidman, Paddington is a kind and heart-warming movie for the whole family to watch, and can be a perfect getaway during our cold Canadian winter days.

Chuck E Cheese Vaughan
Chuck E Cheese Vaughan

It was also exiting to learn that Chuck E Cheese teamed up with Paddington to celebrate the upcoming release of the movie. Thanks to Chuck E Cheese, Paddington and eOneFilm, we are happy to offer a fantastic giveaway. Fifteen lucky readers will win an incredible prize pack which includes one Paddington Plush and two Chuck E Cheese guest passes ( 1 Large Pizza, 4 Soft Drinks and 30 Game Tokens).

Here is the list of the Chuck E Cheese locations across Canada where you can have a good time with your family:

ONTARIO:
• Cambridge
• Kingston
• Mississauga (2 locations)
• Newmarket
• Vaughan
• Whitby
• Willowdale
• Windsor

ALBERTA:
• Calgary
• Edmonton
• North Edmonton

 BRITISH COLUMBIA:
• Langley

SASKATCHEWAN:
• Regina

The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends January 28, 2015. For your chance simply fill the Rafflecopter form below and Good Luck!

Chuck E Cheese Prize


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Read more ...

Monday, January 12, 2015

Maple Leaf Monster Jam is coming to Toronto This Weekend

Grave Digger

Monster Jam is coming back again to Toronto Rogers Centre for two breathtaking performances. On January 17 – 18 do not miss an opportunity to be at one of exciting entertainment shows filled with roar, crashes and high decibels. Monster Jam tracks are the biggest four-wheel performers of the show. These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will take all your attention and keep it to the end of the show. Racing, smashes, spectacular jumps, crazy turns and rolls around – everything is a part of the shows which never boring and can beat any winter blues.

El Toro

Monster Jam performances are perfect for a family outing, kids and adults love high flying tracks and some of them represent children’s favorite characters like Batman, Scooby Doo and many others. We are very lucky to be at show every year and each time it is a fantastic family getaway to the world of huge, custom made trucks which can fly up to 125 to 130 feet in the air. It is probably not the best entertainment for little babies due to high decibel levels, so mind that.

Monster Jam

This year we are excited to see favorite trucks including Canadian Northern Nightmare driven by Cam McQueen, Grave Digger®, Scooby Doo, El Toro Loco, Monster Mutt Dalmatian, Max D, Mega Bite, Spike, Aftershock, Krazy Train and Shell Camino.

Monster Jam shows run Saturday, January 17 at 7pm and Sunday, January 18 at 2pm at Rogers Centre. Pit Party Passes are available for purchase for $10. Tickets and Pit Passes are available at the Rogers Centre Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.ca and via charge-by-phone (855) 985-5000.

Even more exciting when you can save on tickets to Monster Jam events. We are glad to introduce Peachy Buy offer for these upcoming performances at Rogers Center this week-end. You can get tickets for Maple Leaf Monster Jam for only $13 and $23 using code MJPEACH on ticketmaster.ca. The regular value of these tickets is $20 and $35. This offer IS VALID with Pizza Pizza Kids' seats offer. Applicable ticketmaster.ca service fees will still apply.
Read more ...

Sunday, January 11, 2015

You are invited to #WalmartBaby Shower at Square One in Mississauga

We were very excited to learn that Walmart recently launched its baby registry to help Canadians get ready for a new baby on the way. To celebrate this amazing launch Walmart Canada is hosting a special event at the upper level of Walmart Square One in Mississauga. On Saturday January 17 from 11:15 to 2 pm parents-to-be, families and friends are invited to join a baby shower and learn more about Walmart Baby Registry and everything you need to be ready for the new arrival.

 photo WalmartBabyShower_zps25d00f40.jpg

There will be games and refreshments* as well as a meet and greet with parenting expert, Alyson Schafer. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about Walmart Baby Registry and ask questions you may have about brands and baby products available in Walmart, assortment, safety items and helpful tips. 

See you there, hope you join the celebration!

*Giveaways and refreshments are available while quantities last.
Read more ...

Friday, January 9, 2015

NutriGold Whole-Food Prenatal Multivitamin for Healthy Pregnancy #prenatalmulti

Prenatal Vitamins are very important during pregnancy, they bring necessary nutrients and vitamins to the developing fetus and the expecting mother. There are so many ups and downs mother’s body undergo, changes and development, everything to carry a healthy baby.

Whole-Food Prenatal Multi Gold

Recently I had a chance to receive Whole-Food Prenatal Multi Gold vitamins to review. I have been taking them for a short time but I really like them. The most important for prenatal vitamins is to be absolutely safe for a mom and a baby and I see Nutri Gold created Whole-food Prenatal Multi Gold vitamins making it first priority. I think Whole-Food Prenatal Multi Gold vitamins carries all the benefits of prenatal vitamins should have. It is a multivitamin and multi-mineral complex to support healthy pregnancy made of organic whole-food nutrients extracted from natural food sources like fruits, herbs and vegetables. This product does not have any vitamins and minerals in synthetic forms. Folic acid, iron, the family of B vitamins, zinc and many other supplements are needed for the a pregnant woman, though my doctor says that I should be careful with iron amount. Four capsules should be taken every day, so I think my bottle is enough for a month. Whole-Food Prenatal Multi Gold vitamins can be taken with and without food and do not irritate stomach that is true and I like that.

 photo Pregnant_zpsdf03a46d.jpg

Taking prenatal vitamins is an essential part of healthy pregnancy, and I am suggested to take prenatal multi-vitamins every time I visit medical professional reading my pregnancy or when trying to conceive. Overall, I think it is a great complex of vitamins for a expecting mom or woman trying to expand her family.
Read more ...