Mommy Blogger Contest!

Stay tuned for five new ParentsCanada blogs to start on December 1st! One of the five selected bloggers will win the coveted position of the new ParentTalk blogger.

Check back here for more information, details and links to the blogs!

Let the wild rumpus start!

(Image via imdb.com)

Hi Parents,

Has anyone seen the new movie "Where the Wild Things Are" yet? I remember reading and loving the book as a child, so of course I was very interested to see how Spike Jonze adapted it for the big screen.

While the movie was beautiful, I thought perhaps some of the themes would be a bit too complex/scary for little ones. But I've also heard stories of young children loving this film, and standing in their seats to "howl" along with the monsters. I'd love to hear what all of you, and your kids, thought of the movie!

And speaking of wild things... spring is long gone, but the joy that newborn baby animals bring continues all over the world. Check out ZooBorns – a site dedicated to showcasing baby animals born in zoos in all their hyper-adorable glory! It's a great website for parents and kids to share, as you can learn about interesting species, while squealing over photos of big, bright eyes and wobbly legs. Here's an example of the cuteness:

Hope everyone is having a great fall!

Sara

Treat yourself to a little relaxation...

Sometimes you just have to say yes to relaxation and pampering and leave the guilt of money and time-away at the door.  That’s what I did recently with my mom.  My mom and I work together, she is the editor of Today’s Bride magazine, ParentsCanada’s sister publication and we both needed a break from the office. We visited the new Rosseau Resort and Spa – a JW Marriott resort (on Lake Rosseau in Ontario’s lovely north country last month). 

We stayed overnight and indulged in great food and wine at their restaurant Teca and indulged in their new Spa Rosseau with pedicure, manicure and facials.

We were welcomed with herbal tea and then ushered into our respective rooms for a well-needed detox.  What makes it so lovely, is all as the elements of being up north invite relaxation before you even sip your first cup of tea.   We were revitalized in state-of-the-art facilities.  Check out www.sparosseau.com, and join the great outdoors and indoors and get ready to relax.

'Til next time,

Jane Bradley
Editor
ParentsCanada.com

Holly and Holy

Happy Holy- and Holly-days, one and all! Seasonal wishes include the following holidays:

• Eid
• Hanukkah
• Christmas
• Kwanzaa
• Winter solstice
• Festivus
• and Happy New Year, too

I'll be taking a hiatus from the ParentTalk Blog for a few weeks but want to wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season! Be safe. Have fun. Enjoy.

 

Lavender Alphabet Soup

Thought I'd share two fab new kiddy products that have recently come my way:

This little cutie is from the Sonoma Lavender company; a family-run farm in northern California where crops are grown and scented products are created for adults and children.  If you'd like a mini vacation, read about their idyllic location and family philosophy here. 

You probably already know that lavender encourages relaxation and restfulness; our daughter loves this mildly-scented, cuddly lamb whom  we've dubbed, "Lily the Lamb" in her honour. You can heat up the lavender sachet stored inside but we haven't done that; I'm pleased with the light scent.  The stuffed animals sell for $30 U.S. and you can purchase them via the Sonoma Lavender web site, linked above.

Hungry? Alphabet Soup is a three-person children's group based in Winnipeg. Their latest CD entitled, "You're It!" includes cute, upbeat ditties including, "My Lunch," "Spider-Mom" and "When I Grow Up." 

You can read about Alphabet Soup, listen to clips, upload MP3s and order their CD (for $15) via this micro-site. Feel good about supporting Canadian talent while entertaining your kids!