We will have a ballet class for the kids, a performance by a REAL Ballerina, plus crafts and hairstyles for the kids (boys included!)
Our event is also BYOB! BRING YOUR OWN BARBIE™
We encourage everyone to dress in pink, wear your tutu and come for a very fun
Barbie™ and Ballet music & movement event!
How do you find out all the details? Check out the momstown Edmontoncalendar of course!
We will have a copy of Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes DVD to giveaway as well!
We have another chance for you to win your own copy of Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes! Check out the contest page to enter and for an extra entry share a photo or video of your little ballerina on our facebook page!
Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is the latest release which will be available on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD on February 26th, 2013. Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes is an exciting ballet movie in which Barbie™ stars as Kristyn, the hard-working dancer, who wows the big ballet company in her performance of Giselle and Swan Lake. Through this journey Kristyn learns that when you dance from your heart – your dreams can come true.
Barbie has introduced a line up of dolls, accessories and a playset which allow girls to recreate some of their favorite scenes from the film. A must have is the Barbie™ in the Pink Shoes as Kristyn Farraday™. Two in one, girls can simply twist the doll and her skirt reverses for a magical transformation!
Welcome to momstown Edmonton's The Grange edition of The People In Your Neighbourhood! Edmonton is a city made up of many beautiful neighbourhoods and it is our goal that this blog series will provide you with many great reasons to get out exploring the city, fall in love with Edmonton and the people in your neighbourhood!
The Grange is full of beautiful neighborhoods designed with families in mind! The Grange, although sitting on the edge of the city is accessible through many main highways, providing an easy commute to just about anywhere! With great parks and a ton of single family homes this neighbourhood would be a great place to visit or call home! Location The Grange stretches south of Stony Plain Road all the way down to 45 avenue and is bordered by the Anthony Henday to the east and 215 street to the west. The Grange encompasses the following neighbourhoods; Lewis Estates, The Hamptons, Suder Greens, Granville, Glastonbury, Potter Greens, and Breckenridge Greens.
What's A Mom To Do?
Playgroups
West Meadows playgroupruns every friday from 10-11:30 a.m at West Meadows Baptist Church (9333 – 199 Street). All parents and their children 5 years and under are welcome. Lots of fun for mamas and tots with singing, nursery rhymes, crafts, snacks and health talks.
Quick Bites
CAREIT Urban Deli is a modern deli using local fare providing unique meal offerings for the customer to pick up and take home to enjoy. They also do made to order sandwiches, homemade soups and salads that are fresh and easy to prepare!
Spa-aahhh
Epic Beauty Boutique is a new upscale destination in Edmonton, Alberta, offering a complete high-end retail and spa experience. They offer one ultra-chic, ultra-comfortable treatment room, for facials, body treatments, and more (and in the near future also laser hair removal).
Shopping No need to go far to find amazing shopping when you live in The Grange, right across the Anothony Henday you can access West Edmonton Mall. With lots of grocery stores and even a brand new costco, this area is sure to be a hit with local families!
Health
McCormack Optometric Centre enjoys a knowledgeable staff with a wealth of experience and education that allows us to offer our patients the very best in vision care. Their passion for and expertise in vision care makes their office the perfect choice for you and your family's vision care needs. It is what drives them to reach out to the community of Edmonton as they open their doors each and every day.
Heart of the Hood
Edmonton Community Leagues Community leagues are truly the heart of the Edmonton neighbourhoods. We are so lucky to have these resources in our communities - they offer special events, soccer for kids and fun right on your doorstep! In The Grange there is a community league in some of the small neighbourhoods like Glastonbury and Lewis Estates, which offer great incentives to be a part of the community!
Check out this link to the Edmonton Community League Federation to find the community league for your neighbourhood - http://www.efcl.org/
Check out the listings below for some great options!
This Blog Series is sponsored by proud momstown Edmonton member, Nicole Cooper of Royal LePage Noralta Real Estate. Nicole has no shortage of enthusiasm when it comes to helping her clients realize their home ownership goals and only jumps with two feet in when she is working a client. Whether it’s finding that perfect house to call a home or selling the property that has housed years of memories, Nicole will work with you to find you the best solution for your needs with service that'll move you.
We had a great afternoon with our momstown Edmonton Baby Basics group! 15 busy mamas came in from the cold to chat with Janelle from Mother Haven about being honest about motherhood. Mother Havenfacilitates sharing circles in Edmonton that allow mothers to open up to each other. By the end of the session there wasn't a dry eye in the house; I definitely feel that as a group we were able to bond in knowing that we are all feeling such similar emotions and anxiety. We have such brave mamas to openly share their real struggles and frustrations.
After those tears were shed we moved on to make a sensory bags for our little ones! With only a few materials we were able to create beautiful and stimulating bags for babies to touch and interact with. Here's a photo of the finished product! My older kids loved them too so they would be great for any age.
This craft needs little explanation as it was so easy to make! Just add hand sanitizer to a ziplock baggie (we've used hair gel in the past but it's honestly just stinks and leaves your hands sticky so we preferred this). Then we added some little nick knacks from the dollar store to the bag to make it interesting. You could use anything for this from marbles to rubber animals, whatever you think would catch their interest and have a neat texture in the bag. We then added some food colouring and sparkles and sealed the bag with extra tape. Join us at our next Baby Basics for baby picassos where we'll do a fun Easter craft!
Monday afternoon we got a special email from an organizer of the Yeggies letting us know we were nominated and short-listed in the Family and Parenting category for an Edmonton New Media award. The Yeggies were created to recognize and celebrate outstanding social media content creators in the capital region.
"The Best in Family or Parenting award is given to those who share insights into their own families or family in general online. They let us into their homes, and allow us to get to know their families — and perhaps even our own — through storytelling."
What an honour. The other nominees are incredible writers and contributors to this fine city. We're in amazing company and just to be on a list with the likes of Red Neck Mommy, City and Baby and Frugal Edmonton Mama is a blessing. As most of our friends know we can barely have a conversation without saying "I should write a blog about this!" Our lives have become a part of this blog and we are so incredibly grateful for the nomination.
Our blog has allowed us to give you a sneak peek into the wonderful work we do withmomstown. It has allowed us to open the lines of communication about the struggles and victories in motherhood. But most of all this blog has allowed me to share my story. It has healed me immensely to know my words have helped or touched another mom struggling with depression or the loss of a child. I am eternally grateful to have an outlet such as this and readers to relate to. A enormous THANK YOU to those that nominated us. We are so touched by your words. Below is just one of many kind words that were said about this blog, it's an amazing feeling to connect with people online and we hope to continue to share our lives with all of you as long as we can.
"momstown is deeply personal. Some of their blogs have brought me to tears - these girls open up in ways that I couldn't imagine myself doing, even online. It's more than inspiration - it's assurance of bravery, of safety in a community of strangers. momstown is a great thing for Edmonton, and it shows in everything they do."
Check out the link below to read more about the Yeggies as well as find out if your favourite Edmonton blog or social media personality was nominated as well!
Polar animals have been on our minds at momstown this February. So, our Little Scientists got to explore how polar animals keep warm! We decided it would be pretty silly if polar bears and walruses wore jackets and mittens, so they must keep warm some other way. How? Blubber! We talked about blubber and how the fat insulates the animal from the cold. Then, we did a little experiment to show our little scientists just how that works. First, we filled a plastic bag with Crisco (any oil or lard would work here!).
Then, we put a second bag inside that bag to make a sort of glove. The kids squished around the Crisco so that it covered their hand completely. The Crisco simulated a polar animal’s fat! Each kid then placed their hand in ice water (a benefit of being in cold Edmonton is that there was plenty of snow around to use!). Some of our scientists were brave and put both hands in the water—one in the “blubber glove” and one bare hand. They quickly found out that the fat keeps their hand much warmer than without it! It was so neat to see their faces as they each made this discovery!
Want to join these fun experiments? Check out momstown Edmonton for your free trial!
This group of momstown Edmonton mamas had a great afternoon celebrating Valentines Day with some adorable babies! We read "Welcome, Baby" by Barbara Reid in English and French! 4 lucky mamas got to take home a copy this sweet book thanks to Scholastic Canada!
We then moved to the floor where the babies (and mamas) got messy painting with pudding! What a great way to let these little ones bring out their inner picassos without the use of toxic paint! We used vanilla pudding and added 1 drop of food colouring and the babies made some beautiful Valentines Day Canvasses!
We get asked all the time, What is momstown? Our answer, momstown is the leading event and media company for moms in Edmonton. But what does that mean? It means that for the past 5 years momstown has been providing moms an incredible platform to connect, vent, and get out of the house! We host amazing educational based programming in every corner of Edmonton as well as, Sherwood Park and St Albert!
Click here for details on our programming!
In person, our moms have access to 30+ programs per month starting in pregnancy until your child goes to school. Online, our message board allows moms to chat, ask questions and get support from one another. This organization provides the best of both worlds to moms. For only $45/year you get all this plus a subscription to Today's Parent magazine, does it get any better than that??
I asked our own members what they liked about momstown. I expected responses like, the message board, Art and Play, Baby Basics and of course they love those things. But their responses tied into the whole reason why we are so passionate about this organization and why momstown is making a difference in the lives of moms across Canada.
Here's what they had to say:
Message Board "I could be up at 3 in the morning and having a mommy crisis or even just posting a funny post that I thought would make someone else's day better, and the chances of me being on there alone are pretty slim. I never feel alone." Moms Nights Out "Mom night outs, To get out and visit with moms going through the same things as you. Adding new friends to your array of old ones to keep you fresh and young!"
Acceptance "For me it is how accepting everyone is. I felt like I was always being judged as a new mom for all my decisions from nursing to formula feeding to what kind of solids I introduced and when to where I put her down to sleep. When I joined momstown I felt like I had finally found a group of women who are there to support each other and help each other no matter what and not trying to one-up each other. I feel like although everyone has made different choices, everyone is willing to support each other through their challenges. It has helped me tremendously in my confidence as a mom."
Baby Basics "Baby Basics is my favourite part!!! The moms in the Baby Basics group have been so welcoming and open to sharing and listening. They offer advice and are open minded to different ways of doing things. They have a wealth of knowledge and I have never felt like I was being judged when I asked them a question or said how I do things."
Diversity "The diversity in the group, you can have one question and expect a whole array of tips and tricks to pick and choose from and make your own."
"Mom" Friends "I feel like it is such a great outlet to meet more "experienced" moms being a new mom and getting advice on things as they come up. I find myself saying more and more " well at momstown they said this or we did that" and I say it with confidence and really take every ones opinions and suggestions to heart. I don't have any friends with kids so being able to connect with other moms has been a really great outlet for me and I'm so grateful for finding this group"
Awesome Events "The awesome playdates, especially crafty ones. Having someone arrange great ideas and get it set up make uncrafty moms like me feel like their kids got to do something cool."
Support "I love that momstown is there for the highs and the lows. When I was going through my miscarriage I was just waiting to be swallowed up but it never happened. Janine, Kristin and all the other momstown mamas rallied around with support. It meant the world to me then and it still does now. We also rejoice in the highs...be it first smiles, movements, words or use of the potty. It makes being a mom so much easier when you know there are others out there to lend a hand and laugh with you." Cream of the Crop "What I've always loved most? Is that everyone is just so darn NICE. I've never, ever felt intimidated at an event or outting ever. momstown Edmonton is seriously made up of the best moms in the city, the cream of the crop."
Sponsored Events "I also like how they introduce or create paths to other activities. Like the music class I signed Noah up for (thanks to a baby basics demo) and running in Team in Training"
Passionate Owners
"I think Kristin and Janine do a great job setting the tone of acceptance. I have heard them SEVERAL times say how important their 'moms' are to them"
"My favourite thing about momstown are how real Janine and Kristin are. Life happens and they are the most supporting and genuinely caring people. From my first outing they were warm and welcoming, and still it amazes me that they always remember my face, my name, my son's name, and even where I live!" Want to be a part of this amazing community and join the cream of the crop?? Join us here to be a part of the fun! Here's a video recap of the fun we had in 2013!
We are so excited that coming up on March 13th Fisher Price is sponsoring our momstown Edmonton Baby Basics infant playgroup! momstown Edmonton mamas generally meet every Wednesday at Birthsource for our infant art and sensory program but this event is extra special! There is no other mom's group where you can try out, and potentially WIN, toys from Fisher Price. That's right, we're raffling them off at the end! This is an open event to give you an opportunity to see what momstown is all about!
momstown Edmonton is a community that provides fun and friendship for moms. If you would like to get connected check us out! A membership is only $45/year - you even get to try us for 4 weeks FREE!!Register here.
momstown Edmonton has been silly this month, so our Little Scientists decided to make some homemade Silly Putty! We all remember playing with the store bought kind as kids, so it was great to be able to introduce it to our own kids…at a much cheaper price! Our Little Scientists loved seeing it come together, and loved playing with it even more. It was so much fun to see the looks on their faces when the glue and borax were mixed. What a great way to spend a cold, winter day at home! Want to make it with your own scientist? Here’s how: Materials: -1.5 tsp borax dissolved in a small amount of water -1/4 cup white glue -1/4 water -food colouring -plastic sandwich bag
Directions:
Mix the white glue and water together in a bowl. Add a couple of drops food colouring.
Pour in the borax and water mixture and stir. Watch what happens!
Put your mixture into a small plastic bag and let the children mix it well. Once it’s mixed, pour off any remaining water and pat dry with paper towel.
Play!
Interested in our programs? Check out our free trial and see all of the amazing events we have going on at momstown!
We are so glad you've decided to join us! We're going to get healthy, get fit and have fun doing it!
Here's how it's going to work:
First, if you are not already a momstown member go sign up HERE for your free trial for the entire duration of the challenge*! The message board will have 2 discussion areas where you can share your successes, struggles and encourage each other! Every post on the message board will get you an entry to win the grande prize*!
Next, go to the momstown calendar and sign up for the free classes! We need each of you to sign up there so we can let the organizers know how many to expect at each class. Also, please feel free to sign up to ANY momstown event during your trial, we offer amazing programming across the city for kids of all ages
How Do You Win The $500 Grand Prize?
There are three ways to earn entries to win this fabulous prize!
1. Support each other on the message board. We'll have 2 discussion topics, one for fitness and another for nutrition. Post how you're doing, if you liked the classes, recipes, encouragement or share your successes! Every post on the message board is an entry to a maximum of 5 per day! 2. Come out to the FREE classes! We'll have a sign in sheet at each class. Every single time you show up and participate you'll get another entry! 3. Record your food intake for one week and submit it by email toSimply For Life once during the challenge, they'll review and tweak it for you, as well as provide a personalized meal plan!
It's pretty simple. The more you participate, the better your chances are to win!
Simply For Life is delivered by motivating Certified Consultants who guide clients each week to their individual health goals. Whether you are managing your diabetes, controlling your cholesterol or seeking weight management, our SFL team is ready to customize a meal plan for you.
The 30 Minute Hit is a high intensity action packed Boxing/Kickboxing Circuit workout designed just for women. Fast paced, challenging and empowering. This one of a kind workout appeals to all levels of fitness in a friendly non-intimidating, exciting environment In just 30 Minutes you will sweat, learn, burn, and smile your way to results you never thought possible.
Inertia Fitness classes are FUN and motivating to challenge your current level of fitness whether you are just getting started or wanting to challenge your inner athlete! Group classes include circuit/bootcamp and interval training of hi-low, HIIT training (high intensity interval training), Tabata drills, agility drills, and more! All of these elements are intended to challenge your core, your cardio, and your functional strength. You will see and feel the difference as you build your cardio and strength abilities, build lean muscle and tone your body.
Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics is bringing the fun back to fitness! Using a freestyle blend of street dance built into a cardio routine, we'll help you work up a sweat and burn off calories. We offer new routines every 4-6 weeks to keep it fresh and incorporate all your favourite music; from Hip Hop to Reggae, Latin and more! Our classes are structured for participants at all fitness levels and ages, and we have multiple instructors available during class for anyone needing an extra hand. We even offer the option to book private in home sessions for your convenience! At Ashley Nashman Dance Aerobics we believe anyone can be fit and healthy with good diet and regular exercise, and we want to help you!
This class is suitable for all fitness levels. With your baby at your side, this cardio and resistance based class will get you back into shape. Bring your strollers!
From Zumba® to bootcamp, to dance and parent & tot programs; there is truly something for every ability, age and interest. Our group exercise leaders are all nationally recognized and certified by the governing body of their discipline.
Zumba is a 60 minute dance workout that ultimately is a marriage of sexy, heart pumping Latin and International rhythms combined with simple easy to follow movement that anyone can do! What can you expect when you come to my class?
· Everyone is welcome! - Bring the husbands, friends, kids 14+ We usually have a giant dance fitness party! · We burn serious calories – One class and you have burned up to 500 calories! · No judgment! – trust me everyone is paying so much attention to me leading them in movement that no one notices anyone with “2 left feet” in class. · We embrace our bodies – we are all beautiful no matter what shape and size. Your body will shake and shimmy and its awesome. · I’m relatable - I too am working on my fitness goals! My students have called me “relatable”, “high energy” and “inspiring” to them.
Find Zumba with Tara on Facebook & Twitter!
March 18th - Burlesque Boom Burlesque Boom is a dance based fitness class that combines old school Burlesque dance choreography with cardio interval training. It was originally developed in the Fall of 2010 by Sarah Torkoly and has since grown into including a second level developed by Sarah. With Sarah’s extensive dance and choreography background she has created two levels of Burlesque Boom that cater to all women.
Find Burlesque Boom on Facebook & Twitter
*To a Maximum of 5 Message Board Posts Per Day *Challenge period is Friday February 1st, 2013 at 12:00am MST until Friday March 22nd, 2013 11:59pm MST.
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