WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

I am so happy. One of our families favourite books is being made into a movie. Maurice Sendak's sweet book Where The Wild Things Are will be in theatres this fall.

I just saw the recently released movie trailer. It makes me smile! It warms my heart. I have read the book countless times to my two girls. I have a certain fondness for anything Maurice Sendak touches. I love the look, feel and stories. Little Bear, a children's show based on the books written by Else Holmelund Minarik and illustrated by Maurice Sendak, is one of my personal favourite children's shows.

Here is one review...read up and get a sneak peak of the trailer. I hope you like it as much as I do!

SARAH RICHARDSON CHAT

I recently got the chance to ask one of my fav designers and tv hosts some questions about work and motherhood. Sarah Richardson seems to have it all and do it all effortlessly. Check out my article at Urbanbaby & Toddler magazine

COOL FINDS

I check out Etsy often, you should too, there are lots of really neat handcrafted things there. Today I came across a few eco toys thanks to a heads up from Etsy.


These cute creations are made by kittybabylove . They are the cutest crayons. They are individually custom-molded from nontoxic wax crayons. Their faces are then lovingly hand-carved into their egg shaped bodies, one egg at a time.

They are ergonomically shaped for little hands, although they are great for all ages. They stand on their own and will bring smiles during your waking hours.

Too cute.

TRYING IT ON FOR SIZE

If you have been to my blog before you would notice that it is looking a little different. I am trying to find a look that fits. So you may see a few different looks over the next few weeks. Please let me know what you think!

CULTURE KIDS

There is no doubt life with kids can be packed with drama. What what would live be without it? But if you are looking for drama of a different kind for the family, there is no shortage of choices in Toronto. There are the sweet sounds of the symphony, or the eloquent prose of an actor? It’s all about bringing culture to kids, and to Mom and Dad too. We have found just a few creative choices to enjoy the sights and sounds of culture in Toronto.

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People

Formerly know as the Young Peoples Theatre. Shawn McCarthy, with LKTYP, says learning is at the centre of everything the theatre does. Programs and productions are designed for young people from ages 3 to 18 years.

The Emperor’s New Threads is a new take on an old classic. It is a lively puppet and mask production based on Hans Christian Anderson's classic The Emperor's New Clothes. It runs from March 15 until March 27. Check out http://www.lktyp.ca/

Solar Stage Children’s Theatre

If you are looking for unique productions tailored to children then check out this theatre. Favorite stories (even some that you have read more than once or twice at bedtime), like The Adventures of Jillian Jigs, make up a very family-friendly lineup. The theatre is a small, intimate spot. It only seats 100 people. The best part for little theatre-goers is the cushioned areas down front near the stage. There are two locations, one in North York (100 Madison Avenue, just north of Sheppard Avenue on the west side of Yonge Street) and one in Bloor Village (The Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor St. W).

Munsch Mischief, a play adaptation based on the stories by Robert Munsch, is playing at the North York location. It is sure to be a hit if you and your kids are fans of Robert Munsch (honestly who isn’t. I think we all have a favorite Munsch story, or two). The show runs every weekend in March.

Robin Hood runs for only two days March 28 & 29. You can also catch Princess and the Pea every weekend in April.

The theatre in Bloor Village also has a great lineup of shows, including The Adventures of Jillian Jiggs. There are two showings each day until March 22. http://www.solarstage.on.ca/


The Toronto Symphony Orchestra

I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has concerts for kids. Let's face it, kids aren't the quietest bunch but the tso has concerts just for the budding musician. The Young Peoples Concert series includes 5 one hour concerts on Saturday afternoons at Roy Thomson Hall.

There are only a few concerts left in this year’s lineup. The Melodic Life will play April 4 and you can catch Symphony and Dance May 2.

The 09/10 season, which gets underway in the fall, has 5 new concerts for kids, including The Listener (October 17) featuring the Magic Circle Mime Company, and a musical telling of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes in Jack and the Beanstalk (November 14). Be sure to check out http://www.tso.ca/ for all the details.

Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre

I will be honest this theatre caught my attention first because of its name. It just sounds fun. It is also one for you west-end folks. Shows are staged at the Burnhamthorpe Library Theatre, in Mississauga, but Katherine Grainger, from Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre, says they are still looking to firm up theatre locations in other areas, like Jane and Finch and maybe even in the east end.

Grainger says every show is different because audience participation is the key, the cast does not use a script. This years productions are still being finalized Check the theatres’ website for more on upcoming productions http://www.cowovermoon.ca/

MARCH BREAK IS COMING!

It's March now and that means March break is coming. So what do you do with the kids for a whole week. While some people are planning a warm destination vacation, it's not in the budget for everyone. Check out Amotherworld online magazine for some great ideas for the march break. I have a piece in this month's issue on rules of the playground.

THE FOUR AGREEMENTS

I am reading the book The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is about the Toltec Teachings. I am not finished yet but the book is really speaking to me.



Don Miguel Ruiz describes Toltec knowledge this way on his website... "Toltec knowledge arises from the same essential unity of truth as all the sacred esoteric traditions around the world. Though it is not a religion, it honors all the spiritual masters who have taught on the earth. Though it does embrace spirit, it is most accurately described as a way of life. Unlike our familiar experience, this way of life is distinguished by the ready accessibility of happiness and love."

These are the four agreements

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.


I first learned about Don Miguel Ruiz and his book The Four Agreements while sitting in the waiting room at the hospital. My baby girl was having an operation to repair an umbilical hernia ( all went well by the way, and she is doing great). I picked up an issue of Oprah's magazine O, inside was an article Ellen Degeneres talking with Don Miguel Ruiz about his book. Ellen was so wowed by the book she recommended it to Oprah on the air.

I feel like the book is already helping me, changing me. Not in a preachy way, but in a common sense, ah-ha moment kind of way.

I continue to read and learn. I will keep you posted