Before the show began and during intermission, TNS fans lined up to tried out the newest in Nerf Rebelle and DohVinci products. My favourite? The new Nerf Rebelle Secret Shot. When not in use, it converts into a cute little purse!



Of course, we had to stop and take a photo of the future stars of The Next Step.

Photo courtesy of Rachel McCaig Photography

Tha Spot Halloween Dancers: Chloe Andrade, Celina Ferrair, Bianca Gaetano, Raquel Perri, Amyah Richardson

Grupo Alafia from Italy

Over the weekend, while driving home from Burlington, I drove along the Gardiner Expressway and noticed a large white big top. I immediately became excited because it reminded me that Cavalia's Odysseo premieres in Toronto on May 15. That's next week!

Growing up as a kid, I was a slow reader and often found myself re-reading sentences over and over to better understand them. Needless to say, reading wasn't always so enjoyable. That is, of course, until I discovered what is now my favourite children's author Robert Munsch. The audio tracks we listened to at the library combined with the detailed illustrations of Michael Martchenko made for a fun and entertaining read and helped to bring the stories to life. I have become such a huge fan of both their work that I now own several of their books and read them often to my own children.

This Family Day, head on over to the Art Gallery of Ontario to celebrate the holiday while it's transformed into the KGO or Kids Gallery of Ontario for one day. Kids get to paint, sculpt, collage and make graffiti as well as stage their own exhibition called Kid Nouveau. It's a family-friendly art-making extravaganza that will include the (looka)likes of Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso. They'll go on flashlight tours of dark rooms in the Gallery and watch cartoons in Jackman Hall.

Yesterday, my kids and I met up with some friends in Hamilton. Since the Art Gallery of Hamilton offers Family Fun Days on the last Sunday of each month, my friend suggested we head there for our playdate to enjoy some art-making activities with the kids. It's great because pre-registration is not required and non-members have to pay only $5 per family. Fortunately, they waived the cost (I'm not sure why) and the kids had lots of fun creating their own paintings. The activities run from 1:30 to 3:30 but they also had a children's performer on stage starting at 3, for no additional cost. Score!


The show was put on by a children's education and world entertainment company called Mystic Drumz. The sole performer was the company's founder Lorne Lampert who holds a degree in education. Let me tell you, this guy was so witty and funny, I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard. He has an incredible knack for telling stories that engage the imagination and introduce percussion instruments from all over the world to children who hang on to his every word. So as we sat there and listened to The Legend of Marshmallow Island, I kept thinking, "Man, this guy would be great to have at a kid's birthday party!" And sure enough, he's available for birthday parties. I don't usually throw big parties for the kids but I think I might this year. Lorne would put on a great show, I'm sure. I tell ya, he's good at what he does. He really is!


Of all the unusual and cool instruments he shared, my favourite was the gong. Who knew it could make a sound so loud that it was almost deafening? The kids loved it, too. At one point during the story, he invited a child up to the stage and transformed him into an alien with the help of güiro. It was brilliant!


On the way out, we decided to stop by the shop and saw some really unique and handmade items. What caught my eye was a really cool looking purse made with pop can tabs. It also came with a not so cool price tag of $140. I was also drawn to some adorable organic storage bins and caddies by 3 Sprouts. Little did I know that the company belongs to my friend's friend, who I haven't seen in years because she's been working all over in the fashion industry. I'm so glad to see her cute baby and children's items on store shelves!


If you live in or near Hamilton, the Art Gallery has additional Family Fun Days planned on the following dates from 1:30-3:30pm:

2011 - December 27, 28, 29, 30,
2012 - January 3, 4, 5, 6

For more information on Mystic Drumz, visit MysticDrumz.com.

To celebrate the 2011/2012 season, Canadian Stage is offering single tickets for its wide roster of productions with incredible savings for consumers. A new twist on the standard “scratch and save”, Canadian Stage is encouraging one and all to “click and save” for their chance to enjoy great Canadian theatre (without breaking the bank).




Canadian Stage is pleased to offer a 6-PLAY Subscription Package (2 tickets) for the 2011/2012 season. With an estimated retail value of approximately $400, this is an amazing prize for theatre lovers and culture enthusiasts who will experience the following productions:

1. Another Africa
2. I Send You This Cadmium Red
3. Red
4. Cruel and Tender
5. Beckett: Feck it!
6. The Game of Love and Chance

Contest closes September 30th and is open to those in and around the GTA who are able to attend. For a chance at winning, simply tweet:

Dear @teachermomoftwo, I want to win a 6-PLAY Subscription Package from @CanadianStage http://goo.gl/fb/2olkw #canstage

A winner will be chosen at random.

Update (Oct. 1, 2011):

And the random winner is: @ennsee