On February 22nd, at 2:30 pm, your family can attend a show at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe.
Ripopee is an imaginative performance with four artists who fall asleep and wake up to discover the audience. As the show progresses, there is an unpredictable and fantastical element that takes your family on an adventure!
If you want to buy tickets to Ripopee, they are $15 each or 4 for $40 and they are available on the Meridian Theatre website.
Here’s a bit more about the show from the City of Ottawa:
“A clownesque fable about the strength of friendship is a great way to introduce the children in your family to the world of clown theatre. Treat them to a performance that is entertaining, interactive and different from your typical stage show. Four clowns will take the audience on a hilarious hour-long non-verbal adventure between friends.”
ENTER TO WIN 4 TICKETS to Ripopee at Meridian Theatres
I am so happy to be able to offer one lucky winner the chance to win 4 tickets to see the show on February 22 at 2:30!
To enter, simply let me know if you’ve ever been to a show at Meridian Theatres at Centrepointe (or if you would like to check it out!)
I’ve been to quite a few different ones and always love going!
That’s it!
Good luck! (If you aren’t the lucky winner, grab your set of tickets here)
The giveaway is open until Tuesday, February 18th at 12 pm EST. One entry per person. Draw will be made at random from eligible comments. Open to Ottawa area residents. Tickets will be made available via email or at the ticket booth at the Theatre.
This post is in partnership with the City of Ottawa
Are you looking for March Break camps in Ottawa? The City of Ottawa may have the perfect program for you!
Registration is available for March Break Camps that will encourage your kids to play, swim, dance, jump, create or learn. There are many options happening across the City, which means you can find one that is local for you.
Not sure where to begin?
You can browse the entire guide that is filled with March Break Camp ideas (many full day camps still have spots available, plus before and after care is available for many!) to find the perfect one for your child, but here are 5 March Break camps that caught my eye for being different and that I think sound really fun!
Musical Theatre – I think this sounds amazing for budding performers! For ages 7-13
Leonard Camp- for kids aged 8-12 – combining science and art like Leonardo Davinci!
10 fun outdoor things to do when the temperatures drop and the snow falls in Ottawa
I have openly admitted that we are not a traditional winter family. We don’t ski, we are only ‘okay’ skaters, and we don’t relish the snow. While we are full of festive holiday spirit in December, the months of January – March can feel long, drawn out and not fun. It’s one reason we are happy when we can escape to warmer climates.
But when we stop to plan out some winter fun, we are always amazing at how much we enjoy it. As though by some miracle, the snow wasn’t the worst, and our rosy cheeks at the end of a cold winter day are accentuated by our smiles.
If you live in Ottawa, you know what winter can really feel like. I’m writing this post when it’s about minus a billion out and the snow is up to my roof top (fine, there may be some exaggeration there but you get my drift. HAHAHA get it? Sigh. I’ve already been shut in for too long)
Here are 10 winter activities you can do as a family around the Ottawa area! Have fun!
Take a staycation and head out to see activities
There are so many places in and around Ottawa that are perfect for a little getaway, but that also will facilitate some winter fun just by being close to other activities, especially if you time it for Winterlude. Last year, we stayed at the Courtyard Marriott downtown and were able to take in outdoor fun while being in the heart of downtown. There’s also Brookstreet which offers a mini getaway and a skating rink! I like being able to enjoy some outdoor time, but then let the kids swim in the hotel pool or warm up together over a nice meal.
Attend Winterlude
Winterlude will begin on January 31 until February 17. There are events all over the City, including Snowflake Kingdom, Sparks Street and Shenkman Arts Centre. It’s an annual winterfest in Ottawa that brings many locals and tourists out to enjoy the snow!
Go skate on the Rideau Canal (or one of the many outdoor rinks!)
When weather conditions are right, skating on the Canal is a traditional Ottawa winter bucket list item, but there are other skating rinks around the City to enjoy (you likely have one right in your neighbourhood!)
Go sledding
From small little hills to thrilling ones across the City, sledding is always a favourite activity for our family.
Yes, Parc Omega is open in the winter, and a wonderful time to go is in March when their sugar bush is available. We loved it. You can read more about our visit in this post.
Visit a maple sugar bush
Speaking of sugar bushes, I love them, and when you have the chance to have a true pancake breakfast at a sugar bush, I always recommend it. We have many in and around the Ottawa area. I’ve shared a few on the blog before, including one we like going to that’s a little bit of a drive out of town but the food is amazing.
This is how your winter in luxury. We take a trip in December every year and don’t always have true winter weather when we go, but we have gone in February before and love it. With two outdoor skating rinks, curling, tubing nearby and a fireplace to cozy up to after a long winter day, this is a trip that’s always a pleasure.
Skate through a forest
Did you know the Ottawa area has places to go skating along a long pathway? The forest skating options just outside of the City sound like so much fun! Here’s a list of where you can skate through a forest, and other outdoor rinks that I wrote for SavvyMom.
Eat a Beavertail
My ‘must do’ lists when I travel or stay local and explore our neighbourhoods often include a foodie item, and grabbing a Beavertail on the canal or in the Byward market while you are standing in the cold feels amazing. They are warm, sweet and the perfect way to end or begin some outdoor fun.
Go snowshoeing
There are many trails to go snowshoeing in and around Ottawa with the kids. I feel like this is an underrated activity. I don’t own them, but I want to think that if we did, we would head outside for a walk more often. Here’s information about snowshoeing in Gatineau Park.
What are some outdoor activities you like to do in the Ottawa area as a family?
If you follow me on Instagram, you may have already read about my word of the year, and the actions I plan to take to keep it in focus.
I’ve chosen my word for the year – and it’s ME. ⠀
I hesitated when it so quickly and easily popped into my mind as my word; that feeling like it might be too selfish to put out there. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But the fact is, it’s the best word for 2020. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I had an amazing 2019. I grew my business, we had many lovely adventures as a family, I read, I was content, over the moon happy at times really. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And yet, 2019 had a shadow, or maybe it was just a caution looming. That I could be doing better, specifically, when it came to taking care of myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you know me, you know I have gotten quite good at boundaries, saying no, spending time on the couch with a book, making time for family and so on. But there’s more to self-care than that. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I need to move my body more, be kinder to myself. And my mental health has to be prioritized ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This year I gave too much power and mental space and decision making ownership to too many outside sources. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I let spaces like social media try to define my worth (it’s a catch 22 when my job is to be on social and care about performance, and yet, try to separate a post that doesn’t perform well with me doing poorly. It’s hard!) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I aimed to please. I tried to be compliant, conciliatory when I should have spoken up. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Nothing felt good enough. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ At times,I felt a part of me slip away. ⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This holiday break I wasn’t sleeping well and it felt like every stress point and weight ever came down on me. No more. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So in 2020, I am focusing on Me. ⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I turn 40 this year, and so it’s a good time to regroup who I am and what brings me joy, and to continue to focus on happiness and heart. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It doesn’t change much really, I still have big plans for my work (and I’m excited to help more people with their content messaging!) and my family time was never in jeopardy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But I’m more aware. More eager to separate from what doesn’t bring me joy and return to what fuels me. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2020 is going to be a great year, I can feel it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I hope it is for you too xo
All the gifts to know about to look like a holiday hero this season
It’s that time of year again! If you are just starting your holiday shopping, or if you are almost done, I’ve rounded up a list of fun, interesting, cool items for kids of all ages.
As always, here’s a bit more about this year’s gift guide:
Simple. This is a list of ideas that I’m sharing, from one parent to another, for those of your who need an idea for someone in your family, a friend’s child, a niece or nephew that is hard to buy for and so on.
There is no way to get on the gift guide unless I think the item is super neat/would be fun/I want to give to someone myself. That means it’s unsponsored. Some items are from my partners or have been given to me, but if they are here it’s because I think they deserve to be.
As always, the gift guide has grown with my own kids so I’m shopping for a 9 and 13 year old this year BUT I have nieces and nephews and kids in my life who are between the ages of 2 years old and 20 years old, so I get it. All ideas are needed.
Please enjoy the guide, and as always, if you need some extra help, I am happy to be a little elf helper and provide you with even more suggestions – just drop me a comment, a message on social media or an email!
ps: some of your Chapters purchases may be affiliate links – at no cost to you, I may end up with some extra coffee money! Thanks!
MyFUNvelope
(note: This was gifted to me to check out but you know I always include crafts on my list!)
STEM activities and hands-on crafts delivered right to your door for the special child in your life? Sounds pretty amazing!
MyFUNvelope offers a one-time craft kit purchase or a STEM/craft project monthly subscription service. The packages comes with new crafts each month to create, and the very first order includes a decorate-your-own pencil case with markers and scissors! They’ll love having their own mail arrive! Instructions are available in English and French.
To purchase: My Funvelope, beginning at about $19.99
When my youngest was 5, my parents got both the kids small luggage for our upcoming Disney trip. It was the perfect gift. We are still using them, although I think the kids will need a bit of a bigger sized carry on in the near future.
A few tips when looking for kids luggage: I like hard shells, and ones that are for sure carry on. If you go too small, you’ll find they simply don’t hold enough so make sure it’s practical. And the wheels matter. Get a kind with great wheels so they can pull it through the airport! This makes a great gift for preteens and teens too!
Where to buy: Various location, but look at Heys – I really like their stuff!
I keep buying these as gifts because my daughter loves hers so much. They are soft and cuddly and the kids love them.
Where to buy them: I’ve gotten them at Winners, but you may find them at your local shop or Chapters too.
Grimm’s Wooden Toys
Every time Hintonburg kids posts a photo of Grimm’s wooden toys (especially the rainbow), I think that it would have for sure been under my children’s tree when younger. I love wooden toys, and the open ended opportunities these present are wonderful.
If you haven’t read through Jeffrey Brown’s sweetly created Star Wars books you are missing out. These are family favourites and make the perfect gift no matter your child’s age!
Both of my kids wore baby nightgowns when they were first born and I loved them. It made for easy nighttime diaper changes, and since they were swaddled or wrapped, they stayed cozy. New versions have a tie off bottom keeping little legs warm. If you know someone who is expected or who just had a baby, introduce them to the world of gowns.
I love the look of this sweet and cozy set – and the slippers can easily be added to the gift list. My sister asked for these Padraigs with every baby she had!
Where to buy: Most baby clothing shops have nightgowns, but check out this set and the slippers at Hintonburg Kids.
(note: This was gifted to me too but I love anything that encourages creativity! The travel set will be perfect on a plane too)
You know how you keep finding scraps of paper with drawings, writing, random colouring all over it? What if you had a way to reduce the paper use, but still encourage all of the fun creativity? That opportunity exists thanks to the Funny Mat. These large mats can be coloured or painted, then washed, over and over again with washable products making them perfect for the eco-conscious parent (or the parent who wants less mess!) Many sets come with washable markers too.
My daughter even took the travel kit with us to Montebello and was colouring in the car. I love that I can set the mat out on the table and she just colours away right before supper or when there’s a bit of quiet time.
The kids always loved having a train set around, but this one from Melissa and Doug brings it to the next level because it’s portable! With all of our holiday and summer travel over the years, I’ve discovered that toys that are easy to pack up are my favourite, so this set looks like it would be a great way to grab it before a hotel stay, or visiting the grandparents.
If you have a child who has been expressing their interest in animals, taking care of them, or worrying about animal habitats (this is a topic that comes up with my own kids from time to time), then consider adopting an animal. With a World Wildlife Fund adoption, they get a certificate and information about their animal, and some packages offer stuffed replicas. This is a great way to encourage their involvement and give a meaningful gift.
Left Right Centre
Most years, I like to include a game that our family has been enjoying (like Exploding Kittens which we still all love) but one that is the perfect game and gift all in one is called Left Right Centre. It’s an easy dice game that is great for kids and adults to play together. But be warned – it gets loud while you are having fun!
Where to buy it: Various places, look for it locally at Mrs. Tiggy Winkles
My final tip is this: I have found some amazing gifts over the years at local community craft shows, or bigger artisan, made-in-ottawa events. They are always worth checking out and supporting!
Happy shopping – and if you are still in need of a few more ideas, message me on social media!
This is a sponsored post brought to you by Breakaway Experiences. All opinions are my own.
Have you found yourself becoming more mindful about the gifts you purchase and give over the years?
I certainly have, in part because I love supporting local endeavours and in part, I think, because we don’t always need more ‘stuff’.
This is why the gift of an experience has become such a popular item. It’s consumable (meaning, it can be used and not take up space) and I know the memories that can be made from those experiences are truly unique.
Gift the Gift of an Experience
If you have a hard-to-shop-for person on your list or someone who seems to have everything, (I’m thinking parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, or even your spouse), you’ll want to check out Breakaway Experiences.
With opportunities across Canada, Breakaway Experiences offer an online service where you can purchase gift certificates to experiences in the City of your choice (where available).
During the Christmas season, it’s an easy way to find the perfect gift for the foodie, adventurer, or loved one who deserves a spa day. You can shop online to select a special experience to give them, or a gift certificate so they can discover their own.
What I think is really great about Breakaway Experiences is that you can search by City (long time readers will know that we often travel to Toronto, the East Coast, Southern Ontario and Niagara) so if I wanted to surprise Andy with a special anniversary gift, I can pick it from anywhere we often go!
In addition, because it’s online, you can quickly and easily make your purchase to give at anytime (hint: if you are a last minute shopper or have simply run out of time, this is the perfect way to grab a meaningful gift ASAP!)
These gifts are also stress and hassle free. The gift certificates don’t expire and if the experience you gift isn’t quite what they had in mind, they can swap it for something more their speed!
Also, if you aren’t sure what experience they may love best, you can give them a gift certificate and let them choose! Some experiences begin as low as $25.
While we are currently focusing on Christmas gifts, experiences also make amazing anniversary, wedding, birthday, grad gifts and more!
Here are a few of the opportunities with Breakaway Experiences that have caught my eye:
If you are in the Ottawa area like me, check out the food tasting experience in the Byward Market (this screams date night to me!) or maybe you want to give the gift of a pottery class for someone who is in need of a new way to get creative or discover a new hobby.
In Toronto, you can enjoy an East Coast experience at a Maritime Lobster Supper in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market (y’all know how I would feel about this! AMAZING!)
In PEI you can give an exclusive guided tour, or in Banff gift a private sleigh ride for two through Banff National Park. How romantic!
All across the country, there are experiences that are more adventurous too if that’s more in line with what you are looking for – like horseback riding, car racing, helicopter rides and more!
No matter the type of gift, you’re probably starting to see how giving the gift of an experience might be the perfect way to go this Christmas!
I am so thrilled to share that Breakaway Experiences is offering one lucky winner the chance to win a $100 gift certificate to use their service!
TO ENTER simply Visit Breakaway Experiences and let me know what experience in which city you would love for yourself or to give this holiday season!
Leave your comment on this blog post for your chance. Good luck!
The giveaway is open until December 18 at 12 pm EST. Open to Canadian residents, excluding Quebec. One entry per person. A random winner will be drawn after the giveaway closes and Breakaway Experiences will provide the gift certificate. A Little Bit of Momsense does not have additional responsibilities for booking or providing the service thereafter, I am just facilitating an amazing giveaway!
This post is in partnership with the City of Ottawa, a blog advertiser
Upcoming City of Ottawa Workshops
I LOVE the holidays.
I feel like I’ve said that many times before on this blog, but I really do. Christmas is filled with activities (ones we do daily as a family) and events that make my heart sing (usually to the tune of a Christmas carol).
The City of Ottawa offers various workshops to create and build as a family during the holiday season. I love these opportunities! Remember the reindeers we made one year at the Nepean Visual Arts Centre? It was so much fun!
Here’s a list of upcoming family workshops you might be interested in. I do recommend registering as early as possible, as I know a few of them sell out!
These hands-on gatherings are such a great way to create something as a family and build lasting memories.
Craft time
During these events, parents participate with the kids to make crafts AND enjoy a meet and greet with Santa. The ages range from 3-6, depending on location. Registration is available online for the following dates:
We always have gingerbread house building on our advent activity list as a family, so if you want to mix it up (and not have the mess at home) check out these workshops being offered across Ottawa. Registration is required, and note the different ages depending on day, time and location. Also, you’ll notice some days have more than one time you can register for!
The City of Ottawa Archives is once again hosting their Letters to Santa event on November 30th. Kids can not only create their letter to Santa but families will make crafts, decorate cookies and hear traditional holiday stories.
Sorry kiddos, but this one is for adults only. I wanted to include this event because I think it would be a fun way to get together with some friends to craft, chat and enjoy the afternoon.
Create a 12″ x 16″ wooden sign during this event. It’s listed for any level of ‘craftiness’. The instructor will contact you by email to select a design. Details and to register ($35) Nepean Visual Arts Centre, November 30, 1 p.m.
I feel like I should have registered for the sign making before hitting publish on this post. I think I want to go!
Long time readers will know this is a big deal in our home and for those of you who are newer, follow my Instagram account to see what our month-long celebrations (as my husband calls them) are all about 😉
One long standing tradition is our 25 days of Christmas activity calendar. In addition to our other advent calendars (I have an addiction) we have been doing a family activity calendar since our kids were toddlers/babies.
It began in 2009 (when I read about it from a fellow blogger here in Ottawa – thanks Andrea!) and since then, it’s become a beloved tradition. Every year we update the list a little bit based on our own family’s plans, and as the kids grow. There are some that stick around every year because we love them, and others are there because to be honest, they are easy.
As with other years, here are some tips I’m sharing about creating your own activity calendar:
a) Don’t put dates on the activities. You may need to switch them up once and a while if something changes, illness hits etc.
b) Stock up on the stuff you need for each activities like hot chocolate or craft supplies.
c) Check your family calendar and add in activities to the 25 Days countdown list that you already know you’ll be doing – like Santa letters or a family visit. This list is also created in close consultation with my calendar based on days of the week– some activities can’t be done easily on a weekday so I made sure they were on the weekend. I also know the weekend we are planning to get the Christmas tree, so I can add that in accordingly, etc.
What’s most important about this calendar isn’t that you put too much effort into crafting the perfect activity, it’s that as a family you come together and take a few moments each day to celebrate and spend time doing something together that is festive, fun and family oriented.
That’s probably why I love it so much.
This calendar reflects the age and stage we are at now, but if you search ’25 days of Christmas’ on my blog search bar you’ll find all our other years so if you have toddlers and preschoolers, you can use some of the ideas we had back then. For example, this one from 2013 was when the kids were 7 and 4.
One final note: What’s up with the singing?
You’ll notice my list has a few spots where the activity for the day is to simply sing a Christmas song. My son has requested these be removed but nope – they stay. Why? Because honestly, some days are busy, or tiring, or I’m just overwhelmed so having a few ‘freebie’ days means that we still get to do an activity, but it’s extremely simple. It works!
As much as I love the holidays, I’m also a big fan of slowing things down, so when it gets to be too much, give yourself permission to skip a day (or just sing a song!)
Here are our activities for 2019. Please feel free to take any for your own list that you think you and the kids will love!
Decorate the tree
2. Write and mail letters to Santa.
3. Watch a Muppet Christmas Carol, the Holiday Movie Kick Off
4. Set up a special hot chocolate bar
5. Make paper snowflakes
6. Check out GLOW (I’m an ambassador this year!)
7. Sing Jingle Bells
8. Go to Chateau Montebello!
9. Write a special Christmas greeting to your sibling and mail it to them (it will be a nice read when they receive it!)
10. Buy and Bring toys to Toy Mountain
11. Dessert for Supper, Supper for Dessert!
12. Go for a drive to see Christmas lights at Taffy Lane.
13. Go to Cumberland Village of Lights!
14. Make a list of ten things we are thankful for. Hang it where you can see it every day.
15. Make holiday wreaths
16. Decorate Christmas cookies!
17. Deliver Christmas cookies to friends and family
18. Deliver food to the local food bank collection.
19. Sing We Wish You a Merry Christmas! (This is Star Wars DAYYYYY)
20. Last day of school! Pick a family dinner spot!
21. Make a ginger bread house!
22. PJ DAY (with hot chocolate of course)
23. Bring in snow and make maple taffy!
24. Unwrap one present (mom and dad get to pick which one)
25. It’s Christmas Day. Remember you have a family who loves you. And that’s the most important gift of all.
There’s a PD Day this Friday for almost all the schools across the City and if you are wanting to find a fun activity for the kids to do, or if you are wishing you had signed them up for camp, I’ve gathered a few ideas that you can look into at the last minute.
My Gym Ottawa
My Gym Ottawa is running PD Day camps throughout the year, including on Friday November 15. For $40-$45, kids aged 3-10 can play and burn off all their energy as the teachers lead them through fun activities.
Kessel Run Games
For $25, your child can learn to play many new games – at Kessel Run Games in Orleans! This is for kids aged 6-16 and runs from 7:30 – 4:30.
Theatre Camp
This Bilingual Theatre Camp is hosted by the Ottawa School of Theatre and will focus on skills development and self-confidence through theatre games, acting and more. This takes place at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Orleans.
Tinkering School PD Day Camp
The Ottawa Tool Library has a very cool opportunity for kids aged 8-12 as they host a tinkering school day camp! Kids will make their own plant-based ink and create art! All materials are provided but tickets are required.
City of Ottawa Camps*
The City of Ottawa is hosting a variety of camps across the City where your child can craft, swim, play and make friends. Visit the recreation website for full details. There are even camps that offer an adventurous experience by going on an outing, like this one at Walter Baker Sports Centre. There are still spaces available for many camps in a variety of locations.
Have fun!
*The City of Ottawa is a blog advertiser, but this round up is meant to be for informational purposes*
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