Prenatal/Birthing Classes - There are options!!!

When I was pregnant with Carter Kris and I registered for a 6 week prenatal course offered through Alberta Health Services. While this class was pretty good in terms to the who, what, where, when etc etc of having a baby I thought that these were the only classes available within the city of Edmonton.. (hindsight right?!?!)  
Whether you want to attend a large group, smaller group, or even a one on one there are are options. My hope is that this list will be a starting point for you and that you as a soon to be parent get the best information for you! (be it with your first, second, or twentieth child)
Happy searching! 

North
Mommy Connections Edmonton North 
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/edmonton-north/

South 
Full Circle Birth Collective
http://www.fullcirclebirthcollective.com/
587.521.2717

Mommy Connections Edmonton South
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/edmonton-south/

Primary Care Network South
www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca
780.395.2626

West 
Baby Bump Doula & Birth Services
780.918.9359
http://www.babybumpdoula.com/

Lucina Centre 
http://www.lucinacentre.ca/wellness/wellness
780.481.8446

Mommy Connections Edmonton West
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/edmonton-west/

Gentle Touch Doula Services 
780.440.6105
http://www.gentletouchdoula.com/

Sacred Births Edmonton
780.953.73-037
www.sacredbirthsedmonton.com 

St.Albert 
Mommy Connections St.Albert 
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/st-albert/

Spruce Grove/Stony Plain
Mommy Connections Spruce Grove 
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/spruce-grove/

Sherwood Park 
Mommy Connections Sherwood Park 
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/sherwood-park/

Leduc
Mommy Connections Leduc 
http://www.mommyconnections.ca/leduc/


Do you know Doula's or other places that offer pre-natal classes? 
Please share them with me so I can update this list. 

Food Truck Friday - The Crooked Fork AUG 8th! Details inside!

So guess what guys? 

Food Truck Friday is coming up again at my work 

this Friday August 8th! 

Who's coming this time? The Crooked Fork and their food is delish! 

Come feast on ravioli, duck burgers, traditional poutine or some of their other equally awesome options (see all menu details below) 

Where - 11130-131st, FREE parking, tables and chairs will be set up too! 

When - Friday August 8th 11:00 am-1:00 pm 

CASH & DEBIT ONLY 

See you there! 

Macaroni Kid - Check out these awesome activities!

So there is this awesome website the connects families with awesome activities in and around Edmonton. If you don't know what I am already talking about, then head on over and check out Macaroni Kid. 





What is even more exciting is that Macaroni Kid is hosting events called Macaroni Play Days.

For the month of August Macaroni Kid is teaming up with
Nourish Me Cooking Classes and offering children aged 6-12 yrs the opportunity to participate in age appropriate cooking classes! Taking place every Tuesday the classes will focus on healthy eating, fresh foods, finger foods, and even a class on making hot lunches!

Want to sign up? 

Just click here to get all the details and to register! 

P.S 

Parents are welcome to attend with their children, and can also bring other children that are younger as activities for the younger children will be set up and there is a park near by! 

The in's and outs of the K-Days parade!

Friday is the K-Days parade and both Carter and I are super excited to be in the parade again this year. (Another reason my work is so awesome)

Last year Carter was a super star running along the side lines and giving hi fives to all the people sitting on the side walks. 
It's all he has been talking about since he found out he was going to be in the parade again this year!! 

For anyone who is planning to go, especially when travelling with children the more information you have, the better!! This is what I have learned over the past few years and hopefully you find it helpful too!  

What time to go? 
The parade starts at 10:00am and getting there early to stake out the perfect spot is ideal. If I were going to stake out a spot I would go for 9:15ish. 

Where to park? 
Taking the bus or the LRT downtown is the best idea! There is limited parking in close proximity to the parade because of construction (arena, road work, etc..) as well as many roads being shut down for the parade. Park and Ride is a great option. 

What to bring
Lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on the cement. 
Hats
Sunscreen
Snacks (The parade from start to finish can last up to 2 hours) 
Water bottles 
Money (If you want to purchase items from the vendors walking up and down the street) 
Camera 

Where to sit 
Check out the map of the parade, my favorite spot is by City Hall. Even though it is at the end of the parade, it is still my favorite place to sit. 
Locations that have natural shade will make the parade an enjoyable experience. 

If you see Carter and I in the parade, be sure to yell hi and have a great time!! 

Happy Birthday 7 Eleven - FREE Slurpee alert July 11th, 2014

This Friday is 7-Eleven's birthday and they are celebrating 

by giving away Slurpee's! 

Go to any participating 7-Eleven between 

11 am - 7 pm and receive a 

FREE SMALL SLURPEE. 

What a great way to spend another hot day! 

Thursday date night at the Garden - Staycation idea #4!

Outdoor enthusiast unite! 
This will be a date night to remember! 

Enjoy a walk around the beautiful Devonian Botanic Garden until dusk every Thursday from now until the end of August! 

Dancing. Movie. Rumba. Games. 
Every Thursday also has a different theme so there is something for everyone.

Admission is affordable and includes the entertainment..  
$11/Adults $6/Students $8/Seniors $8/Friends of the Garden 
(Passes & coupons accepted for all Thursday's EXCEPT the movie night) 

The more you buy, the more you save.. 
If you know that you want to attend more then on of the date nights, there are multi-packs available! 

Tantalizing your taste buds! 
You can order some light fare from the Loft Patio Cafe or bring your own picnic... 
(BYOB is not allowed..sorry folks..rules are rules...but you can buy some bevee's there) 

There is free popcorn! 

Plan which night you want to attend, information is here! 

P.S
Date nights are rain or shine! (within reason) 

Disney in Concert - Staycation location # 3! Set your calendars for August 29th... oh and it's FREEEEEEEEE

If you're doing the staycation thing like we are doing this summer, well then you are looking for fun things to do in and around Edmonton (affordable or free is also a plus!)

This is plan ahead and put it on your calendar NOW worthy!

Friday August 29th @ 8:00pm , the Edmonton Symphony is performing Disney in Concert at Churchill Square and it's FREE. 

There will be 4 vocalists performing with the orchestra as well as clips and storyboard art being displayed on screen through out the performance. 

Bring the family, dress up in your favourite disney character costume, and sing along to some of the greatest disney movies made such as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and yes........FROZEN..  (and a variety of others.. ) 

Looking for more information? You can check our the Edmonton Symphony webpage here. 

See you there!! 

Canada Day celebrations, FREE pancake breakfasts, and firework.. OH MY!

Wondering what's happening in and around Edmonton for Canada Day?
Get the happenings here! 







CELEBRATIONS

Edmonton

Terwilliger Community League

Tomlinson Park 1765 Tomlinson Common NW

11:00am-3:00pm - Bouncy houses, games, fun & food trucks!!

2:30pm - Canada Day Parade. Stop off at the SWAG table and decorate your bikes, strollers, wagons etc..and enter to participate in the parade. 

More info here

City Hall 
1:00pm - 4:00pm 
Free music and activities for kids

Edmonton Valley Zoo - Celebrate their 55^th Birthday on Canada Day

11:00am-5:00pm - Canadian Geographic GIANT Floor Map games, crafts, cupcakes, and other activities TBA

*Regular admission prices apply*  

St.Albert
Canada Day Celebrations
Sir Winston Churchill Ave, St.Albert
11:00am-3:00pm - Wagon rider, petting zoo, cake, games, crafts, and other activities.  
4:00pm - 10:30pm - Family fun and dance, photo booth, and inflatable obstacle course. 
5:30pm -10:30- Kids carnival 
More info here

FREE/CHEAP PANCAKE BREAKFASTS

Edmonton
Alberta Legislature
7:00am-10:00am 

Sherwood Park 

Axiom Mortgage Solutions Pancake Breakfast & Stage Show

Community Centre (401 Festival Lane)
9:00am -11:30am

Bring a non perishable food item for the food bank.

More info here

St.Albert
Heritage Lakes Pancake Breakfast at Ecole La Mission
46 Heritage Drive 
9:00am - 11:00am 
More info here

Spruce Grove
Serving the first 1000 people 
$3 per plate! 
Jubilee Park 
510 Grove Drive
8:00am - 10:00am 

FIREWORKS
They are happening in Edmonton in various places, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, and Spruce Grove. 
All set for 11:00pm.  Get all the info here

June 23rd -The Children's Place - 50% off summer items, FREE SHIPPING, plus a 15% off coupon in post!! Get your shop on peeps!

I love shopping at The Children's Place. They have cute clothes, their clothing is affordable, and best of all their clothing is durable! A plus when you have children who's life mission is to get holes and stains in every piece of clothing that they own... (well the majority of it)


Right now you can log online and shop through their summer selection and receive 50% off summer items.
*New arrivals and denim excluded*



You can also use this 15% off coupon on all other items in store OR online. Print it or show it on your phone.

*Not valid with other sales*



Wait there is more..  they are also offering FREE SHIPPING on ground delivery within Canada TODAY ONLY.

SHOP NOW

Happy Shopping everyone!!

Save 25% on Taste of Edmonton tickets - info in post.

We love going to the Taste of Edmonton and we love to save money so when we found out that we could save 25% on tickets we jumped on it! 

From now until July 16th @5:59pm you can buy 40 tickets for $40!! 

So how do you do this?? There are 2 ways: 

1. Purchase your tickets online here

2. Go downtown to Tix on the Square @ Sir Winston Churchil Square 9930 - 102ave. 

At 6pm on July 16th the tickets will go up to regular price, so hurry and buy your tickets now!! 

Staycation idea's - #2 Pembina River

While Kris and I will be planning a lot of things to do as a family, there are also some things that we will be doing without the kids. 
Going to Pembina River Tubing is one of them. 

(It is recommended that children be at least 5 years of age and that ALL children 12 and under are supervised by a responsible adult) 



Pembina River Tubing is located a little over an hour West of Edmonton. Detailed directions to the location can be found here. All you need to do is get yourself there and they provide a shuttle to the tubing starting point, tubes, life jackets, and offer various stop off points where you can grab a ride back! 
You have the option to pay for the whole shebang (tube, shuttle, & life jacket) or you can bring your own tube/life jacket and just pay for the shuttle! You can also pay $5 for them to keep your car keys for you!
>>> Prices for everything can be found here <<<


What to bring? 

• Sunscreen
• Shoes that you can wear in the water. (bring something to attach your shoes to the tube if you are wearing flip flops)
• Hat
• Sun Glasses 
• Beverages (Liquor is prohibited as it is a public place)
• A picnic lunch 

Things to keep in mind!

• Sometimes the water is not optimal for tubing - calling ahead doesn't hurt and then it's not a wasted trip. 780.515.1754
• Plan to go early! From now until September it is on a first come first serve basis during the weekends. IT GETS BUSY!!
• During the week you can make reservations - especially for large groups.

Happy Friday everyone! :)

Get 2000 Shoppers Optimum points now until June 13th, 2014. Super easy details in the post.

Want to get 2000 points on your Shoppers Optimum account? 
It's easy! Like really easy.....
1. Log into your Shoppers Optimum account here (you can also create an account here if you don't already have an online account)
2. Go to "Edit Profile" (Its on the right side of the page) 
3. Once there enter in Promo Code 2222
4. Go through your account...see if anything needs to be updated
5. Hit submit at the bottom of the page.
6. You're done. Your points will show on your account on June 27th, 2014

P.S. 
This offer is only good until June 13th, 2014 

Lego Take 'N' Play - Celebrating Summer

Looking for something to do this Saturday June 7th @ 11am with the kids?
Celebrate summer and take part in the FREE Lego Take 'N' Play at your local Toys 'R' Us. 
This event kids will be making a 
Lego Sail Boat. 

**Space and supplies are limited so come early to get a spot**

Want to find out where your closest Toys 'R' Us is? 
Check out the list below! 

North Edmonton

13029-97st NW

780-944-9404

West Edmonton

9908-170st NW

780-944-9414

South Edmonton

3940 Gateway Blvd NW

780-944-9424

DIY Coffee mug designs.

When I  was on Maternity leave with Sophie, Carter attended an art class called Petite Piccasco's through our local YMCA. One of the projects was drawing on a mug. We were suppose to bake the mugs at home but it never happened and then it was soon packed up because we sold our Condo. Fast forward to last week when we found it and it went into the sink to be washed.....and then it came out with 90% of the ink washed off. Since Father's Day is getting close, this was a perfect craft for Carter and Sophie to do for Kris.  

I chose to use Bic Markit Pens because when reading the back of the package it said that you could use them on damp surfaces. I figured this might be a better choice for something that needs to be washed...

I found $1 mugs at Walmart and preheated the oven to 450 degrees while we decorated our mugs. 

iOnce we were finished decorating our mugs I placed them on baking sheets and baked them for 35 minutes. When the time was up I turned off the oven, opened the oven door and let the cups cool down in the oven. There was some fading of the colours but it was slight and nothing extremely noticeable. **It is important to let the cups cool down gradually because if there is a sudden and drastic change in temperature there is a pretty high chance that the cups will crack or burst**

Once cool I put one of the cups in the dishwasher with a regular load and it came out with all the art creations intact. 

While Carter & Sophie made these mugs for Father's Day after the millionth time of Carter sneaking the cup from it's hiding place and saying "oh daddy we have a present for you" Kris got his Father's Day present 2 weeks early.. :/ 

 This was a perfect projects to do with kids,and this really is a multi age project.. the possibilities for ways to draw and decorate this are endless. 

Plus with the cups and markers together it came in under $20...and the markers can be used for so much more. 

Tips & Ideas 

Ensure that price stickers and glue for price stickers are removed. 

(It will burn if you don't)

When baking the cups it smells a little- open a window or put on a fan

Pinterest is a great inspiration tool

For consistent and even designs use stencils or draw your design with a pen or pencil

The markers come off with a real good scrub if you get it on your skin

For many more ideas on what else to do with Bic Markit permanent pens check out this Bic Markit website.

Remember, if you like what you read don't forget to subscribe to receive emails from Just another Edmonton mommy. 

Cheap movies - find out where to see them!

This past Friday after Carter's soccer game we decided to go and see a cheap movie at Movies 12. 

Movies 12 has been around for a long time and it brings back so many fond memories. I can recall many Friday nights hanging out there with friends. 

The majority of the movies that are shown are not the movies that are just out, they are movies that have left the regular theatre and some may or may not have been already released on DVD already. There are some first run movies as well and admission for that is $11.00.

(FYI Frozen is playing there right now)

The best part is that you don't have to wait until the once a month movies happening on a Saturday morning to go to a movie that won't make you go broke. 

Children under 2 are FREE so paying for 3 of us to go to a movie, on a Friday night... was just under $12!!!! (Admission is $3.99)

Another great thing? Tuesdays you only pay $2.25 to see a movie.

But there is more...are you a Scene Card member?? (It's FREE)...if you are, you save 10% off of the admission price

You can sign up at the theatre or go here to sign up online

The theatre is located in North Edmonton @ 5074-103 Ave.

Want to know what movies are playing? Check out the Edmonton Movie Guide to find out the times and movies. 

Happy movie watching! 

P.S.

Think...air conditioning on that super hot day that you just can't handle anymore......

My favorite birthday party venues

We have attended our fair share of children's birthdays in the last 4 years. We have also had to rent space for Carter & Sophie's birthday as our small condo couldn't even fit our immediate family let alone friends and extended family.

This year was different - we had room.  However, there are still people out there that are looking for places to hold their children's birthday parties and I definitely have some favorites!

1. Millwood's Recreation Center- We had Carter's first birthday here and rented the play room upstairs for after swimming. Awesome, warm pool, lots of space, and the party room has lots of kids stuff to play.
The City of Edmonton unfortunately messed up with my original pool booking plans so we actually got the Millwood's Recreation Center for free, but if you were to rent it for an hour of swimming and the party room it would cost about $300.

2. Next Community Church - We had Carter's 2nd & 3rd birthday here. Such a great place! It is the old location of the St. Albert movie theatre which was renovated into a church. The cool thing about this place is that they kept one of the theatre's so you can have a movie screening as well as a play area with enough space for a lot of children plus jungle gym. All of this costs $195 for 3 hours.  For an extra fee of $50 you can also rent the games room which has pinball, video games, air hockey, and foosball. The rental also includes use of the pop machine. (These are birthday party rates, other uses are other fees)

3. The Toy Hutch - We have been to a few birthdays here and it's a great place. It's clean (which is always a plus on my side) and both Sophie and Carter love the bouncy castles. EVERY time we have been here the kids have fallen asleep on the ride home. It's that much fun.

4. Fountain Park Recreation Centre - I had never been to this pool until we were invited to a birthday party there earlier this year. I actually prefer this pool to the other St.Albert pool. You can rent the pool for a private party or you can host a party during public swim hours and rent a meeting room or the preschool play room for cake & presents afterwards.

Do you have a favorite place to host birthday parties, that is not on the list?

Double stuffed potatoes - make ahead summer meals- yummy and freezer worthy

I am always looking for meal prep ideas to use during the week. Both Kris and I  don't make it home until 5:30/6:00 some days,  so a full meal prep with 2 little kids doesn't always work out for us. Another common theme- we all want our food to be tasty, kid friendly, and healthy.... 

Double stuffed potatoes are a side dish that can be made a healthy or unhealthy as you want.  You start from the basics and then you add from there. 

What you will need:

• Baking sheet
• Tin foil to cover baking sheet
• 10 Potatoes (what ever ones you prefer baked, but the bigger the better...) 
• 2 1/2 shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup of Sour Cream 
• 1 Tbsp of Butter
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste 
• Mixing bowl to mix the potato mixture
• Knife to cut baked potatoes
• Spoon to scoop out baked potato/mix potato mixture/spoon back into potato 
• Freezer bags if you are making these for another day. 

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees 

Cover cookie sheet with tin foil 

Wash potatoes, leave skin on or leave then "naked" as some would say (Carter thought it was funny that I said naked potatoes..ha ha ha..kids)

Pierce the potatoes in various places with a fork. 

Place potatoes on cookie sheet and put in the oven for at least 1 hr. 

***Every persons oven is different. Potatoes will need at least an hour but they may need longer. When an hour is up, you can check them by seeing if a tooth pick or a fork pierces into the potatoes easily. If it does not put it in the oven for another 20 minutes. Repeat until the potatoes are able to be pierced. Sometimes the bigger the potato the longer it takes***

Shred cheese while waiting

Once potatoes are finished baking you will need to work fast, and yes the potatoes are hot. 

Put on an oven mitt and hold the hot potato in the hand with the mitt on. 

Cut the potato in half and scoop the baked inside of the potato into a mixing bowl. 

Leave a little bit of potato on the sides to act as a form for the potatoes 

Once all potato filling has been scooped out mix it with 1 1/2 cup of cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and Tbsp of butter.  Mix in with potatoes. 

**If you feel that this is too much or too little ingredients add or take away as you see fit**

Once mixture is fully mixed scoop back into the potato shells 

Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top of the potatoes

If you are planning on eating these right away- pop them in the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt.

If you are planning to freeze these - put them on the same sheet that they were on originally cover with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer so that they can "flash freeze".

Once they have frozen a little bit divide them into freezer bags. 

I put 2 to a bag, which works out to a nice amount for lunch and also for planning for dinner. 

Extra toppings - You can be creative with other ingredients to put into the potato mixture. 

Sauté some chopped onions 

Fry up some bacon and cut up into small pieces

Add a Tbsp spoon of cream cheese 

Try a mixture of cheese- mozzarella? Parmesan? 

One thing to consider.. green onion tastes great on a potato but it does not taste great after being frozen. Fresh is always best with green onion. 

My mouth is watering writing this....mmmmmmmmmm.....

P.S.  

Want to receive my latest blog posts in your email? You can subscribe below. :)

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Spray parks in your community

Edmonton Parks/Spray Parks

Are you looking for some fun and budget friendly activities to do with your family during those hot days? 

Check out the Spray Parks in a variety of communities in Edmonton and other surrounding communities. 
(They aren't open yet, but they will be soon!)

What to bring with you to spray parks. 

• Lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on
• Sunscreen
• Water & snacks
• Change for treats (if your children are captivated by the ice cream trucks like mine are)
• Towels
• Bathing suit/change of clothes
• Sandals/water shoes

Things to consider

• Dress your children in bright colors 
• Leave valuables at home 

Want to know where the closest spray park is to you? 

Check out the following links. 

Edmonton 

St.Albert

Sherwood Park

Spruce Grove

Mommy madness- double the cash back @ Ebates.

Ebates.ca is offering double cash back through their Mommy Madness event.
Oldnavy, The Bay, Entertainment books and so many others!!
It ends soon so take advantage of getting paid double to shop now.

My top 10 tobaggan hill picks in and around Edmonton!

Information taken from The Weather Network website

With a fresh blanket of snow and a weather forecast that predicts warmer temperatures in and around the city, this is the perfect time to get in some family time and take advantage of optimum tobogganing weather!  

I have a few favorites that my family and I like to go to and I want to share them with you!

Castledowns Hill (Not sure of the "official" name)
10111 155 Ave NW

Castledowns Park
11520 - 153 Ave

ACT- Rundle Park (maintained by the City of Edmonton) 
2903-113 Ave.

Behind Canon Ridge Town Homes
1404 Hermitage Road

Emily Murphy Park
Emily Murphy Park Rd. and Groat Rd.

Next to Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church
9003 – 153 Avenue

Gallagher Park  (By the Muttart and where the Edmonton Folk Fest takes place)  

9411-97 Ave

 

Millwoods Park

2730 66 St

 
Seven Hills (St. Albert)
2 St Vital Ave

Broadmoor Golf Course (Sherwood Park )
2100 Oak Street

**Some toboggan hills are maintained through the City of Edmonton and Strathcona County**To find out which ones check out these websites!
City of Edmonton Tobbaging info  & Strathcona County Tobbaging info 

What to remember when going tobogganing:
Dress warm (Layering works well)
Tuck in scarfs so they don't get caught
Wear helmets - especially children
Practice good tobogganing etiquette
 1.Toboggan down the middle walk up in the sides
 2.Take turns if there are a lot of people

 Do you have a favorite toboggan hill? Please share! :)