CONSIDERING PRIVATE SCHOOL?
THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT FTOR PARENTS & STUDENTS
Sunday, October 23
Speak with education experts, learn about affording tuition, and meet with top schools:
• Preschool to high school
• Montessori
• Boarding
• Special needs • IB and AP
• French & English
is the season when the little ones head back to school, parents are scrambling at work, and life in general feels hectic. It can be hard to find ways to balance it all, and at WestCoast Families, we’re also feeling the pinch. But it’s also a time to be grateful for the amazing location we get to call home, and the endless options for fun we have on our doorsteps.
But fear not, parents! It’s our Back to School special, full of the latest and greatest clothes to outfit your little one, with a totally local spin. We scoured the area to find Canadian clothiers to keep your little ones stylish while supporting our own economy.
This month also marks our Families at Home issue, full of tips, tricks and ideas to make your rented space a home, and where to find the most unique developments for purchase.
And let’s not forget Fall Fun! We’re offering up ideas on the perfect retro Halloween party that has old-fashioned fun for the whole family.
We hope you enjoy this issue and take a peek at our amazing advertisers, who always bring the latest and greatest in local products and services.
westcoast families westcoastfamilies.com
Managing Editor
Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Payable Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising sales@westcoastfamilies.com 604.249.2866
Published by National Families Network
Publisher: Andrea Vance publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For distribution inquiries, please email publisher@westcoastfamilies.com
For submissions to our community calendars, please email admin@westcoastfamilies.com
To share your feedback, please email editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributors
Hayley Barton, Jennifer Bruyns, Nic Enright-Morin, Jodi Iverson, Krysta Furioso, Nick Marino, Jacqueline Melissen, Kelly S. Thompson, Heidi Turner, Andrea Vance
All contents copyrighted ©. Written permission from the publisher is required to reproduce, quote, reprint or copy any material from WestCoast Families
Mailing address: 1215-C56
Visits to farms are always a blast, and at Meadows Maze, the activities are endless. But the most fun is had in the three different mazes, each with their own special design for different levels of fun. We’re giving away three amazing Family Passes for two adults and two children, each worth $42.
Deadline to enter: September 25, 2016
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
Back to school can often deplete bank accounts, as kids need pens, paper, backpacks, and clothing for the following year. And for parents returning to the swing of fall work, there can be nothing better than a little shopping therapy. Tsawwassen Mills, the latest shopping mall that promises to be state of the art and full of fantastic stores, is offering one lucky winner a $200 gift card!
Deadline to enter: October 20, 2016
Every child is enchanted by Disney’s fairy princesses, beloved characters, and magical music, and a visit to Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment brings all the fun to one spectacular show. Watch your favourite characters from Frozen, Toy Story, The Little Mermaid and Cars spin and swirl on ice while the whole family can sing along to their cherished songs. We’re giving away two family four-packs so you can be part of the fun, so be sure to enter for a chance to see Anna and Elsa, Ariel, Woody and the rest of the gang!
Deadline to enter: October 31, 2016
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
Enter at www.westcoastfamilies.com
This BC publisher and illustrator makes incredible, educational book “kits” that teachers, parents and children will treasure. The latest books, Spirit Bear and ABC: Animal Babies of Canada, are adorable books that helps children identify Canadian animals and learn about animal lifecycles. Wildlife lovers and educators will treasure these valuable tools for teaching while kids will enjoy exploring the animals in their own backyard. www.ecobooks4kids.com
Finding healthy snacking options can be a challenge, not to mention when you have allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients. Enter MadeGood Snacks, with tasty granola minis and granola bars in five different flavours that are all nonGMO, gluten-free and allergen free. These bars are made in an allergy-free facility in Canada and are also organic, so families know they are getting great nutrition in tasty, delicious ways! www.madegoodfoods.com | $5
These incredible synthetic paper lampshades and other goodies are crafted from beautiful fiber folded into unique designs, like large, ornamental origami! Modern and sophisticated, these beautiful pieces will set your house apart from others, while the material is ecofriendly, tear-free and easy to clean. Best of all, they are made locally in Vancouver.
www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FiberStore | $65 and up
This amazing Canadian company is ready to help your little ones get ready for back to school! With outstanding backpacks that promise durability combined with great design, the whole family will want one! Genuine leather details and premium laptop pockets make these bags a hit in any classroom. shop.willlandoutdoors.com | $48 and up
These beautiful nursing scarves make it easy for mommas on the go while also offering fantastic style and selection. These lovely infinity design patterns are made in Vancouver and offer an easy way to access privacy for nursing moms, with a beautiful jersey knit that feels luxurious, along with a bamboo option for an extra fee. An array of colours makes these lovely scarves a must for all moms.
www.instagram.com/mamarefresh/ | $25 and up
Décor doesn’t end at the door to your little one’s bedroom. Spice up any child’s space with a canvas tent from Little Wanderer, made in Vancouver and providing a unique play space. Constructed from thick, high-quality canvas, and with several designs that will suit any room, parents only need to purchase wooden poles to craft the perfect hideaway and camping experience.
www.etsy.com/shop/ShopLittleWanderer $170 and up
By Nic Enright-Morin
Halloween is just around the corner, and with it comes a chance to put aside all the seriousness of life. Read on for a WestCoast Families round up of fantastical Halloween party ideas, from times past and present.
Bobbing for apples
Bobbing for apples has been a fall tradition for centuries. Although a mainstay in traditional Halloween parties today, its origins are rooted in love and romance, not tricks and treats. This old party game began in Britain as a courting ritual, popular among young ladies and their suitors, but bobbing for apples is still a sure hit with party guests of all ages. To play, fill a large tub or basin with water. Make sure the water’s cool, not cold. Don’t overfill and have some towels at the ready. Float the apples in the basin and then let guests take turns trying to pick up an apple with their mouth. Hands are not allowed and must be kept behind participants back at all times.
Ghosts - Pick up some white paper bags (get them from a large grocery or a specialty baking store) and put different objects in each bag. Hang the bags up and put a light behind them. If you want, you can use a flashlight and do one bag at a time. Turn out all of the lights and have everyone guess what is in each bag, without touching the bag or getting too close to them.
Eyeball hunt - Instead of an Easter egg hunt, why not throw an eyeball hunt? Purchase some plastic eyeballs from a party store and hide them in a room or your backyard. The child (or adult!) who finds the most wins a prize.
Halloween charades - Choose spooky books, Halloween-themed movies and scary sayings for a scary round of charades. Give the winner of each round a small treat bag.
Roasted pumpkin seeds - Carving all those pumpkins for your splendid decorations, means you’re left with a whole bunch of seeds. Instead of composting them and feeling guilty, why not roast them while impressing your guests with your Pinterest skills? Best part is, it’s so easy and the seeds are good for you too. Simply carve your pumpkin while reserving the innards. Remove the seeds and rinse them under cold water to remove the pulp. Pat dry then layer them on a baking sheet, lightly toss in oil, salt and pepper, then roast at 350°F degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once.
Caramel apples - Caramel apples were invented after a Kraft employee was experimenting with ways to use up the excess caramels left over from Halloween. It didn’t take long for this variation on the candy apple to become a Halloween tradition. They’re pretty easy to make, as long as you’ve time to spare and don’t mind getting a little sticky. See our recipe, just for you!
Fangtastic face painting - Kids of all ages love to add to the drama of Halloween with a little bit of face paint. Set a station up at your party and let your guests choose their favourite Halloween ghoul face. You can hire someone or have an art student come in to wield his or her magic.
Fortune teller - Cross my palm with silver! Fortune telling is a long-time tradition you don’t often see at parties anymore, which is a shame, as it’s wonderful fun. Get a friend with a flair for the dramatic to dress up and dazzle your guests with some fun fortunes.
Vintage pumpkins - It’s not a true Halloween party without some carved jacko’-lanterns to set the mood. Carve a few to decorate your entranceway, but save a couple to create with your guests while you share a few spooky stories.
White ghost gourds - These are an easy but effective decoration and they’re perfect to make with kids as a family activity ahead of time, or as a fun party craft, for a take home gift. Just take white gourds and black fine tip markers and simply draw ghostly faces on to the gourds and then place them around your home.
Halloween garland decoration - No old-fashioned Halloween party would be complete without a vintage garland decorating your fireplace. These days, there are so many pre-made designs to choose from. However, if you’re feeling crafty, you can make a simple string of bunting flags yourself; it’s easy to print out “Happy Halloween” in a unique font on some card stock. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not rustle up some little flags on a sewing machine – candy corn triangles would be perfect.
Monster mash music - One of the most important things to set the mood at any party is the music. You can download a wide array of Halloween inspired tunes off the Internet—perfect for a witches and wizards dance-off.
5 apples, 11oz bag of caramels, 2tsp water, parchment paper, wooden Popsicle sticks
1.Wash apples, and dry completely. (For the caramel sauce to stick to the apples, the apples need to be well chilled before washing, drying and dipping in the caramel sauce.)
2.Insert wooden stick into stem end of each apple. Cover tray with parchment paper.
3.Cook caramels and water in large saucepan on medium-low heat until caramels are completely melted, stirring constantly.
4. Dip apples in caramel and spoon additional caramel over apples if necessary to evenly coat. Let excess caramel drip off. Place on parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
by Heidi Turner
with the real estate market showing no signs of slowing down, many renters are considering renting long-term. There are some advantages to not buying—including not paying maintenance costs and not putting out a big down payment—but it can be tricky to make units feel like a home, especially without the ability to paint or remodel. The good news is that whether you’re on a budget or have lots of money to spend, and whether you live in a small apartment or rent a house, there are many ways to make your rental feel like home.
“The biggest thing to know is once you get your own stuff in a place, it becomes your own,” says Kendall Ansell, owner and decorator at Kendall Ansell Interiors, an interior design company that helps owners and renters outfit their spaces. “Your stuff makes it your place.” The key, though, is to buy things that are flexible no matter where you live, since renting can involve more frequent moves.
When it comes to furniture, one mistake renters often make is they purchase cheaper, lower quality items, thinking that when they own a home they’ll purchase furnishings that are better quality. But this means the furniture wears out faster and requires frequent replacement. If you’re thinking of buying new furniture, save your money so you can buy pieces that are good quality and durable, rather than buying cheap items you’ll always want to replace. “Buy a sofa with better quality foam,” Ansell says. “And make sure the cushions detach—even the back cushions. You can take them off to clean them properly.”
Another thing to keep in mind when buying furniture is making sure the pieces can be moved and will work in a variety of new spaces, both in style and size. Having to buy new items each move becomes a drain time, energy, and finances, and stops them from having furniture that feels familiar. “You spend a lot of time in your home, but people don’t put in a lot of effort to make a rental theirs,” Ansell says. “Make sure the things in your home are the things you like, not things from the owner that you’re forced to have.”
The eyes of any home are the windows, and while renters may not have a lot of say in the blinds on their windows, they are usually free to hang drapes or curtains on the inside. Window hangings not only provide an opportunity to add colour to a room without painting it, but well-chosen drapery can express a family’s personality while increasing privacy. And for people who work night shifts, blackout curtains can be lifesaver.
In addition to window hangings, another idea to carve personality into your space is area rugs, which also add colour and make rooms cozier. Some stratas require 60 percent of an apartment floor to be covered by area rugs to cut down on noise, so make sure you know your building’s rules regarding flooring. A well-placed area rug goes a long way to enhancing a room’s ambience.
Don’t forget that most units extend to the outside as well. Furnishing the patio properly expands an apartment’s living space and provides another opportunity to make the whole unit feel like home. Invest in an outdoor furniture set for comfortable seating, while unique décor items, like candles, lighting and rugs, can make a fantastic space special.
Another area to add familiar pizzazz is with smaller knick-knacks and treasures. Ansell says she sees a lot of renters buy sofas and coffee tables, but they don’t display art or photographs. Mementos can go a long way to making a space feel more like home, especially photographs of loved ones or treasured artworks.
When it comes to making interior changes, Ansell recommends renters talk to the owners or superintendent of their rental suites, to find out what is and is not allowed. Typically, renters are allowed to put holes in walls—within
reason—to hang art and other decorations. But some owners are okay with larger changes—such as painting—if they improve the unit or if the renter plans on staying for a long time.
Of course, all of these treasures come with a cost. But good quality doesn’t always mean expensive, either. Shop around for items that suit your family’s personality and work well with your budget. Ansell suggests stores such as EQ3, CB2, and Pier 1 Imports for their high quality furnishings. If cost is a factor, keep an eye out for sales or other special deals. There are many local interior stores as well, such as Cross Décor and Dreyer Design, to help you find the right touch to inject personality into your rental.
Because space is frequently an issue for renters, buying practical furniture that doubles as storage helps keep a place clean. Buying smaller tables and stackable chairs helps save space, as well, but for real storage, Ansell says she always recommends IKEA for storage solutions, and uses a closet organizing company—Canadian Closet Shop—to maximize closet space. “Closet organization is a tenant improvement item, so it would stay in the unit when the tenant leaves. But it definitely helps to outfit a unit, especially if you plan to be there a long time. And closet organizers are not hugely expensive.”
The bottom line is that with a few touches, you can make any rental unit—no matter the size—feel like your home. “You spend a lot of time in your home,” Ansell says. “Don’t think you can’t make it your own, because you can.” How much time, energy, and money you want to put into it is up to you, but the result is worth it if you and your family feel more comfortable in the space.
by Kelly S. Thompson
This hip, pedestrian-oriented development will serve the families in Tsawwassen who seek unique housing in a great environment that is also ecologically sustainable. Other than the fantastic location, these homes will be unique in sharing a community garden that will produce fresh fruits and veggies for local families. There is also a market square to serve as the central hub for the development, full of artisans and shops, making for a true community experience for families, friends, and friends-to-be. www.imaginesouthlands.ca
Finding a home in the Lower Mainland is nothing short of a challenge. With low vacancy rates and pricey land values, the real estate market is thick with competition as families try to snag the perfect home. We’ve rounded up some of the most unique and amenity-filled developments that will suit families, couples, and singles all over the Lower Mainland.
Location, location, location! These amazing townhouses in Mount Pleasant can’t be beat, and what makes them special is their BuiltGreen status, which means not only are these houses beautiful, but they also ensure sustainable building practices and high quality air filtration. And this thriving hub of art, music, food and shopping makes it not only a perfect sport for families and couples, but also singles who love the nightlife. www.liveathayden.com
The stunning location near UBC makes these condos a prime choice. Residents will have access to the nearby beaches and Pacific Spirit Park, which make for excellent memories for families. Living close to the school means buyers will have access to all the nearby amenities that already exist for UBC students, including shopping, banking, restaurants, and much more. And best of all, the views aren’t to be missed. www.polyhomes.com/community/eton
These glorious low-rise buildings are nestled in New Westminster, offering some beautiful homes at manageable prices. There are tons of trees and the location can’t be beat, just steps from transit and the Skytrain for those looking to get downtown in a jiffy. The entire development will be comprised of nine different buildings, all centering on one fantastic shopping location that puts everything at your fingertips. Best of all, the natural slope of the area offers incredible views from your doorstep. www.onni.com/theroyal/victoria-hill/
These stunning rowhouses are four stories high, making space for the entire family and then some! The Brentwood Town Centre area of Burnaby is on the rise, thanks to tons of shops, great restaurants and easy access to the rest of the Lower Mainland, thanks to great transit on your doorstep. This development is connected to an amazing series of biking trails, with some stunning parks in arms reach, so the location is perfect for those who love the outdoors. www.ledmac.com/seasons/
What’s not to like about these beautiful townhomes in a stunning location? Brookside has tons of natural green space, making it a haven for families who love the outdoors, and the local schools and parks are some of the best around. There’s also countless restaurants and transit is just steps away. The interiors are also something to behold, with tons of options for finishings and customizations for those who prefer modern or traditional looks. And all buyers get free Telus or Shaw service for a year after purchase. www.liveatbrookside.ca
In Port Coquitlam, families will love the central locale of the Somerston Lane development, right next to award-winning schools, such as Archbishop Carney, Terry Fox and Blackburn Elementary. The cost of these adorable townhomes is comparatively manageable, with access to some major shopping centres, including large box stores. With a ton of local amenities, including community hotspots like pools, golf courses and more, families with thrive in this location in the Tri-Cities. www.rew.ca/developments/2351/somerston-lane-port-coquitlam
on our cover...
Six-day-old Selvi couldn’t stand the excitement and needed a wee nap!
Photographed by Nadine Inkster www.nadineinksterphotography.com
Publisher & Managing Editor, Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor, Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor , Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout, Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration, Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
Accounts Receivable & Payable, Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising, sales@westcoastfamilies.com
At WestCoast Families, we love fall because it means it’s time for our annual Baby Guide, which is jam packed with all you need to know about raising a little one in the Lower Mainland. Whether you’re planning on pregnancy, in your second trimester or the partner of someone who is expecting, we have you covered with information, goodies and toys that will help to raise happy and healthy babies.
This issue, we’re taking a look at the humourous side of parenting, with a funny piece on what no one tells you about being a parent. And since we often don’t hear from the father’s side of things, we’re also hearing from a Dad about managing expectations when becoming a parent and the fine art of allowing our children be who they are.
In another piece, we look at how technology is an ever-growing industry when it comes to raising kids, and how parents know when to introduce screen time and how to manage it. We have you covered with a fantastic article with tips and tricks for parents to reign in technology and how to use it to their parenting advantage.
We hope you enjoy the 2016 Baby Guide. Bring it with you as you prepare for baby, as we’re stocked with some amazing advertisers who can kit you up and help you navigate the stresses of becoming a new mom or dad.
www.twitter.com/wcfmag
www.facebook.com/westcoastfamilies www.pinterest.com/wcfmag
These stylish bins and hampers make any child’s room a piece of organized perfection. With adorable animals printed on these cotton bins, kids will love them and parents will appreciate the stylish décor. Once empty, these baskets can be easily folded away for handy storage, so no sock, toys or craft items will be left behind! www.hipbaby.com | $23-24
Cloud B is known for making cozy spaces for little ones. Nurseries will look great and soothe your new little one with the Peaceful Panda, a snuggly toy that plays comforting music to your newborn to help them transition to life in a crib. Best of all, it’s easily attached to the side of the crib with a Velcro strap.
www.snugglebugz.ca | $43
Oyaco was the first to bring the baby sleeping bag to the Canadian market, and the Grobag is perfect to keep babies warm without the suffocation risk of blankets. Keeping babies toasty warm without overheating, Grobags come in a variety of warmth levels and styles. Peruse Oyaco for easy shopping and tons of options with amazing shipping.
www.oyaco.com | $50
This handy baby lounger lets parents bring their little one anywhere, without fear of wakes and rolls that could injury a baby. It doesn’t harbour heat, so your child won’t get too hot in their space, and it’s easily transported wherever you go. Camping, visiting family, or whatever the case may be, the DockATot Gives your baby a comfortable, safe space to sleep that is handy to bring along wherever you go.
www.lussobaby.ca | $267
The most adorable crocheted baby hats you’ve ever seen are handmade in Surrey! Perfect for photo shoots and keeping baby warm in a variety of colours and choices in washable yarn, there’s something for every baby, all made locally by a talented artist. Cute bear ears and flowers are the main styles, and your child will be toasty warm and super stylish to boot. www.etsy.com/shop/seatoskybaby | $18-25
These adorable balance bikes are the brainchild of the Wilmes family in Edmonton. They have created an adorable range of wooden and steel bikes, with excellent warranties, unique designs and construction and durability in mind. Runners Bikes make it easy for children to transition to pedal bikes, often not requiring the added step of training wheels!
www.runners-bike.com | $90 and up
Based on the well-loved children’s book, “A Day in the Park with Meiya and Alvin,” this adorable elephant is made with gentle fabric and natural rubber, all making for a sustainable, healthy toy that all children will love. Great for teething and soothing baby. Buttercups has tons of other options and unique gifts for baby!
www.buttercups.ca
by Kelly S. Thompson
the first few months of a baby’s life are spent meeting basic needs, namely sleeping and eating. But soon enough, there are new areas of life to navigate, including education and development.
As our world becomes increasingly dependent on screens to deliver education, stimulation, entertainment, and connections with friends and family, there’s the inevitable consideration of moderating babies’ screen time, especially when it can provide parents with a welcome break from constant attention needs—Putting the television on can offer blissful reprieve! When do we introduce children to the screen? What programs and apps are helpful? Medical professionals and the technology industry have been battling it out on this topic for some time.
The research on the subject is varied, depending on whether or not the study was funded by a specific partner (such as the technology industry) or an impartial scientific study. We hear that playing online games can improve hand-eye coordination and that many screens offer great educational tools for kids, but also the fear that screens can stunt development. So we delved deep to discover what’s best for babies in the world of screen time and how we can mitigate risk as children grow.
development of the brain and eyes with the rapid movement and colours too bright for young eyes. “Baby’s brains are so fragile and absolute sponges,” said Dr. Mari K. Swingle, Psychoneurophysiologist and author of i-Minds: How Cell Phones, Computers, Gaming, and Social Media are Changing Our Brains, Our Behavior, and the Evolution of Our Species
“There is so much learning that does not occur when a child is mesmerized by a screen.” Also, screen time has been linked with decreased attention spans and children who are unable to regulate their emotions in the absence of their favourite technology. “What this means is when they are older and upset they will also turn to screens instead of to you when they are feeling upset, curious or bad,” Dr. Swingle said.
While there are certainly programs and technology that can benefit children later on in life, the main concern with babies is that they require physical and face-to-face contact with people who love them in order to engage and develop properly. Dr. Swingle recommends games like Peek-A-Boo to help little ones engage, read facial expressions, and learn empathy. “It appears screen time slows and alters social and emotional development,” she said.
Why? The inevitable increase in technology means many parents are scrambling to keep up. Products such as Baby Einstein appeared, in which children reportedly gained intelligence through “interactive” technologybased toys. Later, research debunked the myth of the toys’ efficacy.
The actual concerns over screen time are multi-pronged. As per initial pediatric recommendations in 1999, doctors felt that babies did not benefit developmentally from screen time, and in fact, noted that it could hinder
When? There has been great debate on when children should be introduced to screens. Pediatric Societies in both the US and Canada recommend absolutely no screens before age two. But Dr. Swingle takes it a step further, noting that “many professionals, myself included, are recommending if you do not want to affect attachment (aka emotional development), none before four.” By not allowing screen time before these ages, parents can ensure their children benefit from human to human contact and learn proper social and personal skills. Play is also a vital method for children to hone social skills, something screens don’t provide.
Dr. Swingle notes that complete lack of screen time before age six can help to bolster certain forms of intelligence and creativity in children. “After age six, children start to determine fantasy from reality, are attached to you, and many learning systems are properly wired, so screen based technology can then be a wonderful addition to play, education, and scholastic work,” she said. At this time, parents can incorporate the screen into their child’s learning process and impart their own regulations on how and when screens and other technologies are used.
How? Above all, screen time is best managed when parents engage. Be active in their screen presence so it isn’t left to mindless video watching and late nights of Candy Crush. Instead, institute rules about how much time is permitted per day and what type (games, entertainment, educational tools, apps and more) and spend the remainder of the day connecting through tactile play, outdoor exploration, and other hands-on activities.
Moderation is Key - As children age, there can be less of a focus on how much screen time (although it should still be limited) and more so on the type of screen time. Is it educational? Is the screen experience one that engages with a parent or caregiver in a way that furthers that bond and connection? There’s also, of course, a large difference between watching a movie for two hours once a week and watching a movie every single day. Despite the temptation, it’s best not to use the screen as a babysitter and encourage children and babies to get outside, explore, and learn through tactile experiences that make your children into happier, healthier adults.
by Jacqueline Melissen
contrary to what Pinterest would have you believe, parenting is rarely glamourous, or even dignified. Parenting begins with pregnancy, followed by labour, and then delivery, and none of those things make a woman feel like she’s making her best first impression. Even if you are an adoptive parent, it does not take long before your baby poops on you or your child wipes his booger onto your shirt, and thus every parent knows from the very beginning that children and dignity rarely co-exist.
But there is good news. Sometimes this unglamorous reality can be a good thing. I know this, because my husband and I have been parents for eight and a half years, and I can already think of at least five examples of when being completely humiliated has had a positive side effect.
Last summer, my husband took our two older children on a special trip to visit their new baby cousin. This trip required a flight (with a layover), followed by a five-hour drive in a rental car. By the time they started to drive, the kids were overtired and had already eaten fast food for two meals in a row, so it shouldn’t have been surprising to their father when they both threw up.
What was surprising, however, was the timing of the vomit: it appeared just as the police officer who had pulled them over for speeding was leaning down to look in the vehicle. He let them go with just a warning.
Flying in economy class is not very glamourous these days in the best of circumstances, and flying with a toddler on your lap is significantly worse. Our first flight as a family of three was particularly terrible because our elevenmonth-old daughter had a bad few hours in the bodily fluid department. By the time we landed, we had run out of extra clothes for her and we were wishing we had packed extra clothes for ourselves as we got into the very long and hot customs line in Mexico. Our toddler, by now dressed only in a diaper, tried desperately to lunge out of our arms so she could crawl on the dirty airport floor, and then she cried loudly when we wouldn’t let her. Within five minutes, a new “family line” suddenly opened up next to the regular line, and guess who was the first family pulled out of the main line to use it?
I did not do pregnancy very comfortably, especially my first pregnancy, with lots of all-day “morning” sickness, lots of weight gain, and gestational diabetes. Then my blood pressure, which had been creeping up, led to a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia just a week or two before my due date, and I was instructed by my midwives and my obstetrician to be on partial bed rest at home. Oh, and they also wanted to monitor the protein levels in my urine, so I needed to collect my urine and bring it into the lab in a few days. To be clear, I was not collecting urine samples; I was collecting all of my urine and keeping it in a special sealed container next to the toilet. What made this even worse was the fact that my brother- and father-in-law were both staying at my house that week, in our basement suite; our one-bathroom basement suite. We were all constantly faced with the departure of my dignity in the form of a pee bucket next to the toilet. True, it may be initially difficult to see how this experience benefitted me, but you should know that I brought that urine to the lab, and those results plus my blood pressure led to an induction procedure and the birth of my beautiful, healthy baby. I not only survived it, I was able to stay at home for much longer, and feel safe through the whole experience. Modern medicine is brilliant. At least the pee bucket had a lid.
I write a blog, and I’m on social media. The “mommy-blogger” industry is one that is often criticized for implying that parenting is easy and beautiful while glossing over the harder truths. In many cases, this is a fair criticism. However, there are many parents active on social media who go out of their way to be honest and vulnerable about the indignities they face and the struggles they feel. My blog partner and I started writing with the goal of encouraging other parents through humour and honesty, and this means I sometimes Instagram a picture of myself with a huge glob of McDonald’s ketchup in my hair. One of many the benefits of Internet honesty is that everyone who follows you online and also knows you in real life will have lower expectations for you when it comes to house cleaning, and makeup application, and clothes cleanliness. This, my friends, is very freeing.
So if you are a new parent hoping to hold on to your dignity, or a veteran parent pretending you still have some, I have a challenge for you. Do your best to enjoy all the glamourous moments you can, but when that inevitable moment comes when you realize that you’ve been walking around in public with permanent marker all over your face, try to embrace it, or at least look for the silver lining. You never know what surprising benefit your embarrassment may lead to.
At SmileTown Dentistry, our speciality is growing healthy smiles. From infant to teenwe’ll keep your children on the right track.
The cheerful and friendly atmosphere at all our Smiletown Dentistry locations is custom-made for children - from a waiting area that keeps the kids entertained, to dentists that encourage parents to actively participate in their children’s dental care.
Above
quality care and great customer service from our professional children’s dental team.
by Nick Marino
as I watched my daughter, Sydney, cross the stage at her high school graduation, it seemed unbelievable that the little baby that had come into our lives eighteen years earlier was the same person about to receive a diploma. When she stopped to have her picture taken with the principal, I thought back to the night she was born. With my wife, Jeanne, in the recovery room, I was handed this five-pound stranger, wrapped in a towel. I walked in circles in the hospital room for hours thinking two things: What do I do with this baby? And, who is she? Slowly, I figured out both.
As a newborn, Sydney slept in a bassinet next to our bed. I would place my hand on her tiny chest at night to feel it rise and fall. Reassured, I could go back to sleep. I’m sure Sydney never realized the relief she brought to me with just one breath. The morning would bring all sorts of new challenges and fears. Is she gaining enough weight? Will she be able to take a bottle if Jeanne is not home? Why is she crying? Just when we thought we had solved the mystery of Sydney’s tears, she would find another unknown reason to become inconsolable. Over time, however, we adapted to each other’s rhythms, except at night. Sydney needed to be comforted every night—sometimes because she was hungry and sometimes because she seemed worried that we might get a full night’s sleep. Many nights I tiptoed out of her room, with her finally asleep in her crib, only to step on one creaky floorboard that would set her off all over again.
When Sydney was five years old we were at the park and she was very determined to make it all the way across the monkey bars on her own. Her little hand did not make one of the rungs, however, and she fell. I was standing behind her, encouraging and spotting. Unfortunately, she slipped through my hands and landed hard on her tailbone. Through her tears she asked, “Why didn’t you catch me?” It broke my heart to feel like I had let her down. I’ve learned that I can’t always be there to catch her but I still encourage her to reach for new goals.
She didn’t need much encouragement to speak, however, and as a child, often invented words. One of my favourites was “lasterday” in place of “yesterday.” Because it was so cute, we didn’t correct it for a long time. Our family has many memories, big and small—trips to Disneyland, summers at the cabin with grandparents, Christmas mornings and Halloween nights. And these days, the times we share as a family have changed. Instead of going to the playground or jumping on the trampoline, we go for walks, listen to comedy, and talk about music. We spend a lot of time analyzing what did and didn’t work in our favourite TV shows. I found a piece of my writing from when Sydney was a newborn, which showed my idealistic view of parenting. I wrote: She doesn’t belong to us. She belongs to the universe. It’s our job to take care of her until she can take care of herself. I can’t say that I’ve always lived by that philosophy.
As our children grew up, Jeanne and I knew it was important expose them to different activities so they could find their strengths and interests. Helping our children realize their potential has always been a huge concern for us. Although it is important to know who your child is, we’ve learned that it is equally important to learn, and accept, who they are not. Sydney, for example, is not a karate master, concert pianist, or competitive swimmer. She spent a lot of time practicing each of these before she came to the conclusion that she didn’t want to pursue them anymore. By dropping these activities, she freed up time to pursue new interests; writing, acting, and film making. On graduation night, her commitment and hard work in these pursuits was acknowledged with awards and scholarships.
The world, of course is a scary place, and just like when Sydney was a newborn, I worry about her. Will she get into the program that she wants in university? How could she ever afford to buy a place of her own? Will she meet someone who treats her with respect and loves her for who she is? Will she visit us when we’re old? I feel confident that she will be just fine. But part of me will always be the new dad, sleeping next to my newborn daughter, making sure that she is still breathing before I can fall back to sleep. When Sydney walked across the stage at graduation, I thought, “So that’s who that little baby they handed to me eighteen years ago turned out to be!” I look forward to what the world has in store for Sydney and what she has in store for the world. And, I’m thankful for all of the “lasterdays” we’ve shared.
Vancouver Baby & Family Fair
One-stop community event to showcase the best resources and products for parents and kids www.baby-fair.com
Mums Tums and Babies Show Your pregnancy, baby and toddler one-stop show www.mumstumsbabies.ca
Burnaby Village Museum www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Britannia Mine Museum www.britanniaminemuseum.ca
Cowboys and Angels www.cowboysandangels.ca
Disney on Ice www.disneyonice.com/ca/en-ca/
Fantasy Farms www.fantasyfarmsinc.ca
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch www.facebook.com/Hazelmere-PumpkinPatch-125530080795831/
Healthy Family Expo www.healthyfamilyexpo.com
Heart-Mind Conference www.dalailamacenter.org/program/heart-mindconference
Imagine Children’s Museum www.imaginecm.org
Kid Approved www.kidapprovedbc.com
Kidtropolos www.kidtropolis.ca
Krause Berry Farms www.krauseberryfarms.com
Living Magic www.livingmagicentertainment.com
Maplewood Farm www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
Meadows Maze www.meadowsmaze.com
Richmond Country Farms www.countryfarms.ca
Rocky Mountain Flatbread www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
Royal BC Museum www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
Science World www.scienceworld.ca
Taves Family Farms www.tavesfamilyfarms.com
Vancouver Aquarium www.vanaqua.org
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra www.vancouversymphony.ca
West Coast Railway www.wcra.org
• BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
BC Lactation Consultant Association www.bclca.ca
BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic www.bcwomens.ca
Breastfeeding Online www.breastfeedingonline.com
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre Ltd www.bflrc.com
La Leche League Canada www.lllc.ca
Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre www.breastfeedingclinic.com
• CHILD CARE
Child Care Resource and Referral www.ccrr.bc.ca
Childcare Choices Online Resource www.childcarechoices.ca
Spare Time Child Care Society www.sparetimesociety.org
UBC Child Care Services www.childcare.ubc.ca
Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres www.vsocc.org
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre www.wstcoast.org
YMCA of Greater Vancouver www.vanymca.org/childcare
• DIAPER SERVICES & SUPPLIES
Baby Footprint www.thebabyfootprint.com
Baby On The Way www.babyontheway.ca
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company www.bumbini.ca
bumGenius www.bumgenius.com
Cozy Bums Diapers www.cozybums.ca
Gorgeous Baby Modern & Organic Cloth Diapers www.gorgeousbaby.ca
Green Bum Bum Cloth Diapers www.greenbumbum.com
Happy Baby Cheeks www.happybabycheeks.ca
Happy Nappy www.happynappy.ca
KaWaii Baby Diapers www.theluvyourbaby.com
Saucy Bottoms www.saucybottoms.ca
Tender Tushies www.tendertushies.ca
• EDUCATION
Brightpath Kids www.brightpathkids.com
Brockton School www.brocktonschool.com
Burnaby French Language Preschool www.bflp.org
CEFA Core Education & Fine Arts www.cefa.ca
Collingwood School www.collingwood.org
Elite Montessori Academy www.elitemontessori.ca
Fraser Academy www.fraseracademy.ca
Fraser Valley Elementary www.fves.bc.ca
Garderie et Prematernelle les Moussaillons www.moussaillons.ca
Granville House Montessori www.granvillehousemontessori.com
James Cameron School www.jcs.bc.ca
Jewish Community Centre Preschool www.jccgv.com
Kumon Math & Reading www.kumon.com
Little Koala Montessori www.littlekoalamontessori.com
Little Sunshine Preschool www.littlesunshinevancouver.com
Meta Montessori House www.metamontessori.com
Millennium Learning Advantage www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Montessori Mes Petits www.ourpreschool.com
My Whole Earth Academy www.mywholeearth.ca
North Star Montessori www.northstarmontessori.ca
Our Kids Private School Expo www.ourkidsmedia.com
Reach for the Stars Montessori www.reachforthestarsmontessori.com
Smilestones www.smilestones.ca
Southpointe Academy www.southpointe.ca
Sunny Gate Montessori www.sunnygatemontessori.com
Vancouver Bilingual Preschool www.vancouverbilingual.com
Vancouver Montessori www.vancouvermontessorischool.com
West Vancouver School District www.westvancouverschools.ca
Westside Montessori Academy www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca
Westside Montessori School www.westsidemontessori.ca
Write Choice Early Learning Centre www.writechoicelearning.com
York House School www.yorkhouse.ca
• FINANCIAL & INSURANCE
Hybrid Health www.hybridhealth.ca
Mortgage Professionals Canada www.mortgageproscan.ca
• FITNESS
Bare Fit and Pregnant www.barefitandpregnant.com
Bodies by London www.bodiesbylondon.ca
Fit 4 Two www.fit4two.ca
Inhabit Training Academy (Ugi) www.inhabitacademy.wordpress.com
Mommies In Motion www.mommiesinmotion.ca
Mommy Fit www.mommyfit.ca
Mommy Moves www.mommymoves.ca
Yoga Buttons www.yogabuttons.com
• GEAR & CLOTHING
Buttercups
Unique children’s boutique with clothing, footwear and more www.buttercups.ca
Oyaco Products Innovative solutions for today’s parents www.oyaco.com
Runners Bike – You In Focus Products Good quality balance bikes for toddlers with an awesome design for a reasonable price www.runners-bike.com
Active Baby www.activebaby.ca
Beansprouts www.beansprouts.ca
Boomers & Echoes www.boomersandechoes.com
Crocodile Baby www.crocodilebaby.com
Dandelion Kids www.dandelionkids.ca
Frog Hollow Children’s Boutique www.froghollow.bc.ca
Just Imagine Fun Clothing www.justimaginecostumes.com
Hip Baby www.hipbaby.com
Kids Market, Granville Island www.kidsmarket.ca
Lusso Baby www.lussobaby.ca
Mabel’s Labels www.mabelslabels.com
Next Generation Distributors www.nextgendistributors.com
Once Upon a Child: Kids’ Resale www.onceuponachildlangley.com
Room for 2 www.roomfor2.ca
Snuggle Bugz www.snugglebugz.ca
Sweet Charlie www.shopsweetcharlie.com
Tsawwassen Mills Shopping www.tsawwassenmills.ca
Wee Ones Reruns www.weeonesvancouver.com
Yaya Baby www.yayababy.ca
Yemaya www.yemaya.ca
• HEALTH, MEDICAL & NUTRITION
Pediatric Dental Group PDG Creating happy, healthy smiles. www.pdgdental.com
Smiletown Dentistry
Kid friendly dental practice, where children always come first www.smiletowndentistry.com
Infant Circumcision and Vasectomy www.circumcisionvancouver.com
Bonn Chiropractic www.cocochiro.com
Dial-A-Dietician www.dialadietitian.org
Fraser Health resource www.fraserhealth.ca
Healthy Canadians online resource www.healthycanadians.gc.ca
HealthLinkBC – Health information by phone or web www.healthlinkbc.ca
Kids Physio www.kidsphysio.ca
Leap Clinic www.leapclinic.ca
Logan Creek Counselling and Consulting www.logancreek.ca
Nourished with Alyssa Bauman, Health Consulting www.nourished.ca
Olive Fertility Clinic www.olivefertility.com
Pacific West Dental www.pacificwestdental.com
Peace Arch Maternity Clinic www.peacearchmaternityclinic.ca
Pollock Clinics www.pollockclinics.com
South Community Birth Program www.scbp.ca
Tot 2 Teen Dental www.tot2teendental.com
UC Baby Ultrasound www.ucbaby.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health resource www.vch.ca/your-health/women/newmother-and-baby-care/
Vancouver Pediatric and Family Wellness www.familywellnesschiro.ca
• MATERNITY CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Hazel & Jools www.hazelhipmoms.com
Bellies in Bloom
www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity www.boomersandechoes.com
Flirty Maternity Maple Ridge www.flirtymaternity.com
Motherhood Maternity www.motherhoodcanada.ca
Noppies Maternity www.noppies.com
Purl Mama & Baby www.purlmama.com
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby www.roomfor2.ca
Thyme Maternity www.thymematernity.com
With Child www.withchild.ca
• MIDWIFE & DOULA SERVICES
Abbotsford Doula Group www.abbotsforddoula.com
All About Birth Boutique www.allaboutbirthboutique.ca
BC Women’s Hospital Pregnancy Birth & Newborns Clinic www.bcwomens.ca
Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org
Department of Midwifery, BC Women’s Hospital www.midwivesinvancouver.ca
DONA International Doula Association www.dona.org
Doula Services Association of BC www.bcdoulas.org
Mother Me www.motherme.ca
Midwifery Associates www.midwiferyassociates.ca
Midwifery Care North Shore www.midwiferycare.ca
Midwives Association of BC www.bcmidwives.com
The Midwifery Group www.midwiferygroup.ca
Vancouver Doula Collective www.vancouverdoulacollective.org
• PHOTOGRAPHY
Bella Photo
Capturing the beautiful moments in life, specializing in maternity, newborn and family photography www.bellaphoto.ca
Nadine Inkster Photography
Creative photos for you and your family www.nadineinksterphotography.com
Cowboys and Angels www.cowboysandangels.ca
• PRENATAL EDUCATION
Adar Birth Services www.adarbirthservices.com
Belly to Baby www.bellytobaby.ca
Birthing from Within www.birthingfromwithin.com
Dancing Star Birth www.dancingstarbirth.ca
Healthiest Babies Possible www.vch.ca/locations-and-services/find-healthservices/
Lamaze International www.lamaze.org
Lower Mainland Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org
The Birth Place www.thebirthplace.ca
• PROGRAMS
Phoenix Gymnastics
A club built on traditions and values and the love of gymnastics www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Jump Gymnastics www.jumpgymnastics.ca
ABC Music Factory www.abcmusicfactory.com
Arts Umbrella www.artsumbrella.com
The Cutting Room www.the-cuttingroom.com
Gabriela’s Movement Studio www.movementstudio.ca
Lavrova Dance www.lavrovadance.com
Music for Young Children www.myc.com
Place des Arts www.placedesarts.ca
Rhythm Gym www.rhythmgym.ca
Richmond Aquatics www.richmond.ca
Tom Lee Music www.tomleemusic.ca
YMCA www.vanymca.org
• RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Adoptive Families Association of BC www.bcadoption.com
Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC www.anhbc.org
Baby Go Round www.babygoround.ca
BC Association of Family Resource Programs www.frpbc.ca
BC Council for Families www.bccf.ca
BC Housing www.bchousing.org
Burnaby Neighbourhood House www.sbnh.ca
Canadian Paediatric Society www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Collingwood Neighbourhood House www.cnh.bc.ca
Community Centres Check your local municipality website
Communitas Supportive Care Society www.communitascare.com
Family Services of Greater Vancouver www.fsgv.ca
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House www.froghollow.bc.ca
Fussy Baby www.thefussybabysite.com
Langley Children www.langleychildren.com
Maxxine Wright Early Care and Learning Centre www.atira.bc.ca
posAbilities www.posabilities.ca
Provincial Government education and family programs www.familiesfirstbc.ca
Surrey Early Childhood www.surreyearlychildhood.ca
• SAFETY
Babysafe – St. John Ambulance www.sja.ca
Baby Secure www.babysecure.ca
BCAA: Infant/Child Care Seat Information Line www.bcaa.com 1-877-247-5551
Safety Station at BC Children’s Hospital www.bcchildrens.ca/safetystation
Safety Superstore www.safetysuperstore.ca
• SLEEP CONSULTING
Sleeping Child www.thesleepingchild.com
A Kiss Goodnight www.akissgoodnight.ca
Cheeky Chops www.cheekychops.ca
Helen Sands www.helensands.com
HushaBaby www.hushababy.com
Little Dreamers Consulting www.littledreamersconsulting.com
Sleep Dreams www.sleepdreams.ca
Sleep Stars Consulting www.sleepstars.ca
Sleepy Miracles www.sleepymiracles.com
Our team worked hard again this year, searching high and low to find the coolest kids fashions for Back To School from Canadian brands and local stores.
Here’s what we found!
Grow With Me expandable trousers,
Town T-shirt by Good Husbands Apparel ($28)
Peas and Thanks coat by Peekaboo Beans ($129)
Hangout pants by Peekaboo Beans ($58)
Sparkle & Junebug is a children fashion boutique in Kitsilano for boys and girls from newborn to 14 years old with a unique selection of clothing from local and international designers. www.sparkleandjunebug.ca
Blink Kids is handmade in Vancouver for the fun, stylish and confident kid, featuring super comfy fleece pants and t-shirts, skirts and leggings for boys and girls. www.blink-kids.com
Good Husbands has a passion to make everlasting infant and toddler apparel, influenced by today’s pop culture and typography, with unique style and a sense of humour. www.goodhusbandsapparel.com
The One of a Kind online shop The One of a Kind brand has 40 years of experience in presenting artisans across Canada at events in Toronto and Vancouver, and now they’re delivering online too. www.oneofakindonlineshop.com
Buttercups carries a unique selection of Children’s clothing and dancewear at their gorgeous boutique shop in the heart of historic Ladner. www.buttercups.ca
Bozy Mama is handmade in Quebec and sold on Etsy. www.etsy.com/shop/BozyMama
Portage and Main has been designing and manufacturing clothing for kids since 2012 with the entire collection designed in Edmonton where they print and manufacture too. www.shopportageandmain.com
Instance Socks is dedicated to the spirit of individuality, with socks that offer fashionable options for men, women and children looking to personalize their style. www.stance.com
Peekaboo Beans is always safe from toxic dyes; free from snaps, buttons and fuss, and meant to last through climbing, twisting, jumping, and crawling on all fours too. www.peekaboobeans.com
Sorel combines felt, wool, premium leather, and flawless construction with people who aren’t afraid to get their boots dirty. www.sorel.com
by Kelly S. Thompson
relatively new on the educational scene are school garden programs, designed to get kids outdoors in the fresh air, learning through handson action. While the average adult might not see immediate benefit of gardening programs, research has proven that kids flourish when given the opportunity to learn in practical environments that also provide tangible skills.
Classroom garden programs offer endless educational benefits. Kids are taught about the life cycle of food by following the growth process from seed to picking. Ecosystems can be highlighted when choosing the best plants for British Columbia conditions, while math skills are heightened through spacing, weighting and more. “Complex mathematical concepts like area, volume, and capacity are all easily understood in a garden,” said Megan Zeni, operator of in-school gardening program, the Classroom Gardener. “Observing growth over time means students have a deep and lasting understanding of life cycles, biodiversity, and the needs of living things.”
Beyond educational opportunities in the classroom garden, there’s also the chance for students to grow on a more personal level. “School gardens provide naturalized outdoor play spaces that allow for sensory, imaginative and creative play, which ultimately improves a child’s mental and physical health,” said Megan. She also notes that kids are prone to try different fruits and veggies when they’ve grown the food themselves. And the benefits don’t stop there. “Maybe most importantly,” said Megan, “The research suggests that reduced depression and anxiety are correlated with children who have opportunities to learn outdoors.”
The Lower Mainland has some excellent classroom garden programs, and WestCoast Families found them for you!
Farm to School was established in 2007, designed to bring healthy, local food to schools and students. Children learn food literacy and to connect with their community through growing and educating themselves about food cycles in their own backyard. Farm to School is sponsored by the Public Health Association of BC and supported by many other partners and provides the program to many schools through the province. Students are empowered with the knowledge about healthy food and where each child fits into the greater scheme of the planet. Children will also learn about food distribution and how to prepare meals in the school greenhouse, kitchen, lunchroom and classroom!
www.farmtoschoolbc.ca
Currently, there are 12 schools across Vancouver that participate in the SPEC program, which brings classroom gardens to life by bringing outdoor learning to teachers, offering them unique ways to teach math, literacy, and practical life skills. Meanwhile, children learn to grow their own organic fruits and vegetables, how to care for plants, and how health is improved through proper diet. The SPEC program also offers schools consultations to get their own program on the go, combined with an excellent handout that offers tips and tricks. The handout also provides lesson plans and educational information for teachers so they can incorporate the garden into the curriculum.
www.spec.bc.ca/school-gardens
Maple Grove Elementary brings classroom gardens to the summer, extending the learning season through summer camps. Approximately 50 students of the Healthy Eaters and Leaders programs participate in the gardens, raising money for the SPCA. Children in grades one to seven learn about healthy eating, do garden tours and play a variety of games that surround the growing of food. Designed for grades 1 to 7 students, the camp integrates healthy eating routines into a daily schedule of outdoor and indoor games, garden tours, crafts, and day trips. HEAL Camp Director Sarah Tracz said in a written statement, “Educating kids about local food and buying local in a friendly, cohesive and engaging way is a really important part of the camp experience.” Four years in, the program is a huge success and more and more children reap the benefit of outdoor learning.
www.vsb.bc.ca
This amazing outdoor program has been specifically geared towards the new curriculum, giving it an edge up on the market. The Classroom Gardener brings the education outdoors, with year-long tutelage focused on inquiry-based learning. With professional gardeners on hand, students from preschool to grade 7 can experience nature while growing skills and heightening their education. Best of all, since the Classroom Gardener is a private program developed by a teacher, any school or student can participate in private, public, or home learning environments. There are fun workshops, activities, lessons plans and more, all designed to keep kids engaged and energized to learn with their hands in the soil. There are a variety of ways to fund the program in local schools, and all supplies (including gloves for children) are included. www.theclassroomgardener.com
The Richmond Schoolyard Project came to be in 2006 when local chef, Ian Lai, wanted to show children where their food comes from. Today, the program is a non-profit providing garden programming to elementary and high school students. With an eye to the future, Lai feels that if children are responsible for growing their own food and appreciating the life cycle of the ecosystem, they are more likely to take care of the environment by respecting the perils and beauty of the ocean. What’s wonderful about the program is the way it involves the community, with local volunteers to help activate this outdoor classroom while kids are taught math, weights, agriculture and more. And it doesn’t stop there: students eat the food they grow and donate excess crops to the Richmond Food Bank. Currently there are more than 1500 students in eight schools who participate.
www.kidsinthegarden.org
Our children see the world through a unique lens, with a perspective that shapes who they become as adults. For children in the arts, their creations can give a voice where they feel otherwise silenced, and the media is looking for ways to give these children an outlet for their work. A new program on CBC, Snapshots, seeks to allow school-aged children to use photography in order to compete while simultaneously sharing their vision of the world through their art. The children present their work and then it is judged by a series of professional photographers, and nearly all the children involved in the program described boosted confidence in not only their photos, but also their work. “Photography will give the participants and the audience a deeper perspective on visual art and the world around them,” said Martin Markle, senior director of Children’s Content for CBC. This unscripted and live-action show will be featured on Kids’ CBC and will feature the kids in picture-snapping challenges that test their skills, passions and ideas and the website promises to offer children around Canada to participate from home with their own snaps! Don’t miss the show coming this September. www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/
Trying to furnish and design your home can be a real challenge, and without the proper insight and advice, it can be downright overwhelming. And for those without the decorating chops, the thought of having to purchase even a new lamp or throw pillow can de daunting. Thankfully, Vancouver-based firm, Kabuni, has created a free-to-use app that connects designers, makers, and home decorators! The app allows users to create inspiration boards and interact with potential clients and service providers, all in one space. If a client makes a purchase with a designer or maker, Kabuni takes a commission and both customer and provider are happy. “By connecting those designers and creators with a North American audience through our free-to-use app, we’re making the talents of that community available to the North American market,” says Kabuni founder and CEO, Neil Patel. They’ve also opened a storefront downtown Vancouver, where designers can work in a shared space and customers can come check out the gallery of potential design options. So be sure to check them out the next time the living room needs an update. www.kabuni.com
Being in the hospital is hard for everyone, but especially for children. Relegated to hospital beds and generic and depressing gowns, the experience can be as emotional as it is physical. Thankfully, Rethink and Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada surprised patients in an Ottawa hospital by bringing fashion back to hospital stays. Ward + Robes was created, with six fashion designers creating custom hospital gowns that appeal to teens, letting their style be what defines them. The campaign is the brainchild of Rethink copywriter, Krista Raspor, who has spent time in the hospital. “I had insight into what it’s like being there, especially as a teen, when you’re trying to express yourself and be yourself and you don’t have access or the ability to do that when you’re in the hospital,” said Raspor. While the project delighted the teens involved, the campaign exists to raise more funds and awareness for the project. Designers are encouraged to get on board, using the pattern guidelines online, while it is hoped that individuals see the necessity and value of the project and are able to donate to more custom gowns for teens. https://wardrobes.starlightcanada.org
Doctors encourage new mothers to breastfeed their babies, since it has been clinically proven that a mother’s milk is the best nutrition for little ones to develop and grow healthy immune systems. But for some new parents and vulnerable babies, access to quality, safe, and healthy milk is not only a challenge but a necessity. The BC Women’s Milk Bank, through BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, takes in donations of breast milk, pasteurizes it, then feeds babies who are in the neonatal intensive care unit who are at high risk of developing infections and others diseases. Healthy donor milk is just one effort to help their tiny bodies fight off disease. “With a helping hand from donated breast milk and even more milk depots opening, babies will have a better chance to thrive,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “We have long known the benefits of human milk for vulnerable babies, so now we’re making it even easier to donate milk to help babies in need.” Previously, it has been a challenge to access these donation centres, meaning milk supply had decreased to a dangerous and all time low. Thankfully, five new donation locations have opened up across the Lower Mainland, giving potential donors better access to drop off their milk while giving more at risk babies access to the quality nutrition they need. www.bcwomens.ca
by Kelly S. Thompson
if you’ve turned on a television in the last twenty years in Canada, then you know Rick Campanelli’s face. From his days at MuchMusic to his rise through Entertainment Tonight Canada and now onto the world of radio, Rick has been a mainstay in the homes of Canadians nearly his entire adult life. He may no longer be “The Temp,” but for those who grew up watching him interview musical celebrities, he holds a special place in their hearts. His career has been long and thriving thanks to a friendly personality, hard work, and dedication, but his greatest pursuit has been that of family man. As a third-time parent just coming off paternity leave, Rick is ready to get back to the work he loves while always putting his family first.
Rick grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, having graduated from Brock University with a degree in Physical Education in the hopes of becoming a teacher. His path veered in another direction when MuchMusic launched their competition to find a new summer temp, and his vivacious personality captured the job, despite it being his first role in broadcasting. The position didn’t end up being temporary at all, and he remained at Much for more than ten years, leaving in 2005 to co-host Entertainment Tonight Canada, where he continues to hobnob with the artistic elite.
While he’s been busy in the Canadian arts, today, Rick’s most treasured role is that of father to his three sons, Noah, 11, Jack, two, and Harrison, six months old. Rick and his wife, Angie, share a true partnership, including parenting responsibilities and maternity/paternity leave, since Rick wanted to ensure he capitalized on that special time to bond with his new child. “Our favourite thing to do during my break was definitely going to the park, and just recently we’ve been going on lots of bike rides,” Rick said. “But more so, just being in the company of and doing anything with the family is definitely something to cherish!”
Rick’s oldest son, Noah, is from a previous relationship, and since he’s already 11, a lot has changed in Rick’s parenting, including his ability to keep up to a baby’s demands. “I definitely had a lot more energy, then having Jack all those years later really took its toll on me because just those few years really made a difference in my energy; I almost had none,” Rick said. Which is why when it came to the birth of his two youngest sons, Rick knew that his time with them was precious, especially at such a young age, and he committed to taking parental leave to be with his family during this crucial time. “From personal experience, I believe that parental leave is so important because as a parent who has to juggle both a career with their family life, you definitely are going to miss things. Being able to witness it all and being able to be there as a helping hand for your partner is the most beautiful thing a parent can experience,” Rick said.
The Campanelli family calls Toronto home, not far from Rick’s childhood hometown, and with a thriving career in the arts, Toronto is where he’s likely to stay. But the decision isn’t solely a professional one, but also personal, considering both his and Angie’s extended relatives are also close by. “I’m a big family guy, and they are definitely my priority, so if I were to have left, I would not be able to see them as often as I would like.” And since it takes a proverbial village to raise little ones, just like other Canadian families, Rick and Angie rely on family to help them out through the transition of their newest child, especially as they both re-enter the workplace. “Balancing can get quite difficult, especially with my days now starting at 5am, sometimes running until 6pm,” said Rick. “However, as soon as I walk through the door, I put my phone away and it’s all about them. It is all about seeking out the quality moments!”
While they love Toronto, Angie and Rick forged their romance while pursuing their first love: travel. They’ve been all over the world, including to their favourite location, Italy, considering Rick has a lot of family in the area. “We love exploring and learning about different cultures,” he said. They’ve been to remote locations as well, enjoying stays in Costa Rica, Australia, and more. Today, they refuse to let children change their passion for exploring, knowing that their little ones benefit from touring the world as much as they do. “Angie and I have loved to travel ever since we were younger, and with the kids, we simply found ourselves finding ways to adapt,” Rick said. As a testament to their love of the world, Angie has created a “Family Travel Guide” website, dedicated to showing parents how they can see the world with little ones in tow. “The main takeaway is that you can still travel with family and kids; you do not need to confine yourselves,” Rick asserted. When the family isn’t travelling, they make sure to appreciate the artistic hub of Toronto to share their family passions of music and the outdoors. “Simply being together and being outside is what we are all passionate about as a family,” Rick said. And despite a major career in the entertainment business, Rick still loves what he does and is passionate about the arts. “The fact that I still have such a love and passion for what I do definitely plays into the longevity of my career,” he said. Rick also cares deeply about giving back to his community; just another example of the fact that Rick really is as nice as he seems. He uses his fame for good, as proven in his philanthropic endeavours, including his volunteer efforts with World Vision for more than 20 years. “Even before I had my own kids, my heart went out to children living in such conditions and hardships,” said Rick. “Then, when I had my own kids, that feeling was definitely amplified!”
“As soon as I walk through the door, I put my phone away and it’s all about them. It is all about seeking out the quality moments!”
Ever evolving, Rick just started a new role in radio with Toronto’s 102.1 the Edge, where he has been welcomed to co-host, “Fred & Mel with Rick Campanelli” in the mornings. “The most exciting part about this new project is that it is almost as if I am going back to my roots—where I was 20 years ago—living, breathing, and sleeping music,” Rick said. “I always knew I still wanted to be involved with music somehow, and since radio has always been a dream, what more could I ask for? I am still pinching myself!”
It’s clear that as much as Rick loves his job, his family always comes first, but he is cognizant of the fact that the reason he is here today, living a satisfying and fruitful life, is thanks to his viewers who have followed him throughout his career. “It has definitely been quite the journey, and I am so thankful I have made these steps in my career alongside my fans and viewers over the years,” said Rick. “…I am so grateful for not only my viewers, but also for the fact that I am able to put a smile on their faces.” Since Rick made his debut on Canadian television, he’s still the same friendly, approachable person he was when he started in the business, but as a three-time father, he had some parting advice: “You are going to learn a lot from your children, so it is quite important to devote as much attention as you can to them,” said Rick. “All in all, just be there and be present in every precious moment.”
Follow Rick on Twitter at @RCAMPANELLIETC
by Haley Barton
we all know the feeling. You come home from a long day of work only to discover there’s nothing planned for dinner and healthy options are frozen solid in the freezer. The kids are hungry, you’re exhausted, and ordering some take out takes the pressure off everyone.
Between apps and online, it’s easy to find some of the countless take out options in the Lower Mainland, but navigating the menu can be fraught with calories, sodium, and added sugar. “Life is busy and sometimes we just don’t have time to get the grocery store and prepare a home cooked meal,” says Haley Barton, a nutritionist working with the food delivery app, JUST EAT. “Making a healthy choice when ordering in is all about learning how to navigate the delivery menu.”
Barton reviewed three types of popular cuisines available for delivery; Chinese, Indian, and Japanese. Indian food is full of spices with powerful antioxidants, Chinese uses an abundance of vegetables, and sushi is rich in essential fatty acids and phytochemicals, but each cuisine also harbours hidden calories and fats.
When choosing what to order, Barton says keep these tips in mind. With Indian Cuisine:
• Start with Dal, a lentil dish. Lentils are rich in folate, iron and zinc, plus they’re loaded with fibre and protein, which help fill you up.
• Look for dishes made with turmeric, ginger and cloves, all antiinflammatory spices and powerful antioxidants.
• Avoid creamy mains.
• Choose high-fibre stewed vegetable dishes, like eggplant bharta or chana masala.
• Opt for tandoori fish or chicken, a method of cooking that adds flavour and spices while staying clear of heavy sauces.
With Chinese cuisine:
• Start your meal with a soup, preferably full of vegetables and low on dumplings. Soups have been shown to increase satiety so you end up eating less overall.
• Ask about how the vegetables are prepared. Steamed or braised is best.
• Watch for the word “crispy.” It’s synonymous with “deep-fried.”
• Look for wild mushrooms, which are rich in vitamin D and selenium, and have immune-boosting properties.
• Try tofu or vegetables in a fermented black bean sauce, which contains natural probiotics.
• Steamed or braised prawn and shrimp dishes are low calorie, high protein, and a source of vitamin D, copper and omega 3 fatty acids.
With Japanese cuisine:
• Start with a healthy salad, like wakame. This seaweed appetizer is rich in iodine, calcium, and magnesium.
• Larger sushi rolls are often over 50 per cent white rice, so ask for less rice or eat less rolls.
• Choose brown rice sushi, which has a lower glycemic index than white.
• Salmon and tuna sashimi are lean proteins, which are high in omega 3 fatty acids.
• Enjoy with green tea, which is a high in the polyphenol catechins that have cancer-fighting properties.
In addition to ordering healthy dishes, Barton says to keep portion size in mind. “Remember that most Chinese and Indian dishes are meant for two. Also, when it comes to Japanese and Chinese food, try to use chopsticks. They help slow down your pace of eating so your stomach has a chance to register that it’s full.” Best of all, ordering in means the family is full and parents can take the night off!
Principal at Nutrition Savvy, Haley Barton is a nutrition consultant, health educator and freelance health writer. She holds a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and provides evidence-based nutritional guidance to a wide range of clients from athletes to cancer survivors. Check out JUSTEAT.ca
Langley Good Times Cruise In
Fraser Highway between 206 & 208 Street
September 10, 8am-4pm
With more than 1,800 cars, the Cruise In is quickly gaining an international reputation, drawing cars and spectators from across Canada and the United States. www.langleycruise-in.com
Bike the Night!
Throughout Kitsilano & Shaughnessy
September 16, 6-9:30pm
As dusk becomes darkness, join thousands of people on bikes and pedal the streets of Kitsilano and Shaughnessy, as well as the Arbutus Greenway. www.bikehub.ca/bikethenight
Villains and Heroes
Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam
September 17, 7pm
This musical review will host some of Metro Vancouver’s best talent as you see songs and scenes from Broadway’s greatest Villains & Heroes. Tickets are $50. www.everegreenculturalcentre.ca
CNIB Night Steps
Holland Park
September 24,
This exciting, family friendly walk raises funds to support CNIB’s vital vision rehabilitation services and a variety of programs and services in your community. www.cnibnightsteps.ca
5Km Colour Run
Pacific National Exhibition
September 24, 9am
Be sure to plan the day with plenty of time. At the Colour Run, the start is its own pre-race party, with music, dancing, warm up stretching, and giveaways! www.colorrun.ca
Etsy Vancouver Market
Pipe Shop Building at Shipyards, North Vancouver
September 24, 10am-5pm
Designer-makers, collectors, and artisans will sell their handmade wares and vintage goods to local buyers in the markets, each representing the spirit of the local community.
www.etsyvancouver.ca
Fraser Valley Culture and Craft Beer Festival
Chilliwack Cultural Centre
September 24, 7-10pm
It’s time for another round of awesome beers, fantastic cheer, and ridiculously good times, and you’re invited to support the arts by sampling the creations of incredible breweries from all across the province. www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca
Insane Inflatable 5K Obstacle Course
Cloverdale Fairgrounds
October 1, Registration at 8:30am
Get ready to experience the most fun, wild and insane obstacle run in the world. Get “pumped up” for a course filled with the world’s largest and most extreme inflatable obstacles ever created.
www.insaneinflatable5k.com
Mums, Tums & Babies Show
October 1, 10am-5pm & October 2, 11am-4pm
Pregnant couples, new parents, and parents of young children are time-poor, stressed, and desperate for the products, services, and good advice. The Mums Tums & Babies Show gives them the chance to find everything they’re looking for in a low-pressure, family-friendly environment. Adults are $12.
www.mumstumsbabies.ca
EAT! Vancouver
BC Place
October 4-7
EAT! Vancouver will attract culinary stars, food producers and restaurants while consumers from across North America will participate in Vancouver’s vibrant food culture and experience great tastes from around the world.
www.eat-vancouver.com
Light the Night Walk
Stanley Park
October 15, 4-9pm
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada’s Light
The Night Walks bring help and hope to people battling blood cancers and their families, and survivors.
www.lightthenight.ca
Private School Expo
October 23, 12noon-4pm
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
This Expo is designed specifically for families that value education. The largest private school event in Canada, this expo showcases a variety of schools and will educate parents about how to find the right school for their child and inform them about different types of education options.
www.ourkids.net
Discover Rays
Ongoing until December 31, 10am-5pm
Vancouver Aquarium
Featuring an interactive touch pool, Discover Rays gives you the rare opportunity to experience first-hand these gentle fish as they glide beneath the water’s surface, delighting and surprising with their curiosity.
www.vanaqua.org
Wesbrook Village Festival
September 10, 11am-4pm
Wesbrook Village, 3378 Wesbrook Mall, UBC
Join us for the 6th annual Wesbrook Village Festival this year on September 10! Enjoy a day full of fun for everyone - and we mean everyone; from students to seniors, friends to families, and residents to visitors, all free! Be prepared for free BBQ, live music, rock climbing wall, kid’s zone, entertainers and local artisans.
www.discoverwesbrook.com
Luminary Festival
September 10
Sunstone Park, North Delta
This festival is fun for all ages and features a Parade of Lights, Concert in the Park, children’s activities, entertainment and food vendors. Create your own lantern or luminary display to bring to the festival, or create a costume and illuminate yourself!
www.delta.ca
Day at the Farm 2016
September 10, 10am-4pm
Westham Island Herb Farm, Delta
Learn how to milk a cow, see a live auction with a farm auctioneer, dig your own potatoes at the BC Fresh Potato Dig and much more! Take a hay wagon farm tour with local farmers to learn how crops are grown in BC, and sample farm-fresh fare. www.deltafarmland.ca
Alexandra Neighbourhood House’s Centennial Homecoming Festival
September 10, 3-7pm
Alexandra Neighbourhood House, White Rock
This family-friendly event will include live entertainment, historical re-enactors, food trucks, historical exhibition, petting zoo, midway, and much more. Dressing up in period costume is encouraged!
www.alexhouse.net
Kids Culture Films Series
Rio Theatre, Vancouver
September 11, 12:45pm
Don’t miss Kooky, a show that cuts between live actors and a real forest alive with puppet and stick animation. Kooky tells of a small, red, sawdust-filled toy bear lost in a rather charming and exciting adventure fantasy. Rated PG and best for kids 6 and up. brownpapertickets.com
Treefest 2016
September 11, 11am-4pm
Riverview Hospital site, 2601 Lougheed Highway, Coquitlam
Treefest is a celebration of environmental stewardship focusing on the heritage trees, buildings and landscapes of the Riverview Hospital site in Coquitlam. Highlights include tree tours, history bus tours, blackberry tea, food, and live entertainment.
www.coquitlam.ca/Treefest
Scotiabank & BC SPCA Paws for a Cause
September 11, 11am
Garry Point Park
Join in for a fun day raising money for animals in need. This event is a great way to get out and get active with your furry friend (on leash). The day’s activities include: kid’s zone, interactive vendors, a BBQ, and more! $10 for youth & $20 for adults.
604.277.3100 | www.spca.bc.ca/richmond
Kilby’s Autumn Harvest Festival
September 11
Kilby Historic Site
Help celebrate the turning of the season! We’ll have autumn themed crafts and games for the kids, apple cider pressing demonstrations on our 100-year-old press, vendors and a barbecue!
604.796.9576
McBurney Plaza Summer Series - Science in the Plaza
September 17, 12noon-3pm
McBurney Plaza, Langley
These top-notch science experts will cover off a variety of topics including electricity, air pressure, forces and chemistry. Enjoy hands-on fun as you build your own science project to take home. www.discoverdowntownlangley.com
Mt. Lehman 31st Annual Fall Fair
September 17, 8am
Mt. Lehman School and Hall
Start with a pancake breakfast and stay for the pet parade, silent auction, kids entertainment, as well as on stage entertainment, pony rides, crafters, demos and more! There is also a beer garden for the adults.
www.mtlehmanfallfair.com
Terry Fox Run
September 18
Various Locations
With run sites all over British Columbia and the rest of Canada, join in carrying on the Terry Fox legacy of funding and supporting cancer research. Get the whole family involved, raise money and awareness and look for a site near you.
www.terryfox.org
Maan Farms Fall Festival
September 18, 9am-6pm
Maan Farms
Check out the 2nd Annual Fall Festival to celebrate the changing of seasons and the transition to fall activities. You will enjoy live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, treats, a corn maze, games, hayrides and more! www.maanfarms.com
Sharon and Bram
September 18, 2pm
Orpheum Theatre
Featuring favourite hits such as “Five Little Monkeys,” “Skinnamarink,” “Tingalayo,” and “She’ll Be Coming Around The Mountain,” the unforgettable show guarantees fun for all the family at this child-friendly event that will delight fans young and old.
604.684.2787
Word Vancouver
September 21-25
Various locations
A free festival of reading and writing: A multitude of reading and writing activities will take place at various free events. Take in free readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, site performers, family activities, and more. Canadian authors and book, magazine, comics, education, and literacy exhibitors are all gathered to share a passion for the written word. Fun for literature and literacy lovers of any age!
www.wordvancouver.ca
Snowbird RV Show and Sale
September 22-25
TRADEX, Abbotsford
Learn all about RVs and check out some of the latest and greatest on the market. Also be sure to meet the Kellogg family, who spend much of the year on the road in their RV as a family of 14! www.rvshowsbc.com
Mardi Gras for Elephants & Rhinos
September 24, 12noon-1:30pm
1455 Quebec St, Vancouver
Enjoy many fun family events and help raise awareness. Taking immediate global action is the only way these species (and many others facing extinction) will survive.
www.eventbrite.ca
Southlands Country Fair
September 25, 10am-5pm
Southlands Riding Club, Vancouver
The Fair features pony rides, petting farm, games, equestrian entertainment, a silent auction, a local arts and crafts market, heritage displays, farmers market, agricultural demonstrations, book sale, face painting and so much more.
604.263.4817
Shiamak’s Bollywood Jazz
September 29
Scotiabank Dance Centre
The Shiamak Dance Team, Vancouver will get your toes tapping with a colourful, high-energy performance bursting with infectious rhythms, vitality and fun.
604.606.6400
Ice Age on Ice
October 6-9
Thunderbird Stadium, Vancouver
Ice Age On Ice, based on the animated movie, features Scrat, Sid, Manny, Diego and the rest of the prehistoric pack as they bring an avalanche of adventure to the ice. www.iceageonice.com
Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo
October 13-16, 12 Noon-8pm
UBC Robson Square and Tom Lee Music, Granville St, Vancouver
Join the third annual parade and Halloween Expo for tons of fun for the whole family. With amazing musical entertainment, a fantastic parade and tons and tons of costumes, there will be laughs and performing arts to get everyone into the Halloween state of mind!
www.vanhalloween.com
Kids’ Eco-Swap and Craft Market
October 15, 9:30am-1pm
Holy Trinity Elementary School, North Vancouver
Be a part of the global eco-share movement - a great chance to pick up some gently used toys, clothing and gear for the babies and children in your life while exploring the craft market.
www.facebook.com/ events/165127970586326/
Pacific Pet Expo
October 15-16
Cloverdale Rodeo Grounds
Family friendly event featuring anything and everything animal related! There will be a doggie costume contest, pony rides, a pet calendar contest, demos, seminars and much more! www.pacificpetexpo.com
Raffi
October 22, 1-3:30pm
The Clarke Theatre, Mission
Raffi’s joyful music, concert videos and Songs to Read books have been staples of children’s lives for decades. This concert is fun for the whole family!
www.raffinews.com
Wild Things
October 22-23, 5:30-8:30pm
Richmond Nature Park
Join in for some spooky fun, face painting, storytelling and pumpkin carnival games and if you like, wear your costume! This Halloweeninspired event is suitable for all ages, but an adult must accompany children.
www.richmondnaturepark.ca
Heart of the City Festival
October 26-November 6
Over 40 venues throughout the Downtown Eastside
This is an annual cultural and heritage event, and serves as a high impact, bridge-building force that gives voice to the Downtown Eastside and its low income residents, cultural communities and neighbourhoods.
www.heartofthecityfestival.com
Sultans of the Street
October 29-November 13
The Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island
Four children from different worlds are trapped in a world of begging on the streets of Kolkata, India. Dressed as gods, they bless the generous and threaten to curse those who are not.
Recommended for ages 6 and up. www.carouseltheatre.ca
Vancouver Baby and Family Fair
October 29-30, 10am-5pm
Vancouver Convention Centre
The Baby and Family Fair in Vancouver is your one-stop community event to showcase the best resources and products for parents and kids. With lots of great lectures, entertainment, kids zone and more, there’s lots of fun waiting for the whole family.
www.baby-fair.com
The Artisan’s Event
October 30, 11am-4pm
Heritage Hall - 3102 Main Street, Vancouver
Come shop local with Vancouver’s newest craft fair featuring 35+ local artists and artisans across the lower mainland. Find one-of-a-kind handcrafted items ranging from jewellery, artwork, baby and kids apparel and home decor. theartisansevent@gmail.com
FOR MORE amazing Halloween and Fall Fun events, please go to www.westcoastfamilies.com and check out our events calendar and listing pages.
by Andrea Vance
Not sure what to do with ALL that Halloween candy that comes home from school, parties, and trick-or-treating?
Try these easy recipes to add a little goodness to the sugar.
• 1 cup of assorted nuts: cashews, walnuts, almonds
• 1 cup of assorted seeds: sunflower, pumpkin
• 1 cup of dried fruit: raisins, bananas, pineapple
• 1 cup of assorted Halloween candy: m&m’s, chopped up mini bars, caramel popcorn
1. Mix and serve!
• 2 bananas
• 4 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or similar mini chocolate bars)
• 6 oz chocolate
• wooden sticks
1. Cut bananas in half, insert a stick into each, and freeze
2. Freeze Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or mini bars
3. Melt chocolate in double boiler until melted and smooth
4. Chop up Peanut Butter Cups or mini bars
5. Coat each banana half with melted warm chocolate. Roll in the chopped mini bar bits. Place on a plate covered in parchment paper. Put into freezer until chocolate is firm (about 5 minutes)
Halloween is almost here and half the fun is in the costume. But for some families, there are other financial priorities that come before playing dress up. Thankfully, costume shop extraordinaire, Just Imagine, has created a costume drive so that all children can be a part of this fun celebration. Simply swing by the shop, donate a costume (or pick out one brand new) and add it to the collection! www.justimaginecostumes.com
