FAB HoliNURSERY U d US ay GLOTIPS DESIGN ift G uide
EXPERT ADVICE FOR FABULOUS MOMS AND SAVVY DADS
HOLIDAY GUIDEBOOK, 2015
YOU COULD WIN! To Keep You on Point
Check out our Contests
• Nude Lips • Cat Eyes • and More
Winter Activities & Events
It's All About the '70s
The
Ultimate The coolest toys and the best gifts for the holiday season!
P&B Mom Squad Tested & Approved
Toy Guide
MADE IN CANADA
contest
WIN
The HASBRO Holiday Prize Pack! Hasbro is a global company committed to creating the world’s best play experiences. To enter go to our contest page on Pink & Blue Magazine’s website for the opportunity to win this amazing prize pack of Hasbro products: http://pinkandbluemag.com/contests/hasbro-holiday-giveaway/
TOTAL VALUE: $155
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contents HOLIDAY GUIDEBOOK FASHION & BEAUTY
07 It's All About the 1970s 08 Make A Statement Ladies! 10 Winter Style for Every Child
ULTIMATE TOY GUIDE
12 Toys for Every Age & Every Stage
FAVOURITE PRODUCTS
22 Products for the Whole Family
08
Beauty Tips for Winter
JUST FOR YOU
25 Crafts 26 Recipes 28 What to Do in Winter
CONTESTS
02 Hasbro 35 Little Tikes Contest
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Winter Activities for the Whole Family
26 Recipes for the Holidays
contributor
FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | NICOLE BLOOMBERG EDITORIAL Editor| NATALIA PACK ART Deputy Art Director | LAURA CUTLER SALES & MARKETING INTERNS Intern | ADRIANNA DAMIANO CONTRIBUTORS - EXPERTS Meytal Algranti Fashion Stylist
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Melanie Lam Family Life Toronto
contest
Become A Pink & Blue Mom Tester! We are giving our stamp of approval. Join our roster of testers! We are what companies are looking for, real moms with real opinions. Sign up now and your opinions can be on the review section of our website or in the next issue! We send you products to use, recipes to try, new books to read and you provide your feedback. Pink & Blue Magazine is giving our members advice from experts that they can trust. If you would like to be a P&B Mom Squad Tester e-mail: info@pinkandbluemag.com If you see this sign in the magazine, you can be sure that the items have been tried and tested! winter 2015
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fashion &
fashion & beauty
beauty
WINTER STYLE Clothes, accessories and beauty tips to keep you looking stylish this winter! 6
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Velvet Side-Zip Pull-On Leggings, Gap ($69.95)
Faux-Fur Trim Open Sweater Vest, Banana Republic ($124.00)
Embrace '70s fabrics like suede, fur, wool, velvet, brocade and lace. Mix textures for a fun twist on classic items. Moms on the go can toss on a pair of jeans and some suede boots. Or, try adding a fur vest to your outfit.
Cable Knit Pom-Pom Beanie, Gap ($29.95)
Keep it trendy this winter with suede, fringe, patchwork, cape coats, collars and fringe boots! FringeHem Dress, Banana Republic ($240.00)
Cable-Knit Sweater Dress, Gap ($79.95)
Drawstring Jumpsuit, Old Navy ($34.94)
For a holiday look, try a one piece jumpsuit, a long sleeve sweater dress or a dress with fringe. These can be dressed up or down so beautifully. They will be the most versatile thing in your closet! ~ By: Meytal Algranti
Pom Key Chain, Banana Republic, ($35)
This winter is all about mixing fabrics and finding that parka with a little shape. Capes, furs and more shapely outerwear is in this season.
Monogram Faux-Fur Coat, Banana Republic ($335.00) Pink DoubleBreasted Coat, Banana Republic ($410.00)
Three–In– One Parka Jacket, Gap ($220.00)
winter 2015
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Barely There Makeup
Luminous skin, natural eyes and a matte lip are the perfect combination for a soft and simple look this season.
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Nude Lips
Try using a lipstick that is either matte or has a hint of rose.
Smoky Eyes
Get sultry! Smudge in grey or dark colours to get the look.
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Fade with Ombré Lips
Achieve the ombré look by making your lipstick dark in the centre and faded at the edges of your lips.
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Minimalist ‘90s Makeup
Flushed cheeks, burgundy lips and a hint of liner and shadow on the eyes goes a long way.
Swooping Cat Eyes
You can spot cat eye makeup in all the latest fashion shows!
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It’s All About the Red and Berry Lipstick
Add a pop of red to your lips – try tangerine or blood red! If you're feeling daring, you can even use black lipstick.
The Twiggy Makeup Look of the 1960s
Twiggy's long, defined lashes have been popular for decades.
kids
kids fashion
fashion WINTER STYLE New winter styles to keep your kids warm & stylish through the season. winter 2015
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kids fashion 1
This holiday is all about the fabrics. Keep your kids warm and festive with faux fur, velvet and knitted pieces!
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Our fashion insider report on kids' fashion:
The fabrics and styles your kids want to have for this Holiday season.
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kids fashion 9 15
1. MINI MIOCHE Crew Romper, $56.00
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2. GAP Faux Fur Coat, $73.00 3. GAP Fair Isle Pom-Pom Hat, $29.99
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4. GAP Metallic Stripe Joggers, $29.95 5. GAP Deer Fair Isle Trapper Hat, $26.95 6. OLD NAVY Velvet Ballet Flat, $14.99 7. OLD NAVY Faux-Fur Pom-Pom Boots, $26.00
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8. GAP Velour Bell-Sleeve Top, $34.95 9. GAP Velvet Dress, $44.95 10. OLD NAVY Fur Vest, $39.94 11. GAP Statement Shawl Neck Cardigan, $64.00
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12. GAP Logo Colorblock Pom-Pom Beanie, $19.95
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13. MINI MIOCHE Slouchy Beanie, $17.00 14. GAP Pocket Cable Sweater Dress, $44.95 15. OLD NAVY Velvet Sneakers for Baby, $14.99 winter 2015
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ultimate
gift guide
toy guide
HOLIDAY 2015 The best toys for this season. The gifts your kids really want.
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gift guide P&B: How long have you been the Chief Toy Officer?
Pink & Blue Magazine (P&B): How did you get the job?
Alex: I started in August two years ago when I was 11. I am retiring this year.
Alex: It was a contest. We sent in a submission video and the top ten finalists had a job interview.
P&B: Do they ever give you toys that aren't age appropriate?
We Went Behind the Scenes with
Alex: I get to try all of them. The toys on the Hot Toy list are for all sorts of people. Beatbo is for preschoolers and I still get those. But, the ones that aren't for my age I donate or give them away to people I know. P&B: Do you enjoy being the CTO? Alex: It's the best job in the world. I get to play with all the toys. P&B: What's your favourite part of the job? Alex: The toys and the travel! I like to travel... because I get to go across Canada. I've been to Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.
P&B: What are your favourite toys? Alex: This year definitely Skylanders - it's a video game! You take the little figurines and put them on the portal. Then, you play that character in the game. In this one you have vehicles like cars, planes and submarines. You can use those and go through the water or in the air.
To see more of Alex’s top picks look for this star symbol on our Holiday Toy Guide pages. winter 2015
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gift guide
baby &
toddler
Click on mom squad logos to see the toys that have been tested and approved.
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1. Play All Day Elmo, Sesame Street, $79.99 Ages: 18 Months + Hasbro 2. Groove Cube, $19.99 Ages: 3+
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Mastermind Toys 3. Playskool Dressy Kids Boy, $24.99 Ages: 2+ Hasbro
4. Bright Beats Dance & Move Beatbo, $49.99 Ages: 9 Months - 3 Years Toys'R'Us (Fisher-Price)
5. Playskool Fold 'N Go Busy Elephant Blue, $29.99 Ages: 3 Months + Hasbro 6. Playskool Wobble'n
Go Friends Bunny, $10.99 Ages: 3 Months + Hasbro 7. Playskool Wobble 'N Go Friends Bug, $10.99
gift guide
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Ages: 3 Months + Hasbro 8. Playskool Wobble 'N Go Friends Kitty, $10.99 Ages: 3 Months +
Hasbro 9. Playskool Pop-Up Shape Sorter, $16.99, Ages: 18 Months + Hasbro 10. Playskool
Friends My Little Pony Pinkie Pie Party, $39.99 Ages: 9 Months + Hasbro 11. Baby Alive Snackin' Sara,
$64.99, Ages: 3+ Hasbro 12. Elmo's On The Go Letter - Great For Travel - Sesame Street, $24.00
Ages: 2+ Hasbro 13. Play-Doh Cupcake Celebration Playset, $26.00 Ages: 3+ Hasbro
winter 2015
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gift guide
pre-school &little kids 2 3 1 5 6
4 1. Furreal Friends Starlily, My Magical Unicorn, $149.99 Ages: 4+ Hasbro 2. Little Live Pets Clever
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Keet, $74.99 Ages: 5-7 Years Toys'R'Us (Red Planet)
3. Furreal Friends Luvimals, $25.98 Assortment,
Ages: 4+ Hasbro
4. Crayon Carver, $39.99 Ages: 6+ Toys'R'Us (Crayola) 5. Kidizoom Action Cam,
$69.99 Ages: 4-6 Years Toys'R'Us (VTech)
6. My Little Pony Rarity Booktique Playset, $42.99
Ages: 3+ Hasbro
7. Littlest Pet Shop Jet, $49.99 Ages: 6+ Hasbro 8. Marvel's Avengers: Age
gift guide 8
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13 of Ultron Hulk Gamma Grip Fists, $24.99 Ages: 4+ Hasbro
9. Monopoly Junior: Disney Frozen Edition Game, $19.99
Ages: 5+ Hasbro
10. Operation: Minions Edition Game, $24.99 Ages: 4+ Hasbro
11. The Mashin' Max Game, $19.99 Ages: 4+ Hasbro 12. Paw Patrol - Paw Patroller, $79.99 Ages: 5-8
Years Toys'R'Us (Spin Master)
13. Shopkins So Cool Metallic Fridge, $39.99 Ages: 5-7 Years Toys'R'Us
(Imports Dragon)
14. Easy-Bake Ultimate Oven Baking Star Edition, $59.99 Ages: 8+ Hasbro
winter 2015
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gift guide
big kids &
preteens
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2 4 1. Rainbow Loom速 Alpha Loom Deluxe Kit, $39.99 Ages: 8+ Mastermind Toys 2. Hover Shot Glow-in-the-
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Dark Game, $34.99 Ages: 6+ Mastermind Toys 3. Bop It! Micro Series Game (travel) - EDITOR'S PICK
- Good for holiday travel!
$14.99 Ages: 8+ Hasbro
4. Guitar Hero Live, $129.99 Ages: 13+ Toys'R'Us
(Activision) 5. Zoomer Kitty Whiskers The Orange Tabby, $199.99 Ages: 7-10 Years
Toys'R'Us (Spin Master) 6. Scrabble TWIST -
EDITOR'S PICK - Good for holiday travel!
$14.99 Ages: 8+ Hasbro
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12 7. Star Wars Millennium Falcon, $179.99 Ages: 9-14 Years Toys'R'Us (Lego) 8. Simon
Swipe Game, $19.99 Ages: 8+ Hasbro
Ages: 5-11 Years Toys'R'Us (Hasbro)
9. Star Wars Bladebuilders - Jedi Master Lightsaber, $59.99
10. Twister Move Hip Hop Spots Game, $29.99 Ages: 8+
Hasbro
(Hasbro)
11. Nerf N-Strike Modulus ECS10 Blaster, $69.99 Ages: 8-12 Years Toys'R'Us
12. Skylanders
Superchargers Starter Pack, $84.99 Ages: 5-14 Years Toys'R'Us (Activision) winter 2015
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gift guide
Gifts that Give This holiday season give a SickKids Get Better Gift, a meaningful gift that supports the patients, families and work of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Choose from a full list of gift ideas at a range of price points at GetBetterGifts.ca.
PROJECT SNOWMAN distributes warmth to some of the city’s priority neighbourhoods. Nearly one-third of Toronto children live in lowincome households and many will have nothing to wear during our cold Canadian winter. From now until December 4th, Ripple Clothes for Kids is launching PROJECT SNOWMAN - A winter clothing drive and fundraising campaign to collect or buy 1,000 snowsuits for Toronto children in need. For more info on drop-off locations near you click here.
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FlipGive.com is a digital platform that allows you to shop online while supporting an organization of your choice. You can shop from more than 100 retailers including Indigo, Starbucks and Shop. ca whom will donate between 5% and 50% of whatever is spent. Also, if you are part of an organization (i.e. sports team) that requires fundraising efforts, you can register your organization and start raising money now! Check out FlipGive to make your next holiday purchase a way to give back!
We want to hear from our P&B Members and Parents! Do you have a unique story, awesome recipe, or interesting beauty routine? We’d love to hear from you! We are always looking for new experts, bloggers and writers to contribute to Pink & Blue Magazine. If you would like to share your story, please email us at info@pinkandbluemag.com or sign up on our website. Featured Article Topics • Do you have a unique story? We would love to share it with our readers. • What’s in your pantry? Send us your recipes! • Beauty Trends We want to know your beauty routine. • Weekend routine with the kids What do you do for fun? What's your sleep routine? Schedule? • MILK- Mom I’d Like to Know You can be interviewed and featured on our MILK section. If you have something interesting to share, please email us! • DIY & Crafts- Are you crafty? Send us stories or videos about the crafts you do with your kids. • What’s in your diaper bag? We want to know what your must-haves are for your diaper bag or purse. • Outfit of the day Does your kid have swag? Send us pics of your kids at their cutest. • Kids say the darndest things Send us the funny things your kids say. Click here to learn more or sign up on our site. Expert: http://pinkandbluemag.com/expert-signup/ Blogger: http://pinkandbluemag.com/expert-signup/ Interview Request: http://pinkandbluemag.com/expert-signup/
gift guide
Editor' Picks Summer Infant Baby Touch 3.5" Wifi Video Monitor & Internet Viewing System, $299.99. Babies'R'Us (Summer Infant)
Baby Brezza Formula Pro, $169.99. Babies'R'Us (Issi)
Mustachifier, $12.99. Babies'R'Us (Mustachifier)
Drink in the Box, $13.99. Bed, Bath and Beyond Baby Einstein Rhythm of the Reef Play Gym, $109.99. Babies'R'Us (Baby Einstein)
Chewbeads Madison, $24.99. Babies'R'Us (Alca Distribution)
Hope for the Holidays, $39.00. Philosophy
Iced Orchid Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, $21.00. Philosophy
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Chloe Love Story, $24.99. Sephora
gift guide Bright Starts Lights, Lights Baby Learn & Giggle Activity Station, $64.99. Babies'R'Us (Kids II)
's s
Multi Flask 2, 3-in-1, $29.99. Multiflasking.com
Magic Star Learning Table, $49.99. Babies'R'Us (VTech)
Swaddle Plus Muslin 4-Pack Blankets, $44.99. Babies'R'Us (Aden & Anais)
Renewed Hope in a Jar Ornament, $20.00. Philosophy
MuiMui, $24.99. Sephora
EOS Holiday Pack, $9.99. EOS
Laugh & Learn Puppy's Smart Home, $49.99. Babies'R'Us (FisherPrice)
My Little Lamb Platinum Edition Cradle 'N Swing, $219.99. Babies'R'Us (Fisher-Price) winter 2015
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just for
just for you
you
HOLIDAY LIFE Information on crafts, recipes and winter activities.
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just for you
Crafts for the Holidays Christmas Craft: The Original Ornament This is a great craft to make for your home or as a gift - plus you can use any supplies you have in the house! Grab some plain dollar store ornaments, pull out some paint, glitter and glue (or anything else you have in your craft corner - felt, beads and feathers all work too), unleash your imagination and get crafting! Another fun idea is to buy clear glass ornaments and drop some acrylic paint in them - shake them around for your own tiedye tree decorations.
Simple Snowflakes Add some winter festive flair to your windows with beautiful one-of-a kind paper snowflakes. They are fun and easy to make! Fold a square piece of paper in half to make a triangle, fold the triangle in half to make a smaller triangle and then fold again. Cut out little pieces from the triangle, unfold and see your totally unique snowflake! Try using different coloured paper or adding glitter to the snowflakes to make them shimmer and shine.
Hanukkah Handprints Everyone loves to finger paint! Make fun festive menorahs while enjoying a little messy paint time! Cover the palms of your hands in paint. In the middle of a piece of construction paper, line up your paint-covered hands side by side with your thumbs touching. Gently and firmly press hands onto the paper. Wash hands and put a finger into yellow, white, and/or red paint. Press on top of each finger/“candle� to create flames. winter 2015
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just for you
Potato Pancakes: Holiday Latkes
Active Time: 45 Minutes Total Time: 45 Minutes Yield: Makes 12 to 16 Latkes
INGREDIENTS: • 1 pound potatoes • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil • Accompaniments: sour cream, applesauce, crème fraîche, smoked salmon, salmon roe, dill sprigs, and/or your favourite serving topping
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2 tablespoons potato mixture per latke into 1. Preheat oven to 250°F. skillet, spreading into 3-inch rounds with a fork. 2. Peel potatoes and Reduce heat to medium coarsely grate by hand. Transfer to a large bowl of and cook until undersides are browned (about 5 cold water and soak for 1 minutes). Then, flip latkes to 2 minutes. Then, drain over and cook about 5 well*. minutes more. Transfer to paper towels and season 3. Spread grated potatoes and onion on a kitchen towel with salt. Add oil to skillet as needed. Keep latkes and roll up. Twist towel tightly to wring out as much warm on a wire rack in oven. liquid as possible. Transfer Cooks’ notes: potato mixture to a bowl ·Latkes can be made ahead of time. and stir in egg and salt. To reheat, place on a baking sheet
METHOD:
in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
4. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Spoon
*Grating the potatoes, soaking them briefly in water and then squeezing out the liquid keeps the batter from turning brown too quickly.
just for you
Classic Holiday Cookie with a Healthful Twist Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Bake time: 9 minutes Yields: About 6 dozen cookies
INGREDIENTS: • 1 cup (250 mL) unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup (250 mL) packed golden yellow sugar • 1/4 cup (60 mL) 100% pure fancy molasses • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • 1 tsp (5 mL) Great Value Artificial Vanilla Extract • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) iodized sea salt • 1 1/2 cups (275 mL) Great Value Whole Wheat Flour • 1 1/2 cups (275 mL) Great Value All Purpose White Flour • 2 tsp (10 mL) ground ginger • 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cinnamon • 2 tsp (10 mL) Great Value Baking Cocoa • 2 tsp (10 mL) Great Value Baking Soda
METHOD: 1. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses, egg, vanilla, and salt until combined. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients; add to wet ingredients and mix until well blended and dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before handling. If chilled overnight, allow the dough to warm up slightly or it may crack when it is rolled out. 3. Preheat oven to 350F (175C.) Line two baking trays with parchment paper, set aside. Divide dough into 4 pieces; roll out one at a time keeping the remaining dough refrigerated. 4. Roll dough to ¼ inch (½ cm) thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes using floured cookie cutters. Carefully transfer to prepared baking trays.
5. Bake for 7-9 minutes, rotating trays top to bottom halfway through, or until cookies are set. Cool 1-2 minutes on the tray then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating. Tips: Make a simple Royal Icing to decorate. It will harden overnight, making the cookies stackable for storage. Lightly whisk together 1 egg white and ¼ tsp (1 mL) lemon juice. Gradually beat in 1 ½ - 2 ½ cups (375-625 mL) of icing sugar to desired consistency. Tint using food colouring, then pipe onto cookies using a zipper storage bag with the corner snipped off. Allow the icing to dry overnight before storing in an airtight container. More cookie recipes are available at www.walmart. ca/recipecentre. News Canada winter 2015
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just for you
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BY: MELANIE LAM “FAMILY FUN IN & AROUND TORONTO”
HAVE A GOOD OLD - FASHIONED SNOWBALL FIGHT
I’m not sure I’d get involved in a serious snowball fight personally. However, a friendly one with my kids when they’re older… why not? You have to wait for the perfect type of snow: not too dry and not too wet. The type of snow that packs well. It goes without saying, but make sure there’s no ice or rocks in the snowballs when you’re making them as this will hurt when it hits the target! For younger children, you might want to make a game out of throwing at a stationary target before progressing to a moving target. Not really a snowball fight, but you’re building skill! If your kids are older and can throw well, set a rule to aim for the waist and down or wear helmets. Keep in mind that many public places ban snowball fights
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as they can result in injury. Snowball fights are meant to be fun and are not intended to hurt anyone, so make sure everyone is on the same page beforehand. Do agree on a “safe word” if someone gets hurt or wants to stop. If you’re really serious, here are some tips: • Build a good reserve of snowballs beforehand so you don’t waste time making them. • Layers of clothing will give you more padding to protect against a hit, and wearing waterproof outer layers will keep you dry and warm longer. Make sure you have a good set of waterproof mittens or extras on-hand. • You should be able to dodge most snowballs unless they’re flying everywhere. Be quick on your feet! Whatever you decide to do this winter, I hope you enjoy spending time with your kids and getting out and making the most of the season. We can’t make the cold go away, so we might as well make the best of it!
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HEAD TO AN OUTDOOR ICE RINK
Most outdoor skating rinks usually open in late November, weather permitting. Here are some favourite rinks in and around Toronto: Harbourfront Natrel Rink (near Toronto's lakefront) In the summer it’s a canoeing pond. In the winter it’s an ice skating rink. Check out their live web cam here. Skating lessons are offered at the Natrel rink for children ages 3-17. Brick Works Skating Trail (in Toronto’s East End) Free skating and limited rentals. Skating lessons are offered here for kids four years and older. Bronte Creek Provincial Park (in Oakville) There are heated change rooms, a bonfire area and refreshments at the park's store. You can also check out their play barn open year round for 1-10 year olds. Cedarena (in Markham) Visit the beautiful Rouge Valley to warm up with hot chocolate and hot apple cider in the old clubhouse. Colonel Samuel Smith Park The city’s only ice skating trail located next to the Power House Recreation Centre. Celebration Square (in Mississauga) One of the biggest rinks in the GTA. No change facilities or lockers. Click for a full list of outdoor rinks in Toronto that are operated by the City. Another great resource is this unofficial guide to Toronto’s rinks.
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MAKE A SNOWMAN
Your snowman will fall apart quickly unless you use packing snow. In order to avoid disappointing your kids, test out the snow first. When your masterpiece is complete, don't forget to take a picture of your proud little artists!
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just for you
RIDE DOWN A HILL IN A TOBOGGAN
Young and old can enjoy tobogganing. Make sure you dress warmly and pick a spot that’s not too busy or icy. If your child is young, get a toboggan big enough for you to go down together. Do wear a helmet! As CBC reported a few years ago, "tobogganing and skiing are among the most dangerous activities linked to concussion." For the very young, a nearby neighborhood park with a slightly sloped hill will do. For the more adventurous, check out these favourites: • Jack Darling Park in Mississauga • Centennial Park in Etobicoke • Riverdale Park East in Toronto • Behind Swansea Public School in Etobicoke • Deer Pen Road, which runs alongside High Park Zoo in Toronto’s West End
GRAB THOSE SKIS AND HIT YOUR FAVOURITE SKI HILL!
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Fingers crossed we get an early ski season this year. Most ski programs allow children as young as three to take lessons. For snowboarding, kids generally have to be at least six years old. Most ski hills can make their own snow. However, if the temperature is too mild, smaller locations may have to wait to open and the larger locations may have fewer available hills. Smaller city-run Centennial Park in Etobicoke and Earl Bales Park have racing programs for children as young as six or seven years of age. These parks also have a freestyle terrain park for advanced skiers and snow boarders which includes rails, boxes and jumps (lessons are for children nine years and older). At Glen Eden in Milton and Lakeridge in Uxbridge, you can ski, snowboard, take lessons, try out the terrain park and go tubing. Children must be 42” or taller for tubing. If you’re looking for winter birthday party ideas, Glen Eden offers tubing birthday party packages. I may have to put this on my list for my daughter and son who are winter babies! Here’s a list of other ski hills near Toronto: • Uplands Ski Centre in Thornhill • Snow Valley in Barrie (~ hour north of Toronto) • Hockley Valley Resort (~1.5 hours north of Toronto) • Blue Mountain (~2.5 hours north of Toronto) • Horseshoe Valley (~1.5 hours north of Toronto) • Chicopee (~1.5 hours west of Toronto) winter 2015
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Christmas tree in Nathan Phillips Square. Activities start at 6 pm with a skating party set to music from Disney's Frozen. Throughout the evening there will be performances by the Zero Gravity Circus, the Toronto Children's Choir and some of Canada's best musicians. 3. The Toronto Christmas Market Date: November 20th to December 20th Location: The Distillery District Cost of Admission: free Tuesdays to Fridays $5/person on Saturdays and Sundays Experience a traditional European Christmas market in the heart of the city!
1. Evergreen Brick Works Family Scavenger Hunt Date: November 6th - December 31st Location: Evergreen Brick Works Cost of Admission: Suggested donation of $2 Your kids can learn about the Brick Works by completing a fun scavenger hunt! 2. The Cavalcade of Lights Date: November 28th Location: Nathan Phillips Square Cost of Admission: free The Cavalcade of Lights is a must-see event to get in the holiday spirit. Watch as lights illuminate Toronto's official
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4. One of a Kind Show and Sale Date: November 26th to December 6th Location: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place Cost of Admission: Adult: $13 online, $15 at show Youth 3-17 and Seniors 65+: $7.50 Children 12 and under: free This is a great place to go holiday
shopping. You can find unique furniture, baked goods, clothes and art. 5. A Christmas Carol Date: December 3rd January 3rd Location: Young Centre for the Performing Arts Cost of Admission: $29.50-$89 Your kids can learn about the true meaning of Christmas from this Dickens classic. 6. Victorian Christmas Date: Weekends in December until Christmas day Location: Bronte Creek Park Cost: $17 for a vehicle permit
just for you Farm Cost: free-$121 for a 9 week session The Riverdale Farm has a bunch of family-friendly activities this winter, including a “Little Farmer� group, preschool indoor play and sing-a-longs. Check out their website for more details about specific dates and pricing. 8. The Nutcracker Date: December 12th - January 3rd Location: The Four Seasons Centre Cost of Admission: $37+ We would be remiss if we didn't mention the Nutcracker in a winter guide. Not only is the Nutcracker a Christmas classic, but it is also a great way to introduce children to ballet. Kids will love the canon that shoots streamers into the audience, the dancing bears and the rat that scurries across the stage in the first act.
Experience a traditional Victorian Christmas with stories, crafts and carols. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring the farm and seeing some of the animals.
7. Activities at Riverdale Farm Date: Monday January 4th Sunday March 7th Location: Riverdale winter 2015
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directory
WHERE TO SHOP IN ONTARIO Our fashion insider report on kids fashion:
We got the scoop on what's hot & where you should shop this winter
TORONTO Whistle Kids
Amazing assortment of the coolest brands in the city for your casual, funky on point fashion.
Whistle Kids ~ Joah Love.
Hot brands to look out for: Joah Love, Nununu and Dori Creations
Diaper-ezz Whistle Kids ~ Dori Creations.
Specializing in Canadian made products for babies.
Hot brands to look for: Electrik Kidz
THORNHILL Carbon
Gear clothing and everything in between. This new location of a Toronto favourite has anything you could possibly need for baby all the way to a little something for yourself. Hot brand to look out for: Chaser Apparel
Zero 20 ~ Garcia and Fore.
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PINKANDBLUEMAG.COM
directory WOODBRIDGE Zero 20
For dressy and formal wear it’s a one stop shop! Hot brands to look out for: Garcia and Fore! Axel and Hudson
Rouge
Owned and operated by mom’s, they know what you need. Hot brands to look out for: Bench
STRATFORD PORT CREDIT The Ant and The Grashopper
A fun take on kids fashion this whimsical store covers it all. Hot brands to look out for: Mini Shatsu
Juno
If you are going for an evening of theatre make sure to stop in for something to bring home for the kids too. Hot brands to look out for: Maxomorra PJ’s and Noppies
PORT ELGIN
Carbon ~ Chaser Apparel. Juno ~ Noppies.
Bicyclette Bicyclette Rouge ~ Bench.
winter 2015
33
Disney On Ice Contest Enter to win two Holiday Family Prize Packs of four tickets each for the opening night show on December 18th at 7pm The whole family will delight in the beauty, sparkle and spirit of the ultimate Disney princess event of a lifetime! Visit www.disneyonice.ca for more information.
To enter go to Pink & Blue Magazine's contest page!
TOTAL VALUE: $180
Monster Jam is Roaring into Rogers Centre!
You can win 2 family packs of tickets (4 tickets per pack) for Sunday January 17th at 2pm. Monster Jam® is the most exciting form of family motorsports entertainment on the planet. The stars of the show are the biggest performers on four wheels: the Monster Jam trucks! Toronto audiences will have the chance to see 16 massive Monster Jam trucks. To enter go to Pink & Blue Magazine's contest page! For more info check out www.monsterjamcanada.ca
Total Value: $140
LITTLE TIKES OCEAN WONDERS
GIVEAWAY!
Win Little Tikes™ Lil’ Ocean Explorers – 3 in 1 Adventure Course and Little Tikes™ Lil’ Ocean Explorers – Ball Chase Octopus! To enter go to the contest page on our website. Total Value: $116
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