Enter to Win Tickets to see Dora the Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys

Families across Canada can finally rejoice! Koba Entertainment is proud to bring audiences its newest theatrical production starring the adventurous little explorer, Dora!

Dora is embarking on her most important mission yet in Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Dora has lost her teddy bear, and the search is on to find him. With help from the audience, Boots, Map, Backpack, Diego and more, Dora uses her directional, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the Number Pyramid and the Mixed-up Jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys. But watch out! You never know what that sneaky fox Swiper might be up to along the way!

Leave a comment below telling us who is the biggest Dora fan in your home for your chance to WIN!  Please note: Tickets already have date and time determined. 

Do you love entering fun contests? momstown.ca is holding 20 contests this August to celebrate the company's 6th Birthday! Enter on our contest site for more chances to win Dora Tickets! 

5 Reasons to Love a Family All-Inclusive Weekend at Fern Resort

Busy schedules, sports games on the weekend and crazy work routines means that our family has to get creative each summer to find a little time to get away.  We love to find vacation spots close to home, so that we don't waste time in the car (the kids always say they like to drive as long as it takes to watch one DVD)!  We've tried renting a cottage (way too much work) and visiting Muskoka, Niagara and even Blue Mountain for a summer weekend away, but we really lucked out this summer with Fern Resort!

Our family just returned from a weekend getaway at Fern Resort and we can't believe all that we did with only two days away and an hour from home!  What a perfect all-inclusive way to celebrate the summer and spend some much needed family time.

1.  Fern is All-Inclusive:  

When you are looking to budget your summer vacation, think all-inclusive, just as you would on an island getaway!  Booking hotel rooms on a discounted site might save you money on the accommodations, but just add in all meals, activities for the whole family and entertainment and it can really get out of control!  Never having to open your wallet is a great feeling when you're away.  Fern Resort provides all the essentials to create a busy and active family adventure; meals, accommodations, child care, entertainment, shows, water sports, adventure sports, golf, sporting equipment, mini golf, bike, child care (did we mention that already?) and more!

2.  Try Something New:  

Always wanted to try golf?  Fern will let you borrow some clubs so you can hit their 5 hole course!  You can play each day with no added green fees!  Haven't played tennis since you were a teenager?  No problem, grab a racquet from the sports club and hit the court!  Take out a cool quad bike through the trails, fish from morning to night, run around on top of the lake in the Zorb bubble, try a zipline, hit the mini golf course or try a kayak or peddleboat with the kids- all included with your stay at Fern.  Came to relax (I hear ya), sit by one of the 3 pools and watch the kids splash around while certified life guards keep watch.  My boys LOVED the diving board competitions while I loved the lounge chairs!  Something for everyone!

3.  Meals for Everyone:  

What an awesome break for mom when you go to Fern!  Kids can be independent at the kid's buffet and choose exactly what they want to eat!  No arguments at meal time!  Four course a la carte meals (no buffets for grown ups!) every day.  Have an allergy, or dietary restriction?  Fern is so accommodating when it comes to allergy, gluten-free or low fat diets. Craving their peanut butter or apple pie?  My husband and the boys found out that they might even keep some in the back for special requests!

4.  Kids Feel like Grown Ups:

With the kids programs for toddlers to teens, all the littlest visitors will have something to do!  Visit the play village while mom and dad lounge by the pool or have a romantic dinner, try the ropes courses with your buddies or even play a family round of mini golf- the kids will love feeling independent as they follow their own schedule!  Fern has thought of everything!

5.  Incredible Entertainment for the Whole Family:

Each night, Fern has a special guest or show;  Magicians, Hypnotists, Staff Bands, Lip Sync contests, dance parties, animal shows and more.  The best part is that guest (including the kids) get to participate and get on stage! Whether you sit on your chair with a drink and some popcorn or brave it up on stage, you will be sure to laugh and be amazed each night!  If shows are your thing, just head over to Mary Lou's for some billiards, nightly Bingo (with prizes),  ping pong or video games.  Our boys felt like they were in a pub and loved every second!

It's not to late to make your own family memories!  There are still weekends left in the summer, so check Fern Resort's website for special offers to get away this summer and enjoy an incredible family vacation close to home! 

momstown Mississauga Moms and Kids love Tropicana Tropics Juice

The Art and Play event in July for momstown Mississauga moms and kids was sponsored by Tropicana Juice. July’s hot temperatures made for the perfect month for a Tropical Themed Art Party where we sampled different flavours of Tropicana Tropics juice. There was a big group of Mississauga moms, kids and babies who came out to paint with tropical fruit, colour  tropical artwork and cool down with some delicious Tropicana Tropics juices.   

The cool and refreshing juice Tropics adds variety and brings the exotic flavours and refreshing taste of paradise to any occasion. Our mamas were happy to learn that Tropics are made with 100% juice and puree blend and contain no added sugar.

There were oranges, lemons and limes on hand to try painting with and stamping for our tropical Picassos in the Park event. There were also Tropical Crafts to colour in addition to our picnic potluck with the yummy juice.  Prizes were awarded for best dressed and most delicious potluck snacks! momstown Mississauga was so happy to be able to share cartons of juice and coupons for our winners to take home and enjoy the juices with their own families.  

 Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Tropical fun at Huron Park. A very special thank you to Marcie Costello Photography for taking such great photos at our event. To see more of Marcie's work you can visit our Facebook Album for our Tropicana Tropics Event. 

If you'd like a chance to try all four varieties of Tropicana Tropics and win everything you need to host your own Tropical party, click here! 

 momstownMississauga still has more Picasso in the Park events taking place this summer so if you would like to join us, sign up here.  A year long membership will keep you and your little ones active and engaged in your community for the unbeatable price of $45/yr. 

Tips for Cleaning Your Home Naturally with No Chemicals

Our momtown Mississauga mamas are talking about natural cleaning products. Once your Baby arrives you start to think about all the chemicals that are in the environment around you. A simple way to control exposure for your kids is to limit the chemicals you use. Here are some tips we had for getting the house sparkling without toxins. 


1. Vinegar - Did you know you can use this as a dishwasher rinse agent? Try to find out what is in that blue stuff - I dare you! Your dishes will be sparkling and you will save money too. Pour a cup in the EMPTY dishwasher and run as usual instead of using one of those costly dishwasher cleaner packs.

You can also add some to the wash to dissolve stinky smells (think musty towels, gym socks) and as an added bonus it will soften the fabric.

Vinegar absorbs smells in the home, leave a dish out overnight to get rid of that stinky fish smell after a fish fry.

You can also mix some into water for a multipurpose window cleaner and a bathroom deodorizer.  

2. Baking Soda - a natural way to scrub off the grime in your tub and shower, it also removes stains in your sink, on your mugs, teapots etc. Mix it with vinegar to make a foaming paste that can scrub off any stain.  

3. Essential Oils -  These make your house smell great and get rid of the smell if you are using vinegar. One of our mamas suggests using a couple of drops in a steam mop to make the whole house smell great.

What is your favourite tip for home cleaning without all the chemicals? Leave a comment here on our blog or on our Facebook Page.

Want to join in on the conversations with our momstown Mississauga Mamas? Join us - a year membership is only $45 for the whole family.

Enter to Win 1 Equestria Girls Doll!

Enter your name and email address in the comments below!

Meet the My Little Pony Equestria Girls friends!  A magic mirror connects the world of My Little Pony to Canterlot High, where some things change, but true friendships remain magical! The mirror is a portal to a magical new land with high schools instead of castles, and where six pony friends become real girls with a love for fun and fashion. Rainbow Dash is sporty chic, Rarity shines with girly glamour, and Fluttershy dazzles in her own graceful style. Playful Pinkie Pie wears outfits fit for a party, while Twilight Sparkle shows off her smart style, and Applejack loves to look country chic. The bond between these stylish friends proves that the more things change, true friendships remain magical!

Straight from the halls of Canterlot High, the My Little Pony Equestria Girls dolls are best friends with a flair for fashion and fun!  Each doll in the collection comes stylishly dressed in an ultra-chic look and features her signature ‘cutie splash,’ a unique design similar to the cutie marks on their pony alter egos. Girls will love to share styles between her favourite My Little Pony Equestria Girls friends as each doll has an interchangeable fashion skirt and shoes in addition to a signature accessory. Each doll sold separately.

Coming soon to DVD:  My Little Pony Equestria Girls movie on August 6th at major retailers across Canada.

Stay tuned to the My Little Pony Equestria Girls website for upcoming information and fun activities.

Contest rules (fine print):  

By entering this Contest, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accept the terms and conditions below.

No purchase necessary. Contest closes July 31st, 2013 at 11:59pm EST. Open to residents of Canada (excluding Quebec), who are of legal age. Limit one submitted entry per person/email address. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received online by the contest closing date.  One winner will be chosen and contacted by August 9^th, 2013.  Dolls will be awarded randomly.  Winner will not be able to select a specific doll.

 © 2013 Hasbro. MY LITTLE PONY Equestria Girls is a registered trade-marks of Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

momstown Mississauga's Second Annual Birthday Party

momstown Mississauga is celebrating our birthday in August - this summer marks our first anniversary of opening in the Mississauga Community and we're so proud to be growing every day.

This year, we invite you to join us in one of our neighbouring chapters - August 28th in Brampton, August 18th in Toronto, and August 17th in Oakville - as we celebrate momstown's 6th year in business. Click here for full details, locations, and much more!

We're celebrating across the country as well - check out all of the dates below:

 
We're also partying online - come to our Fan Party on our momstown.ca facebook page on August 6th, and join us as we party on Twitter @momstownca on August 13th. Follow #momstownbd6 for all the latest!

We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Family Spaghetti Dinner with Enriched Pasta from Barilla Pasta

momstown Mississauga families gathered for a spaghetti dinner at our June Junior Chef event held at the Fun Side. The dinner was sponsored by Barilla Pasta we tried their new Barilla Plus pasta.

The kids, parents and babies all unanimously enjoyed the pasta. It was gobbled up! You can see by the messy faces that this pasta was a hit with these kids!

  

 

 

Our recipe for the sauce was simple, simmer crushed tomatoes with parmesan cheese, Italian spices and garlic. We heated some of the meatballs in the sauce and saved some of the sauce for our veggie friends.

This pasta is great for vegetarians as it is enriched with high quality proteins and added fibre. Barilla Plus pasta provides 27%  more protein than traditional  pasta. You would never know that this product is healthy because it's just as tasty as traditional pasta with no difference in texture or taste.


It’s a quick and easy solution for providing a delicious balanced meal that even the pickiest eaters in your family will enjoy. Barilla PLUS is available in four different varieties including Penne, Rotini, Spaghetti and Spaghettini.

  

After our dinner was done we enjoyed some fun pasta crafts. Many necklaces, bracelets, and even rings were designed and strung on yarn.

For more great family friendly events like this please join us! momstown Mississauga is creating a community across our city that supports and connects moms and kids for fun and social events like this! For $45/year per family it is a deal you cannot beat!