Reliving childhood at the Oakville Nutcracker

I spent yesterday reliving memories of being a little girl and wanting, desperately, to be Clara, the main little girl in the ballet The Nutcracker.

I grew up in a city where the ballet company put on a terrific production annually and local kids would audition for the small group roles of the mice, chefs, mini candy canes. The girls in the show practiced evenings and would come in late to school wearing a ribboned badge to show their ballet involvement.

Oh, the envy I had for those ribbons. I loved sitting in the audience but boy oh boy did I want to be backstage where the action was like my friends who were on stage.

Fast forward thirty years and I found myself sitting with my fascinated and suitably impressed six year old daughter and Grandma at the Oakville Ballet School production of The Nutcracker at the Oakville Centre. Unknown to myself at the time, I didn’t realize that most of the ballerinas were children from the ballet school.

Unbelievably talented children.

I was shocked at the level of excellence – both in performance by the dancers and with the stage sets and costumes. This show has been produced for the last 30 years so it’s a well oiled machine. I was beyond impressed.

If you live in Oakville, there’s simply zero need to head to Toronto to see the National ballet Nutcracker. The price was right, it's based right here in Oakville and featured local dancers.

Such an excellent afternoon spent with my daughter who was awestruck by the beauty on stage and inspired to keep at her own ballet lessons and be Clara herself.

For the love of Christmas cookies

The cookie exchange is one of my favourite momstown Oakville events - time to bake, connect with adults and share holiday traditions.

Our mama only event was well stocked with delicious cookies all prepackaged into half dozens for us to take home.





Big thanks to Joanna for hosting us and for also collecting food for the Oakville food bank.

I have to admit, my cookies have been sneaking their way out of the freezer ... not sure if they will last until the holiday guests arrive!

Top 5 Oakville Family Fun Gifts

Our playroom is jam packed with toys. My kids love their toys but really, we are a busy family who likes to get out of the house, attend lots of momstown activities, participate in extracurricular programs and explore together.

When Grandma asks what to get the kids this year - what about these terrific family focused gift ideas that encourage learning, adventure, physical activity and family fun?


1. Bronte Creek Family Pass

A family pass allows families to pop into the conservation area whenever they choose to ride bikes, play in the barn, go skating.... not sure why we don't have a pass but we SHOULD. An annual day-use pass is $150 - a perfect family gift of the outdoors.

2. Drop-In Indoor Play Pass
My kids love to run and jump at indoor playgrounds like Little Rascals or The Busy Genie. Contact them to ask about their play passes. Perfect year round gift!

3. Lessons and Activities
momstown Oakville spends a lot of time at the Little Gym and many of our member kids take lessons there which are fabulous but not cheap. My kids love gymnastics too and they also need to learn that it's a privilege not a right. By receiving a 'gym pass' for Christmas they realize it's a gift and the appreciation level goes up. I know of many grandparents who contribute to ballet, hockey or music lessons instead of another toy under the tree.


4. Tickets to the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Going to a big production is always a hit with kids! We're so lucky to have a theatre like the Oakville Centre so close and with quality performances. Tickets to a family show are sure to delight any child and is an experience they won't forget for just $20/ticket. Additionally, there are packages that include many performances at a discount if you want to maintain the magic all year long.


5. Family Ski Pass
Get active this winter right here in Halton! With little legs and small attention spans, a day pass doesn't make sense for new skiers but a family pass sure does! Glen Eden sells their season pass for age 5 and under for just $89 - a perfect gift!

Hope these Oakville gift ideas help you and family have an active and fun year together in 2012!

momstown Oakville kids playgroup at Dazzle was a wild west time

momstown Oakville welcomed kids of all ages today at our Wild West playgroup! Dazzle Art is a great place for galloping around, burning out some steam, and taking part in lots of pretend play.

We had a sheriff star badge craft to go along with our Wild West theme this month - but I think a lot of these stars may end up on the Christmas tree instead!

One of our littlest crafters got right into the action.
momstown kids got creative and created 3D stars with the foam shapes!

Parachute time! Sherri - a momstown mama and circle time parties owner did her usual terrific job rounding up the kids, and came prepared with some Wild West tunes like Yankee Doodle to get everyone moving. We also experimented with bouncing balloons and ping pong balls off the parachute - the kids loved it!

Join us every month at Dazzle for our all-ages playgroup - today we had kids from 4 weeks old to age 5! Not a member yet? Register now for a free 2-week trial.

Holiday Shopping & Swarovski Sparkle at the Eaton Centre

We love Oakville and we know you do too. But - have you ever planning a day trip into the big city to celebrate the holidays with your kids?

Why not jump on the GO train one weekend this season, check out the holiday windows and lights, plan a trip to the Eaton Centre, and perhaps the Nutcracker ballet?

Each Saturday from November 19 to December 10, Swarovski is hosting the Stars for Wishes Workshop at the Toronto Eaton Centre! There will be glitter and sparkle and do-it-yourself ornaments the kids get to take home in addition to contributing to a great cause and holiday memory.

Best of all, proceeds go to the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. So you’re not only getting creative with your kids, but it’s for a good cause! Ornament kits are $20 each.

To register and purchase your kit, visit the Swarovski Gallery Store at the Toronto Eaton Centre or call 647-439-8584.

Swarovski Stars for Wishes Workshop
Where: Toronto Eaton Centre (In front of the Swarovski Crystal Wish Tree)
When: November 19, 26 and December 3, 10th from 10 am to 12 pm

Make this even better? Are you a YummyMummyClub fan? Each Saturday one of Erica Ehm's bloggers will be there crafting away with you and your kids - join in for a photo op and chat with other mummies!

Guess what? 3 outta 4 weeks the YMC mummies who are there are Oakville moms too! What a small world - travel downtown to mingle with other local moms in an event that's beyond your average Saturday!

November 19 - Caroline Fernandez, Activity Mummy
November 26 - Sarah Gunn, Wall Candy
December 3 - Lisa Thornbury, Party Mummy
December 10 - Sharon DeVellis, Inside Scoop & YMC Editor-in-Chief

Check out this great video about why you should head down!

Junior Chef: Snowflakes and Snowballs!

It wasn't snowing outside today, but we sure had a fun winter party inside! Our junior chef program today was all about winter and snow! We made snowballs and snowflakes and the kids had a great time!


Our youngest chef was too small to take a turn to stir, but he was so happy watching all the "big" kids creating with food! He also enjoyed the occasional taste.


Our snowflakes were made from tortillas! Just like you make a paper snowflake, we folded and cut the tortillas, and when we opened them, each snowflake was unique!



Everyone enjoyed tasting our treats! There weren't too many snowballs left to take home.



Junior chef isn't complete without our circle time by Sherri from "Circle Time Parties".
We sang about snow, dressed in hats and mitts, and even did the snowman Hokey Pokey!



Thanks Sherri from Circle Time Parties for hosting another great momstown Oakville event. Next month we are diving in christmas with gingerbread houses! If you'd like to see what the fun is all about, join us for a free 2 week trial.

Oakville Santa Claus Parade

It's tomorrow!!! The man in red is getting his suit tidied up and his float in pristine shape.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 19th is the Oakville Santa Claus Parade! 9am on Lakeshore, rain or shine. Join other Oakville families to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season and enjoy the songs, clowns and activities of the parade.


You can find your way around with the parade route here:


Santa Claus Parade 2009 - momstown handed out momstown balloons!
Santa Claus Parade 2008 - momstown Oakville was announcing our launch (in the rain!)