Combining Focus And Feelings For Business Success

It's been one week since the entire momstown team gathered together for our 7th National conference.  We were lucky enough to be hosted again by Fern Resort, an amazing family resort in Orillia.  After settling in on Friday night, the work really began on Saturday as we talked about finding focus in our businesses and about how feelings can contribute to the success or failure of your business.  Do you think feelings play a major role in your career choices and overall successes?

Starting with focus, the momstown team headed out to Fern Resort's archery area to take aim at our targets! This was a great interactive and hands on activity and had me thinking about what I was going to picture on the target as I lined up my bow and arrow and took aim.  One of the most challenging things about being an entrepreneur, in my opinion, is trying to keep focus.  Entrepreneurs have to be a 'jack of all trades' and while that is sometimes part of the excitement, it can derail businesses who lack focus.

Next up we had the pleasure of working with Jen Bodenham, owner of career & life Coaching business Gleaming and Dreaming.  Jen took us through lots of thought provoking work and at the end of our session, each momstown team member had compiled a list of core desired feelings (based on Danielle Laporte's Desire Map).

I'll be honest, this was the third National momstown conference I have attended and this one was by far the hardest!  We really drilled down into some tough topics and forced ourselves to focus and admit what we were feeling.  The result?  A renewed sense of commitment, motivation to stay focused and execute our plans and work towards the brave goal to 'stand in your own truth'.

Among the hard work though, were the things I like very best at our National conferences.  Tons of idea sharing (we had best practices presentations which were incredibly helpful), creation of more programs for momstown members and time to leverage the amazing resources we have - our team members and our momstown leadership team.  And of course some fun and goodies thrown in there too!  Many thanks not only to Fern Resort, but to our other awesome conference sponsors as well.

Mattel Game On
Quaker Canada 
Twistos 
Goody Canada 
Mabels Labels
Barilla Pasta
Post Cereal 
Walmart Canada
Adult Essentials

Have you tried the new Quaker quinoa bars?

We all got one of these awesome jam packed loot bags!

The process to honour my core desired feelings has been a bit slow, but things are starting to move full steam ahead and I couldn't be more ready or more excited.  As always, the momstown National conference was full of key learnings and time well spent focusing on my business and its success.  I am so grateful to have a team of inspiring business owners who are on this journey with me.  Whatever you are working towards in your life and in your career, keep pushing and don't stop before the miracle happens!

Oakville Splash Pads Are Open For Summer 2013!

Summer days in Oakville - they can get HOT! momstown Oakville moms and kids love our regular Splash Pad play dates and so we are thrilled that as of May 31, 2013, Town of Oakville Splash Pads are open!

Oakville has a broad array of splash pads so make sure your family takes advantage of the free summer fun! Don't forget the sunscreen and summer UV wear to protect that skin.

Below is a listing of the 15 splash pads Oakville has to offer. Splish Splash - have fun!

Splash pads will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from now until mid-September (weather dependent)

• Coronation Park - Lakeshore Road West, east of Third Line 
• Forster Park - Forster Park Drive, east of Queen Mary 
• Heritage Way Park - Heritage Way at Merchants Gate (weekday hours: 4 to 9 p.m.)
• Millbank Park - Glenashton Drive at Millbank Drive 
• Munn's Park - River Oaks Boulevard West (weekday hours: 4 to 9 p.m.)
• Nautical Park - Nautical Boulevard, east of Great Lakes Boulevard, south of Rebecca Street
• Neyagawa Park - Neyagawa Boulevard at River Glen Boulevard
• Old Abbey Lane Park - Old Abbey Lane and Dorval Drive
• Pine Glen Park - Pine Glen Road at Third Line, south of Dundas Street West
• Postridge Park - Postridge Drive at North Ridge Trail
• Sixteen Hollow Park - West Oak Trails Boulevard, north of Upper Middle Road, east of Fourth Line(CLOSED do to construction, expected to re-open June 15, 2013)
• Valleybrook Park - 1150 Valleybrook Drive
• Valleyridge Park - Valleyridge Drive, west of Bronte Road, south of Dundas Street West
• West Oak Trails Park - Westoak Trails Boulevard and Hillmount Drive
• Wynten Park - Wynten Way, south of Kingsway Drive 

Oakville's outdoor pools open mid to late June so watch for a blog post then with all the information you'll need to know!

Easy DIY Teacher Gifts

The school year is quickly coming to a close which means that gifts for teachers is a hot topic!  momstown has some great gift ideas you can purchase, but I also wanted to highlight a few things that you can make for those DIY loving mamas.

1.  Pencil/Marker Vase

Here are the steps to make this gift:

-Find a cylinder vase that is about the same height as the markers or pencils you will be using to surround the vase.
-Choose something that will tie all the pencils/markers to the vase.
-Cut out a circle shape from a sturdy piece of cardboard that will cover the base of the vase and the pencils (you are creating a base so the pencils/markers) don't slip down.
-Tie the ribbon (or rope or tape measure) around the vase loosely and then start standing up the pencils or markers around the vase.
-Once the vase is surrounded, tie the ribbon tightly.  You may need a few small pieces of clear tape to keep the ribbon secure.
-Add the water and flowers
-You could also slip a gift card into the ribbon or tie a card to the ribbon that had a gift card inside

2.  Framed Crayon Letters

Photo Credit

Here are the steps to make this gift:

-Buy an 8 X 10 shadow box, white card stock and a box of crayons
-Print the first initial of the teacher's name in Century Gothic font so that it takes up almost the entire page.  Choose the font colour to be light grey so you can use the print out as an outline for the crayons but not so dark that it will stand out.  Choose a fancy cursive font and type out the teacher's name at the bottom.
-Print two copies, one to practice with and use to help cut the crayons and one to use to make the gift
-Cut the crayons in the sizes you need using a paring knife.  There will be bits of crayon floating around as you cut the crayons...best to blow those bits away instead of using your hand to wipe them away so they don't smudge colour on your page.
-Secure the cut crayons in place using white glue.
-Once it has dried (overnight is best), insert the page into the shadow box and voila!

Oakville's First Dishcrawl: Discovering Downtown Oakville Restaurants

Last night I had the pleasure of participating in Oakville's first Dishcrawl event.  If you haven't heard about Dishcrawls yet, essentially the event mimics a pub crawl but instead of drinks, you indulge in food from four different restaurants.  In one night you get to explore four restaurants and sample a few dishes from each. At a cost of only $60 per person, I think its a fantastic deal.  Last nights Oakville Dishcrawl event featured four downtown Oakville establishments on Trafalgar Road or Lakeshore Road.  Lucky for me, all the restaurants we visited last night were places I had not been before, so I was thrilled to get a chance to try so many new places.

Stop #1: Southside Cottage Grill

We were greeted warmly by both the Dishcrawl Oakville ambassador, Vanessa, and by the owners of the restaurant.  Each table received some of Southside Cottage Grill's signature hot sauce that we could add to the food we would be tasting - chicken fingers, a pulled pork sandwich (one of their specialties) and a potato skin topped with a tomato mix and drizzled with avocado sauce.  All the food was very good, the pulled pork sandwich was definitely my favourite and several people at my table were raving about the hot sauce (which you can buy to take home with you!).  I would love to bring my kids back here to grab a bite to eat or meet here with friends.  The atmosphere was great, the restaurant is much bigger on the inside than it looks like from the street and the owners were genuine hosts. They are also very gluten free friendly!

We got our first notice that we'd be up and moving shortly and it was fun to see the group heading as a pack to our next culinary destination.

Stop #2:  EE Sushi.  

The plate they served Dishcrawlers was very colourful and had lots of different options to taste.  We got a salmon appetizer and a plate of sushi which included vegetable rolls and handrolls.  My favourite was the roll topped with mango and my friend was a big fan of the tempura shrimp. They have a very large menu including not only sushi but noodles and fried rice options too.

Stop #3:  Julia's Ristorante 

This restaurant has been a long standing Oakville regular hot spot for the past 10 years.  Head Chef Carl came out to greet the group and let us know that they are launching a new menu.  He then explained what we would be eating and provided us with a plate that included a crab cake, a turkey burrito (my favourite at this stop) and duck breast.  The restaurant has vibrant decor and great music to create a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Stop #4:  Marilyn Monroe Cafe

Just when we were all talking about how full we were getting, we moved on to our final stop.  It was almost as if they read our mind as instead of sitting down to eat as we had a the other locations, the presented us with a nicely displayed table of their blonde roast coffee and some tasty treats to take home with us.  I grabbed the box that contained a chocolate croissant and a small slice of New York cheesecake and my friend decided to try the gluten free chocolate torte.  We decided to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere and tasted both desserts - big thumbs up.  Many of the other Dishcrawlers elected to move outside and enjoy their great patio space.  Marilyn Monroe Cafe has free wifi and lots of space to sit with friends or to grab a table and do some work or have a meeting.  Their pastry display case was really impressive too!  I have been meaning to go into this place for awhile and will definitely be back again.

 

Marilyn Monroe Cafe's Pastry Case

I would certainly recommend attending a Dishcrawl Oakville event.  It really is a great way to get to know more local restaurants in your community, taste some foods that may be outside of your normal favourites and visit restaurants that you may not have been to before.  The next Dishcrawl Oakville event is slated for July 9th so make sure you check in with their website to get the details and get your tickets!

Oakville Children's Choir Gives Kids Confidence & A Sense Of Community

The Oakville Children's Choir is a welcoming, professional and innovative community that provides exceptional music education, leadership development and performance opportunities for ages 4 - 25. The Oakville Children's Choir has achieved tremendous success over the past 17 years. Holding fast to its mission of providing world class choral, musical and performance training to young people in Halton, it has become a comprehensive music education programme for up to 150 auditioned choristers ranging in age from 5 through 18 years.  The Oakville Children's Choir's now has six choirs including "Little Notes" Preparatory Choir Program and “A Few Good Men”, a Boys and Young Men's Choir.

The Oakville Children's Choir presents 3-4 self-produced concerts annually for the community each featuring all levels of choir plus a guest artist. In addition, the choir performs at workshops, provides guest appearances at community functions, collaborates with other fine choirs and arts groups in Ontario, and tours internationally. To develop each chorister as an all-round musician, theory, musicianship, vocal coaching and workshops with professional artists, are all components of the choral program. Competitions and touring also add to the choristers' experience. The choir's wide range of repertoire, diverse concert programming and its high standard of performance have all earned it an excellent reputation within the performing arts community, both locally and internationally.

Does your child like to sing?  Auditions are taking place throughout the month of June for the 2013/2014 season at St. Simon’s Anglican Church.

Monday, June 3 from 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Monday, June 10 from 4:30 PM  - 9:30 PM

Saturday, June 22 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM 

Book your child’s audition today by phoning 905-337-7104.  We offer an early bird registration rate for the 2013/2014 season September enrollment if you register your child by June 15th, 2013.

Here's what some of the Oakville Children's Choir members have to say:

"Choir is amazing! It’s a place where you can express your feelings and be yourself. You can sing your best and feel comfortable. I feel like choir is another home, we are all like one big, happy family. Whenever a concert starts, I’m always nervous, but when I get up I just sing and I’m always then relaxed because I know that I have another 40 friends to back me up."

"Singing in performances has given me more self-confidence because you get used to being in front of large crowds and doing your best performances. Being in the Senior Choir has helped me create very special bonds and friendships with other choristers, especially when we went on retreat to Albion Hills. It was very special for me when we sang Give us hope for the PACT Urban Peace program. It really feels good to know that you are helping out in the community."

For more information on The Oakville Children's Choir, please see the contact information on their website  or visit their Facebook page.

Dora is coming to Canada! She will help find the Missing Teddy Bear!

It’s Dora the Explorer! We are so very excited to welcome the adventurous little heroine starring in Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys! to Canada.

Visit www.DoraLiveCanada.com for a list of tour dates and ticket information.

The folks at Koba Entertainment want to do something special for you, our momstown readers. Use the exclusive code below to buy tickets in advance for a show nearest you! This code will be active between June 4 at 11AM EST and June 6 at 11PM EST. General on sale begins June 7 at 11AM EST.

Presale Code: EXPLORES

Top Local Father's Day Gift Ideas For Oakville Dads

Father's Day is just around the corner!  Wondering what the perfect gift might be for the Dad's in your life this year?  Oakville businesses have lots of Father's Day gift ideas to choose from and you can surely find something from one of these amazing local retailers.

My husband bouncing my now 4 year old son on the yoga ball to
calm him when he was just a few weeks old

Springridge Farms
Need a gift for a foodie Dad?  Springridge Farms has delicious sauces, marinades, relishes, tapinades and salsas made from Ontario produce.  So many options that are perfect for BBQ season!

Cameron Brewing Company
This Oakville brewery has a Father's Day BBQ and also a retail brewery store where you can buy some of their signature Cream Ale, Auburn Ale or Dark 266.

HAND & STONE Massage and Facial Spa
Treat Dad to an unforgettable, pampering and luxuriously relaxing spa treatment! Our signature Hot Stone and Relaxation massages truly offer therapeutic benefits.

Family Golf & Learning Centre
A gift certificate for baskets of golf balls and golf lessons are a perfect gift for Dad!

Lots of options for new clothes for Dad from Burrows Clothiers or Blazers for Men

Gears Bike Shop
From recreational to competitive cyclists, they've got tons of great gift ideas.  Mention this blog and receive 20% off a men's regular priced jersey!

The Green Bean
Located in the Towne Square in downtown Oakville, they've got lots of coffee beans to choose from for the Dad that savours and covets his morning coffee.

Cupid's Gourmet Bakery
Satisfy Dad's sweet tooth with some cupcakes or a pie (a favourite in our house is the S'Mores Pie)

Encore Cinemas - Buy Dad A Film Card!
Film Cards are reusable, rechargeable magnetic stripe cards which can be purchased and recharged online. Available in any amount (minimum $10 for initial purchase), these cards are redeemable at Encore Cinemas for both admission and concession bar. And once you’ve received your Encore Card, you can avoid the queues by topping it up with additional funds online or in person anytime.

The Wingery
Consistently awarded for having the best wings in town, The Wingery offers more than 20 different flavours of wings and complimentary side dishes like wedge fries, coleslaw and more.

Don't forget a card!  Here is an adorable hand made card that the kids can make to top off one of these perfect gift ideas.

Happy Father's Day!