Activity Spotlight: Sewing Classes for Kids

May 15

Our theme for this month is Children’s Fashion, so when we heard about a Children’s After School Sewing Program offered at The Sewing Studio, we had to tell all of our readers!

Image from www.toronto.olx.ca

Why this activity? Children love to be creative just as much as some adults do…or more if I would say so myself:). So why not let children explore through sewing, using their mind and fingers while creating their own unique clothing that they can call their own?!

Skills children can learn through this activity: Children will learn how to use a sewing machine, sewing terminology, hand – sewing techniques and so much more. Not only is this a great opportunity for children to feel a sense of accomplishment and proud of their own creation, children will learn how to use their mathematical skills without even realizing it. For example, by measuring how much material they need in order to create their finished product. Some of the unique items children will learn to make include, a teddy bear, personalized pillow, t-shirts and stylish fashion accessories. This might even inspire your child to become a little fashion designer…who knows, the possibilities are endless!

When are classes offered? The program begins on May 22nd to July 3rd, every Tuesday for 2 hours starting at 4pm, for seven weeks.

The fee is $250 (plus 13% HST) and includes fabric and supplies!

For more information please visit:

The Sewing Studio

1225 Yonge Street (at Summerhill)

info@lovesewing.com
416 901.0758

Suitable Ages: This program is for children 8 to 13 years old.

We hope you liked this months Activity Spotlight. Please feel free to share your comments with us and visit our twitter & facebook page!

Big hugs,

Maria & the Little Party-Goers Team

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Planning a Birthday Party!

May 15

One of the many questions we constantly get asked is “how do you plan a fun party for kids and where do you buy the supplies?” Instead of answering the questions ourselves, we thought it would be nice to have Melissa from The Party Works, an online party supply retailer, tell us how to throw a kids birthday party while making it fun with unique party supplies. Below is Melissa’s interview…we hope her answers help you plan the best party ever for your little ones!

Hi, Melissa. So, what made you decide to work for party supply retailer?

I love kids. I have two of my own, and I know how important birthday parties are to them. Party supplies can make birthday parties really special. I love to be a part of something that brings joy into the lives of kids.

Image courtesy of The Party Works

Have you planned a lot of birthday parties for your kids?

Yes. My daughters are 5 and 12 now. So, I’ve planned plenty of parties for them over the years. I love planning their parties, but I will say that their birthday parties aren’t usually as perfect as I’d like them to be. Luckily, I have learned what does and doesn’t work at a kids’ party over the years.

What’s something that doesn’t work when it comes to a kids’ birthday party?

Inviting more than twenty kids usually causes problems. I find that smaller, more intimate parties are often the best. At smaller parties, there are fewer little personalities to try to manage.

What’s something that does work?

Keeping the kids really busy throughout the party is ideal. It’s when they get bored that they get into trouble and start fighting with each other. Oh, and it’s also a good idea to plan age-appropriate activities. If the activities are too simple or too difficult, they’ll get bored and act up too.

Image courtesy of The Party Works

 

Do you think kids can have as much fun at backyard parties as they can at commercial party places?

Yes, absolutely. I think they love running around outside more than they love running around inside. So much of their PE and recess time is being cut at school. I find that most kids enjoy a backyard party that allows them to release some of their pent up energy in the sun. A little bit of sun usually puts them in a great mood.

Since summer is around the corner, do you have any tips for parents who want to throw backyard parties?

I would suggest having plenty of water or sports drink on hand and some fresh fruit too. The kids get hot, and you’ll want to keep them hydrated. Oh, and don’t forget to decorate your backyard. I think a lot of parents think that decorations are for indoor parties only, but you can definitely decorate your backyard. And doing so will make the party seem more festive.

Do you have any suggestions about picking out party supplies?

Take a pulse with your kid before you order them. Your son or daughter may have loved Bob the Builder a month ago, but now he or she may have moved on to Sponge Bob. Kids are fickle! Your child will be able to let you know what he or she likes, and you can order the party supplies based on that. Above all, make sure they’re age appropriate!

Image courtesy of The Party Works

What are the top-selling Party Works party supplies?

Currently, the top-selling products are Super Mario Bros party supplies, Toy Story 3 party supplies, and Strawberry Shortcake party supplies.

Thanks Melissa for your birthday party tips!

Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to be interviewed for Little Party Goers. I hope all the parents out there have a wonderful time throwing birthday parties for their kids!

Melissa is a guest blogger and associate at The Party Works. She loves to help parents make their children’s birthdays special with things like Super Mario Bros party supplies.

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Joee Wong Photography

Mar 29

Image courtesy of Joee Wong Photography

Photographers…we love them; they capture the sweetest memories that people can cherish forever.  Joee Wong is just one of those photographers who knows exactly how to capture a memory, especially one that involves little ones – cute kids. He’s been a photographer for 8 years, capturing memories for families, weddings and corporate/commercial clients. Being a father of three adorable little boys and knowing the importance of creating a lasting memory, he recently started baby & family photography.

When we find something we like and they are great at what they do, us Little Party-Goers people need to share it with all of you. So here you go. Below are some images of Joee’s work – now how cute are those pictures…and those kids?!

Congratulations Joee! We can’t wait to work with you one day!

Image courtesy of Joee Wong Photography

Image courtesy of Joee Wong Photography

Image courtesy of Joee Wong Photography

For more information on Joee Wong, visit:

www.joeewongkids.com/

www.joeewong.com

twitter: @jwphotoca

Enjoy,

Maria  xoxo

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Bullying Awareness

Mar 11

It is unfortunately too prevalent in society today: bullying has become a topic of major concern amongst children, teens and adults alike.

Whether you’ve been bullied, witnessed bullying in action or been a perpetrator, you know it hurts. That’s why Little Party-Goers has dedicated the entire Month of March to Bullying Awareness. Over the next few weeks we will feature Goodie Spotlights that are dedicated to ending bullying.

To start the month off, we’ve compiled a small list of resources you can refer to if your child is being bullied or is bullying others:

KIDS

Image: Safenetwork.org

1. 24 Hours of Bullying

This interactive tool educates kids (and parents!) about the different types of bullying, including descriptions and examples of relationship violence, homophobia, cyber bullying, social bullying and more. We recommend this resource if your child is a visual learner.

2. Are You Bullying?

More often than not, we are educated about how to deal with bullies. But how do bullies understand what they’re doing and learn how to change it?

3. Anti-Bullying Tactics

A straight-to-the-point, helpful list of ways for your child to get out of the situation he/she is in.

PARENTS

Image: dayngrzone.blogspot.com

1. Parents of the: Victim, Witness or Bully

This website offers great advice not only for the parents of bullied children or the bullies themselves, but also of the witnesses. They offer some great ways to teach your child how to identify bullies and know how and when to report bullying.

2. Signs Your Child is Being Bullied

If you are checking these signs off that are listed on this site, it could be a sign that your child is being bullied.

3. More Resources For Parents

This Canadian website focuses on promoting relationships eliminating violence; included are great resources for parents, educators and the rest of the family.

Do you have any great resources for Bullying Awareness? Leave a comment below or tweet us at: @LittlePartyGoer & @LPG_Staff.


Wishing you and your family a happy Sunday!

Haley & The Little Party-Goers Team

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Contest: Win 2 VIP Tickets…

Mar 05

We are super excited to be providing our child care service at The Original Baby Soiree on March 11th, 2012 at the Intercontinental Yorkville Toronto Hotel from 10am to 6pm.

Bring your little ones (2 years old to to 10 years old) to our Baby and Toddler Quarters, while you enjoy a fun filled show featuring top professionals in the industry, a VIP gifting suite, a mama beauty bar, a live inspiration board and various seminars.

Read below to see how you could WIN 2 VIP tickets to the show!

 

Here’s a simple way to WIN 2 FREE VIP tickets to the Original Baby Soiree Show:

HOW TO ENTER:
Simply “like” our Facebook page, follow us on twitter or share this contest with your friends on Facebook or Twitter and you will automatically be entered to randomly win 2 VIP tickets to the show.

Don’t forget to let us know via twitter or on our LPG facebook page that you have shared the contest, ‘liked’ us or are now following us…for example you can say:

Facebook:

Check out this contest to Win 2 VIP tickets to the Original Baby Soiree by visiting www. littlepartygoers.com/blog

OR

I just entered to win 2 VIP tickets to the Original Baby Soiree show by liking your FB page…hope I win!

Twitter:

@littlepartygoer I just entered to win 2 VIP tix from @mymamaloves to the Original Baby Soiree show by likeing ur FB pg http://tiny.cc/e7Ee2b

OR

I just entered to win 2 VIP tickets from @mymamaloves to the Original Baby Soiree show by following @littlepartygoer @LPG_Staff

***Contest ends tomorrow Tuesday March 6, 2012 at 5pm…Winner will be announced Wednesday March 7, 2012. ****

Good Luck!

The Little Party-Goers Team xoxo

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Activity Spotlight: Individual 7 Layer Dips

Feb 07

As the New Years’ excitement dies down and we get back into the swing of things with the family, there’s no better time to give ourselves a little resolution-refresher to keep motivated and healthy. That’s why we’ve declared February the month of Children’s Food & Nutrition. With Goodie Spotlights lined up for the month – all professionals in the field of food & nutrition – we can’t wait to share new tips and strategies to keep kids excited about their well-being and loving food – in a healthy way.

We’d like to kick the month off with a fun, easy recipe that kids can personalize for themselves and are tons of fun to make: Individual 7 Layer Dips!

The blog, The Girl Who Ate Everything (a great resource for family-friendly recipes) has an easy step-by-step recipe for creating these fun snacks from scratch.

 

Image: The Girl Who Ate Everything

The recipe suggests layering the ingredients as follows:

Layer 1: beans and taco seasoning

Layer 2: sour cream

Layer 3: guacamole

Layer 4: salsa or pico de gallo

Layer 5: cheese

Layer 6: tomatoes

Layer 7: green onions and olives

Being the month of health & nutrition, we have a couple variations that taste just as scrumptious and won’t make you feel bad for feeding your kids with what’s usually considered a not-so-healthy appetizer:

  • Instead of buying whatever you spot first, look for refried beans and salsa made with all-natural ingredients.
  • Replacing sour cream is simple: use plain yogurt. It’s super tasty and your kids won’t notice the difference with everything else in the dip.
  • There’s no need to create extra creamy guacamole when you can mash avocados with a little bit of lime juice, and salt and pepper if necessary.

Include as many fresh veggies as your heart desires, and enjoy!

Why this activity? Teaching kids about food & nutrition starts at home – more specifically, it starts in the kitchen. Make cooking and eating a fun and healthy experience for children while they are still young. This way, they will learn to appreciate delicious food that is GOOD for them!

Skills children can learn through this activity: Children will learn to prepare healthy snacks without using processed ingredients. This is a great chance to practice measuring, estimating amounts and learning about food groups, all while using their creativity!

Suitable Ages: For children 3 years and older (with adult supervision – especially when cutting!).

*** Please note: Parents must supervise and assist children at all times! ***

Hugs & Smiles:)

xoxo

Haley and the Little Party-Goers team

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