Kidapalooza Family Festival 2016

Yesterday my son had a PA Day. Since it totally slipped my mind, I woke up in a panic searching the internet trying to find something to do. Staying at home the entire day just doesn't work for us. We need to get out, even if it's for an hour or so. I find it helps pass the time, and doesn't make the day drag on. I even feel the same way about the weekends, I always look for something to do as a family to get us out and about for a couple of hours.

 

On Family Day Weekend, February 13-15, 2016, York Regions first annual Family Festival called Kidapalooza will be taking place at the Markham Fair Grounds.  So, if you're looking for something do with the kids, this is the perfect place to be at!

 

 

Kidapalooza is an INDOOR Family Festival. Featuring over 35,000 square feet of activity stations, play zones, interactive inflatables, a performance stage, dance parties and over 30 vendors. This 3 day long celebration will be fun for the whole family!

You and your family can make crafts, participate in group art installations, play in the build it zone creating things with blocks, newspapers or sand, design a cardboard city, participate in mini yoga sessions or soccer demonstrations. Or you can ride through a bike trail, play dress up, visit a petting zoo, sing-a-long and take photos with princesses. There will even be a magic show and a wide variety of other stage shows to see. So much fun for the whole family!

 

 

This event is perfect for a young family with children aged 2-12 years old.

 

Ticket prices are $8 for adults (18+), Children 2 and up are $25 (which gets them an All Access Pass) and Children 1 and under are FREE

 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Door tickets are CASH only with ATM's available on-site.

 

Also FREE PARKING!!

 

 

Kidapalooza will run Saturday, February 13th from 10-7pm, Sunday, February 14th from 10-7pm and Monday, February 15th from 9-6pm. 

 

 

 

Would you like to win a Family Pack?! I am giving away 4 tickets (2 adults and 2 children) to 1 lucky reader!

 

Simply enter via the Rafflecopter App below. This contest is open to Canadian Resident Only. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For an additional chance to win....

Upload a photo of your child's best/worst mess to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and make sure to hashtag #bestmesscontest #kidapaloozafamfest for your  chance to win THE ULTIMATE FAMILY FUN PACK BELOW!

 

 

(This contest is in no way affiliated or sponsored by Facebook. We hereby release them of any liability.)

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My Experience as a Guest on The Marilyn Denis Show!

Last week something pretty exciting happened to me -I was a guest on the Marilyn Denis Show! For most of my Canadian followers, you have probably heard of this show before, but for all my American followers, let me give you a little rundown.

 

The Marilyn Denis show is a live show that airs weekdays in Toronto on CTV. It's a mix of lifestyle and entertainment segments highlighting celebrity and expert guests.

 

A few months ago, I decided to write into the show to see if I could get some help/advice on how to transform my office into a walk in closet. Here are some of the pictures I sent in...

 

 

 

Master bedroom Closet

 

 

 

 

 

 Office

 

 

 

 

 

I knew when we moved into our house our walk in closet was going to be an issue. It's just so small. We thought about maybe switching the bathroom to where the closet was. Then move the closet to where the bathroom was, but we knew the cost would be out of our budget. Thankfully, I came up with the idea to make our office into my walk in closet.  My shoes were already in there because I didn't have the space in the closet so I thought it would be perfect!

 

 

I watch The Marilyn Denis Show often, so I was so excited when I got a call back to be on the show! I couldn't wait to see what ideas the designer had in mind for the space.

 

Before the live show aired, a field producer and camera crew came to my house to do my back story. They did a small interview with me and took some shots of my closet and office area. Then, a week later I had to go to the studio for the live taping.

 

Since the show is live at 10am EST, I had to be at the studio for 9am. I was allowed to bring 1 guest, so I asked my friend Patricia if she wanted to come with me.

 

 

 

 

 

Once we got to the studio, we checked in.  Then someone took our bags and coats, and brought us to a holding room where all the audience/guests wait to be seated. Shortly after that, one of the producers introduced themselves to me and give me a little briefing as to what I should expect once we were live on air. They also gave me the option to get my makeup done as well.

 

 

 

 

As soon as the show started, my nerves set in. Luckily I was the second segment, so I had time to take some deep breaths and relax. Then, my segment was up. My backstory ran first, then Marilyn called up on set.

 

The expert advice I was given was from designer Andrew Pike. He talked about PAX Wardrobe systems from Ikea which are amazing! He showed me how you can customize everything to suit your needs. Then Marilyn surprised me with.........

 



A $1,000 gift card to Ikea!!! I couldn't believe it! I was so happy! I just can't wait to start planning my dream closet!!

 

 

 

I have quite a bit of work ahead of me. I still need to paint the room, and decide which PAX wardrobe system will work for me. Stay tuned for the big reveal coming to the blog in the next couple of months!!



Our Night at Monster Jam 2016

 

Once again we had a blast at Monster Jam held at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. If you want to read about last years experience, click here. It was a great night out as a family. My son couldn't take his eyes off the show. It was full of action packed excitement. He is already asking when we are going back, lol!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There was a small intermission, which I wanted to use as a bathroom break for my son, but of course he didn't want to leave his seat. Why? Well, his second favourite thing is construction vehicles (his first is obviously cars and trucks) and they had tractors out on the course moving dirt, and cars to get ready for Monster Jam Freestyle! He was loving it and didn't want to move!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were lucky this year that we got to experience for the first time in Monster Jam history, "Monster Jam Rocket Freestyle" with smaller trucks. It was pretty neat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think it's safe to say that our favourite part was the Freestyle with the big trucks! So loud and full of surprises!

 

My son's two favourite trucks were "Higher Education" and "Dragon" which blew out fire! Yes, fire!

 

 

 

 

 

After a few trucks smashed and broke down, the eventual winner of the Monster Jam Freestyle was "Son Uva Digger"!!! He was amazing! He also gave away his trophy to a fan in the crowd- so cute! Such a great show. The fireworks at the end made the show that much more entertaining too. My son love it!

Want to attend a Monster Jam show? Visit their website HERE to see when they will be in your area next!

 

P.S. Don't forget your ear plugs/ ear muffs! :-)