International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Ahoy! me buckos!

Did you know that September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day?

I have gathered some activities for the whole family!


For Ye Baby Sprogs

Pirate Booty Fluff (Cloth diapers and more)

 

 

I mustache you a question: do you have a little felt at your house? Add it to baby's soother!

 

For t' sprogs {and the sprogs at heart}

 

English to Pirate Online Translator

How to change your facebook language setting to PIRATE!

 

 

 

For Ye Whole Crew

 

 What to know about pirates?

 

 

Pirate movie and snack

Breakfast: Bacon and eggs in the shape of a skull and crossbones
Lunch: Draw a pirate face on the skin of your banana
Dinner: Fish and Chips or Calamari and Golden {chicken} nuggets.

                    Don't forget the {ginger}ale!

March Break Fun in Hamilton, Ontario for 2013

March Break! Some us take a well deserved vacation, some us have to work and some will take the week off just to hang out at home.  I can only remember ONE March Break, growing up. I have no clue what I did all those other years.  But, one year, my mom took the week off and took us on day trips. We went to the library, the zoo, bought a new pair of shoes (my very first pair of name brand runners...) and even stayed overnight in Niagara Falls!  I think that is the way to go - a "stay-cation"!

Check out some of the event going on around Hamilton, this year.

Fairy Tea Party
Barefoot Babies

Ages: 4 - 8

Cost: $10 per child

Date: March 15, 2013 at 11:00am

Fairies, pixies and sprites ages 4 - 8 are formally invited to a Fairy Tea party at Barefoot Babies. Jen from Perfect Parties by Jen Pitre will lead this enchanted party of craft, music and games. Space is limited - be sure to register today!


Pirate Party
Barefoot Babies

Ages: 4 - 8

Cost: $10 per child

Date: March 12, 2013 at 11:00am

Ahoy, matey! Calling all pirates ages 4 - 8 to join us at Barefoot Babies for a Pirate Party hosted by Perfect Parties by Jen Pitre!
Come play games and make a pirate craft! Jen the Pirate will provide outfit each buccaneer with an eye patch, bandanna, and pirate-y face paint. Space is limited - be sure to register today!

It's a Family Affair
Dundurn National Historic Site

 

 

Everyone is invited to Dundurn National Historic Site, home to Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum. On a guided tour of over 40 rooms in Dundurn Castle discover what it was like to live and play above stairs and work and live below stairs. Visitors will enjoy hands-on activities throughout their tour and sample a variety of historic goodies made in the kitchen. The Hamilton Military Museum provides a self-guided experience with dress up and hands-on activities in the Discovery Gallery. The Coach House will feature a children's activity centre.
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013 to Sunday, March 17, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.

March Break Activities - Geocaching 101: From Clues to Coordinates

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

Come to Fieldcote and learn the basics of geocaching. Dress for the weather, bring your own gps device and be prepared to explore the great outdoors. Those without gps devices will be given paper clues. While inside the museum celebrate and commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with a visit to our Bicentennial exhibit. Children's activities include a drawing and story writing contest.
Date: Saturday, March 9, 2013 to Saturday, March 16, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ages:
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.

Experience the Drum

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology


Come to experience drumming and rhythmic movement with a sound therapist. Try playing percussion instruments; dance and move to the beat.
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $2.00 per person.



Disney on Ice Treasure Trove
Copps Coliseum

Discover endless animated treasures when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to your hometown! Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with the newest skating spectacular. Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of some of your other favorite Disney princesses – Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Cpt. Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Neverland! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life’. Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice & the Madhatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards. Be sure to see this show full of Golden Memories sure to last a lifetime.

Prehistoric Brunch
Royal Botanical Gardens
March 17th
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Whether you’re a carnivore or herbivore the Gardens Café is cooking up some delicious brunch that would satisfy even the hungriest of beasts. Enjoy dino-themed activities amongst the dino-décor while you satisfy your appetite, and then spend the rest of the day at Dinosaurs: Battle of the Titans!
$20.00 Adults
$12.00 Children 4 to 10
Children under eat 4 FREE
Reservations required – Give us a call at 905-527-1158 ext. 540
Location: The Gardens Café

Menu items:
Omelette station, prime rib, home fries, bacon, sausage, vegetables, fruit, cereal, breakfast pastries, juices, coffee, tea, dino nuggets, mac n’ cheese.



Spend your March Break at the Hamilton Public Library
Various locations

Saturday March 9th - March 16th

Check out the incredible range of programs for kids and teens during March Break. Details subject to change. Please call your neighbourhood branch for more details.

My little ones aren't in school yet, but I may see you around town with all this Family fun happening! Well, you WILL see me at Barefoot Babies on the 12th and 15th!  Leave me a message on my Facebook Fan page if you have other awesome plans to share!

Nest {Out and About theme}

Nest is an "interactive story time that is geared towards children between age 0-3, and takes place at Little Bird on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 10:00. During this fun and casual 30 minute program, children enjoy songs, nursery rhymes and stories, and parents have a great opportunity to make new friends!" Join us at 164 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton, ON, L8H 3Z3
*We just had a Nest storytime on May 15, 2012.  I will keep you posted if there are any scheduled during the summer. I will still post some storytime ideas each month.

The weather has been so much warmer these days, it's time to get Out and About!

Books:

• Let's go to the farm: Fisher Price feat. Little People
• Bear about town: Stella Blackstone
• The Wheels on the Bus: Parragon Publishing
• Snappy Sounds Roar: Silver Dolphin Books
• In the park: Mandy Stanley
• Biscuit takes a walk: Alyssa Satin Capucilli
• A walk in new york: Salvatore Rubbino

 
 

Songs:

THE WIND IS BLOWING

Tune: "Here We Go 'Round The Mulberry Bush"

Oh, the wind is blowing - all over town,
All over town, all over town.
Oh, the wind is blowing all over town,
Just like so. (Child blows)

Oh, the trees are bending - way down low,
Way down low, way down low.
Oh, the trees are bending - way down low,
Just like so. (Child bends low)

Oh, the kites are flying - watch them go,
Watch them go, high then low.
Oh, the kites are flying - watch them go
Just like so. (Child pretends to fly kite)

Continue with
"Oh, the clothes on the line - flop to and fro"
"Oh, the flag on the pole - waves fast and slow"

Jean Warren If your happy and you know it Fly a kite Jump rope Ride a bike Slide fast The bear went over the mountain Row, row, row your boat Head and shoulders The grand old duke of york Oh, Mr. Sun

Fingerplays and Poems:

TICKLE RHYME: “Pizza Pickle Pumpernickel”
Pizza, pickle, pumpernickel, (wiggle fingers)
My little one shall have a tickle!
One for his/her nose, (tickle nose)
And one for his/her toes, (tickle toes)
And one for his/her tummy where the hot dog goes! (tickle tummy)

LAP BOUNCE: “This is the Way the Ladies Ride”
This is the way the ladies ride,
nim, nim, nim (bounce on lap)
This is the way the gentlemen ride,
trim, trim, trim (bounce on lap)
This is the way the farmers ride,
t-rot, t-rot, t-rot (bounce on lap)
And this is the way the hunters ride,
gallop, gallop, gallop. (bounce on lap)

How to upcycle girls tights into leg warmers

My first tutorial!

The first time I upcycled a pair of tights, I literally chopped the feet off and they became legging.

Then I learned how to make leg warmers out of knee socks.  This time around, Ginger had a pair of tights that were getting too small in the foot so I wanted to make another pair of leg warmers.  In theory, you simply cut off the feet and cut off the seat part.  But I wanted the top cuff to look more professional.  With some practice, I figured out how to reuse the waistband and convert it into the top cuff.
I have never created a sewing tutorial before, so I hope this all makes sense.

1. Cut the feet and seat part off.

2. Cut the waistband off, leaving about a 5/8" piece attached to it. This set of tights had an extra piece of elastic in the waistband so I removed it.

 3. Following the seam, cut about 3" up and cut all the way around.

Do this to both sides and you will have 2 pieces of fabric that are approximately 5" x 3".

4. Now you have all the pieces for the leg warmer, top cuff and bottom cuff.

5. Starting with the bottom cuff, fold one piece in half (right sides together) so you have a piece that is 2.5" x 3".  Sew along the one side to create a loop.

6. Now do the same to the top cuff.

7. Moving back to the bottom cuff, fold the loop with wrong sides together. 

8. Put the folded loop, over top of the bottom of the leg portion.

9. Sew all the way around. Turn the new cuff down.

10. For the top cuff: turn leg warmer inside out.  Turn top cuff "loop" right side out.  Put the top cuff inside of the leg warmer.  Sew along the original seam (of the waistband/top cuff).

11. Turn top cuff out.

Tadda! You have a leg warmer! Now do it again to the other leg. :)

Happy sewing!

If you aren't interested in sewing your own, I sell them at Little Bird, here in Hamilton.  If you are interested, check out my Facebook page.

P.S. I'm sorry that a couple photos are upside down. They show the right way on my computer!

Screen Free Week: How to get stuff done without TV

When do you need a little extra help?
I know every family is different but I have noticed there are certain tasks that I need to get done and my little one's are always underfoot!  Think about those times of the day that you tend to turn on the T.V. or when your children ask for some screen time.  Once you know when these times tend to occur, it will be easier to plan how to keep everyone happy!  Times of the day that I appreciate a little help:

• Cooking dinner
• Cleaning the house
• Taking a shower

Tips to help you though those busy times

• Let your child help with dinner.  If they are really small you can wear your baby on your back with the proper carrier.  I wouldn't recommend cooking on the stove while wearing your little one.  Toddlers would enjoy "washing the dishes" while you cook.  Kindergartners can chop soft foods with a butter knife, pull lettuce leaves apart, wash veggies, measure ingredients and set the table.  As you child gets older, they can do more to help prepare dinner.  The key to making this work is to be prepared.  Plan your meals ahead of time and think about what parts your children will be able to help with.
• Have a small sensory bin ready to go.  Only put it on the table while you are busy (during dinner prep is my favourite time to set out a sensory bin) and they will get excited about the anticipation of something exciting that they only get to play with during certain times of the day.
• Have one parent go for a walk while the other parent prepares dinner.
• Play some favourite audio books.
• Have the children help out with cleaning.  There are lots of tasks that are perfectly suited for little hands.
• Take a shower after the kids go to bed.  Taking a shower while the little ones are up and going has NEVER happened for me - even if I did turn on the T.V.
• Once they have had a couple of days without the TV, your children will quickly develop the necessary skills to keep themselves busy.  The more you involve them, the more they will enjoy it!
• Finally, be a role model.

Top 10 ways to reduce T.V. watching at home source

1. Make sure your television set doesn’t become the center of attention in your home. Try putting the

    TV behind a screen or closed doors.

2. Keep the TV off during dinner. Meals are a great time for talking.
3. Make some days of the week TV-free days.
4. Avoid using TV as a baby-sitter.
5. Don't use TV as a reward or punishment.
6. Move around to your favorite music instead of watching TV.
7. Cancel your cable subscription. Use the money saved for a fun family outing.
8. Hide the remote control.
9. Plan ahead for TV viewing.
10.Remove the TV set from your child's bedroom.

Are there any other times you need your children to entertain themselves?  How do you encourage children to stay entertained?  Join the conversation on my Facebook fan page.

Don`t forget, Screen Free Week takes place April 30 - May 6, 2012.

Screen Free Week: What to do with 32 extra hours a week.

Can you image how much you could get done with an extra 32 hours a week? Did you know the average preschool child spends 32 hours per week in front of a screen. How much time do you spend in front of a screen? Some people are required to use computers all day at work but what about outside of work? It can be hard to break a deep rooted habit but you will be so happy with the results!

Need some inspiration? I have link some of the activities to recipes, DIY or just more information on the activity.

Fun for the whole family

• Listen to the radio
• Write a letter
• Shoot some hoops
• Paint a picture
• Plant a garden
• Read a book
• Volunteer
• Read to someone else
• Go swimming
• Make a puppet show
• Redecorate your house
• Make cookies
• Play tag
• Fly a kite
• Go for a hike
• Play cards
• Make a fort
• Have a dance party
• Ride a bike
• Write a story together
• Visit the zoo
• Go to a museum
• Play frisbee
• Go ouside and use some sidewalk chalk or sidewalk chalk paint.
• Blow bubbles
• Pretend. Pretend to fly, pretend to cook, just pretend to do or be something.

If you live in Hamilton ON, I have found a list of bicycle lessons offered by the outdoor recreation department.

Downtime for yourself

• Paint a picture, a mural or a room.
• Learn to change the oil or tire on a car. Fix something.
• Write a letter to a friend or relative.
• Read magazines or newspapers. Swap them with friends.
• Go through your closets and donate items to Goodwill
• Start a diary/journal.
• Play cards.
• Try a new craft.
• Do a crossword puzzle or play Sudoku.
• Save money: cancel your cable TV!
• Take an early morning walk.
• Attend a community concert.
• Walk to work or school.
• Look for treasures at a yard sale.
• Learn yoga.

If you like the little activity list I created - I have a checklist to help prepare for a week of fun!

Looking for more? I have found 101 screen free activities for more inspiration.

My best advice:
Let your child get bored. When a child is aloud to be bored and free from overstimulation, they can reach great potential. Have you heard of Caine’s Arcade?

This little man had nothing more than some boxes, tape and his imagination to keep him busy and the lessons he learned one summer will stay with him for the rest of his life!

So, while I wanted to provide you with a list of activities you can do with your children (rather than sitting in front of a screen for 4.5 hours every day) I also want to encourage you to follow your child's lead!

Don`t forget, Screen Free Week takes place April 30 - May 6, 2012.

Screen Free Week: How to prepare your family and yourself

Well, you have decided to turn off the TV for a week... Now what?!
I think you should first talk to your spouse/partner. This may take a bit of convincing, depending on your partner's views on screen time. Then talk to the kids. Depending on how old your children are, this could be easy to explain or more difficult. Next, talk to any caregivers that your children will be with for the week. This should be the easiest - no convincing necessary!

Talking to your spouse/partner

• Explain why you believe this will help your children and your family.
• Suggest they watch this video.

• Remind them that although this may be difficult at first, around day 3-4 it will become easier.
• Suggest that this can just be a jumping off point. It doesn't mean that you want to sell your DVD collection and cancel the cable, you just want to learn how to offer your family the best opportunities.
• Talk about if you would like to reward your family for making through the whole week.

Talking to your children

The idea of this week is to go "cold turkey". You could certainly choose to wean the amount of screen time every day but I really feel that if you are prepared, it will go more smoothly than you think.

• For younger children, explain that the T.V./computer/Ipad is going to be unavailable for a short while. Maybe suggest that the T.V. needs to have a rest. Talk about all the fun outings and activities that you have planned for this week.
• For older children, explain why you want to start limiting the amount of screen time they have. Talk about how the computer can be used for homework, but not entertainment purposes. Ask them to describe some of their favourite activities that do not involve a screen. Remind then that they will have so much more time to to do those activities.
• Explain what the new daily routine is going to look like. With younger children, you could draw a little timeline with some stick figures and words.
• If you have chosen to reward your family, ask what your children would be interested in doing? I will have a list of activities posted tomorrow - you could use that as some suggestions.

How to prepare for the week

• Assess what times you turn on the TV the most and keep track of when your children ask for screen time. Choose activities to cover that time of day.
• Choose a fun activity or outing for each day
• If you have chosen to reward for your family for sticking it out, plan how and when it will take place. I would suggest choosing something that isn't media related - maybe a trip to the zoo.
• As I mentioned, I will be posting a list of activities. Since we are talking about being prepared today, I thought I would post a little checklist of supplies that will go along with that activity list.

You can do it!

Don`t forget, Screen Free Week takes place April 30 - May 6, 2012.