Etobicoke Fun - Your Portal to recreation, sport and fitness in Etobicoke

March Break Concert

2010-03-10T20:28:00.001-08:00

$5.00 off Yo Gabba Gabba Live during March Break

2010-03-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

My son and I are going to the Yo Gabba Gabba March 16th concert . We're both pretty excited. Me because I get to go downtown and into a nice theatre and my son because he gets to rock out!

Anyone want to join me?

To get $5.00 please enter the special code "MUNO".

Three Tips to Cut Childhood Obesity

2010-02-19T20:25:00.000-08:00

Content Courtesy of Toronto Star

If you're a parent feeling helpless over the barrage of bad news about kids' expanding waistlines and declining health, here's some news you can actually use.

According to a U.S. study released Monday, young children have a much lower risk of obesity if they have three routines in place: regular family dinners, limited television and adequate sleep.

While the findings aren't surprising – experts have long been calling for less screen time and healthier eating habits to prevent the epidemic of overweight kids and teens – the new study is the first to look at the cumulative effect of these measures on young children, the authors said.

They examined 8,550 preschoolers and found kids in households that followed all three routines had a 40 per cent lower rate of obesity than children in homes where none of the routines was practised.

Family Day Activities in Toronto

2010-02-14T04:41:00.001-08:00

Content Courtesy of Child's Life Family Day Weekend EventsCelebrate Family Day all weekend long this year at the Ontario Science Centre. Special programming includes, Jump for your Heart! Watch as some of Canada’s top jump-rope teams demonstrate their champion skills and techniques. Other interactive demos that promote healthy living will be offer throughout the weekend, included in Science Centre admission.

February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010
Ontario Science Center, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
website

Toronto's Kidsfest - Family Day WeekendBring the kids out to Kidsfest and enjoy some of North America's Largest Indoor Inflatables. Play laser tag, rock climb, shop at our children's marketplace. Laugh, bounce, scream, but most of all have fun! Visit our website for a complete list of rides and stage show information.

February 13, 2010 to February 15, 2010
International Centre
website

Valentine’s Day at Casa LomaLet Cupid take aim at your heart! Bring your Valentine to Casa Loma for an intimate afternoon learning the noble art of archery. Certified archery coach Shawn Adams will make this a fun Valentine’s Day that you both won’t soon forget. Age: 14+. Registration required.

Sunday, February 14
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
$31 + GST/person. Register at 416-923-1171 ext 205.
website

Family Day at Fort YorkDrop in for a tour of the Fort and learn about Toronto’s beginnings including our part in the War of 1812. Get warm by the fire of the open hearth in the 1826 historic kitchen and enjoy a cup of old-fashioned hot chocolate. At the fort there is a great deal of green space to run around in and a number of period buildings to explore. Regular admission applies.

Monday, February 15
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Fort York National Historic Site, 100 Garrison Road
website

Family Day Fun at Casa Loma: Family Archery!Drop in for a tour of the Fort and learn about Toronto’s beginnings including our part in the War of 1812. Get warm by the fire of the open hearth in the 1826 historic kitchen and enjoy a cup of old-fashioned hot chocolate. At the fort there is a great deal of green space to run around in and a number of period buildings to explore. Regular admission applies.

Monday, February 15
1:00pm to 4:00pm
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
website

TIP: Visit your local Municipality Parks & Recreation Web Site for affordable, fun to do ideas. Many Cities have great events planned.

New Skates!

2010-02-11T18:27:00.000-08:00

One could theoretically mark the end of childhood / adolescence at the
moment that your feet stop growing and settle into their adult size. When
that time comes in the life of an avid recreational hockey player, you can
count on about 3-5 more times that you will be fitted for new skates before
you die . Those occasions have the unique ability to bring back a bit of
the excitment that one felt way back in those glorious childhood days of
the ever changing boot size.
I was forced to embarace just such an occasion recently when a wayward puck
(fired by a fellow beer leaguer) severed the blade holder of my aging

leather wrapped CCM Tacks. I decided to take the plunge and aquire a brand new set rather subject the ol' dog sleds to yet another repair job. So, I packed up the kids (ages 5 and 1) and took them over to Duke's Sports on Bloor St.W just East of The East Mall. Duke's had alway's stuck out in mymind as a staple on the Etobicoke sports scene for as long as I can remember. I've since learned that Duke's has actually been Family owned and operated for 57 years and has a notable reputation across the entire GTA for providing knowledgable, reliable service to hockey players of all ages.
The Sales guy on duty that evening, Mike, was very attentive to my
situation and took the time to go over the various options available on the
market. After assessing my requirements, I was led downstairs where all the
stock is kept for fitment and try on. This actually proved to be a bit
challenging because I couldn't bring the stroller downstairs that was

containing my very mobile and mischievious 1 year old. No worries, I was able to carry on with the skate assessment at hand with only one toppling of an entire stick rack which was promptly cleaned up by his 5 year old brother -teamwork! Despite being a young guy, Mike was actually pretty good with managing the kiddie distractions which was really helpful to me. For his patience, Mike was rewarded with a barrage of useless Olympics facts
from the kindergarten regurgitator. I on the other hand, was able to try many styles, brands and fits until I felt comfortable settling on a shiny new pair of Bauer Vapour 4s that look and feel mighty Flash if I do say so myself. Mike set the kids up with some novelty mini-sticks while we waited for the inaugural sharpening and I
learned a thing or two about glove re-palming from store Manager, Zack

Willoughby.

The next day at my beer league game, I got a beauty assist and was able to catch a bit of that "childhood new skate excitment buzz" admist the ooo'sand ahh's of my beer soaked teamates. I was also reminded of the satisfying "glory pain" that comes with breaking in new footwear.
Thanks Duke's ! We'll be back to outfit the squad.

- Bobby Blades

Duke's Source for Sports
3876 Bloor st. W
416-233-2011

Exercise Essentials

2010-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Being Active and exercising is key to a healthy and happy lifestyle. Etobicoke provides many outdoor and indoor opportunities to get fit and have fun. Here are some tips to consider.

walking - for Cardiovascular- Why do it? Walking has been shown in studies to be associated with many health benefits including lower rates of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Running - For Cardiovasular - Why Do It? The best workout for calories burned per minute over all other activities.
Yoga - For Flexability - Why Do It? Studies have sohown that yoga significantly improves flexiability, balance and muscular strength and endurance, giving you the ability to exercise longer.
The Squat - For Strength Building - Why Do It? The squat is rated as one of the most effective exercise for toning legs.
The Crunch - For Abs - Why Do It? Increase power and strength in your torso and help elleviate back pain. Strong ab musles help maintain good posture. Best ab exercises as rated by American Council on Exercise are: The Bicycle Crunch, Hanging Knee Raises and Stability- Ball Crunches.
The Lunge - For Strength Building - Why Do It? Research shows that lunges rival squats as the ultimate lower-body excercise to tone glutes, quads and hamstrings.
The Push Up - for Strength Building - Why Do It? Requires no equipment and conditions the chest, shoulders, triceps while demanding core muscle activation.

Content courtesy of Best Health - Readers Digest

Dressing for Winter Exercise

2010-01-26T18:24:00.000-08:00

It is never too cold to get outside - you just need to dress right. How do you do this? Dress in layers.

What is Layering?

Layering simply means wearing a combination of clothes (in layers) to help regulate your temperature and keep you warm and dry. The layers you wear for a given activity are matched to the weather, your activity level and your personal preference There are essentially three layers to consider: base, mid, and outer. Each layer has a specific function. The base layer wicks moisture & perspiration away from your skin to keep you warm. The mid layer is for insulation and keeping you warm, The outer layer allows moisture to escape while blocking wind, and repel water..

The Base Layer is in contact with your skin. A tight fitting and wicking material is best to keep you warm and dry.Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, Thinsulate, wool are all good choices Avoid cotton because it traps moisture, so it stays wet and draws heat from you. Base layers come in various weights (lightweight, midweight and heavyweight). Select a weight based upon the outside temperature and your activity level. The lighter weight is better at wicking, the heavyweight has more insulation.

The Mid Layer provides insulation. It should be a bit looser than the base layer, but to function properly it needs to maintain contact with the base layer. Mid layers also carry moisture away from the base layer to the outer layer. Common material for mid layers include down, polyester, fleece, wool and newer synthetic / natural blends. Many mid layer clothing has extras such as pit zips, long front zippers, adjustable cuffs and collars.

The Outer Layer blocks wind and allows moisture to escape. Typical outer layers include shells made of Gore-Tex or a similar material. Extras such as pit zips, ankle zippers (for pants), and a variety of ventilation options are standard. Outer layers should also be tough enough to withstand tears and abrasions. Other less high tech options may include wind resistant materials, or water resistant fabrics.

Head, Hands and Feet
After your core is covered, you need to properly dress your extremities. Wear a hat, mittens /gloves, socks and shoes that match your activity and weather conditions. To cool yourself if you overheat, you can often just remove your hat or gloves. Keep in mind that wind blocking fabric is also important for hats and gloves. Altough fleece is warm it does not provide protection from wind.

Lamp Ontario Early Years Calendar - January to March 2010

2010-01-22T18:54:00.001-08:00

eyJanuary-March2010calendar

Outdoor Skating Trail Coming to South Etobicoke

2009-12-27T11:15:00.000-08:00

Content courtesy of Toronto Star

Pretty soon, Torontonians will be skating on an ice trail. Within the next month, a 360-metre trail will open at the foot of Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

It has been the beloved project of skating-mad councillor Mark Grimes, whose City Hall office is festooned with photographs of hockey players such as Bobby Orr, Don Cherry and the 1964 Stanley Cup-winning Maple Leafs. A father of four hockey-playing sons, Grimes has always yearned for a skating experience similar to Ottawa's Rideau Canal.

"I thought, let's do something unique," says Grimes of the trail, which is on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital. It will be made with artificial ice, ensuring a long season.

The advent of artificial ice and indoor rinks means skating has become a year-round sport that has moved into countries once considered too hot. Grimes participated in an old-timers hockey tournament in Europe a few years ago that played games in France and Spain.

"We were surprised that Spain had teams," he admits.

But the true skating experience is outdoors, when the weather is nippy – the Canadian way.

Looking for info on outdoor skating rinks? Try this cool web site: www.cityrinks.ca

Hit the Slopes at Centennial Ski Centre

2009-12-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

Now open with limited runs.
256 Centennial Park Rd.

All skiers and snowboarders of any age must have a valid Snow Pass and proper ski and snowboard equipment.

All participants must wear helmets

Thursday - Men's & Women's Night
Friday - Teen Night
Saturdays -Family Night
For more information call 311 or visit online

Juggling Children and Work – 7 Ways to Succeed

2009-12-14T14:45:00.001-08:00

Working in this economy is stressful and tough enough. But, parenting is a tougher job. And, when you are doing both, finding ways to maintain close relationships and open communication with your children is very important. Here are 7 simple ways that don’t take up too much time, after all things considered:

1. Say “I Love You” Tell your children you love them every day -- no matter the age. Say those words and mean it, even on trying days or after a disagreement. A simple "I love you" goes a long way.

2. Create a Special Bedtime Routine Reading a favourite bedtime book is a routine that young children will remember throughout their life. Once children start reading, have them read a page, chapter, or short book to you.

3. Let Your Children Help You Let them help with house chores, finding items on your grocery list, unloading groceries, etc! Parents sometimes miss out on opportunities to build closer relationships by not allowing their children to help them. Choosing which shoes look better with your dress lets a child know you value her opinion. Of course, if you ask, be prepared to accept and live with the choice made!

4. Play Time Play with dolls, ball, sing songs, or whatever. It doesn't matter what you play, as long as it involves you! Let the kids see your silly side.

5. Eat Meals Together More Often Than Not Turn the TV off. Eating together sets the stage for conversation and sharing. When schedules permit, really talk and enjoy one another.

6. Respect Their Choices You don't have to like their mismatched shirt and skirt and socks. However, it is important to respect those choices. Children reach out for independence at a young age, and parents can help to encourage those decision-making skills by being supportive and even looking the other way on occasion. After all, it really is okay if a child goes to daycare with a polka dot shirt and striped shorts.

7. Make Them a Priority in Your Life Find some one-on-one time. Whether it is a walk around the neighbourhood, a trip to the mall to do nothing but look around, or a movie night with just the two of you, it is important to find some one-on-one time. Although it is more of a challenge the more children in a family, it is achievable.

Hanna Guerra is a Certified Life Coach and Owner of The Busy Genie Play and Learning Centre located at 2885 Bloor St. W. It is an indoor playground, party centre, and tutoring centre. Hanna and her staff are committed to help make family lives easier. Visit their site at www.TheBusyGenie.com.

Toronto Fun Places

2009-11-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the book called Toronto Fun Places? If not, please check out their web site and consider purchasing their book at Chapters/Indigo.

I love this book because every weekend we try and go some where new and interesting, even if just a new park. This book takes the guess work out of it. They even have a section called Strolls Around the Subway which is really cool. My oldest son loves to take the subway. In fact the first time I ever took him the ROM he told me the highlight for him was the subway ride (a bit hard to take considering the price for us all to go but he had just turned four and loved the sound of the floors at the ROM more then the actual exhibits).

Also don't forget to check out their web site as well. It contains additional options not mentioned in the book (the book gets updated every few years). Locations include Toronto activity ideas (including great tips for free stuff) as well as ideas for outside of the City. Each suggested activity includes appropriate age for children which is really helpful.

For more information visit here

Help! We've Got Kids! Annual Directory and Web Site

2009-11-23T12:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been to the Help! We've Got Kids Web Site or purchased a copy of their annual guide at Chapters/Indigo? Well, if you haven't you should. The print guide is really helpful. When I was planning and organizing for my pregnancy I used it religiously to find the best places to buy baby stuff. I have also used it to plan my son's birthday parties. Their web site is fantastic too. A feature I like on their web site is the coupons... they offer discounts to a number of recreation programs, daycare registration sites, shopping and much more... check out what services and programs you can save on.

The coupons are the icing on the cake! For more information visit their web site.

Get your Pet Pictures taken with Santa at Cloverdale Mall!

2009-11-16T17:20:00.000-08:00

Get your Seasonal Pet Pictures through Etobicoke Humane Society

99 Libraries in Toronto - A Bloggers' Quest

2009-11-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Check out this interesting blog written by a teacher who has given herself the quest to visit 99 Toronto libraries in one year. Her blog gives you interesting info on all of Toronto's wonderful libraries. Here is the link: http://c-raine.com

Learning About Respect in Etobicoke Schools

2009-11-05T10:06:00.001-08:00

Girls Respect Group

Great Discount for Movies for Mommies

2009-10-23T04:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the deal for the upcoming viewing of Whip It at the Kingsway Theatre on Wed. October 28 - 1 pm - details

Kingsway Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-16T11:25:00.001-07:00

Kingsway Theatre - Friday October 16th - Thursday October 22nd

2009-10-16T11:10:00.000-07:00

Check out movie times at www.etobicokesouth.com

Samko & Miko Toy Sale - Fall / Holiday Season

2009-10-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

Have you started your holiday shopping? (I cringe at the thought!)... Check out the details on the annual Samko Sale.

Harbourfront Kids

2009-10-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

My son and I attended the "Respect"Weekend Family Festival today. I was really impressed with the activities and events they had on this weekend. They had a fun area for lego building, lots of crafts and two music performances - all with a "Respect the Enviroment Theme". All for free. The staff are fantastic and the customer service is great. To find out more about the Harbourfont Centre visit this link. Distance from Etobicoke: 10 minutes from QEW/Gardiner. Accessible by TTC via subway and streetcar.

Half Price Nights at the ROM on Friday Nights

2009-10-09T18:49:00.007-07:00

I just got back from the ROM to see the Vanity Fair Photo Exhibit. I really enjoyed it. I paid $11 for my ticket- Price of a movie! You can visit the ROM on Fridays, from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm for $11 - a real steal. For more info on prices visit here.

Personally, I find the price of culture these days so expensive. So finding a deal like this makes me feel better about our society in relation to the arts. Culture should be available to everyone regardless of your economic situation. I find the prices of these activities expensive to say the least- it makes me sad to think that there are children who because of cost are not exposed to the arts. On my journey to the ROM via subway I noticed that there is an organization advertised called Arts for Children of Toronto. I would like to see this type of program available in all schools! Really neat. Anyway, check out the ROM on Friday nights. Don't be alarmed by the line up - it goes really fast although the membership sales lady is awfully tempting with her lure of "don't stand in line and buy a membership" - which by the way costs $139 for a family/year. Also, I should mention that ROM also does have a program called Royal Ontario Museum’s Community Access Network (ROM CAN)- which provides free tickets to communities and individuals who may not otherwise visit the Museum. The United Way Toronto distributes tickets through its network of health and social service agencies. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship distributes Museum family passes to new Canadians during citizenship ceremonies each month, as part of its Cultural Access Pass Program.

Geox Fall Shoe Sale

2009-10-09T07:04:00.001-07:00

Check out the Geox Shoe Sale Details here

Vote for Etobicoke South in Royal LePage's Great Neighbourhoods Contest

2009-09-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Please vote for my entry of Etobicoke South into Royal LePage's Great Neighbourhood Contest. If I win Royal Le Page will donate funds to a local Women's Charity. I would love to support Women's Habitat in Etobicoke South.

To vote (and you can vote once a day) please go to the following link:
http://neighbourhoods.royallepage.ca/entry/1523992?offset=0&sort=&page=0

The Loot Lady Live on Breakfast Television

2009-09-19T19:08:00.001-07:00

Check out the Loot Lady's web site at lootlady.com
and also see her new blog at www.lootlady.blogspot.com
for party planning ideas and more!
The Loot Lady Toy Store & Showroom
is located at
3029 Lake Shore Blvd West
Toronto ON, M8V 1K5
(between Islington & Kipling)