Milton moms enjoyed a Taste of the Tropics at our Tropicana Picasso's in the Park Event

This week our momstown Milton members were lucky enough to be swept away to a tropical paradise courtesy of Tropicana Tropics! I have to admit that I had a blast setting up our oasis getaway and couldn't wait for everyone to arrive to get this party started!

 

The families arrived in style decked out in their Hawaiian Best! It was a sea of bright vibrant colours and adorable outfits!  

 

 

 

We had lots to do to keep the little ones entertained and busy. The fruit stamping painting was an instant draw with the  bright neon colours and the various fruits pieces to explore texture and smell. Some even snuck in a taste or two of the fruit. It's was funny to see their little faces pucker up when they discovered the sour taste of the limes!

 

The layering  of petals at the creative flower station was a great way to build on patterning concepts. The finished pieces were absolutely stunning. The kids were so proud of their work that they hung them up on display for all to take in their beauty.

The drinks were flowing non stop at our juice bar! The line ups were endless through the entire event. We had Tropicana Tropics Orange, Peach, Mango and Orange, Strawberry, Banana on hand to try. Tropics is made with 100% juice and puree blend and contains no added sugar and each 250 ml glass of Tropics juice blend provides you with two full servings of fruit.  The juice was extremely refreshing and both moms and tots enjoyed experiencing the exotic flavours. We had a challenging time keeping up with the demand to keep the glasses filled!

 

Snack time was a success as well with the build it yourself fruit kabob station. Each person could pick their own fruits to try and assemble it in any order they wanted. The skewers were a great way to work on hand & eye coordination with each person eating the fruits of their labour once completed.

 

 



Overall The event was a HUGE success! Thanks to everyone who joined us at our momstown exclusive oasis. It was great seeing each and everyone of you get into the spirit of the event and enjoying the company of one another.

A big shout out to Laurie Goodman Photography for the amazing pictures as always! To see ALL of the pics from this event click here!

If you'd like a chance to try all four varieties of Tropicana Tropics and get all the fixins' to host your own Tropical party, click here!

momstown Milton still has more Picasso in the Park events taking place this summer so if you would like to join us, sign up here.

momstown Milton: Mom of the Month: Paula Porter June 2013

Name:  Paula Porter

Age: 40

Born In: Toronto

Children's name and age: Zoe 3.5 and Skylar 22 months

Childhood Ambition: As a child I always wanted to be a veterinarian.  High School Chemistry and Math put an end to that ambition.  At that point my ambition became passing High School Chemistry and Math.

Fondest Memory: Quitting the corporate world to travel around the world for a year with my (now) husband.  It was the experience of a lifetime.  Now that we have kids I really look back on that year with fondness, thinking of how lovely it was to be so carefree, unscheduled and focused on one another.

Wildest Dream: My husband and I daydream of traveling with our girls in India and Africa.  We would also love to combine the travel with an international volunteer experience as a family one day when the girls are old enough.  I think that learning about other cultures, and experiencing life in other places is so important for them.

Proudest Moment: I have a couple.  The birth of my kids.  It is a pretty amazing feeling seeing a perfect little person who grew inside your belly.  Pure magic!  Completing the Chicago marathon in 2003 was a very proud moment.  It seemed like an impossible feat during training, but I did it.  I felt like I was Wonder Woman...even though I was really a slow poke.

Biggest Challenge:  Budgeting is my biggest challenge.  We have made the decision that we will be a one income family while the girls are very young, and that poses big challenges when it comes to budgeting and managing the expenses of a four person household.  I have made big improvements, but I begrudge the process often

Perfect Day: For starters, my perfect day would have zero melt downs...no tears at all!  We would go to the Farmer's Market, grab a coffee to walk with, buy the girls some popcorn, and do a little shopping.  After the Market we would go for a nice hike to Hilton Falls and roast hot dogs and marshmallows for lunch.  We would drive the girls to Burlington and they would have a fun sleepover with their cousins!  Chris and I would have an afternoon to get some work done in the back yard.  I would have a nap!  We would go out for a delicious dinner, and be in bed by 10!

First Job: Besides lots of babysitting, my first real paycheque came from making $4.75 an hour working at the Lottery/info booth at Sherway Gardens when I was 14.  Come to think of it, I wonder if it was even legal for a 14 year old to be selling lotto tickets!?  I was very young to be handling all the cash that came in on a Saturday shift!

Indulgence: My guilty pleasures are Crunchits and mini powdered donuts.  As I get older, I don't enjoy them with the same gusto that I once did, however they are still my go to munchables.  I also discovered a love of deep fried pickles with my second pregnancy.  Just answering this question makes me want to run out and get some!

Last Big Purchase: Our home in Milton.  This house has brought us a lot of joy.  Our last house was so tiny that having more than 3 people over at a time was stressful!  Now we are able to do a lot of
hosting, and we are loving it.  A house is always happier with lots of people in it.

Favorite Movie?  Tommy Boy...I have seen it a hundred times and it still makes me laugh.  I feel like my answer to this question should be more intellectual, but Tommy Boy just makes me happy!

How long have you been a member of momstown Milton?  I have been a member for just over a year.  I joined just before we moved to Milton last May.

Describe your experience as a momstown member?  My girls and I have really enjoyed being a part of momstown Milton.  I was amazed at the number of events and quality of events that were being run by the group.  I became a member with a goal to get out in the community once in a while and meet some friends for myself and for the girls.  momstown Milton became a community for us, and we have been kept very busy and very entertained by the group, and the events we have attended and hosted. It tell everyone that it is the deal of a century, for $45 a year.  This group has made all the difference for us as a new family in Milton.  

I began working with Sam as Community Manager with momstown Milton and it has been a great chance to contribute to the group and become a part of the Milton community.  As Community Manager I help with managing the crazy busy calendar, work with trial and new members, assisting in organizing events, and run some popular programs including Baby Sensory Exploration, Junior Chef, Little Scientists, Recyclyed Treasures, and Trip Around the World.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the great mamas in the group, meet new people, and have a lot of fun with my girls.  I have met some great friends through momstown, and I love that so often when we are out and about in Milton, we run into familiar faces.  

We would love to have you join us and become part of our momstown Milton family!

Register here for your 6 week FREE trial.

momstown Milton: Mom of the Month: Sarah Luskey May 2013

Name: Sarah Luskey
Age: 36 (ugh!)

Born In: Brampton, ON

Children’s name and age: Addisyn (2.5), Peyton (1)
 

Childhood Ambition: I always wanted to be a lawyer when I was a kid (probably cause I love a good debate) but knew in my heart that teaching was the profession for me... I did try to rebel though and went in to business first
but it only took about a year for me to head back to school and do what I always knew I would love.

Fondest Memory: Family vacations in Florida... Starting from a very young age we spent 3 weeks as a family in St. Pete's beach. We would go with my Aunt, Uncle and 2 cousins (who were both close in age to my brother and I). We spent 3 days driving there, playing games and stopping to eat and sleep in various places each year. There were many laughs and adventures along the way.
My favourite memory has to be of the time my cousin and I were left in charge of the younger two... Our parents were just outside having adult time around the pool but we manage to destroy the room with a couple cans of whipped cream, it was hilarious until we had to clean it all up! Since I value the memories created here so much, we have begun this tradition with our kids as well. Last year we took the girls to Disney for their first time and the whole family spent two weeks together at the beach... I love reliving those precious moments again through the eyes of my daughters!

Wildest Dream: I would LOVE to go skydiving but I'm not sure I would actually have the courage when it came down to it! So... I dream of a relaxing vacation with my hubby in Bora Bora, staying in one of those cabins with a window in the floor so that you can see right down in to the ocean.


Proudest Moment: I have many of these as the girls grow and develop each and every day, amazing me with the things they can do! However, the day they were born will always be the best thing I've ever done!

Biggest Challenge: Managing the balance between my professional and personal life. I am highly ambitious and have many goals for my future in education but have realized quickly that those things are going to happen
much slower now that I'm a Mom. I have to remind myself daily that I can't dedicate nearly as much time as I used to outside of my regular work day if I want to spend quality time enjoying my girls. If only there were more
hours in the day OR I didn't value my sleep quite as much as I do!

Perfect Day: Would start with a “sleep in”... I think I'd like to wake up some time around 9 :-) We would have a late breakfast/early lunch as a family and then go for a walk or a bike ride to the park so that the girls could play.
We would go out for dinner (so that I don't have to cook or clean up) and then have a snuggle and read a few good books with the girls before they headed to bed. I would then enjoy a relaxing bubble bath with a nice glass of red wine and a good book before settling on the couch for a movie and some alone time with my hubby!

First Job: I worked at the Sports Camp my Dad ran in Georgetown starting when I was 12... This was probably about the time I realized I was destined to work with young kids.

Indulgence: I have a MAJOR sweet tooth... I have a hard time resisting ANY type of candy, especially Mike & Ike's and ice cream! I compensate by spending much of my “me” time working out so that I can eat what I want!


Last Big Purchase: We purchased a new house in December 2011 in Georgetown... Although it's not built yet, we are super excited to move in 2014.

Favourite Sport: Although I love many sports, I am a die hard when it comes to baseball and volleyball. I spent a MAJOR part of my life playing girls softball in Brampton and miss it very much! I can only hope that one of my girls will love it as much as I did so that I can relive my passion for the game!

How long have you been a member of momstown Milton? Since July 2012
 

Describe your experience as a momstown member: Being a part of the momstown Milton family has been a great experience for me. I was worried after I had my second daughter that it would be difficult to balance the
needs of both girls with the financial strain of being on maternity leave however, joining Momstown made it easy!

There are so many wonderful activities available each and every day designed to target the interests of both babies and pre-schoolers. Some of our favourites include Chipmunks play-groups, Baby Basics, Art & Play, Junior Chef, Little Scientists, and Trip Around the World. Not only did these programs engage Addisyn's interests but they also gave me an opportunity to meet other Mom's and share ideas about dealing with the daily challenges of managing two young girls at home.

I also love how open Sam and her team are to new ideas and suggestions from their members. Hosting the Shake, Rattle and Read program allowed me to deal with some of my Mommy guilt about not doing anything that was just about Peyton. I know she really loved spending time with all the other babies and it allowed me to meet some really great first time Moms. Even though I have now
returned to work, I know that my momstown friends will still be there to offer support and we will definitely be joining some weekend activities so that we don't lose touch!

We would love to have you join us and become part of our momstown Milton family!

Register here for your 6 week FREE trial.

Mom of the Month - Jennifer Romualdi - July 2012

Name: Jennifer Romualdi

Age: 34
Born In: Brockville, Ontario

Children’s name and age: Adriana 28 months and Tristan 9 months


Childhood Ambition: To be an artist or Olympic gymnast

Fondest Memory:  I always loved Christmas Eve, my sisters and I would all snuggle in my parents bed while my mom read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.  I've started the same tradition with my kids!

Wildest Dream:  I'd love to go ziplining in Hawaii!

Proudest Moment: Holding each baby skin to skin immediately after having natural births - the happiness, amazement, and relief I felt is a moment I will never forget! It's bringing a tear to my eye as I type...

Biggest Challenge: Raising a 2 year old ; )

Perfect Day: Would start off with breakfast in bed followed by playing outside with the kids and daddy, heading out for a run and then being pampered at a spa with a nice glass of white wine, ending with a yummy dinner and a sleep filled night! (and coming home to a sparkling house and sleeping children - is that to much to ask??)

First Job:  Babysitting the neighbourhood kids

Indulgence:  Chocolate and Ice Cream

Last Big Purchase: hmmm - our house?!

Favorite Movie or Favourite Sport?  I love to play field hockey

How long have you been a member of momstown Milton? 6 months

Describe your experience as a momstown member? I've loved every minute of being a momstown member!  There are multiple events each day so there is something for everyone.  I've met so many wonderful moms and babes, it gets me out of the house and keeps me sane!  The message board is such a great resource and the perfect place to let off some steam!

Mom of the Month: Angela Rozenveld - June 2012

momstown Milton : Mom of the month

Name:  Angela Rozenveld       

Age: 37 (38 in July)
Born In: Chatham Ontario

Children’s name and age:  Gabriel 7 months

Childhood Ambition:  I wanted to be on tv and be in the Olympics.  I was not very good at any particular sport but would watch figure skating and wanted to be one of those girls doing flips and twirls on the ice.

Fondest Memory:  My grandparents coming from the east coast every summer and Christmas to visit.  They would stay in my room (I had a double bed) and I loved their smell on my pillows after they left.   It was like they were still there.

Wildest Dream: Renting a scooter in all of these counties; Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Ireland, Scotland and France.

Proudest Moment:  Becoming a mom!  Second proudest, watching my husband become a father.

Biggest Challenge: Professionally, earning the respect of the old boys club.  It’s not easy being a woman in the corporate world; especially in Construction.

Perfect Day:  A day at the spa all by myself, followed by white wine and cheese.

First Job:  Scooping Ice Cream in Grand Bend Ontario

Indulgence:  Purses, bags & luggage, my husband calls me the bag lady.  I am even obsessed with all those reusable bags they sell at the grocery store.

Last Big Purchase: My stroller, I paid more for it then I did my first car!  It was a 1987 Honda Civic and I paid $750 for it!

Favorite Movie or Favourite Sport?  - Favorite movie is Rudy.  But football is not my favourite sport.  Baseball is my favourite.

Anything else you want to share?

I am humbled and honoured to be picked as mom of the month.  5 or 6 years ago I never even thought I wanted to be a mom, now look at me!  Momstown has made being a mom so much fun, and has introduced me to so many wonderful mammas and babies.  I am pretty sure I could have gone crazy on more than one occasion if it wasn’t for my Momstown network.  xoxo

Another fabulous resource brought to you from momstown!

Title: Is Time Out a Waste of Your Time?
Location: Webinar (virtual training)

Date: Thursday, October 20th from 2PM -3PM EST
Date: Monday, October 24th from 9PM – 10PM EST

Description:
momstown is excited to partner again with Amy McCready, founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, to offer a free live training webinar to our members!

The session is…Why Time Out is a Waste of Time! Amy promises that we’ll walk away with concrete discipline tools we can use the next day and see results. In fact, you’ll learn one of the all-time “parent favourite” tools for stopping any power struggle in its tracks. You can watch, listen and even interact with our host, Amy. Participants are not required to have a webcam, only a computer with speakers.

You'll love the way this webinar is structured. Amy is right there LIVE, a video image of her is in the upper left corner of your monitor the whole time. As she talks with you, you'll watch her PowerPoint presentation that is packed with valuable information. She'll also stop to answer our questions about difficulties and needs when it comes to getting our kids to listen.

You will also have the option to write in specific questions and she’ll address them, right there for you!

All you have to do is RSVP (sorry due to limited ‘seats’, you MUST register on positive parenting) (http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown) and then kick back and learn the proven strategies to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding or Yelling!

Have a friend(s) that are not momstown members that you think could benefit from this training? Please Invite Them Too! Just share this registration link http://www.positiveparentingsolutions.com/momstown!!

About Amy McCready:

Parenting expert Amy McCready is the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, which has empowered thousands of parents worldwide to correct their kids’ misbehavior without nagging, reminding or yelling. Amy is a frequent guest on the TODAY show and has also appeared on Rachael Ray, CNN, Fox & Friends, MSNBC, and elsewhere. A regular contributor to the TODAY Mom’s blog, Amy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.

momstown Milton Birthday Bash!

August is officially momstown's birthday since it is the month that our very first chapter - Burlington was launched 4 years ago! Since then, momstown has expanded to 18 chapters Canada wide with more openings being planned for 2012! our Milton chapter was lucky enough to be the first one to kick off this month long party celebration and it was a HUGE success! I couldn't believe the line up that started to form even before the event began!




The swag bags were full to the brim and our first 50 party goers got to take advantage of all of the amazing savings that were offered by our local and national businesses such as: Sharkey's,Our Kids Media, Life Choice Foods,Olivia Rose Designs, Snails n Pails, Clorox,Urban Sports Club, and sooo many more! Our members were not surprised because as a momstown mama, they get to take advantage of discounts everyday just by flashing their membership cards all over town : )



We literally kicked off the event with our Karate demo by Academy of Martial Arts. The parents and tots were taught some effective defensive moves to protect themselves from strangers and attacks.




After the work out, we took a 5 min break and allowed everyone to cool off and take a peek at reptiles and snakes that Safari Science had brought to showcase. It took some of us a bit of time to muster up the courage to pet them but after a few minutes, we all became life long pals! momstown organizes a variety of educational field trips that allow our children to learn about the animal kingdom. Check out our most recent trip where we visited Big Bird!




Wee Jam was up next with Julie leading our circle time with songs and instruments that got everyone movin and groovin to the beats. DYK that momstown Milton runs a monthly musical program where moms and tots learn new songs that focus around our monthly themes.





We made sure that even our youngest participants were kept busy and entertained by designating a Discovery Toys Infant play area for them to learn and explore through play and giving them the opportunity to socialize with other babes. DYK that momstown Milton has a weekly infant play group for this very reason!



The toddlers and preschoolers had a blast at the Dazzle Art table creating their own individual birthday hats. Crafts are a large part of the momstown Milton program. Look for our Crafty Critters program, Picasso's in the Park,Children's Book club to name a few!




Even at a birthday party core values such as sharing, lining up, taking turns, patience all came into play as the kids lined up to visit Kitsa of the Catwalk Girls to have make up or tattoos applications, taking a turn on the bouncy castle provided by the Dance Shop or to try out the gym equipment provided by Monkeynastix. We did have a few melt downs but that was OK at this event and all of our momstown Milton events. Our mamas band together to offer support and a helping hand so you don't have to worry about your child always being the perfect child! We offer support on our message board and schedule talks where we discuss and try to offer solutions to the every day challenges we face as moms!





No Birthday party is complete without the food, cake,and presents! A big shout out to Boston Pizza for supplying the all time favourite - Pizza, TA Bounce events for the yummy cotton candy, Oh Baby Child Safety Services for the water and juice boxes and Cakes by Tanith for the wonderfully decorated cake and cupcakes for our event!





Our prize table was stacked with over 20+ incredible door prizes from our very generous sponsors: President's Choice,Little Tikes, Smashbox, Maple Leaf, Greenworks,Hasbro,My Smart Hands, Isagenix,Once Upon a Child,Harmony Is and many more!Check out the winners to see if you recognize any of them!







A Big Shout Out to everyone that came out to our event! It was great catching up with the regulars and just as great getting to know all the new moms that dropped by to experience momstown Milton first hand. A special thank you to Carla from Creative Flash Photography for capturing the event! You can see more of her wonderful pictures by visiting our Face book Page. Don't forget to hit the "LIKE" button to keep up to date with our latest and greatest adventures!







I hope that you all had a fabulous time but just remember, it doesn't stop here. We arrange over 25+ events on a monthly basis where mom, babes, tots, and family get together. So what are you waiting for...come join the neighbourhood and get connected!