momstown Milton Mother's Day Tea Party

As the rain pitter-pattered outside, the momstown Milton families arrived for a Mother's Day Tea Party at The Dance Class.

Greeted warmly and enthusiastically by momstown Milton's very own mama, Sam Kassam-Macfie, who looked just like a princess; sparkly dress, tiara and all, the party was off to a great start! Little toddler feet scurried into the expansive party area with excitement as babes in buckets were carried in gently by their mamas. A quick first glance and it was plain to see, this tea party could only be described one way: we were in for a momstown Milton extravaganza!

With so many astonishingly wonderful activities to choose from, the excitement coming from the little ones was positively palpable. Whether tossing or kicking balls around or twirling multi-coloured streamers (making their very own rainbow scene); the little ones were expending their energy to the fullest.

 

 

Moving into another room there was a section for little ones and their families to just relax and play. Or for those craving an artful adventure, the Artsy Mamas demonstrated how to make a "thumb print owl." Using a pre-cut tree (created from recycled materials - scrapbooking paper or wallpaper) set against a canvas background, the little ones would press their thumbs into an assortment of paint colours and create their very own striking forest scene.

Walking to another craft table, we saw Satinder Brar, Canadian Certified Counselor, provide a "hand flower" craft. On a sheet was a poignant poem symbolizing how children grow up so fast, the little ones stuck their hands in multi-coloured paints and pressed their palms down to create stunning flowers symbolizing their own family.

 

 

The next activity (planting an alyssum - "clear, crystal, white" flower), courtesy of Crawfords Garden Centre, was absolutely perfect for springtime. Using biodegradable pots, the little ones got some assistance as soil and the delicate white flowers were placed and patted down into the pot.

 

Then, it was time to settle down for circle time. Sam sang out (to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it"), "If you're listening to me, tap your head!" and soon fingers were tapping away. One at a time, Sam introduced the fantastic vendor participants who helped make the momstown Milton event a stellar one: 

Following the introductions, Sam, with tremendous energy and enthusiasm read aloud "Guess How Much I Love You?" Her voice carrying across the room, she lead the group in a very interactive and engaging storytelling experience. "Where are your ears?" Sam asked the little ones and at another point, stood up and got the little ones hopping up and down. Keeping with momstown's pillars, Sam made the learning experience a high energy one: showing toes and outstretching arms, the little ones sure had a workout during the reading!

Afterwards, song sheets were handed out and soon animated voices filled the air (to the tune of BINGO), "I love Mommy and she loves me and Mommy is her name-o. M-O-M-M-Y!" Clapping enthusiastically after their performance, the group then sang "Happy Mother's Day" (to the tune of Happy Birthday). Coincidentally, there were two people celebrating birthdays that particular day (Lisa and Addison) so the crowd was only too happy to wish them a happy birthday through the gift of song. 

With the abundance of energy still lingering in the air, the group moved to another room for a moving and grooving dance party led by Miss Ashley from The Dance Class! Little sons and little daughters dancing with their mommies, the beautiful and touching lyrics of the song about growing up, "turn around", filled the air.

 

After all of the dancing, it was time to enjoy the delicious snacks generously provided by the group. A feast for the eyes and the stomach. Lemolicious Fruit Tea from My Steeped Tea by Heather Williams was a light enjoyable refreshment. There was also fresh fruit; savoury samosas; chickpea bread; decadent brownies; tasty cookies and so much more!

 

 

To end the memorable momstown Milton event on a very high note,  draws were held for fantastic  prizes! Drum roll please for the winners... 

My Steeped Tea by Heather Williams - Shaunet 

The Lemonade Stand Millionaire Book by Gail Haynes (donated by Doug Hopkins of Sun Life Financial)  - Leanne and Jocelyn

Facial at Blue Room Spa - Lindsey

Simply Creative $20 gift certificate - Sharon

Shoeless Joe's Milton  $25 gift certificate - Maria  

Knapsack (donated by The Dance Class) -  Elisa 

Supperworks $50 gift certificate - Paula

Glamour Shots by Laurie Goodman Photography - Tracey 

Gift Basket ($50 value) from Doug Hopkins of Sun Life Financial - Aeysha 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And the best part? Everyone was a winner! Each partygoer got to take home a $10 coupon from Supperworks and a free kids meal coupon from Shoeless Joe's Milton.   

Raspberry Hazelnut Scone Recipe great addition to any Mother's Day Tea Party

Tea has long held a great meaning and significance in my family. As children, my mother would tell us how important it was for us to sit down together and enjoy a hot cup of tea. Our child version of tea would be mostly water, nonetheless, we would feel special as though we were a part of an exclusive experience. Congregating together on a Sunday afternoon wearing pretty clothes, we would sip tea and eat sweets. To this day, I'm very fond of the tea ritual and will create any excuse to pull out my tea set and get out my baking wear in the goal of ultimately spreading butter over a warm scone.

I'm sharing a recipe that have become an important part of my child-mother bonding relationship with my own children. 

Raspberry-Hazelnut Scone Recipe 

This recipe was given to me a lovely lady who attended a moms/babies gathering that I held years ago when my first child was 5 months old. Although we've moved away from that town, I'll never forget the moments of new mother bonding and yes, we even relaxed for a little bit as the babies played on the floor... 

dianasbakery.com 

Ingredients

1/3 cup hazelnuts

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking power

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt 

2/3 cup buttermilk 

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted 

3/4 cup fresh raspberries 

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly butter a large baking sheet. Toast the hazelnuts in a small cake pan for about 12 minutes or until fragrant and the skins blister. Transfer to a kitchen towel and rub the nuts together to remove the skins. Coarsely chop the nuts and let cool.

2. Raise the oven temperature to 400F. 

3. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking power, baking soda, salt and hazelnuts. In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and butter. Stir the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined. Scoop 8 equal spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

I hope you enjoy theses scones as much as I do!

 

Written by Liz Marques Kogan - a momstown Milton member and mother of 2. Her blog is: OrchidaForever.

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