5 Great Places to Have a Birthday Party in Abbotsford

I am spending a lot of time trying to find a great birthday party place for my daughter this year. After a while I think I should just share all my hard work with my readers. This might help you make decision and save time. :)

1. Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery
Our family loves fishing. This is the first place that came to my mind. The PRICE is at $200 for up to 15 children. It is available year round.
•2.5 hours
•A guided tour of the hatchery
•Hands-on fishing instruction at their stocked ponds which I believe you probably will catch fish for sure.
•All the tackle and equipment you’ll need
•Fishing rod gift for the birthday child (FREE)
•Decorated party room
•They provide cups, plates, cutlery, napkins, and fishing equipment (bbq available)
•Please provide your own food, cake and candles
For more information: 604-504-4716

2. PRC Abbotsford
This can be a Swimming Party, skating Parties or Specialty Parties. Cost is between $99-160.
All parties include:
* A Party host * Balloon bouquet (balloon for each child) * Tableware (cups, plates, napkins and forks) per child
Three easy ways to book your party!
Look and book online by clicking on the facility name below your party choice or call the Party Hotline at 604-864-5517 or visit a PRC facility to book your birthday party.

3. Maan Farm
Farm and animals are always fun.
Farm Birthdays Include:
Attractions
* Visit the farm animals – Chickens, goats, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, peacocks, fancy pigeons, pigs, long horn rams, and sheep. * Play in The Fun Farm Yard play area – Tube slides, Giant wooden slide & giant sandbox, * Huge wooden play fort – Tire swings, swings and many small fort high houses and walk ways, high look outs etc. * Pedal go-carts with race track * Giant Inflatable Bubble Jump * Farm Tricycles. * Zip line (160 feet long) * Adults are welcome at no extra charge (2 max per child)
Private Party tent area: Exclusive for your use, in the center of all the action/attractions
Lunch: Hotdog or grill cheese, drink and carrots.
Cost+Offerings:
FARMtastic Party $160: (April 1st to July 31st)
FARMtastic party includes all the above farm offerings. Cost $160 for up to 8 Children and $13 for each additional guest.
A-maz-ing Party $195: (August 1st to October 31st)
A-maze-ing party includes Farmtastic party package plus seasonal day time Corn Maze and Pumpkin patch admission. Cost $195 for up to 8 Children and $15.00 for each additional guest.
FREE Invitations: If you would like to get started with your invitations today, here are some great free online resources – Smilebox, GreetingsIsland, & HLoom.

4. Play Abby
This is great indoor party. The kids will have a lot of fun running around. The price start from $125 - 340 depends on where do you want to host a party. If it is a private room, it would be more expensive.
Package includes playground admission, party gift, table settings & tablecloths in preferred colour and after party.

5. Castle Fun Park
There are 3 packages to choose from, Ultimate Party Package ($24.50 per Person (tax included)),Deluxe Party Package ($19.50 per Person (tax included)),Classic Party (Package$12.50 per Person (tax included)). All Party packages include

* A party host or hostess to serve and clean up after your party guests
* A reserved table for 1 1/2 hours in our party room set with everything you need
* Complimentary Coffee / Tea for all party parents
* Animated stage show that sings Happy Birthday and various other songs
* Storage area for presents and cake
* A special helium balloon for the Birthday Child

Have you ever hosted a party at one of these places? How was it? Or do you know any other great place?

What happening around Abbotsford this weekend July 17-19, 2015

Aldergrove Fair Days July 17-19, 2015. There will be parade, car show, world fast draw, championships, chili cook off, world zucchini luge, antique and garden tractor pull, artists' alley, midway spectacular entertainment, farm animals, dogs, air pistols, world class fun at salad-days of summer. This is their 103rd annual fair. This sounds like a fun activities for the whole family. We are planning to go check it out too.

Wood-Knot is having a grand opening on July 18th, 9 am to 5 pm. BBQ from 11 am - 3 pm. The address is at #8 - 34220 South Fraser Way. Check out more information at www.wood-knot.com

What to do in Abbotsford this week?

When?

Friday, May 19, 2015 from 4-8 pm.

What is it about?

McMillan Elementary Fun Fair.

Games, food, auction, bouncy course, face painting, climbing wall and more.

Where?

McMillan Elementary school.

---------------------------------------------

 

When?

 This Saturday, May30, 2015 from noon to 4 pm. 

What is it about?

Save on foods host a community celebration. There will be a unique interactive walk down memory lane, celebrating the rich heritage of this iconic BC company. Enter to win great prizes, interact with local community partners, enjoy entertainment and festivities.

Balloon Animals, face painting, henna painting, bouncy castle, Yale secondary band, food demos, on site freshly made Pakoras, birthday cake and hot dogs and many more.

Where?

West oaks mall/clearbrook location: 300-32700 South Fraser Way

Buying your first home in Canada? Ask the expert #RBCFirstHome

I remembered just over a year ago, we bought our first home. It was such a stressful decision. We don't have a lot of knowledge. Thankfully there is #RBCFirstHome Twitter Chats.

On April 21st at 8.30-9.30 pm ET, you can join Twitter chats asking all the questions that you have about first time buying. RBC experts will be on hand to answer all your questions. Not only that RBC has invited a Lawyer, Realtor, Design, Home Builders, Home Experts and Mortgage experts to participate as well. This is such an awesome opportunity for you.

Last but not least participate in our Twitter chat using #RBCFristHome and have a chance to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards! Come join us!

Love craft? Then don't miss this event, Got Craft?

Got Craft? Spring Edition is coming up May 2-3, 2015 at the Maritime Labour Centre. This year celebrating its 17th show with over 70 clothing, jewellery, food, home decor, and art vendors, and D.I.Y. workshops. This is Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair, Got Craft?

There will be 75 independent, local vendors with a variety of curated handmade goods ranging from jewelry, clothing, ceramics, stationary, housewares, toys, art, and more.

“We’re super excited to be returning to the East Village, one of favourite Vancouver neighbourhoods this May to celebrate our Spring show," says Andrea Tong-Tucker, one half of the husband-wife production team. “We’ll be bringing back some of our most popular workshops to the upcoming event such as hand lettering with legendary sign painter, John Lennig of Big Top Sign Arts."

Popular vendors Locomotive Clothing, The Beautiful Project (paper goods) and craft’ed (bookmarks, magnets, cards) will be back at the event this Spring. Nine year-old Noah Diguangco of EllaMinnoPea - who recently gave a TEDxKids talk about running his own business - will also be in attendance.

D.I.Y. lovers will be able to make their own craft projects at the workshops on site. Food from local trucks, handcrafted baked goods, and artisan chocolates are also on the menu!

There will be free swag bag for the first 50 people through the door each day. Admission is $3 at the door.

For more information, follow on their social media sites:

Facebook: Facebook.com/GotCraft

Twitter: @LFieldsShoppe

Instagram: Instagram.com/lfieldsshoppe

eWomenNetwork Vancouver Chapter hosts 6th annual Women's Success Summit

This coming week has an event for entrepreneurial men and women, the eWomenNetwork Vancouver Chapter.

Many business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals don't like networking. Yet they also know relationships can fuel business success and growth. And growth is so important to Vancouver's business community, including the many businesses in the city that are owned by women.

eWomenNetwork is a different kind of networking organization. Based in Dallas and founded by Sandra Yancey and husband Kym Yancey in 2000, eWomenNetwork produces over 2,000 women's business events annually through 118 U.S. and Canadian chapter, including a thriving Vancouver Metro chapter guided by its Executive Managing Director Felicia Lee.

The Vancouver chapter, with 150 members, was launched shortly after eWomenNetwork was founded in 2000.

eWomenNetwork connects female (and some male) business owners and professionals to one another and promotes their products and services via events and its website. It supports the growth of women owned-and-operated organizations by providing them access to resources and connecting them with others who have a shared passion for achievement and prosperity.

Unlike many other networking organizations, it is values-based, with a philosophy that you give to others first. In that spirit, eWomenNetwork runs a foundation in which local chapters give to charities of their choice.

Four years ago, Vancouver-based Marketing Strategist & Business Development Advisor Michela Quilici was a new entrepreneur who lacked a sustainable business model, hated sales, and was an introvert with a recovering speech impediment. Since joining eWomenNetwork, she has achieved a profitable consulting and coaching practice and her business has grown 25% annually. Michela is now a sought-after speaker and contributing author in a best-selling book series.

On this coming Tuesday, April 14th, Sandra Yancey will be in Vancouver to tell women how they can grown their businesses and poise themselves for "super-sized success."

Check out the VDO here: https://vimeo.com/96477153

Here's details:

6th annual Women's Success Summit

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 11:15am-3:00pm

The Arbutus Club, 2001 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver BC V6J 4A1

Sandra Yancey, Founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, will demystify five things all entrepreneurs need to know to change the course of their business and put them on path for super-sized success.

Registration link: http://bit.ly/1Dvox1D

The 2nd annual Healthy Family Expo 2015 is coming soon!

The 2nd annual Healthy Family Expo is coming soon. This amazing fun event will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Sunday March 29th from 10 am – 5pm. Lower Mainland families with kids aged 0- 12 will be offering small steps simple solutions to healthy, active, eco-friendly living.

There will be 100+ Exhibitors, lots of shopping and food sampling, and hybrid vehicle test-driving. My daughter is very excited for the biggest Active Kid Zone in the Lower Mainland. This including climbing wall, bouncing, giant hamster ball track, Tumblebus, run bike area, baby crawl zone and family fitness. Bobs & LoLo concerts will be at 11 am and 2 pm.

I am excited for the $10,000 Grand Prize Showcase, including a 1-year lease on a Toyota Prius.

First 200 attendees receive child day ticket to the Sea to Sky Gondola

Interested to go?

I wouldn't want to miss this. Grab advance tickets for only $8 online at www.healthyfamilyexpo.com/tickets, Whole Foods Market or London Drugs. Advance tickets are entered to win a 2015/2016 family season’s pass to Cypress Mountain, and $1 from each ticket sale supports the Canucks Autism Network.You can always pick up tickets at the door for $12 cash. Kids under 12 are FREE!

My post will not be complete without a giveaway. One lucky Lower Mainland residence will win a healthy family prize package valued at over $2000!

The prize package includes:

• Family Summer Season’s Pass (2 adults / 2 children) to Sea to Sky Gondola ($300 value)
• $50 gift card to Whole Foods Market from Toyota Canada
• $50 gift card to London Drugs
• 1-month Translink Farecard for one-zone travel by bus, SeaBus and SkyTrain services provided by TravelSmart ($91 value)
• Sliding area birthday party package for up to 8 kids at Cypress Mountain ($120 value)
• Starter package & 2-week service from Happy Baby Cheeks Cloth Diaper Service ($95 value)
• Family pass for 2-hour climb (2 adults / 2 children) at Climb Base5 ($93 value)
• AspenClean Whole Home Cleaning Kit from Susan Upton of RE/MAX Select Properties ($70 value)
• Sonicare electric toothbrush from PDG Pediatric Dental Group ($59.95 value)
• Annual perks membership to Modern Mama ($50 value)
• $50 gift certificate to Yaya Baby
• $50 gift certificate to Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity
• $50 gift certificate from BC Playthings
• WaterBox prize pack from Happy Water ($50 value)
• $50 gift certificate from UNDERABLES
• Love Child Organics gift pack full of pure, healthy delicious products ($50 value)
• Naked Coconuts trio including soy-free seasoning sauce, coconut nectar & coconut oil ($50 value)
• Summer 2015 kids bike camp gift pack from PedalHeads ($50 value)
• Ra Energy gift pack ($50 value)
• Just Jingo Body Botanicals gift pack including diaper/belly/nursing balms, and deodorant ($65 value)
• Gift pack including 2 dressings & CheeSauce from RawFoodz, and Brussel Bytes, Snip Chips and CocoRoons from Wonderfully Raw ($50 value)
• aden+anais cozy sleeping bag from Jill Parker of Little Dreamers Consulting ($53.99 value)
• $50 gift card for online shopping from VONBON
• Gnubees rainbow-pack from GnuSanté, including 15 pouches of your favourite lunchbox no-brainer! ($50 value)

Hurry! This giveaway runs from March 2nd to March 25th, 2015.
Enter through Rafflecopter below.

Winner will be announced at the Healthy Family Expo Facebook Party on Thursday, March 26th, 2015.

Bonus giveaways! 

Don't forget to join Healthy Family Expo Facebook Event. There are many flash giveaways running daily in March.


Families can stay connected with the Expo by

• Liking their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/HealthyF amExpo)

• Following them on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Health yFamExpo)

• Following them on Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/He althyFamExpo/)

• Visiting their website (www.healthyfamilyexpo.com)

Please note: Winner must collect all prizes at the Healthy Family Expo live event at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Sunday, March 29th, 2015 open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Multicultural Children’s Book Day #ReadYourWorld

If you follow my blog, you would know that my dad taught me to love reading. I would like to pass the love of reading to my children. I have learned so much from reading growing up. I am proud to be part of Multicultural Children's Book Day, January 17. Thank You to the Children’s Book Council for their contribution and support.

We received Baby Play book for review purpose. This is one of three books in the Baby Steps series geared to infants in the first year. This book is just right for my son since he is 9 months old. They have just released a new book, titled Look At Me Now! (Spring 2015 in the US) that celebrates the exciting milestones of toddler-hood. 

Let`s talk a little bit about Multicultural Children`s book day (MCCBD).

Mission of event and mention of co-founders

Despite census data that shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the multicultural Children’s Book Day, Mia and Valarie are on a mission to change all of that. Their mission is to not only raise awareness for the kid’s books that celebrate diversity, but to get more of these types of books into classrooms and libraries.

Another goal of this exciting event is create a compilation of books and favorite reads that will provide not only a new reading list for the winter, but also away to expose brilliant books to families, teachers, and libraries.

The co-creators of this unique event are Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. You can find a bio for Mia and Valarie here.

MCCBD’s 2015 Sponsors include:

Platinum Sponsors: Wisdom Tales Press, Daybreak Press Global Bookshop,  
Gold Sponsors:  Satya House,  MulticulturalKids.com,   Author Stephen Hodges and the Magic Poof,  
Silver Sponsors: Junior Library Guild,  Capstone Publishing, Lee and Low Books,  The Omnibus Publishing.  
Bronze Sponsors:Double Dutch Dolls, Bliss Group Books, Author Richa Jha,  Rainbow Books,   Author FeliciaCapers,   Chronicle Books   Muslim Writers Publishing ,East West Discovery Press.

Author Sponsors include:

Beautiful Rainbow World by Suzee Ramirez Lulu and the Very Big Meanies by Mac McGooshie, illustrated by Alexis Hogwood Real Street Kidz Multicultural Children’s Book Series by Quentin Holmes

OurCoHosts:

Africa to America

All Done Monkey

The Educators’ Spin on It

Growing Book by Book

InCultural Parent

Kid World Citizen

Mama Smiles

Multicultural Kid Blogs

Sprout’s Bookshelf

First Book

We’re also partnering with First Book to offer a Virtual Book Drive that will help donate multicultural children’s books through their channels during the week of the event. We want to help get diversity books into the hands of kids who most need it and now we have a way to do it! The Virtual Book Drive is LIVE and can be found HERE.

Children’s Book Council:

MCCBD is collaborating with Children’s Book Council to highlight wonderful diversity books and authors on an ongoing basis all year.

 

About this book I received:

Author Bios:
Shanda LaRamee Jones is the Provincial Coordinator for Read to Me! Nova Scotia’s Early Reading Promotion Program. She has a passion for supporting early learning and has her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education in Literacy from Mount Saint Vincent University.

She has created many tools to support early learning, including parent resources, on-line reading tips and a music & rhyme CD for babies. She lives in Halifax with her husband and son.

Carol McDougallCarol has been bringing books and babies together for over 30 years as a children’s librarian, writer and editor. She was past librarian for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, has chaired the Canadian Library Association Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrators Award committee, and was juror for the 2006 Governor General’s Literacy Award for children’s fiction.

She received the Mayor’s Award for Cultural Achievement and the Canadian Progress Club Halifax Cornwallis Women of Excellence Award for her work in early literacy. She is Director of Read to Me! Nova Scotia’s Early Reading Promotion Prograam andlives in Halifax.

Don`t miss out on our news.
- MCCBD now has it's own Paper.li! A Paper.li is a free online newspaper that aggregates information on the topic of multicultural books for kids from all over the Internet. Please feel free subscribe and stay up-to-date with this topic.
- Follow on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/MulticulturalChildrensBookDay
- Follow on Twitter : https://twitter.com/MCChildsBookDay

Our Diversity Book Lists and Resources for Educators and Parents is now available. Check out more details by follow the link here: http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/multicultural-reading-resources/diversity-book-lists-for-kids/

Vive les Voyageurs: French-Canadian Festival at Fort Langley

Fort Langley is having an event call Vive les Voyageurs. It is an event about French-Canadian culture that made 19th-century Fort Langley so unique. Come to learn a Métis dance, try your hand at finger-weaving then sample some tasty bannock and butter after the baking presentation. Fill up on delicious maple taffy and poutine all the while listening to live Voyageur-style music. 

The event will be on Jan. 24—25 from 10am—5pm. There will be an ongoing daily activities include Métis dances presentations and French-Canadian music performances, crafts, and finger weaving. 

Admission fees is $7.80 per adult. If you have an annual pass, it will be free for you. Interested to purchase an annual pass? It is only $39.20.

First Night Family New Year's Eve Party

I think this is the first year that Tradex has a First Night Family New Year's Eve Party. Seems like there will be a lot of fun for tonight. Our family is planning to be there. Anybody interested? We will see you tonight!

The party will start from 5pm to 12:00am

Admission: $10.71 General Admission. Children 4 & Under are Free.

No ticket yet? No worry, there will be tickets for sale at the door.

The admission is already included : Midway Rides, Fireworks, East & West Countdowns, Mini Golf, Rock Wall, Live Entertainment, DJ & MORE!

There will be Food & Beverage (Non Alcohol) for sale.

Parking is FREE.

Here are all the rides included in admission:

No children under 36" or under 2 are allowed to ride. This is for safety reasons & insurace purposes.

Choo Choo Charlie - min. height 36"

Monkey Spin - min. height 42"

Monster Trucks - min. height 42"

Super Jet Coaster - min. height 36"

Impact Zone (Bumper Cars) - min. height 36" to ride, min. 48" to drive

Sizzler - min. height 42"

Spring Ride (drop tower) - min. height 42"

Zero Gravity - min. height 42"