A Review and Giveaway from Mastermind Toys!

I'm so excited to be posting this giveaway from Mastermind Toys! Growing up in Scarborough, Ontario, our favourite store to visit (other than Stedman's in Haliburton during our summer cottage months) was Mastermind Toys in the Scarborough Town Centre. Unlike the toy aisles in Kmart (yes, I'm old) or Sears, which had distinctly separate rows of pink and blue, Mastermind Toys curated the best toys from around the world and marketed them to.....wait for it.....children!! Not boys or girls, but all children. There were science sets for any young person keen to see things smoke, bubble or explode. There were toy trains, tracks and miniature people for the kid eager to build a village, and of course, coveted items such as Skip It and Marbles (and remember Slap Bracelets?)

My mother loved Mastermind, because the majority of the toys were "educational" - in other words, they awakened creativity, enhanced fine motor skills and developed imagination. And bonus points for the fact that my brother and I were never the wiser :)

So when Mastermind contacted me about their new store opening in Barrhaven (71 Marketplace Ave., in Chapman Mills Marketplace), I was stoked! The Grand Opening will be July 10th - 13th, and there will be free loot bags for kids, a great offer from the store, cupcakes (Saturday Only), and giveaways! Staff will be on hand to help you with all your shopping needs, and complimentary gift wrap service will also be available all weekend.

Mastermind gave me one of their amazing summer-themed toys to try out with my girls. Most of the toys were for older ages (my girls are 20 months and 4 years old), so we chose to try the Kidnoculars. These are the only binoculars designed specifically for kids! The eyepieces are more than three times the size of ordinary binocular, and the perfect-fit goggles with placement guide enable kids to see up close.

The 20-month old was a little too young to appreciate the Kidnoculars, but my 4yo loved them! She ran around the backyard inspecting bugs, plants and spying on the neighbours :) These are certainly worth the $16.99!

As well, Mastermind is giving away a $50 Gift Card to one lucky recipient! Entering the contest is easy!

• Comment below with YOUR favourite toy that you had as a kid
• For a second entry, head to the Mastermind Toys website, and tell me which toy your kids would love for summer
• Winners need to pick up their gift card at the store

I will draw one name using Random.org at noon EST on July 9th, 2014. I’ll contact the winner via email at that time. Good luck! Comment #31 was the winner - congrats Jo!!

Halloween Activities for Families

by Natasha There are so many great Halloween activities that you can do with your whole family in Ottawa.  Here are the ones that our family loves to partake in.

Saunders Farm has a variety of activities for children of all ages.  You can go through the corn maze, visit the Big Sky Ranch animal display and explore their giant play structures.  For the younger kids, Saunders Farm has an interactive discovery barn.  Take the kids on the wagon ride and see what spooky things await for you in the forest.  The daytime cost is $18; you can save $2 if you purchase your advance tickets at Independent Grocer in Stittsville, Ross' Your Independent Grocer in Barrhaven and all three CD Warehouse locations.  Kids 2 and under are free.

Cannamore Orchard is a great place to bring your family and enjoy a wagon ride, the fog maze, the spooky village and they have a special kid’s spooky house.  Visit the Cannamore store to try an assortment of baked goods, apples and candy.  The have a special section for younger kids that has a special kiddie maze, play structures and an animal farm.  You can purchase a package deal or individual activities.

The Agriculture Museum is having a Barnyard Halloween party (for members only) from 10am to 2pm on October 29 and 30^th.  Get the kids dressed up in their costumes and enjoy a scavenger hunt through the barn and learn how to make candy apples and other delicious fall treats.  Kids can also decorate their own pumpkins to take home.  Admission is $2.00 and children under 3 are free.   You must pre-register for this event.

Gymboree is having their annual Pumpkin Patch Party on October 21, 22, 23 and 28. Get the kids dressed up and join the costume parade.  Enjoy some delicious Halloween treats and create a fun Halloween craft that the kids can take home.  You will need to call and reserve your spot.  If your child is enrolled in Gymboree classes the cost is $12, if you are not enrolled the cost is $15.

Miller’s Farm and Market has a great selection of fall fruits and veggies in their market.  Jump on the wagon ride and take the kids to pick their own pumpkin. It is also a great place to take some fall family photos.

Do you have any additional Halloween activities that you do with your family?

Natasha is a new mommy to her first born, Baby H. She runs ShopHaven, a blog that reviews products and profiles local businesses and individuals from the Ottawa area. Natasha is also the creative force behind ShopHaven Baskets; a highly customized gift baskets service.