Shop Together, Save Together

So first it was sale websites like Gilt, Hautelook and Rue La La.

And while I still visit these sites regularly at 11am daily, I am currently obsessed with group buying sites.

Recently, the Montreal marketplace seems to have become invaded with sale sites like Living Social, Groupon and PriceDodger. Oh, and don't forget about One Spout which rounds them all up in one neat email.

And while there are only so many massages, dinners and gym classes one can purchase, there seems to be a void in the market when it comes to moms.

At least, there was a void in the market.

Launching this spring, DealSpark is bringing family-friendly discounts to moms throughout Montreal. They already have secured partners like Geordie Productions, Rose Bowl Lanes, Apple Cheeks which are sure to take a load off our budgets.

You can find out more about DealSpark here. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter so you know when the deals are ready to be had.

Caillou (& Hannah) Loves Winter

With forecasts for the weekend weather dropping way below zero, I'm already thinking about how to keep Hannah busy and warm.

While we seem to have made the most of Montreal's indoor family friendly activities (we finally tried Kidnasium last weekend), there is one I would definitely consider revisiting.

The Biodome.

We went on New Year's Day and Hannah and her best friend had an absolute ball. From walking through the different environments to enjoying their unique animals and entertainment (slides, egg seats & play areas) it was a morning of pure fun.

But best of all, they loved the Caillou Discovers Winter section. With a live daily storytelling session and a totally kid-friendly play area, this addition was truly the icing on the cake.

The play area had dress up penguin and bear costumes, an igloo tent, an icy slide and plenty of huge ice cube blocks for building. While we could have stayed all day, nap time quickly approached and the long drive home was a relaxing one for all of us.

Here's just a glimpse at some of the fun awaiting if you decide to head east this weekend, (btw, the exhibit ends February 6 so better hurry while it lasts):

The Place of Religion

For those of you with kids in Montreal CPE daycares you have probably heard about the government's recent ruling to ban religion in subsidized daycares.

The decision has left our house feeling uncertain about Hannah's education.

As of June 1, over 100 daycares in the province will have to change their procedures to fit the new guidelines. But, from what I know those guidelines seem quite blurry. If it's ok to have a Christmas tree or light a menorah on chanukah, why is it not ok to teach kids' hebrew songs?

There is a very fine line between "teaching" and "observing". Don't young children need to be taught traditions and rituals in order to observe?

We attended Hannah's weekly Shabbat party at school this morning, as she was chosen to be Ima at school. It was so nice to see how she is learning about her religion and interacting with her peers in a Jewish environment.

I take some comfort in the recent letter put out my CJA. Looks like the fight isn't over just yet.

Montreal Mom Groups/Free Activities

Hi Montreal Moms,

I am putting together an article for www.sweetspot.ca about Montreal playgroups and free activities for babies.
Would love to hear of groups, workshops and mom cafes that you attend. I'm open to anything including library classes, playgroups, fitness groups and more.

Thanks so much!

Attention all Montreal Moms of 3-6 year olds!

We are looking for children and their mothers to participate in a FUN focus group in February to take place in the West End.

This non-invasive, confidential focus group will feel more like an afternoon activity as your kids participate in an educational and entertaining activity.

If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 6 years old and would like to participate please email lauren.cracower@gmail.com to fill out an application form.

All selected candidates and their children will be compensated for their time.