Aden + Anais sale!

You know how we love to support local and Canadian made & designed goods for our little ones... but there are a few products that come from the far side of our borders that are worth taking a look at.  One I've discovered has become a personal favourite - Aden + Anais cloths & blankets for babes.  Developed by a couple of Australian Moms who moved to the US, they're made from an Australian muslin cotton that is amazingly soft, strong, and snuggly.  There's a sale on at Aden + Anais right now... Winter Warmth Swaddles and Dream Blankets on sale  for $20 (USD) off - now $29 and $39.  They do ship to Canada... or to the U.S. if you have someone down south who could use a little snuggle time.  www.adenandanais.com

April Issue on Streets Now!

April, our annual GREEN issue, is now on streets and shelves everywhere! Find cool, green finds, make your family eco-fit, your home eco-chic, and your kids eco-aware, plus much more! Go to www.westcoastfamilies.com to read online!

We love Kashi!

Haven't tried Kashi foods yet?  They're one of our favourite snacks & breakfast foods for families.... and Canadian too!  Now they're offering a FREE box of Kashi granola bars to anyone who asks.  Just go to www.kashi.ca and click on "Free Granola Bars".  The link is even easy to find on their website... no hidden icons or 50 questions!  Fill in your name & address and they'll send you a coupon for a FREE box in a few weeks.  easy.  

Spring Break? "Break" for who?!

Well, it may not feel like "spring is in the air"... but Spring Break is here again!  If you're not one of the lucky ones heading to some fun in the sun, it's ok!  We've got PLENTY of things for you to do right here in our own backyard.

A couple of tips from our experts to keep your kids from going stir-crazy, and to keep your sanity:

- make a calendar for the week.  Kids thrive on a little bit of structure, and like to anticipate what's coming next.  This will also save you from being asked the same questions over & over again!

- share child-minding with neighbours, family, friends, or school parent groups.  This is especially effective if you can't take the whole week off work.  

Now, for a few suggestions of what to do:

- Swimming, skating, skiing - it's the WestCoast... enjoy it!  Most rinks & pools will have expanded public schedules this week, and it's super cheap.  Less than $20 will buy you & your whole family hours of entertainment.

- Head to the Library - most libraries have special programs on this week . Reading programs, special events.  Check out their website or give them a call.

- Check out your local community centre, or YMCA.  They've got loads of day camps and drop in programs.  It may not be too late to sign up!  and typically these programs are really inexpensive compared to some private or specialty programs.

- Look at our local attractions - Science World, Vancouver Aquarium, Greater Vancouver Zoo, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Vancouver police Museum,  Burnaby Village Museum and the list goes on.  Most have family pass rates from $11-$30.  A great deal for a day of guided entertainment.

-  Check out your local regional parks - Burnaby Regional Park and Minnekhada Park in Coquitlam both have programs this week to explore nature.  

- Go to the theatre!  Spring Break kids theatre festivals are becoming a hot trend.  Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby, Arts Club Granville Island and Carousel Theatre in Vancouver all have kids theatre shows this week, including matinees.  Great opportunity to take in bit of live entertainment.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

Win FREE Movies Passes to MONSTERS vs. ALIENS

The Weird Will Save the World!! Starring the voice talents of Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd, Monsters vs. Aliens tells the story of how a 49-foot girl and her monster friends battle to save the earth from an invading alien robot! This is the first InTru 3D Movie from Dreamworks Animation. Visit www.monstersvsaliens.com for ratings info and to watch a preview. The preview takes place March 21, 2009 at 10:30 am in downtown Vancouver.

TO ENTER: Email info@westcoastfamilies.com and be sure to include your first and last name, mailing address, daytime telephone number, an alternate telephone number and the number of passes (up to four) you require.
DEADLINE: March 18, 2009

Protect yourself... and your family!

Check this out - Scam Jam!  This is really cool.  Scam Jam 2009 is a FREE educational forum & marketplace, where you can learn how to protect yourself, your kids, and your family from the latest frauds & scams.  Hosted by the BC Securities Commission, and the Better Business Bureau, these & other fraud protection agencies will provide you with tips, tools & information to keep you from becoming a victim.  Included is information on how to keep your KIDS safe on the social networking sites and the internet.  There is also an Exhibitor Marketplace to browse for related products & services.  plan to spend the day - you can never be too safe!  visit www.scamjam.ca for more information

Time: 1030am-3pm

At: Kwantlen Park Secondary School - 10441-132nd Street, Surrey

Register: call Susan at 604-685-7226 or email: scamjam@mbc.bbb.org