November 12, 2010

November Goodie of the Month: The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada

The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada was, without a doubt, a charity we wanted to feature on “Goodie of the Month”. Their passion and dedication in fulfilling children’s dreams that are faced with life-threatening illnesses is inspiring. We were thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with Sandra Gregory & Leslie Hughes of The Children’s Wish Foundation. Our Q & A (listed below) allowed us to gain a deeper awareness of the foundation’s values and goals. This foundation truly embodies the meaning of creating treasured memories for children and their families. Making a dream come true is as simple as providing a donation, becoming a wish hero, volunteering or referring a child.



LPG: Please explain briefly about the history of The Children's Wish Foundation such as, how and when the charity was started and who and or how they help children:

Children's Wish: Since 1984, The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada has worked tirelessly to grant exceptional wishes to over 16,000 children and their families. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Wish.

Laura Cole, the committed and passionate founder of the Children’s Wish created an all-Canadian organization to help fulfill wishes of children between the ages of 3 and 17 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

We understand the trauma and stress that overwhelm families when a child has a serious illness. Therefore, we do everything in our power to look after every detail in granting wishes. For example, if the child’s wish is for a trip, we arrange for flights, accommodation, passes, Blue Cross travel insurance, per diems and trans
portation. We enlist the help of nurses and other medical personnel when their expertise is required. We also arrange for respirators, wheelchairs and other special medical equipment when the need arises. Our staff are on call 24 hours a day should the wish family need assistance or have an emergency situation. The magic of a wish provides children and their families with an opportunity to share the joy of a special experience, and an escape from the day-to-day challenges of illness.

LPG: What makes The Children's Wish Foundation unique?

Children's Wish: The Children’s Wish Foundation is an all-Canadian organization with offices in every province. We have never refused a wish to an eligible child, and we never will.

LPG: What is the number one thing that you want people to know about this charity?

Children's Wish:
I think that the number one thing for Children’s Wish is that we have NEVER refused an eligible child their wish ever. Also, I think we work really hard to be the number one wish granting charity in this country. We will continue to do that. We exist because of the children. We are here, all of us, to make sure that e
very eligible child in Canada receives their most heart-felt wish.

LPG: What goals do you want to achieve as a cha
rity now and in 5 years?

Children's Wish: For us, it is about the granting of wishes to children that have life threatening illnesses. We strive to bring that magic to a child and their family.

LPG: Lastly, how can people help support the Children's Wish Foundation?

Children's Wish: We rely entirely on the generosity of our donors and volunteers to grant our children their wishes.

To learn more, or to make a donation, please visit www.childrenswish.ca or call us at 1-800-267-WISH (9474.).

November 11, 2010

November Activity of the Month: Connect Four



Why this activity? At every event this game is always a huge hit. Why??? Well, there must be a reason that this game has existed since 1974 and children of all ages absolutely love playing Connect Four! It’s a great game that captures children’s attention allowing them to use their thinking skills without being aware of it!

Skills children can learn through this game: Children develop their problem solving skills and patience by playing Connect Four as they each take turns placing their coloured disc through the 7 column grid. Their cognitive abilities and mathematical skills are challenged as players have to predict what their opponent will do and where they will place their disc. Each player is engaged in strategic planning as they decide their next move. The winner will have comprised a group of the same 4 coloured discs in a row.

For children ages 2 ½ and older, this game allows them to use their fine motor and coordination skills, as they grab a disc or two and try placing it in an open slot. Cause and effect is another component that children can learn at the end of the game. This is also one of the most exciting parts of playing. One person has to pull the bottom bar underneath the gird and release all of the discs. As a result, the discs will fall all over the place and make a loud banging sound that children find so much fun!

Ways to modify the game for children: 1. Make the game into a race and whoever places of all of their coloured discs into the slot first wins. 2. Have free play! Allow children to play alone and experiment with patterns and design. For example, red red black, black red black or red black red black...what comes next? 3. Transform the coloured discs into mathematical counters as they help children learn their numbers!

Where can you buy this activity? Wal-Mart, Zellers, Toys R Us, the Bay, Sears and several other retail stores that sell children game products.

Suitable ages: Although the Connect Four box advises parents with children ages 4+ to play the game, children ages 2 ½+ could play a modified version of this game with parental supervision of course!

***Please note: Younger children will need adult assistance and supervision during this activity as small objects (discs) are included and may be a choking hazard! ***

October 22, 2010

October Activity of the Month: Halloween Scarecrow


Why this activity? Planning for Halloween is very exciting for most children as they get to decorate their house all spooky, carve a pumpkin, wear a fun costume and go trick or treating! Involving children in Halloween activities such as, making a wooden spoon scarecrow craft to decorate the inside or outside of your house can be very entertaining. Children love to show others especially their friends the crafts they created!

Items you will need: A large wooden spoon, wooden shish-ka-bob skewers/coloured pipe cleaners, scraps of fabric (i.e. cotton, felt), construction paper, markers, yarn, 2 googly eyes, pom-poms, feathers and glue.

Where can you buy the items? Wooden spoons can be purchased at your local dollar store or can be found in your kitchen (recycle your kitchen utensils). The craft supplies can be found at Michaels, various dollar stores or any other art & craft stores.

Suitable ages: 5 1/2 years old to12 years old. This craft can be modified to make it suitable for children under 5 years old.

***Please note: Adult assistance and supervision during this craft for children ages 5 years and younger is a must! ***

September 1, 2010

King City - Private Residence: Wedding Child Care

On August 28, 2010 we had 2 events the same day working with Spectacular Spectacular & Devan Events! One event was held at a private residence with all girls and 1 boy and the 2nd event was at the Gardiner Museum with all boys and 1 girl! Both events were tons of FUN!!! One consisted of lots of arts and crafts and dress-up fun while and the other had car racing competitions and lots of play-dough making...can you guess which event was which???

For the event that was held at a private residence, we were given one room to transform into the children’s room...images are posted below, let us know what you think!



Riverbend Inn & Winery: Wedding Child Care

Can you believe it summer is gone and now on to fall? June to August was incredibly busy over here at Little Party-Goers. Our weekends were fully booked with amazing new clients, events and adorable children who just wanted to have fun partying....and of course we need just that!

In the next week few weeks we’ll be posting pictures from our super summer fun events! A big shout out to all of the wonderful event professionals & venues that we had a pleasure working with: Spectacular Spectacular, Bliss Events, Cynthia Martyn Events, Savoir Flare, One Fine Day, Alicia O'Brien, Devan Events, Graydon Hall Manor, Langdon Hall, Gardiner Museum, ROM, Four Seasons Hotel, Ancaster Mill, PeterandPauls, Le Jardin, Boiler House, Mimmo and Naz, Crimson Photos and Nikki Leigh McKean! Also a big THANK YOU to all of our LPG staff for their amazing work and team spirit!

Here are a few images from Riverbend Inn & Winery...we transformed a suite into a playroom!Comments always welcomed!


Our craft table for children under 3.5 years old...


Our craft table for children 4 years old and up


Our baby and toddler play area...


For preschoolers to school-age children!

August 2, 2010

August Activity of the Month: Kidsports


Why this activity? I don’t know about you but if I was a kid I would love to go to an 18,000 square foot indoor playground filled with a 3 level maze with tunnels and slides... Oh let’s not forget the 2 large ball pits that children can jump in while having tons of fun! There’s even an area called “Wee Challenge” for children really young who want to have fun too! If this doesn’t sound exciting I don’t know what does? Kidsports is the perfect place to take your children on a rainy day or even host a birthday party at, as they’ll have an amazing time and won’t want to leave!

Items you will need: A pair of socks is a MUST, no outside food and an adult for supervision....that’s all!

Suitable ages: 1 years old to 12 years old... although I saw a few adults trying to fit their bodies in the maze that’s made only for children in hopes that they could join in on the fun!

Where is place located?
Kidsports
4500 Dixie Rd. #8, (Dixie & Eglinton)
Mississauga, On
905.624.9400
www.toronto.com/kidsports

Hours of operation: Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm

Mimmo&Naz: Unique Photography & Cinematography

Image courtsey of Mimmo and Naz

This post is way over due however we could not forget to thank Mimmo and Naz for providing Little Party-Goers with the images posted above. Back in June we had the opportunity to work together with Mimmo and Naz at a wedding! Mimmo is a talented photographer, his style in capturing images is absolutely amazing, unique and candid. Naz on the other hand is an incredible cinematographer who captures memories through his super 8mm camera lens...his video’s remind you of the film taken in the 1950's and 60’s ....absolutely love!

For more information about Mimmo and Naz visit:

Website: http://www.mimmoandnaz.com/
Blog: www.mimmoandnaz.com/blog

F.A.O. Schwarz: The Greatest Children Store

A few months ago I had the pleasure of visiting F.A.O. Schwarz a children’s store extraordinaire in New York City. This place is fabulous, definitely a perfect place to bring your child or visit if you’re in New York City.... from large animals and I mean LARGE from floor to ceiling stuffed animals, tables filled with bubble gum, every type of candy you can imagine (chocolate covered cookie dough .... so yummy), an aisle filled with princess/ballerina dresses, a room filled with everything LEGO and last but not least the most coolest thing ever a LARGE floor piano that you can dance on!!! This place is SO exciting not only for children but for adults as you won’t want to leave once you step foot in there...I didn’t!

Below are some pictures of the coolest children store EVER F.A.O –Schwarz....ENJOY!


F.A.O-Schwarz.... and of course being silly outside the store!



The first floor of the store (in the back) is filled with candy everywhere...



One aisle of all princess dresses...every type of style & colour you could imagine!

The amazing BIG Dance Piano....so much FUN!

June 21, 2010

Goodie of the Month: The Robert Hampson Tabs for Kids Fund

Robert Hampson with 806 pounds of pop tabs

Robert Hampson is the definition of inspiration. He is the perfect example of what determination is all about…he dreams big and never lets anything stop him from achieving his goals. This is exactly why The Robert Hampson Tabs for Kids Fund had to be Little Party-Goers Goodie of the month.

At the tender age of 4 Robert was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor which caused him to lose his eyesight. Robert was determined to not allow this to be an obstacle and continued pursuing his dreams.

At the age of 5 Robert was introduced to the idea of raising money by collecting pop tabs in order to make wheelchairs. His desire to help his friends in wheelchairs, resulted in the creation of The Robert Hampson Tabs for Kids Fund.

After spending 8 years collecting millions of pop tabs, Robert finally bought his first wheelchair. In 2005 President’s Choice Children’s Charity partnered with Robert in order to help him find children to donate the wheelchairs to. Since then The Robert Hampson Tabs for Kids Fund has bought 3 wheelchairs, a van lift and an accessible bathroom set up!

***Just a reminder to save your pop tabs in order to help support The Robert Hampson Tabs for Kids Fund or contact Little Party-Goers and we’ll be happy to collect and deliver your tabs to Robert.***


(Left Image) Getting money for tabs (Right Image) 800 pounds of tabs

Here are some questions that we asked Robert:

LPG: What do you love most about your charity?

Robert: I love knowing that children who need a wheelchair or other piece of adaptive equipment will get what they need. A child shouldn’t go without equipment just because he/she can’t afford it.

LPG: What is the number one thing you want people to know about you and your charity?

Robert: This is a charity where anyone can help no matter their age or ability. It is about kids helping kids.

LPG: What goals do you want to achieve and where do you see your charity in 10 years?

Robert: In ten years I would like the charity to be like it is now, but if for some reason I cannot keep collecting tabs and running it, I would like a group of kids to keep it running. A goal I have for the charity is to have collection centres all around Canada so even more people can help.

For more information please visit:
http://www.poptabsforwheelchairs.ca/

June Activity of the Month - Pet Rock - Craft

Pet Rocks


Why this activity?
When you were a child did you ever think about how cool it would be to have a pet monster, monkey, ladybug or even a dog but your parents would never let you? Well guess what? Now you and your children can make your imaginations into reality by using a rock to create your dream pet! It’s fun, creative and most importantly a craft that you can keep forever, while remembering that odd pet faze you went through as a child.

Items you will need: Rocks (various sizes), glue (white glue and possibly glue gun), markers, jewels, glitter, googly eyes, various fabrics (i.e. cotton, felt, foam), feathers, fur material and any other unique items that you would like to use for your pet.

Where can you buy the items? Rocks can be found at any craft store, dollar store or at any beach or park. The craft supplies can be found at Wal-Mart, Zellers, Michaels, various dollar stores and art & craft stores.

Suitable ages: 3 years old to12 years old. This craft can be modified to make it suitable for younger children to engage in.

***Please note: Adult assistance and supervision during this craft for children ages 6 years and younger is a must! ***

May 9, 2010

Goodie of the Month: Jennifer Klementti Photography - Child and Family Photos

We are happy to announce a new monthly posting on our blog called our LPG Goodie of the Month!

Similar to our LPG Activity of the Month that focuses on different child friendly crafts and activities, our Goodie of the Month will primarily showcase various companies, charities and professionals in the child, family and or event industry! We hope you enjoy our new monthly "goodie" as it's a treat for everyone!

Without further due we introduce our first LPG Goodie of the Month:

Jennifer Klementti, is a talented photographer who specializes in capturing life's precious moments. LPG was delighted to experience Jennifer's work first hand as she shot our first photo shoot! In addition to her charming personality, she loves what she does and always makes her clients feel comfortable. Enjoy our Q&A with Jennifer and images of her work below!


LPG’s – Q# 1: Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you decided to start your own business?

Jen’s – Answer: I have always loved photography as a hobby, and it was through living abroad in Europe & studying language that I became enamoured with the camera as a tool of expression. I would always have my camera in hand while traveling through Europe. I loved to photograph the streets, people, buildings, cityscapes & landscapes. I found that the language of photography was not confined to words and sentences. Photography is a beautiful blend of art, intuition & poetic expression. After returning from Europe I attended Teacher’s College & then taught French & Spanish for 3 years at a secondary school. However, I still continued to develop my photographic talent & abilities. I decided to resign my position as a teacher, and drove out west to Victoria, BC to attend The Western Academy of Photography, where I completed a diploma in Professional Photography. I started my business in 2003, when I opened my studio in a beautifully renovated century home in the heart of downtown Barrie. Since opening my studio, I have been so happy to work with clients from Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, across Canada, The United States, The UK & New Zealand.

LPG’s – Q #2: What do you love most about your job?

Jen’s – Answer: I love the people that I get to work with. I love my brides & grooms, my families, the entrepreneurs & business people that I have the wonderful opportunity to photograph. It is truly so amazing to build a great relationship with all of my clients. I usually get to know many of my clients on a personal level, and I can share with them the joy of the journey of their lives...It is always an honour for me to be chosen to document the special moments in their lives! Many of my portrait clients will come to me for family portraits every 1-2 years, so it’s just amazing to build a connection with them & to see their kids as they grow. I often have long lasting relationships with many of my corporate clients as well, and it’s great to share in their successes and to produce images to capture the essence of their business from year to year. And, on top all of this, it is truly wonderful that my clients are so happy with the collection of images that we produced & they share that emotion with me...I love the tears of joy as I have presented the final collection of newborn images to a new mom, the hugs & the gratitude, and the excitement of my brides & grooms as they look through their custom designed wedding album...nothing could make me happier than to be able to give this gift of love to my clients. Really this is what photography is all about for me...I want to be able to celebrate the art of your life!

LPG’s – Q #3: What is your style of photography?

Jen’s – Answer: My visual style is modern yet classic, emotional & elegant. I always strive to produce honest, beautiful and real images for my clients with a fine art flair. Often my clients will tell me that I have truly captured the personality of their kids, or that I have captured the emotion of a moment from a wedding or event that will be cherished forever. My work portrays the vignettes of life with each photo telling a story. I love to collaborate with my clients so that I am best able to capture who they are. I have a very relaxed and natural approach. I like to have fun with it!

LPG’s – Q #4: What makes you and your business unique?

Jen’s – Answer: What makes me unique is the story & journey of my life, and the collection of experiences that made me the artist that I am today. What makes my business unique is that I strive to create the most inspired images for all of my clients, and that I collaborate with them to produce the art of their lives. It is my great attention to detail & my high level of personalized service that sets my studio apart.

LPG’s – Q #5: What are your goals for the future and where do you see yourself & your business in 5 years?

Jen’s – Answer: My studio has grown so much, that I am currently looking for a larger space to accommodate all this growth. On top of the work that I produce for my clients, I have also been producing more personal work. It has been so busy over the past 7 years in business, that I did not have much time to continue producing my personal fine art photography for exhibition. My goal in 2010 is to get back on track and dedicate time to continue building my fine art catalog. I am currently working on my JKP Fine Art Website which will also be launched in 2010. I will be moving into a new studio space in 2010 that will also have a storefront boutique & gallery to showcase my fine art photography. This new studio space will also provide more options for my in-studio portraiture & client consultations. It’s all very exciting! My real estate agent & I have been busy this spring searching out the perfect studio/gallery space. Please check back to my blog at http://www.jenniferklementti.net/ over the next couple of months to find out about what’s happening. As well, for many years my clients have been requesting lessons & workshops. In the summer of 2010, I will be starting to teach workshops as well. I see myself in 5 years continuing to provide excellent products & service to all of my JKP Portrait, Wedding & Corporate clients, and adding even more amazing options & services. It will be an art-filled journey that I am looking forward to sharing with all of my amazing JKP clients, family & friends.
Jennifer Klementti Photography
Celebrate the Art of Life TM

www.jenniferklementti.com


Hope you enjoyed our first Goodie of the Month!
XOXO
Maria

May 8, 2010

LPG's Photo Shoot

Two weeks ago we had the pleasure of working with the talented Jennifer Klementti from Jennifer Klementti Photography for our first LPG photo shoot! Jennifer did a fabulous job capturing what Little Party-Goers is all about! The photo shoot took place at Todmorden Mills Park which is a perfect spot to host a child’s outdoor birthday party or even just have a picnic with your family!

Our photo shoot setup was simple, fun and creative. It included a picnic table decorated exactly the same way as it is for any of our indoor or outdoor events. We had three adorable children as our little model guests who got to engage in various crafts and activities including crown making, bag decorating, bubble fun, flower planting and lastly sweet tooth sugar fun! Now who doesn’t love eating cupcakes, bubble gum, jube jubes, sour keys and gummy bears???? Our little model guests sure did, they all had sugar overload especially after eating those yummy beautiful cupcakes made by Lori Hutchinson from The Cakestress!

We would sincerely like to thank Jennifer Klementti and Lori Hutchinson for their time and talents!

Stay tuned for our upcoming Q&A Feature of the Month with Jennifer Klementti!

Kind Regards,

Maria







THE END....Hope you enjoyed our pictures!!!!

XOXO

April 15, 2010

April Activity of the Month

T-Shirt Decorating


Why this activity? Who doesn’t like paint, jewels and glue and the freedom to express themselves without being told exactly how? Well, this craft does just that, as children get to be little artists decorating their own shirt(s). There are no rules for this craft...just let the child have fun expressing their creativeness. You will be amazed by what children are able to create. Through their design you will also get a sense of how their little minds work. To modify this craft for children under 2 ½ years old you can have children decorate their shirts by doing finger painting and or hand prints...a perfect keepsake craft!

Items you will need: Plain white t-shirt, glue (fabric glue works best), permanent markers, jewels and fabric paint (various colours available, glitter, glow in the dark, metallic etc...).

Where can you buy the items? You can find the t-shirts at any children's clothing store including Zellers, Walmart, The Bay and Sears. Fabric paint and glue can be found at Walmart, Zellers and or any art and craft sore such as Michaels or Deserres.

Suitable ages: 12 months to 12 years old.

***Please note: Younger children will need adult assistance and supervision during this craft!***

March 2, 2010

March 'Activity of the Month'

Cardboard Box Theatre


Picture from: Shepherd, N. (2006). My Ultimate Art Class. New York: DK Publishing, Inc.

Why this activity?
This craft is fun and very interactive as children learn how to engage in an activity while collaborating with others to create a unique theatre! Children can pretend to be different characters and experiment with their imagination and ideas of reality vs. make belief. Also, this craft can help foster children's social skills by presenting in front of an audience. As a result children may feel a sense of empowerment &/personal accomplished!

Items you will need:
Medium or large size cardboard box (varies on the size of the puppets), felt, tissue paper, material (i.e. silk, cotton, suede, leather), yarn/string/ribbon, construction paper, makers, paint, glitter, jewels, clothes pins, glue (hot glue-optional), tape, stapler and scissor(s).

Where can you buy the items? The cardboard box you can get from any grocery store and or any leftover/unused boxes at home!

Suitable ages:
2 ½ years old to 12 years old.

***Please note: younger children may need help by an adult &/an older child when creating Cardboard Box Theatre! ***

February 2, 2010

February 'Activity of the Month'

Finger & Paper Bag Puppets




Why this activity? This craft allows children to be creative and use their imagination while making any object, person or animal they want. Making a finger &/ paper bag puppet is a great way to get children to use their fine motor skills by cutting, colouring, gluing and using their hands and fingers to move their puppets!

In addition, this activity allows children to interact with others since communicating is a key component to engaging in this activity!

Items you will need: Felt, foam, paper bag(s), glue, scissor(s), paint, jewels, construction paper, stickers, glitter, googly eyes (optional), various types of material (i.e. silk, cotton, suede), tooth picks/popsicle sticks (optional) &/ clothes pins.

Where can you buy the items? Any dollar store or art store (i.e. Michaels or Deserres) and/ recycled home items.

Suitable ages: 2 ½ years old to 12 years old.

***Please note: younger children may need adult assistance with craft!***

January 28, 2010

Activity of the Month: Keepsake Box

We are happy to announce that we will be posting a new monthly feature called: Activity of the Month!!!

We will be showcasing various activities that we have found children really enjoy, including but not limited to arts, crafts, toys, board games, outdoor & indoor activities, places to visit (i.e. fun parks, theatrical plays, child concerts etc...), and music & dance activities!

We encourage parents and child care providers to try our ‘Activity of the Month’ and share your experience with us by posting a comment on our blog.
We hope you enjoy our new blog feature!

Our ‘Activity of the Month’ for January is: Keepsake box


Why this activity? We have found that children and adults LOVE this activity because it is multi-purposed. Children can use their imagination and create a box that can be used as a treasure chest, jewellery, time capsule and or keepsake box. Children can decorate their box any way they wish....there is no wrong...it’s all about having fun while being creative!

Lastly, this activity will be treasured for a very long time, as it can also be used as a present given by a child to parents, siblings, friends and or family members!

What is this? It can be a wooden/plastic/cardboard/foam box.

Where can you buy this? Any dollar store or art store (i.e. Michaels or Deserres)

Items you will need: -a keepsake box, glue, scissors, paint, jewels, construction paper, stickers, glitter, beads and or dry macaroni (fun to decorate with)

***(please note that the items listed above are optional to use)***

January 27, 2010

The Wedding Co. Show - Jan. 15 -17, 2010

We would like to thank everyone that came to see us last week at The Wedding Co. bridal show that was held at the beautiful Carlu.

We enjoyed meeting everyone that came to visit our booth including brides, grooms, event planners, graphic designers, photographers, cake decorators, DJ’s and of course all of the talented vendors that were part of the show.

In addition, we had great time exhibiting, while we received lots of positive feedback from people who simply LOVED our services...thank you!

We look forward to working with everyone soon!

Maria
Little Party-Goers booth display
...and some of the arts, crafts & activities we offer!

We can be your life savers...please take a card & contact us!


Me (Maria), Sara Dell (our booth neighbour) & Christina (LPG employee)

If you are looking for an amazing singer for your event, hire Sara Dell, she has an incredible voice!!!


Some more LPG employees...

Thank you for your help!!!