Kids & Family

Frugal Fun: Games Night In

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Social events certainly have a tendency of adding up quickly, especially if you enjoy regular evenings out with family and friends. Spending time with people you love is important, but if you aren’t careful, regular nights out on the town (wherever your destination) could leave you running short on your grocery money. Since this isn’t good for anyone, we’ve come up with a great Frugal Fun idea to help you continue being a social butterfly, without breaking the bank – plan a game night in! When’s the last time you took part in a game of Twister? We think however long ago it was – it was too long ago!

Not like they used to be, board games have changed a lot over the years. With the number of great party games on the market these days, a games night in is the perfect combination of casual dinner party interaction, laughter and a little dose of healthy competition.

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5 Winter Activities in the Fraser Valley

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Now that the excitement of Christmas has passed and we are experiencing random snowfalls in the Fraser Valley, it seems like the perfect time to focus on enjoying all that the winter season has to offer. We have put together a list of 5 great winter activities in the Fraser Valley, which will give you enough ideas to keep you busy for a while!

1.Go Ice Skating

With the number of ice skating rinks located throughout the Fraser Valley, you’re bound to be close to one, no matter where you are! Grab your skates, or a few dollars to rent a pair (don’t forget a clean pair of socks), pair of mittens and a hat, and you’re set for a wonderful winter-themed outing. A few local indoor skating rinks worth visiting before the end of winter: Twin Rinks & Prospera Center in Chilliwack, Matsqui Recreation Center & Centre Ice in Abbotsford, Twin Rinks & Sportsplex In Langley, or any of 5 public arenas throughout Surrey.

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Creating Meaningful Family Traditions

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010

The holidays are often stressful – so many gifts to buy, cards to address, parties to give and attend. Sometimes it can be hard to enjoy the best parts of the seasons – your family and friends – because of all the “stuff” crammed in there. This year, instead of lining up to buy a toy that will be forgotten by next Christmas, why not try to create memories that will last for a lifetime instead?

We asked around and here are a few ways to create meaningful traditions for your family this holiday season – without spending a ton of money.

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10 Things To Do In The Fraser Valley When It’s Raining

Monday, November 1st, 2010

I have two tinies that are not yet school age (and another one on the way). Autumn has arrived with its grey and rainy days here in the Fraser Valley but that doesn’t mean we have to spend our days in the house watching Kids CBC. Here are our favourite things to do when it’s pouring rain outside.

I don’t know what it is about rainy days that create an insatiable need for me to bake but it must be genetic. Few activities are as heart warming as a cozy morning spent inside, baking cookies or banana bread.
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Simple Face Painting Ideas

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Halloween is just around the corner and while many kids are over-the-top excited for it, many adults cringe at the thought of finding and purchasing or making a costume for their kids or themselves. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming and can be as simple as a closet assembled outfit and some clever face painting.

The great news is that you don’t have to be a professional artist to pull off some of these simple face painting ideas. You may want to purchase some non-toxic, water based body or face paints but can also use eye and lip pencils from yours (or your partner’s) makeup collection at home.

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Top 5 Haunted Houses in the Fraser Valley

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Looking for a good scare this Halloween? With the abundance of spook-tacular haunted houses in the valley (we couldn’t resist!), this month’s top 5 feature was an easy choice. Creaking floorboards, headless men and moving pictures – these 5 haunted houses have them all. Think you’re brave enough to head out on a Haunted Attraction tour throughout the valley? Grab a friend (preferably someone who can protect you) print out this list and head out for your own Halloween adventure!

A note to parents: Most of these attractions are not suitable for children under 8, however a number of them do have more family-friendly events that run throughout the day. Please contact the attraction directly if you have questions regarding the suitability for your kiddies.

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41 Things To Do in the Fraser Valley This Fall

Monday, September 27th, 2010

Whether you prefer outdoor adventures, homemade fun, heritage and cultural visits, fairs, Fraser Valley events or a combination of them all, we’ve got your hook up.

1. Visit the famous Corn Maze in Chilliwack. There is something for everyone on a pleasant fall day with the 20 acre farm, 10 acre maze, hay rides, an indoor hay bale maze and even a petting zoo.

2. This year, make it a Fraser Valley Thanksgiving. Everything from your turkey to your sides (Chilliwack corn, anyone?) to the fillings for your pumpkin and apple pies. Family excursions to local farms can be both fun and educational. Try JD Farms for turkey and just down the road you’ll find delectable pies at Krause Berry Farms.

3. Celebrate Applefest at the Applebarn in Abbotsford. Few people aren’t enchanted with the Apple n’ Corn Gun and the Pumpkin Cannon (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like) but you can also pick your own apples and pumpkins, jump an enormous trampoline pillow, slide on the zip line, visit the petting barn and experience a hayride.

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The Most Wonderful (Or Not) Time of the Year: Back to School as a Parent

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

The immunization forms have been photocopied, a small forest of trees worth of paperwork has been filled out, the pristine supplies are nicely arranged in the backpack and the first day of school outfit has been carefully chosen. The kids are heading back to school in the Fraser Valley.

There are lots of things that people will tell you about back to school time. The newspapers, blogs, online lifestyle magazines cover Back to School lunches, best deals on school supplies and every other aspect of making sure your child succeeds in school. Your friends and family pitch in with ideas on before-and-after school care, extracurricular activities and tutoring. The malls trot out the styles in July (and somehow, we’re already seeing Halloween decorations now).

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FV Frugal Fun: Library Adventures!

Monday, September 6th, 2010

Let’s face it – getting ready for back to school can be an expensive time of year. Between the “must have” new clothes and those expensive graphing calculators, the left over budget for entertainment can be fairly small. That’s why this month, we bring you a Fraser Valley Frugal Adventure that’s fun and completely free of charge: your local library!

Not just for booklovers anymore, our Fraser Valley libraries have changed greatly in the past few years. Between the 18 libraries from Hope to White Rock, you can be sure there is always something entertaining taking place at any one of the locations. From Jazz Sessions and Poetry Nights at the Clearbook Library in Abbotsford, to Conversationlist Spanish Lessons in Maple Ridge, libraries have become a great place to gather, meet new friends, and be entertained.

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Back to School!

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

We’re just a few weeks away from the start of school in the Fraser Valley. The start of school can feel overwhelming – so many details! – but here are our quick tips for heading back a bit smoother for everyone. Unfortunately, we can’t help you with carpool.

Start the school routine a week early. Most of us get a bit laid back about bedtimes and mealtimes during the long summer days so a few days of going to bed on time and getting up at school time will hopefully reduce the wailing and gnashing of teeth when the alarm goes off.

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