You could WIN the chance to Give & Get this Holiday with Empire Theatres!

*CLOSED*Congratulations to Meaghan and Carey!

by Brie

An afternoon at the movies is the perfect way to spend a cold Winter day. There is nothing like snuggling down into a movie theater chair with your friends or kids and a big bag of popcorn. Or in my case, leaving everyone else at home and enjoying two uninterrupted hours all by myself!

The last time I went to the movies I saw the posters for the Empire Theatres ‘Give & Get’ program. It seemed like a good idea to me! Each time you purchase $30 in Empire gift cards, you’ll get $30 in Empire coupons for free. I think it is the perfect reason to sneak out for an afternoon movie. But honey, we have a gift card! And a coupon!

If you'd like to take advantage of an afternoon (or evening) at the movies, enter to win one of two holiday bundles valued at $60 ($30 of gift cards and $30 worth of coupons) we are giving away. To enter just leave a comment letting us know the movie you most want to see this holiday season!

For extra entries:

- Like Kids in the Capital on Facebook - Follow Kids in the Capital on Twitter - Tweet "I entered to win a $60 Give & Get package for @empiretheatres at @kidsincapital"

The giveaway is open until 11pm on Sunday, December 12th,, 2010. The giveaway is open to Canadian residents only.

Kids in the Capital Holiday Party: Painting at 4Cats **FULL**

'Tis the season for giving. In that spirit, the fabulous childrens' art studio 4Cats is hosting our first ever Kids in the Capital holiday party. Located in Hintonburg, 4Cats offers art classes, workshops and parties for kids of all ages. 4Cats gives kids the chance to learn about great artists and create their own great art. What isn't there to love about that.

We are thrilled to welcome 4Cats as a new Kids in the Capital sponsor and even more excited that Emaly is giving us the chance to invite some of your kids to a  paint splatter party!

Here are the party details: 4 Cats Holiday Party December 12th from 3:30-5:15pm 1107 Wellington Street

We are excited to invite twelve kids aged four and up and their parents to join us. If you would like your child to attend, please leave a comment with the number and ages of your kid(s).  The first twelve kids will be coming to the party. If you would like to be added to a waiting list in case anyone cancels, leave a comment too!

The kids will be creating, but we parents will be busy too. Busy socializing and eating snacks! So everyone will be having a good time.

Thanks Emaly for hosting this awesome party. We hope to see you there!

Eko Bear: Clementine Art Supplies Review and Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much to Elizabeth, who left lucky comment #1. by Sara

Eko Bear is an online store dedicated to organic and eco-friendly toys.  Its owned by an Ottawa mother, Linda Peters, who provides families with green, affordable toy choices that are safe for children and the environment.

Because of cold weather and a feverish monkey, we've been stuck inside the house and I couldn't have been happier to receive this bag of Clementine Art supplies.  It kept both the boys occupied for several hours.

Clementine's art supplies (glue, crayons, markers, paint, and modelling clay) are all natural, certified non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.  I appreciated that the packaging was 80% post consumer recycled and reusable materials and that there were no strong smells emanating from any of the products when we opened them.

The modelling clay was a huge hit for several reasons.  It feels and smells like homemade modelling clay and since the monkey still has a tendency to sneak pieces in his mouth, I appreciated that it was made of all natural ingredients. Unlike more commonly known brands of modelling clay, this products smooth texture meant little pieces didn't crumble off and embed themselves in clothes and soft furnishings.  Because it was so soft and easily to mold, the firefighter was able to make an entire family of teeny tiny ducks swimming in a pond.

We have a huge container of crayons at home but what appealed to the boys most about the Clementine crayon rocks and crayons was there shape.  Its not necessary to have a pincher grip to use them and they're great for little hands and kids who are still scribbling.  At the same time, the firefighter was able to hold them tight in his palm to draw faces and vehicles.  They're thicker than the crayons we normally use, which means no one snapped any of the crayons and both boys liked that they weren't covered in paper.

The hands-down favourite for the firefighter was the glue.  He loves to draw pictures, cut them into pieces, and then glue them back together.  Yet we haven't managed to find glue that is liquid enough for him to squeeze out of the container and spread easily with a paint brush.  He loved the fact that he was able to use the container himself and that there were no globs left behind when he glued his face back together.

Eko Bear is giving away the full line of Clementine Art supplies, including the Natural Soy Crayons, Natural Soy Crayon Rocks, Natural Modelling Dough, Natural Markers and Natural Glue.

To be entered to win visit the Eko Bear website and let us know what product your kids would love. For up to six extra entries leave a comment telling us that you:

- Follow @EkoBearToys on Twitter - Tweet "I entered the @EkoBearToys giveaway to win Clementine Art Supplies at @KidsinCapital". - Like Eko Bear Toys on Facebook - Sign up for the Eko Bear newsletter - Follow Kids in the Capital on Twitter - Like Kids in the Capital on Facebook

Please leave a separate comment for each of the possible entries! The giveaway closes Sunday, November 21st at 11pm. This giveaway is open to Canadians only.

And don't forget, even if you don't win this fabulous giveaway you can still get 15% any purchase from Eko Bear with the code Capital15 until December 31, 2010.

Good luck!

Eko Bear

We have the pleasure of welcoming a new sponsor to Kids in the Capital, Eko Bear! A local online store selling eco-friendly toys , Eko Bear was started by Linda Peters out of desire to find environmentally friendly toys for her son.   Every product offered by Eko Bear is eco-friendly. This includes biodegradable toys, toys made from recycled materials and toys made with sustainability in mind. Eko Bear provides a summary of what makes each product eco-friendly in the shop by brand page.

You'll recognize a lot of the great brands offered by Eko Bear, like Plan ToysSprig and Clementine Art. If you are looking for something in particular and didn’t find it on Eko Bear, you can contact  Linda and she will try to find it for you.

We are excited by the upcoming giveaway being hosted by Eko Bear! We are very excited that Eko Bear is offering Kids in the Capital readers 15% off all purchases with the coupon code Capital15 until December 31st, 2010.

Make sure you take a look at Eko Bear website, check them out on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Welcome Linda!

Inspired Photograph - A GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

by Julie As a Kids in the Capital sponsor, I am thrilled to be able to offer a free Halloween-themed photo session to one lucky reader!  The prize includes a 1 hour photo session of your little one(s) in costume, at Proulx Farm (Thank You Proulx Farm for covering the admission fees for the winning family!) and a custom designed photo collage.  If you haven’t been to Proulx Farm yet, this’ll be the perfect time to check it out!  Visit their website for a complete list of activities.

The photo session will take place Saturday October 16th at 10am, with a rain date scheduled for Saturday October 23rd at 10am.

If you are interested in winning, simply leave us a comment telling us about your favourite thing about Halloween.

For extra entries: - Join the Inspired Photograph Facebook Group - Join the Kids in the Capital Facebook Group

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Giveaway closes on Sunday October 3 at 11 pm. Good luck!