Feature Friday: Sound in Motion

When it comes to dance and music in London - there is no end to the talent and expertise that many dance studios and music schools have to offer here.  That being said, when the time comes for you to start searching for a studio, how do you know which one to go to? Do you rely on the opinions of friends and family? Do you look up reviews? Ask Facebook groups? Sometimes it's difficult to figure out what makes a great dance or music school for your child.  I believe it boils down to fit.  The studio, teachers, atmosphere, classes, the cost...all have to feel right for your child and you as well (being the parent who will be shuttling your youngsters to and fro).  My best advice is to do some thorough research - visit a place or two (or three) before you settle. Sit in on a class (always call and ask first!), and if possible, speak with the company to get a good handle on how things work there. 

Photo courtesy of www.soundinmotionstudio.com

That being said, I'd like to narrow down the research for you and highlight this week's Feature Friday local business:  Sound in Motion Studio.  This is a place that encompasses all that is a Great. Music. Studio.  They not only offer dance lessons, but a myriad of other lessons in music, and even musical theatre, which is why their name "Sound in Motion" is so apropos.  Not sure whether your child should start ballet, tap or piano? Bring them here and they can try out all three!

Run by directors Julie Mytka and Avery Brown, Sound in Motion offers an environment that embodies a healthy and positive attitude towards music and dance. From 18 months to 18 years and beyond, Sound in Motion offers classes for all ages and types.  The studio's philosophy "is based on positivity, dedication, encouragement and perseverance."  They truly believe that each student has the potential to grow in whichever area of dance or music they choose. Dedicated instructors encourage and uplift as students learn and rise to challenges with every lesson given.  With lessons comes work (the studio does offer certified examinations in piano, voice and dance), and with work comes fun.  Students are invited to participate in a recital, showcasing what they have learned. There are also Company Dance shows that occur several times throughout the year. They also have community performances where students can participate in festivals or fundraising activities (always a plus in this Locally Urban Mom's books!).

www.soundinmotionstudio.com

Summer Camp is an option here too!  On top of summer music and dance lessons, Sound in Motion offers day camp "Sampler" weeks where you can send your child to try out a variety of dance and music lessons for a week and then showcase what they've learned in a mini-recital at the end of the camp.  This is a great option for kids who would like to try out dance, voice lessons, theatre or play a musical instrument, but aren't sure which of these they'd like to do. 

So, if you are looking around for a great studio to go to, if you want to see for yourself what an inclusive and fun music or dance lesson looks like, go and check out Sound in Motion.  And while you're at it, find out when their Company Dance shows are and go see their amazing talent perform. It's a great show and guaranteed a good time by the whole family. 

Photo courtesy of www.soundinmotionstudio.com

Have a great day, London.

For more info and registration, please see the Sound and Motion website here

*cited information is from www.soundinmotionstudio.com*
** Opinions in this blog post are solely those of Locally Urban Mom**

Feature Friday: Artisan Bakery

You know that amazing smell of fresh bread that makes you hungry even if you just ate a few minutes ago? There's nothing really like it.  I happen to swoon when I walk into a bakery - but especially when I walk into this one.  The Artisan Bakery, located at 864 Dundas Street (Old East Village), has been popping out fresh bread, desserts and amazing savoury and sweet pastries since they opened in October 2012. Their motto "A true European Artisan bakery with a Canadian touch where passion is just a daily habit" says it all. 

Photo courtesy of: Artisan Bakery - facebook

Originally opened and run by Theo and Gerda Korthoff, they recently passed on their lovely bakery to new owner, Paulette Elie, who insisted on maintaining and even expanding the true artisan nature of these breads and pastries.  The staff at the bakery is devoted to creating the best possible products for their customers, and people who have been there know just how good their products are.

So what do they offer at the Artisan Bakery? Nothing but mouthwatering goodness. They have a wide variety of sourdough breads, rolls, decadent sweet and savoury pastries, all freshly baked in their traditional hearth oven, ready for you to enjoy. The bakery also offers festal treats for a limited time around Christmas.  Like stolen? If you know anything about it, you'll know it is a traditional Dutch bread offered at Christmastime and they make the best! I know this because a) I've had it and b) My Dutch friends LOVE their version (just like how Oma makes it). Meat pies are a big hit as well, especially their infamous Tourtiere (a traditional French Canadian meat pie) - this guy gets swiped up fast by devoted customers and drop-ins alike.  You can't resist the smell and taste of their tourtiere. They also offer really interesting breads like their famous Dill Pickle or Potato Leek Sourdough bread - which is amazing dunked in a big bowlful of soup. 

Photo Courtesy of: Steve Hillier (facebook)

All of their products are made using ingredients that are as local and as organic as possible. For instance, their flour is supplied by the Arva Flour Mill, located just outside of London. 

And if you like atmosphere, you need to come here.  Local musicians come and play here so your senses are filled with great smells, tastes and fine music. 

There is no better way, in my opinion, to spend a Saturday morning.  So come, support local, and treat yourself to a piece of the best baking in London.  You'll be so glad you did.


Have a great day, London.

Contact/Hours:

Website: https://www.facebook.com/artisanbakeryldn/

Phone: (519) 601-9144

Hours:

Monday: CLOSED

Tuesday: CLOSED

Wednesday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM

Thursday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Friday: 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Saturday: 8:00AM - 3:00PM

Sunday: CLOSED

You can also find them at the London Farmer's Market(Western Fairgrounds) and St. Jacob's Market (St. Jacobs, ON, near Kitchener) on Saturdays from 8:00AM to 3:00PM

Fun for your littles

Do you have a wee one at home? Do you like to treat them to some fun, but are stuck as to where to take them other than to your local park or library? There are lots of fun, low-cost or even FREE things to do in the city with preschoolers! 

A little gem of a place that I discovered with my first born was the Childreach centre.  I was initially looking for French playgroups for my daughter, since we were going to be putting her into a full-French school when she turned 4.  One of the playgroups (found through the OEYC website, which is great too) was located at Childreach centre.  I decided to take my little one and see how she would like it.  I think I enjoyed myself more than she did!  This place offers a full play area for children - every center you can imagine is there - the kitchen/dress-up area, blocks, trains, cars, art center, water/sand table, a place for mama's to sit with their tiny ones and nurse comfortably, with lots of toys and chairs and little playthings for babies under 1. There is also an area with tables and highchairs and kitchenette where you can store your food if you'd like to feed your little one there, plus a microwave for easy heating. Cubbies for storing your things... so much amazing stuff in one centre! And ALL FREE!  Everything is pristine, and well kept.  The overseers only ask that you stay with your child - it's not a drop-off program. And you must sign in and sign out as you enter and leave.  It is a great place to meet up with other mamas and their babies for a chat, and for your littles to interact and play with others. 

Going back to the playgroup, I would bring my daughter (and my coffee) and come a bit early before the playgroup would start and let her roam around the room, maybe create a piece of art (that was her favourite center). Then, the ladies running the playgroup would call all the littles into a room in the back and they have a sing-a-long, story telling and some playtime all in French.  This still happens once a week (I take my son now), and is great for kids from ages 0 up to 5.  Childreach also offers other organized playtimes.  You just have to check out their calendar and see what you would be interested in attending. 

Another great bonus about this place is their toy libary.  You heard me!  Feel like getting your babe something new to play with but aren't sure you want to invest the $$ to get it for them? Borrow it here! They have a giant selection of toys, puzzles and books you can borrow for up to two weeks.  There is a nominal fee to pay for a membership to use this service, but it's good for an entire year.  You can check to see what you'd like to borrow either ahead of time online, or while your little one is playing in the center, browse through their binders filled with pictures and descriptions of a toy, puzzle, game or book. 

I highlighted this place in my blog post today because I really find that it is an amazing resource for moms that just want to get out of their daily routine and enjoy some fun and friends in a safe and happy environment, but there are lots of other fun things you can do with your tot in this city.  I'll list a few more things below:

The London Public Library
If you click on the title, you'll be taken to the events that go on for children at the Public Library, all over the city.  Some things require registration but lots of the story times are drop-in. 

The Spectrum Program
This program offers tons of activities for everyone in London.  You have to sign up to use their online registration program, and most programs for the Spring session have already begun but that doesn't mean you still can't join (check to make sure there is still availability!).  Most programs do require payment, but the price is definitely a great deal.

The Boys and Girls Club
This place offers tons to do for kids of all ages.  Family fun is for children ages 3 and up. Check out the link to see what they have to offer - they update this regularly so don't be surprised if you see different events posted weekly. 

Indigo (North London)
Did you know that Indigo (formerly Chapters) has events every so often that cater to little ones? They recently had an American Doll event, Paw Patrol, and a Story time too. Check their Facebook page (under "events") and see if there is a fun event for your little one to go to - always a great excuse to grab a Starbucks for yourself while you're there ;)

Mom's Club of London (Ontario)
There are lots of fun things to do in the city with your munchkins! And if the above activities don't fit the bill, try organizing a playgroup yourself with local mamas on the MCL (Moms Club of London)Facebook page - this is a new Facebook group dedicated to moms in London and there are 3000+ moms on here (including myself)!  I will be doing an entire blog post about this amazing group in the near future!

Now get out there with your little and have a great time on this gorgeous February day.  I hope some of these links give you some inspiration! As ever, feel free to post below with any great places you know of.

Have a great day, London.

Feature Friday: Wooly Maple

Happy Friday London! We've made it through another week.  As promised, I wrote that I had something fun to offer you for Friday's blog, and here it is!  Every Friday I will be featuring a local business that I love, and want to share with all of you - from baby goods, to baked goods, you'll find a description of the business here, and hopefully you'll go check it out sometime for yourself!

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/woolymaple

Our first feature business is a great Canadian, London-based company called "Wooly Maple," owned and operated by Ashley Burt.  This little gem specializes in gorgeous hand-crafted (mainly crocheted) items, like toques, infinity scarves, mitts and those super popular bun-hats. Ashley makes these all herself, so each piece is unique and original for each customer. Every piece is tagged with her own hand-stamped logo.  I've seen these in person myself and they are gorgeous.  Not only that, but they have a distinctly "Canadian" feel, which makes me want to buy them even more (who doesn't want a red and black plaid toque?).

Ashley's products can be found in boutiques across London.  Namely, LoveLeigh Boutique (located downtown on Richmond row) and For You Clothing Co.  (Old East Village).  You can also catch her online on her Wooly Maple facebook page and message her if you have a custom order or any questions about the products. 

Photo courtesy of www.facebook.com/woolymaple

Ashley is also expanding her line by offering her patterns to customers that want to give crocheting a go themselves, using the signature "Wooly Maple" style.  Not only will she offer patterns, but also a crochet class too! Awesome :)

For more details and to check out all of Ashley's products, please go to the Wooly Maple facebook page, and go to the retailers that sell her product line to pick up a toque or two.  You'll be so glad you did! (Ps. isn't that business name just oh-so Canadian-ly awesome?)

Have a great day, London.

Hot burger in the city....

A friend of mine and her sweet little family is coming to visit us this weekend.  She is a Western alumna, so knows her way around the city.  We have a little debate going on though that I'd like to try and clarify here, and get a poll going on my facebook page. 
So, between the two families, we have four kids all ranging from 4 months to 6 years old.  We want to go out for a nice, juicy burger because, frankly, I don't feel like making my own at home this weekend! My friend LOVES J Dees Market Grill, downtown on King and Talbot across from the Covent Garden Market.  I love Prince Albert's Diner on Richmond Street (think classic 50s diner here).  What do YOU think, London? Where's a great place to go and feed three hungry kiddos, plus four burger-loving adults? Actually, two are on a carb-free kick right now... so taking into account "specialty diets" too. While pondering these two places, I've also decided to make a list of other great burger joints in the area.  I'm probably not going to list a place on here today if the word "Entrée" or "Three course" is on the menu. Sorry guys! Love to love these places, but right now, I'm thinking fast, kid-friendly and local (I'd like to stay away from chains for today, although I need to send a shout out to Montana's Steak House - my older kiddo's FAVE place to go).  Check out this list I've compiled of the burger joints I am familiar with.  As always, feel free to add your faves below :)

J Dees Market Grill

A place to go if you are feeling like a homemade, juicy, almost gourmet burger.  The cream cheese topping seems to be a favourite with a lot of folks, me included.  I like the atmosphere - large airy space, close to lots of downtown fun (especially if you want to catch a Knight's game on Friday) but I'd book ahead, as seating can get filled up fast. Check out their facebook page on the title link.

Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.ca

Prince Albert's Diner

 This place has been around forever.  It even made the show "You Gotta Eat Here" where host, John Catucci ate their famous peanut butter burger.  I personally LOVE going for their shakes.  Their milkshakes are classic and SO delicious.  The place is small though, so if you're looking to go with a larger family or friends, make sure to go on off times, if at all possible. But if you end up waiting, you usually don't wait long and it is VERY worth it. 

Norma Jeans

Although this place is known for it's great bands and rock gigs, they also offer some fantastic food, namely in burgers.  Now, I haven't actually been here yet (shame on me) but I am taking this advice from friends that DO go.  You can find them on Huron Street (North East London).  Choose earlier times with the kiddos to go (like, 5ish?) if possible.

Photo courtesy of www.facebook/globallylocal

Globally Local Restaurant

If you've read my blog posts, you'll know I'm a HUGE fan of this business and the people that run it. Check out my blog post on them here.  For years, they have been known around town as an all-vegan organic food delivery service plus organic food grocer, but now they have opened their own (the very first in Canada.. what?!) all - VEGAN restaurant AND food truck (be still my heart)! The restaurant can be found on Dundas Street right across from the Public Library.  They offer the infamous McInnes Burger (think Big Mac but vegan) and so much more! Go check them out - you'll be glad you did, even if you're not vegan.

The Early Bird Café

Ok, so I'm breaking my own rule (a teeny tiny bit) and mentioning this fab place.  You want an amazing sandwich COME HERE. So it's technically not a juicy burger place (but they do have burgers!). This place is known more for their amazing breakfasts and great service.  All around a good place to go if you're in the mood for an egg on your sandwich (you know the kind... that fried one that oozes down your fingers when you bite into the bread).  It was also featured on "You Gotta Eat Here." John Catucci ate the turducken sandwich, which is a must-try if you feel like having Christmas in one bite.  YOU GOTTA EAT HERE. Sorry, had to.

The Little Beaver

If you are from London, chances are you know about or have been to the Little Beaver out in Komoka.  A great, classic diner that is run by an awesome local family, this place offers yummy, classic diner food.  The burgers are no exception.  Great burgers, great fries and a great family atmosphere.  When I lived in Byron, my family used to go so often that the serving staff knew my little girl (she was 8 months at the time) by name and what she liked to eat, and would give her free ice cream to boot.  The best thing going for this place, other than the fantastic down-home cooking, is the friendly atmosphere. Come here for family food and fun. Love you, Little Beaver!

There are SO many more places that I could mention - little jewels peppered all around the city.  This is where you come in: Comment below with the local burger joints that you know and love.  Now go out and treat yourself and your family to some good old fashioned burgers!

Have a great day, London.

Off the beaten path... atypical fun in London town

I find that I am always looking for some interesting things to do in London that are maybe not part of my family's "expected" ideas for fun in the city. Not that there's anything wrong with doing things that are part of the majority of family fun (heck, we go to the movies and chill at the park just as much as any other family!) but I thought I would scrounge up a few things to do in London that, maybe, some of us hadn't thought of doing with our kiddos, or feel like trying out with our kiddos that might turn into a fun time for all.  That being said, I might not cover all things, and maybe it won't be appropriate for the age group of your children, but keep an open mind, and give some of these a try!

Let's start with arts and crafts (since this is something that my kids and I really enjoy doing).

4Cats Art Studio:

Located in Byron (Southwest London), 4Cats art studio offers a lot of great classes for adults and kids alike.  They also have family nights for those that want to bring their kiddos, grandkiddos, nephews, nieces or  neighbour kids, along for some arts and crafts fun.  They specialize in painting, sculpting and pottery and offer themed classes for, what I consider to be, a reasonable price.  I am trying out a class next month with a friend and our daughters, so I will let you know how it goes.  They also offer private family sessions, where you can go and create a piece of art that you can do with your whole family.  A friend of mine recently did this with her two little ones and husband, and they created a very cool painting that now hangs in her home as a feature piece. These classes can also make a great gift for someone who is artistically inclined.  Lots of fun all around!

Paint Night:

This is a cool option for those that would like to try out painting with canvas, and have a little fun while doing it. There are many of these vendors that offer this service, but the one that I have heard quite a bit about is "Jesse Robertson's Keep it Colourful Paint Night" - find her facebook link here. Jesse offers a fun, relaxed environment that comes with lots of options (munchies, even dinner if you like!) and she is mobile, which means that you can pick the venue with her or attend one of her popular paint sessions at various locations around London. 

Museum London: Imagination Station

Did you know that two Sundays a month, Museum London (located at the forks of the Thames River downtown) offers a couple of hours of fun for you  and your little one for FREE? Its a great opportunity for families to go and looks at some of the art exhibits or displays that the gallery has to offer, plus create a little something yourself to take home.  How great is that? Check out more info here.

Sports/Adventure:

Boler Mountain:

If you're from around here, chances are you have been to "the bump" at least once in your life.  But this local London ski hill isn't just for skiing.  You can go tubing there too!  Lots of family fun to be had here, and then grab a bite to eat in their chalet.  Check out more info here.

London Escape Rooms:

I have not personally done this activity, but I've seen and heard a lot about it, and so far have only heard good things.  If you're looking for some puzzling adventures with your kiddos, head here to solve a mystery and escape out of one of the rooms in record time! Check out their facebook page here.

London Walks:

Do you enjoy going for walks with your family? Feel like meeting up with others? Check out these Saturday Morning Walks in Fox Hollow, Springbank park, Kiwanis park or other areas - meet up with other fellow hikers and grab some fresh air and a chat - they meet up regularly throughout the year, and it's free for all.  Check out more info here. (this link will take you to the Fox Hollow info page, but the click on the brochure found at the link for all available walks).

Music/Entertainment:

Jazz for the People:

Like Jazz? Want to introduce your kids to it?  Check out these FREE Jazz concerts available through the London Public Library system, running for the next few months! Click here for more info.


Original Kids Theatre:

Want to go see a play with your littles, but don't feel like going all the way to Stratford or waiting for something to come to Budweiser Gardens? Check out our local, youthful talent with the Original Kids Company - they have plays that our own youth from London practice and put on for the general public to enjoy.  A great way to introduce your family to some theatre, and maybe even get them involved in it!  Check out the link to the Original Kids Spring 2017 season  here.

Family Movie day:

Skip the big lines and new movie frenzy, and go to the Saturday morning Family Movie at Westmount Cineplex for only $2.99!! A family-friendly movie is chosen and you get to go experience the big screen for a fraction of what it would normally cost to see a feature flick. More details  here.


I could do a write up on so many more events and things to do around London that are out of the ordinary but I will stop (for now) as these few things can offer plenty of fun for you as a family! If you know of a regular event that happens around the city that's "off the beaten path" and fun, feel free to leave a comment below. I love reader input :)  Now get out there and have some fun, London families!

Have a great day, London

I see your views, and I raise you one blog post...

Hello London,

So, it's been a while, eh?

Aside from the crazy summer, and then an even busier fall, which dutifully slid into the chaos of Christmas, I have no excuse about not blogging for so long.  So, I will apologize to my loyal readers, and hope you will continue to be loyal, as I will be blogging on a more regular basis (yep, you guessed it, my New Year Resolution for 2017, and by golly, I plan to stick to it! Let's not dwell on the fact that it is almost the end of January...what?!).

So, let's get down to some Locally Urban Mom business - what's new for 2017? "What will future blogs bring - I wonder?" (Shout out to The Sound of Music, our fave family movie over the holidays).  Well, I plan on sticking to my "daily life" blogs, but I have really enjoyed writing about local businesses, people and places that deserve some praise and recognition for being awesome Londoners, so there will be more blogging in this area as well.  I also plan on giving you updates of scheduled events in and around the London area that might be of interest to our London families. There was lots of positive feedback about this feature, so I plan on posting about this regularly. Look out for the "Fun Friday" blog! And you, loyal readers, do you have any ideas that you'd like to see me write, review, rant or rave about? Please feel free to leave your ideas in the comment section below and I'd love to take them into account/consideration!

2017 promises another year ahead of excitement, perhaps sadness, maybe even tragedy, but definitely a year of events.  Small ones, big ones, all of them comprise our life story and make us into the humans we are at present, or will become in the future.  Take heart, London, and enjoy the ride of 2017.  I can promise you it will be eventful. 

So, here's to starting anew.  Giving my blog posts more meaning to my fellow Londoners.  Hearing what you all have to say, and putting our little local treasures on the map for all Londoners to enjoy and appreciate. 

See you tomorrow, I promise ;)

https://victorsvillage.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/hunger-games-district12-salute.png

Have a great day, London.