This past weekend, I went with Nicola to the Modern Mama brunch held at the Brock House for Pregnancy Awareness Month. I didn’t attend any pregnancy events with my first pregnancy, so it was all new to me, in a way. It’s different being pregnant with people you know, that’s for sure!
Check out our complimentary portrait – I also won a newborn photoshoot with the same photographer.
Modern Mama hosts events for to-be or new families on topics ranging from fashion to parenting. For example, they are just about to host an event on sleep featuring the same sleep consultant we used with Aiden.
Despite the fact that I’m not a new mama, and this is not my first pregnancy, I did manage to learn some new things from the set of speakers that were on hand for the brunch. I learned, for example, that belly support after birth does have a more-than-just-aesthetic purpose (thx FitnessDoula). Go figure!
Disclosure: I was invited to the Modern Mama event but was not asked to write a post. I also have a continued working relationship with the sleep consultant featured in their next event.
We went to Parkgate Family Days last weekend to listen to music and enjoy the beautiful weather. We were there a little early, so missed many of the festivities, but enjoyed listening to the children’s music performer, playing at the dried beans table and getting a balloon. Aiden also had his first ‘painting’ experience.
I wasn’t sure how he’d react to having something on his face, so I asked the artist to paint a ladybug on Aiden’s hand. Quick and fun and he loved it.
A couple of weeks ago, Jessica and I indulged our love of chocolate at the new Rogers Chocolate store in The Village at Park Royal. This is the 8th retail store for Rogers Chocolates in BC, and it’s quite an impressive store: both with an old-timey and sophisticated feel. The Village is definitely becoming the place to go to treat yourself!
See more photos here
Now, if only The Village had an awesome kids toy / baby stuff store, we’d be set!
Disclosure: We were invited to the opening, but the opinions of this review are my own.
Conrad Birdie Wows his Fans in “Bye Bye Birdie” by TUTSAs well as the invitation to the Opening Night of Bye Bye Birdie by Theatre Under the Stars here in Vancouver, I also have a chance to give away a set of 4 tickets for one lucky family to attend either Bye Bye Birdie or Anything Goes during the July 8 – August 20, 2011 production!
If you are looking for a fun way to entertain your kids, to expose them to theatre in an interactive and outdoor setting, or just want a special night out as a family, this is a contest for you!
Prize
A set of 4 ticket vouchers to the show of your choice on the night of your choice between July 8 – August 20,2011. The winning family will be able to pick up their tickets at the ticket counter at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.
How to Enter
Leave a comment on this post, answering one of the following questions:
- Why do you think your family would enjoy one of the Theatre Under the Stars productions?
- How are song and dance a part of your lives? (Funny kid stories more than welcome!)
- How have your kids been influenced by theatre?
Tickets are available to anyone willing to travel to Vancouver for the show. Limit one comment per person per day. Contest will close on July 30, 2011 at 2pm PST. Winner will be chosen at random and emailed to confirm availability.
Ianiv & I were invited to attend the opening night of the Theatre Under the Stars production of Bye Bye Birdie. The show runs on alternating nights at 8pm in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl, alternating nights with their other production, Anything Goes.‘
Both live theatre productions feature local actors on the open-air stage, ready to engage you in the whole production. From flying beach balls to doing the twist, this isn’t your regular theatrical experience.
I hadn’t seen Bye Bye Birdie before last night, despite it being a classic for many high schools. Honestly, I never attended any of my high school’s plays (unless you count being in the orchestra for Fiddler on the Roof). That aside, it was a fun production. It’s not the calibre of a production like Wicked, but you will have fun. Bye Bye Birdie was an easy story to engage in…
Inspired by Elvis Presley and his draft into the Army in 1957, Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of a teen rock sensation, Conrad Birdie, drafted into the Army. The story weaves in that of his manager, Albert Peterson, whose financial success depends on the rock star and whose girlfriend, Rosie, is desperate for him to quit the business after he makes it profitable, become a teacher and get married. This all depends on making one last hit song for Conrad, “The Last Kiss”, which has him deliver one last kiss to a fan in Sweet Apple, Ohio. We also follow the story of this fan, Kim MacAfee, and the dynamics of her boyfriend, family and friends. The music is fun and upbeat and the acting drew you into the story.
Some recommendations for the best TUTS experience:
- Know how to get to Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park (map here)
- There’s food! We didn’t know this, so scarfed down a dinner before. Wish I’d noticed that.
- Wear or bring a jacket
- Bring a blanket, if you want to be extra cozy
- Warm beverages are available (coffee, hot chocolate, etc), or you can port in your own thermos
- You can sit in the assigned seats or bring a blanket and set yourself up on the hill
- Porta-potties only. Be prepared.
- The show is as long as most theatrical productions, complete with intermission. Expect to be out late, under the stars!
- Have fun!
Tickets for Theatre Under the Stars’ productions of Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes can be found here. You can follow their Facebook page for updates on both productions.
