Midnight Mom

Happy 2021! I’ve rounded up my top 5 winter outdoor activities near Montreal to make January 2021 the best it can possibly be. Bundle up! https://midnightmom.ca//winter-outdoor-activities-near-mo/

Gift giving season is here. Never buy another gift that ends up at the back of the toy chest Liz from Project Organize has helped me build the essential gift list for kids 2-10. With categories from STEM to Logic to Games and Cards, there is something for every child. https://midnightmom.ca//the-essential-childrens-gift-guid/

All looks calm and serene with snowflakes falling down up north. But the minute that gate opens and your tube makes a 90 degree drop, you realize your kids just may be braver than you... But seriously, a fun day had by all at Glissades des Pays d'en Haut. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Bring a mask to warm up inside. Pack a lunch, but maybe wait to eat it until you have a few runs in you...

Red zone, orange zone, stay home, go stir crazy. I wasn’t sure about rounding up December activities this month but I think we’re all in need of a little boost, especially after today’s announcement Whether you’re staying home or going out cautiously, my new blog post has plenty to do with kids in Montreal this month https://midnightmom.ca//activities-for-kids-in-montreal-d/

This weekend I went to the Jouets JRC Toys annual sale to stock up on holiday gifts. Save 10% in-store or online with code MIDNIGHTMOM10 (Monday-Friday)!

Winter is coming. And maybe another lockdown too. What are we going do with our kids all winter long? Rent them a ball pit and soft play space from Le P’tit Village Soft Play! https://bit.ly/3kyEoIc

I shared this on Instagram last week and so many people loved it that it sold out. Well, now it’s back in stock. Go fast. https://www.costco.ca/oxo-softworks-9-piece-pop-container-s

Haven't decided how to celebrate Halloween this year? If trick or treating is seeming like less of an option check out these ideas to keep the day full of (safe) fun. https://bit.ly/3jscb5v

This is the face of a boy who was exposed to COVID-19. On Monday we were told that one of his classmates was positive. He got tested which, in and of itself, was an awful experience (full body force to get him to stay still). And then my entire family waited. The big kids stayed home and missed school. We finally got the results 72 hours later (which felt like a lifetime even though I know can take much longer for others).... He is negative. I couldn’t be more relieved. But why did this even have to happen to begin with? Recklessness, selfishness and a disregard for the community at large. Yes, this virus spreads without prejudice, but social distancing, masks and hand washing are our strongest defenses. So why are people having parties and sleepovers?! I know we’ve all been making sacrifices since March but isn’t it worth a few more months to go back to normal. To avoid a virus that could impact our health for the rest of our lives?! This holiday weekend I implore you to stay home. Be responsible. Wear a mask. Social distance. Think of your greater community. And this photo was taken by big sister @hannahdylan09 after she dressed him up like a VSCO girl!

Some of my followers asked for it...so here it is. Socially distanced activities this October in Montreal to enjoy fall, even though we’ve gone red. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-activities-for-kids-octo/

Montreal is back to red So I guess I’ll continue living vicariously through our brief summer getaway to Prince Edward County with my newest blog post. Am I too late to find a winter holiday chalet?! Better start planning now... https://midnightmom.ca//28/prince-edward-county-travel-gu/

Corn maze Every year we head to the corn maze in Stowe Vermont but not this year We found a pretty great replacement Ferme BM Forget - Kiosque Chez Forget with a maze that is one part detective work, one part bingo game. The kids were given bingo cards and had to find all the signs along the way. We took 45 minutes to complete the maze but made it out the first exit instead of the final one.... Bring lots of water and try to go when it’s not too hot. Afterwards you can visit the petting zoo and the farm stand. Berry picking wasn’t open today but blueberries and raspberries should be back in a bit. Call ahead. All in all a great morning that was just 30 minutes away from the city. @ Ferme BM Forget - Kiosque Chez Forget See more

My kids don’t want to go back to school after their 6-month spring break. But seriously, we got our first email from our principal tonight and it gave me some comfort knowing that she is doing everything in her power to keep our kids and teachers safe. Who knows what the next 2 weeks will bring in terms of decision making as we count down to their first day back. But I’ll be the first to admit that I’m scared, nervous and, at the same time, just a little tiny bit relieved to have them going back.

It’s almost the weekend. Time to start planning another road trip. A winery with kids?! Why not?Anything goes (socially distanced) and La Bullerie is a beautiful getaway in Saint Joseph sur le Lac. Read more about our adventure on the blog: https://midnightmom.ca//winery-near-montreal-an-unexpecte/

Giveaway! I’ve teamed up with The Kensington Collective to give away 3 pairs of handmade, one of a kind tie dye Adidas socks. One lucky winner can win following these steps: 1. Like this post 2. Like my page 3. Like The Kensington Collective’s page 4. Tag two friends. ... Contest open to residents of Canada until Friday August 7th. @ Montreal, Quebec See more

Trying to figure out a way to leave the house this weekend, while still staying safe? We wentt to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant and it was exactly what we needed. Read all about it here: https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-day-trip-with-kids-tremb/

This week marks the 5 month mark since we’ve been hanging out together 24/7. A few extra pounds from baking extravaganzas, sun kissed skin from afternoons in the backyard and luckily more laughs than tears. I can’t stop thinking about what my kids will say looking back on this when they’re older. I’m equating it to a much longer version of the great Montreal ice storm back when I was in Cégep, only scarier. I remember scrabble games, cozy blankets and endless ph...one conversations with friends. I’m thinking they’ll remember Tik Tok dances, getting a new puppy, UNO games and too many French fries What will your fondest family memories be? See more

Giveaway! Who wants to go to the drive-in this Saturday July 4th? It’ll be a family friendly affair as Dora the Explorer takes the screen. Gates open at 5:15pm and you can grab dinner (or order it to your car) from @lucillesoysterdive or @javaucatering. I’m giving away a pass for one vehicle, a $40 value. Here’s how to enter: 1. Like my page Midnight Mom 2. Like Royalmount Drive-in Event Theatre... 3. Like this post 4. Tag a friend in the comments Contest closes on Friday at 9pm. See more

T-2 weeks until "school" is over. I've rounded up local social distancing and backyard camps: https://midnightmom.ca//05/social-distancing-backyard-camp/ If you have others to add please share them in the comments.

How to throw a kids' quarantine birthday party. A few simple ideas from Leo's 4th birthday to make any kid smile on their special day! https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-quarantine-birthday-for-/ Flamingo party MTL Jabberwocky Studio Les Délices Lafrenaie Montréal-Ouest

Who else feels like they are running triple duty these days? With so many hats to wear (mom, employee, wife, chef, cleaner, teacher...), it’s all a bit overwhelming. I’m looking forward to learning how to lighten the mother load at this talk next week: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-mother-load-a-frank-talk/244605433446835/?ti=icl

Daily science experiments from Mad Science!

Happy 4 birthday Leo! I pulled off my first quarantine birthday and I think it might have actually been better than a regular one! No party prep, no schedule to stick to but one happy boy, who even got a surprise visit from his heroes

Wake up. Answer emails. Feed kids. Zoom meeting x4. Make lunch. More zoom meetings. Answer emails. Help with homework. Make dinner. Spend time with kids. Bedtime. Answer emails. But seriously, where do you fit in working out?! Been wanting to try some of the amazing Lives offered by local instructors but can’t seem to fit their 24 hour life into this crazy schedule. When do you fit it in?

No homemade cards coming home from school this year... Mom definitely deserves a quarantine gold medal and at least one of these gift ideas! https://midnightmom.ca//mothers-day-in-montreal-quarantin/

Things to do in Montreal this Month: STAY HOME! Not much more that I can say other than that. Except, it will be ok.

An oldie but a goodie. I love the idea of front porch photo sessions but we haven’t taken a professional family photo in a while because well, our family just isn’t complete. Ever since Norman left us 18 months ago I’ve slowly been looking for our newest furry friend. The search really began about 4 months ago and now that we’re all home (perfect for the getting to-know-you stage) finding the right rescue dog has been a challenge. Sure I’ve got some criteria (not too big..., not too old, good with kids) but the shelters are being overwhelmed with applications. So I guess this message is two fold: 1. Send any potential adoptees my way 2. If you are considering adopting during covid, please remember that you will eventually go back to life as you know it and that you will have a new family member who still deserves all of the love and attention you are able to provide now

There may not feel like there’s much to celebrate now but just think about that moment when we’re able to gather with friends and family for the first time. That’s when we’ll call on Vanou Events to help us plan the perfect celebration. In the meantime, you can order some delicious, homemade Kosher for Passover desserts from them. https://midnightmom.ca//11th-birthday-party-ideas-for-a-g/

But you don’t have to do it along. Getting my kids in on the house chores - and they actually like finding pairs of socks and vacuuming. Who knew?! #covidsilverlinings

Took this photo a few weeks ago in NYC. Guess we won’t be travelling much in the next few months... But let’s try to remember that every rainbow has an end and is just temporary. While we might not be able to see beyond the next two weeks, things will certainly look brighter when we get to the other side

March: Whether you’re heading off on a trip, taking a stay-cation or just enjoying the days of no homework, there are so many Montreal activities for kids this month. I’ve front-loaded this one with lots of fun (almost free) things to do during the break. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-activities-for-kids-marc/

Some of you are already on Spring break, others are anticipating it with baited breath. Whether you’re heading off on a vacation or planning a stay-cation, these family travel bloggers will inspire you to revisit your bucket list. https://midnightmom.ca//inspiration-family-travel-bloggers/

Who else is so happy January is over? Lots of exciting activities happening in February in Montreal! Keep reading... https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-activities-with-kids-feb/

MONTREAL Are you ready to SHINE BRIGHT? Here’s your chance to win 4 VIP TICKETS to the Montreal show on February 2nd! Come be a part of the BIGGEST and BRIGHTEST concert tour in Mini Pop Kids history! #mpk17 Here's how to enter: 1. Like this post 2. Tag a friend you'd take with you to the show... 3. Like my page and the Mini Pop Kids page This exclusive VIP prize pack includes: - VIP Meet and Greet - Autographed Posters - Exclusive Tour Lanyards The winner will be announced on Sunday night. Good Luck!

Most people have TVs in their living rooms. I have momentos from our travels over the years. Photos of Thailand, art we purchased along the way; a daily reminder that there’s a lot more world out there to explore. Comment below with: 1. Next on your bucket list -Mine is Israel 2. Next on your actual travel list ... -Mine is Orlando (not the Disney kind but the convention centre kind) See more

Rain, rain, go away! Perfect timing for a round up of Montreal’s best indoor playgrounds, categorized by age. https://midnightmom.ca//the-best-indoor-playgrounds-in-mo/

Happy 2020! Start the new year off with these January events for kids in Montreal! https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-activities-with-kids-jan/

'Tis the season for gifting! I've put together a list of top local gifts with a little help from some of my favourite shops' owners: https://midnightmom.ca/2019/12/08/local-gift-ideas-for-kids/

Ready to plan the weekend? Check out all the great family friendly activities happening in Montreal this weekend, and throughout December! shorturl.at/oJV16

Giveaway! It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. This year I’m all about giving experiences-gifts that create lasting memories! I’ve teamed up with Kart-O-Mania to give away a 30 minute drive for 2 people! Whether you want to get an adrenaline rush with your second half or take your kids (8+ or 50 tall) out on the track, the gift of speed will definitely be one to remember. Here’s how to enter: 1. Like this post 2. Like my page and the Kart-O-Mania page... 3. Tag a friend in the comments Contest closes on Saturday November 30th 2019. Winner must be able to claim their prize for use in Montreal at the Kart-O-Mania location. Winner to be announced on Sunday December 2019.

When work and family collide For the past 8 months I’ve been working with a great team on Loop Lab a STEM learning subscription box by Mad Science. Today the big kids came along for a photoshoot and Hannah and I got to pose together for a shot If you live in the US (sorry Canadians) and want the perfect holiday gift for kids 8+ this is it!

In anticipation of lots of indoor time, this month’s to-do list features quite a few outdoor activities in Montreal during November. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-november-2019-things-to-/

Halloween is looking like it's going to be a wet one. Here are some indoor activities taking place in the West End of Montreal to celebrate while staying dry: https://bit.ly/2Juzpss

Who remembers getting coupon books as a kid? Liz from Awful Awesome Coupons has created a whimsically designed book of coupons for kids to act as rewards. Think: $15 to spend on a shopping spree at the grocery, a solo afternoon with mom or dad and a day of dessert only. The backside of each coupon features a funny awful alternative. We tried these out last weekend and the results were overwhelming! My kids were definitely motivated to be the winner of the days’s previously agreed upon coupon. The coupons are now available at select Indigo, Chapters and Coles locations. Liz will be on-site today (Sunday Oct 27) at Chapters Pointe-Claire to launch her creation from 1-4pm.

Giveaway! Last weekend Hannah created her own lip balms and bath bombs made from 100% natural ingredients from Kiss Naturals She loved it so much we want to give away two kits to one lucky winner. Here’s how to enter: 1. Like this post 2. Follow Midnight Mom & Kiss Naturals... 3. Tag two friends in the comments Winner will be selected on Sunday October 27th. Open to residents of Canada and the United States. See more

Play tourist in your own city this weekend by visiting the Montreal Botanical Gardens. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-botanical-gardens-fall-f/ Espace pour la vie

Yesterday we spent an incredibly dreamy afternoon at HideSeek! It was the opening day of this completely engaging pop up art installation that is insta-worthy! So many amazing rooms to play in and get lost in the magic of childhood through real life recess! It’s on until mid December and definitely worth the 1-hour visit. Thanks Rose PR #gifted #gohideseek

October is here! I've rounded up my top 8 family-friendly activities happening in Montreal this month: https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-october-2019-things-to-d/

Always on the hunt for the coolest birthday party ideas. 8 year old boys + Kart-O-Mania = huge success! https://midnightmom.ca//go-karting-birthday-party-at-kart/

Giveaway! Want to spend your Friday night sampling cuisine from 20+ food stations from local restaurants like Agrikol and Venice? I’m giving away a pair of tickets to @festivalyuleat Parcours Gourmand on Friday, September 13th from 6:30 PM to 11 PM. [Value $150] To enter: 1. Like this post... 2. Like my page Midnight Mom and Breville Canada 3. Tag a friend you’d like to bring along. Contest closes Thursday September 12 at 9pm. Open to residents of Quebec.

What’s the it bag of the season? You be the designer with Stoney Clover Lane’s customizable bags in all shapes and sizes. My newest fashion find: https://midnightmom.ca//09/08/discovering-stoney-clover-l/

The school supplies have been labelled and the healthy lunch box inspiration has been sourced. They’re going back to school. Before homework and extra curricular activities kick in, stretch the summer fun one more month with all the exciting events happening in Montreal! https://midnightmom.ca/2019/08/30/montreal-september-2019/

Contest Alert! I’ve partnered with Disney to giveaway a Descendants 3 DVD. We watched the third in this series and the fun continues with Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay’s adventures on Isle of the Lost. Here’s how to enter: * Like this post... * Like my page (if you don’t already) * Comment with the name of your favorite Descendants 3 character Contest closes August 14th at 9pm. Winner to be notified on August 15th. Open to residents of North America. Descendants 3 is available on Disney DVD as of August 6th.

We’ve officially hit the halfway mark. One month of summer to go before the kids go back to school, and we get back to our regularly scheduled routines. Until then it's time to make the most of summer with my top 8 activities taking place in Montreal this month. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-august-2019-things-to-do/

You don’t have to travel far to get away this summer. I’ve rounded up our weekend in Quebec City - where to stay, what to eat and what to do with kids: https://midnightmom.ca//family-travel-quebec-city-fairmon/

Two princesses in a magical castle. She couldn’t have been more excited about our family trip to Quebec City after spending the year learning Canadian history. And what better place to call home base than the magnificent @fairmontfrontenac I’m not one to usually spend too much time in a hotel on vacation but with breathtaking nooks in every corner (and sizzling hot temps outdoors) were happy to hang around this 125 year old hotel that has welcomed the likes of Winston Churchill, Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney and more. #gifted

Why should our neighbors to the south have all the fun? We may not get to celebrate July 4th but thanks to Quartier DIX30 we’ve got our own block party to head to this weekend! On Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm, this Brossard shopping centre is taking it outdoors with a sidewalk sale, children’s activities, live DJs and plenty of opportunities for eating alfresco. Get your summer popping at this fabulous family-friendly event! https://www.facebook.com/events/298185327611153/?ti=icl #partner #QuartierDIX30

Hello July My monthly round up of family-friendly activities in Montreal. https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-july-2019-things-to-do-w/

Strawberry picking season officially kicks off this weekend after an unseasonably cool spring. Here are my top 5 u-pick farms near Montreal, including an organic option. https://midnightmom.ca//where-to-go-strawberry-picking-in/

CONTEST ALERT! School's almost out, and camp season is officially upon us. I've teamed up with Jack & Jill to give away two camp prize packs including a towel, Mist 'N Sip water bottle and camp stationery. There's one for boys and one for girls! Here's how to enter:... 1. Like the Midnight Mom Facebook page 2. Like the Jack & Jill Facebook page 3. Like this post 4. Comment "boy" or "girl" for the prize you'd like to win 5. Tag 2 friends Contest closes on Thursday June 20 at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced on the last day of school! Open to Canadian residents only.

PSA: Check your kids’ 2019-2020 school calendar. Many Montreal area schools start only after Labour Day. Yep, 10 weeks of summer! So I've rounded up some local camps that can keep your kids busy between August 19 and 30. You're welcome https://bit.ly/2ENpYSA

Teacher gifts, year-end concerts and getting summer camp-ready. That pretty much sums up June. While it may be an overwhelming month for moms, it’s also an extremely exciting one in Montreal as our city comes to life. My top 10 things to do with kids in Montreal in June: https://midnightmom.ca//montreal-june-2019-10-things-to-d/

The Wiggles are coming back to Canada this fall. Tickets go on sale today! Montreal show: October 1! http://thewiggles.com.au/tours/39/party-time-tour

The aisles at Trader Joe's can often times be overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to look first! So I’ve rounded up my 10 favorite TJ finds on the blog: https://midnightmom.ca//22/my-top-10-trader-joes-favorites/

I’m giving away a $250 gift card to Quartier DIX30 over on Instagram. Enter there now! https://www.instagram.com/p/BxI97MegWMc/?igshid=xisx8zow1w2u

48hr Flash Giveaway! Want to be one of two lucky winners to receive 3 Lucky Fortune bracelets courtesy of Jack & Jill? It’s the must-have accessory for girls! Here’s how to enter: 1. Like my page and the Jack & Jill page on Facebook... 2. Like this post 3. Tag 3 friends in the comments. Contest closes at 6am on Friday May 3. Open to residents of Canada and the US only. See more

Hello May! And so a new month begins... Get out of the house and prepare to soak up the sun at these 10 family-friendly activities taking place in Montreal during May 2019! https://bit.ly/2V90l8Y... Les Premiers Vendredis Pedalheads Bike Camps Girls Living Out Loud Mtl Tulipes.ca Bota Bota Strøm Spa Nordique - Île des Soeurs Musées Montréal

Best friends, most of the time. My crew @ Montréal-Ouest, Quebec

G I V E A W A Y ! Have a major LEGO fan in your family? I’ve teamed up with Warner Bros. to give away one copy of the not-yet-released LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part DVD. Here’s how to enter: 1. Like my page if you haven’t already 2. Like this post... 3. Tag 3 friends in the comments 4. For an extra entry share this post Contest open to all Canadian and US residents. Contest closes on Sunday April 28 at 7pm. Winner to be chosen and notified that same night and receive their prize the week of May 20th. Good luck!! #thelegomovie2 #wbsponsored #wbpromotion #contest #sweepstakes #gifted See more