Can't keep up? Clubmom saves money on your kids - and yourself

All parents need to remember this one thing: They do not have to feel guilty about treating themselves to a goodie once in awhile! 

That said, I have recently became a new fan of the clubmom loyalty card, which was discussed on the Adventures in Baby Savings official facebook group.


Here's the deal with clubmom: It's a website that has great tips from well-known bloggers, including fabulous cookbook author Rose Reisman. Plus, they offer a loyalty program that allows you to save money on 180+ businesses in Toronto. Here's something ya gotta love: You can save on deals for your kids and yourself (hello, Second Cup lattes!). Some of these businesses include...

• Ashtanga Yoga Toronto
• Canada's Wonderland
• Fantasy Fair (in Woodbine Shopping Centre)
• GLOBO Shoes
• Play It Again Sports
• Second Cup (select locations)
• Yogurty's
• ... and more

Click here to get your 2014 clubmom loyalty card now.

Already own a clubmom card? Let me know what you think of it - sound off below.

Review: My trip to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, Ontario)

I'll be honest - I've had some issues writing this review. This is why: at some points, I thought, "OMFG, this aquarium is amazing!" But during other scenarios, this came to mind: "OMFG, I can't believe I brought my three-year-old here!"

So this is a post on MY experience at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and why I rated this attraction as just okay:

• My kid was overwhelmed. There was so much to see, she looked at each aquarium for about five seconds. I'm serious. She was bouncing from aquarium to aquarium so quickly, my husband and I had to run to catch up to her. We didn't get decent looks at the gorgeous jellyfish and cool sharks.
• Not stroller friendly. For some reason, the cafeteria is CRAMMED with tables and chairs to the point where you can't walk between tables and chairs. And bring your own food, something I wish I did! (One slice of pizza is approximately $5!)
• Playground is not kid-friendly. There playgrounds look fun, but when you watch your toddler climb into them, you can't see her - the structure is closed off. Plus, there are two slides that go in different directions, which means you don't know where your tot is going to end up. There were parents buzzing around the playground saying, "where's my kid? I don't see my kid!"
• Lots of fun photo ops. Okay, I have to admit here, there are lots of fun ways to take memorable pics of your kids (even selfies - I saw lots of teens do this!). This was ONE place I got my three-year-old to sit still and smile for the camera!
• You get to touch sharks. C'mon, that's awesome!
• The walkway is breathtaking. There's a cool walkway that acts like a tunnel with aquatics surrounding you. This is just beautiful. I saw sharks, eels, the whole she-bang. Every kid I saw in the walkway - including my own - was awestruck. 

So final thoughts: I think this would've been more appropriate as a date night for myself and my husband. If you've got an active, overexcited little one ... maybe wait for BOGO deals - if they ever happen. Or wait until your kid is 6 or 7 years old. 

I'm dying to know your thoughts about Ripley's Aquarium - did you think it was worth $30 a pop? How did your kids react? Would you go back?

4 Ways To Simplify Costs For A Child's Birthday Party At Home

Almost two weeks ago, my husband and I threw a party for my daughter's 3rd birthday with 40+ guests. Plain and simple, here are a few things we did to cut costs:

1. We learned from our lesson. Last year we had her 2nd birthday at an indoor playground. But here's the problem - we had an unpleasant experience with the facility (unclean, poor hosting, etc.) and we didn't do our research to begin with on the playground. We didn't have time to find a great venue this year, so we said, screw it, we're having it in our condo party room.

2. We created our own kid-friendly stations. I booked our service elevator and crammed in toys for a toy station and toddler tables and chairs for a coloring and play doh station.

3. We used what we had. We still had disposable table clothes from when my daughter was a baby (we used them to catch her baby food messes!). So we spread them on a buffet table and coloring/play doh stations. Voila - easy clean-up too!

4. We celebrated with a Costco cake. We got a ballerina sheet cake for $20. It was cute, personalized, tasted delish - it served its purpose!

Compared to last year's hefty bill of about $300, we spent $200 this year, so we saved a good chunk of money! Bottom line: birthday parties don't have to be costly - just remember, what matters most is spending time with good company!

What are your birthday cost-savings tips?