Happy New Year!

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year and a fantastic 2014!

Karen

The Shops at Don Mills skating oval is open!

Your know its the holiday season when the skating oval is open in Town Square at the Shops at Don Mills. Take the whole family and enjoy!

Enjoy!
Karen

New Years Family Countdown at the Zoo

I just love the Zoo and its a great place to bring in the New Year with the whole family! New Year's Eve Family Countdown at the Zoo will feature animal visits, keeper talks, entertainment by the Decades, Majinx Magic Show,a kids' countdown and more. On December 31 from 5-8 pm at the Toronto Zoo and tickets are. $10. For more information visit Toronto Zoo Meadowvale (North of 401) or call 416-392-5929.
Happy New Year!
Karen

Long Winter Kids Festival

At home with the kids this holiday and wondering what to do? Why not check out the Long Winter Kids Festival for babies and kids up to 12. This festival will feature music, art, storytelling, magic, dance and more with Hooded Fang, Njacko Backo, Girls Rock Camp and others. It takes place Saturday, December 28 from noon-5 pm at Pwyc. Great Hall, 1087 Queen W. Visit torontolongwinter.com for more information.

Enjoy!
Karen

Learn to skate

This is fabulous! Outdoor skating classes for all ages run through Mar 2014 on Tuesdays at various times and prices. The classes take place at Harbourfront Centre Rink, 235 Queens Quay W, pre-register 416-973-4093 or visit harbourfrontcentre.com/learntoskate.

Enjoy!
Karen

Happy Holidays!

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy holiday season and a fantastic 2014!

The Nutcracker

This is so lovely and worth seeing at least once in your lifetime. The National Ballet of Canada presents its annual Christmas Show, The Nutcracker, from December 18, 2013 - January 04, 2014at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets range from $25 to $409 and the audience is always all ages. I have never seen this but I have heard that there is a Story time  reading of the classic Nutcracker story that takes place an hour before the show starts. It is free to all ticket holders. 

Enjoy!
Karen

The Sound of Music

I love, love, love this movie. It is a classic and this event looks like fun! The Sound of Music features some of the most memorable songs in cinema history. From December 26-28 the Tiff Bell Light Box will be showing this fantastic fil,. The screening will include the lyrics to songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “So Long, Farewell.” Prices are $22.75, Senior/Student: $20, Child: $17.50. For more information call 416-599-8433 or visit http://tiff.net/films/fall

Enjoy!
Karen

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Christmas Choir

Come join us "TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS". Parkwoods United Church and St. Andrew’sPresbyterian Church present their FREE Christmas Choir Concert at 85 Parkwoods Village Drive Sunday December 15, 2013 at 3:00 pm. Refreshments to follow after an afternoon of Christmas music with blended voices from Parkwoods United Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church At Parkwoods United Church.

Enjoy!

Karen

A Living Christmas Tree

Evergreen Brick Works has Christmas trees and wreaths for sale but this is another wonderful offering. The Living Christmas Tree event is where you can learn to care for and maintain a live Fraser fir in your home, and how to plant it in the garden. Sunday December 15 from 1-2 pm for FREE! Evergreen Brick Works 550 Bayview. For more information visit ebw.evergreen.ca.
Enjoy!
Karen

Holiday Fun...For FREE!

Hands-On Activities For Families is where the whole family can make holiday tree decorations, wreaths, centrepieces and more for free! The event runs December 14 to 15 and December 21 to 22, 11 am-3 pm at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W, 416-973-4000. For more information visit harbourfrontcentre.com.
Enjoy!
Karen

Tool Library

This looks like such a great option! Tool Library allows you to access and share over 1,000 hand, power, gardening and kitchen tools. You can also learn how to use these tools through their on-site workshops for all skill levels! Visit torontotoollibrary.com or thekitchenlibrary.ca. You can also call 647-559-6734.

Enjoy!
Karen

Holiday Events at The Shops

This Holiday Season has some great events at the Shops at Don Mills! Visit their events page and take a look...there is something for everyone! Visit Shops at Don Mills and pop by my office to say hi!

Enjoy!
Karen

Christmas at Kortright

Christmas At Kortright will have horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa's workshop, treats and more. This family fun time runs from December 6-7, December 13-14 and December 20-21 free with admission. Kortright Centre For Conservation is at Pine Valley and Major Mackenzie (Kleinburg). For more information call 905-832-2289 or visit http://kortright.org/.

Enjoy!
Karen

Christmas Tree's in Toronto

I just loved this article from Toronto.com about where one can buy their Christmas tree in Toronto (see below). We used to go out Taylor's tree farm and loved the tractor rides and hot chocolate. Dress warmly and bring cash for the tree. They can run up to $75 or more depending on the species.
Enjoy!
Karen

If you’re looking to buy a real tree without making the trek to cut it down yourself, try St. Lawrence Market, East End Garden Centre, Evergreen Brick Works or ordering online through EZ Tree. There are of course trees for sale at stores like Loblaws or Ikea, but the freshest options will always be at a tree farm.

Chickadee Christmas Trees 
6639 Wellington County Rd #34, Puslinch
519-654-2029
Dates: 
November 25 – December 23
Hours: 
Fridays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pick-your-own closes at 4:45 p.m.


Prestonvale Tree Farms 
1421 Prestonvale Rd., Courtice
1-905-434-3910
Dates: 
Opens December 1
Hours: 
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pre-cut trees are available from the Brooklin location.

Rina’s Christmas Trees 
1762 Sixth Concession W, Rockton
519-621-1438
Dates: 
November 26 – December 24
Hours: 
Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Smiths’ Trees 
105 Orchard Hill Rd., Pelham
905-892-3410
Dates: 
November 24 – December 23
Hours: 
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until dark.

Downey’s Farm Market 
13682 Heart Lake Rd., Brampton
905-838-2990
Dates: 
Opens November 26
Hours: 
Weekends in November and daily in December from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pinedale Farm 
Two locations: 1554 Concession 5 West, Flamborough & 1650 Concession 6 West, Flamborough
519-624-6891
Dates: 
November 24 – December 24
Hours: 
TBA

Taylor Christmas Tree Farm 
4479 2nd Concession Rd., Stouffville/Uxbridge
905-640-1325
Dates: 
December 1 – December 23
Hours: 
Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Black Friday

The Shops at Don Mills is having a Black Friday contest. They ask that you arrive early and enter to win a black iPad! Doors open at 7 a.m. and the contest entry boxes are located at select retailers.

Please visit Contest Rules and Regulations or visit Guest Services for details

Good luck!

Karen

Toronto Christmas Market

This sounds wonderful and I'm sure it be fabulous! The Toronto Christmas Market is a European-inspired festival with musical performances, family activities, handcrafted products, food and more. The Market runs from November 29 to December 15. Free at the Distillery District, 55 Mill.  For more information visit torontochristmasmarket.com.
Enjoy!
Karen

One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale

This is one of my favorite events and I'm sure everyone in the family will love it. There is always tons to see! One Of A Kind Christmas Show & Sale features handmade gifts from more than 800 Canadian artisans. The show runs from November 28 to December 8 (weekdays and Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Thursday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm). Tickets are $12, students/seniors $7, kids are free at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place.  For more information visit oneofakindshow.com.

Enjoy!
Karen

Sad to see you go

I loved shopping at Ko's in the original Don Mills indoor mall and at the new Shops at Don Mills.  It's been a part of the area for a long, long time and it will be sad to see it go. If you have a chance, please stop in before it closes.

Thank you!

Karen

All Aboard!

How cool is this?!?! The Shops at Don Mills train is still chugging through the holidays! My grandson will be so happy! Tickets will be sold at Guest Services for $3  per person per ride with net proceeds to the Toronto Fire Fighters' Toy Drive! Fun and a great cause!  Dates & Times are weather permitting. Check with Guest Services for details.

Enjoy!

Karen

Seasons Christmas Show

Wow this is a great show for the whole family! The Seasons Christmas Show  features holiday decor, fashion, food, celebrity appearances and more. the show runs from November 22, 10 am-8 pm; November 23, 10 am-6 pm; November 24, 10 am-5 pm. $15, student/seniors $12, kids free at the International Centre, 6900 Airport (Mississauga). For more information visit seasonsshow.com.

Enjoy!
Karen

Veggielicious!

I love my veggies and was excited to hear that Veggielicious takes place for the next two weeks. It's a celebration of gourmet vegetarian cuisine with prix-fixe menus at restaurants and bakeries throughout the city. For location visit veggielicious.caveggielicious.ca. Veggielicious runs from November 15 to 30.

Enjoy!
Karen

Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

The best of both worlds in my opinion! The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo allows you to sample food, wines, beers and spirits from around the globe. The expo runs from November 14, 6 pm; November 15, 2-10 pm; November 16 noon-10 pm; November 17 noon-6 pm. Tickets are different depending on the day you go. Thursday $40, Friday & Sunday $20, Saturday $25 at the Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front W.

Bon appetit!

Karen
 foodandwineexpo.ca.

Music on the Donway

It's that time of year again! Music On The Donway 2013-2014 Season presents a very special pre-Christmas concert ‘A Charles Dickens’ Klezmas Carol’, with the joyous music of the Klezmas Band as they perform Christmas carol renditions and narrate the famous Charles Dickens’“Christmas Carol” story, featuring Sharon Smith: vocals, Daniel Rubinoff: woodwinds, Garry Page: brass, Jordan Klapman: piano and Arti Roth: bass, on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m., at the Donway Covenant United Church, 230 The Donway West (Lawrence Ave. and Don Mills Road), Don Mills. Tickets are $20 each, students with ID and children 12 years and under $12, available through the church office at 416-444-8444 or at the door the night of the concert.

Enjoy!
Karen

Baby Time Show

Okay Moms to be this show is a must! The Baby Time Show offers pregnancy and parenting seminars with author Michael Lester and others, kids' entertainment, gear and more! The show runs from November 8 to 10, 10 am-6 pm. Tickets are $16, grandparents $10, kids are free at the Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front W. For mroe information visit the Baby Time Show. 

Enjoy!
Karen

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

It's that time of year! The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair everything for everyone including livestock, barns, horse shows, animal theatre, agricultural competitions, a petting farm and more! Don't miss this event from Nov 6 to 10 Wednesday-Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am-6 pm. Tickets are $14-$20, under 3 are free at the Ricoh Coliseum, Exhibition Place.

Enjoy!
Karen

Our food choices affect the future

I am a great supporter of eating local and supporting our farmers.  This sounds like a great event! Eating Our Way To A Flourishing Future will have a sixth-generation Ontario farmer discuss how our food choices can affect our future. Thursday November 7 from 7-8:30 pm FREE at the Big Carrot, 348 Danforth, room 212. For more information visit The Big Carrot. thebigcarrot.ca.

Enjoy!
Karen

Happy Halloween!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

The Karen Millar Team

Delicious Food Show

This looks soooo good! The Delicious Food Show features the best in cooking, food and entertaining. The show runs from October 27, 10 am-6 pm. Tickets are $20, seniors $18, students $10 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place. For more information visit The Food Show.

Bon appetit!
Karen

Heart of Fashion

I will be at this fantastic event hosted by the North York General Hospital Foundation. The Heart of Fashion is a fashion show with entertainment by Karl Wolf, cocktails and gourmet food will help raise funds for a mental health outpatient facility. Tickets are $250 each and the event will take place at Shops at Don Mills in theTown Square. For more information visit heartoffashion.ca.

Thank you in advance for helping raise awareness.

Karen

Halloween fun

This looks like a howling good time. Screemers indoor scream park with haunted attractions, skull castle, house of cards, monsters and more. The event runs from October 28 to November 2, 7 pm-midnight. Tickets are $25-$30 at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place. For more information visit Screemers.

Happy Halloween!

Karen

Thank you for your support!

Thank you to everyone who came out yesterday and donated non perishable food items for our pumpkin giveaway/food drive. We had a blast! Have a happy and safe Halloween and don't forget to give to those less fortunate!

Karen

Halloween Haunt

Canada's Wonderland is putting on a scary event for adults! Ten horrific mazes including The Ruins and Sci-Fi House, scare zones, live shows, hair-raising rides, undead spirits and monsters lurking in the shadows. Not recommended for children! The event runs from October 24 to 27 and the fee is $35-$45 at Canada's Wonderland (9580 Jane, Vaughan). For more information visit Canada's Wonderland.

Enjoy!
Karen

Millar Team Pumpkin Event

Join us this Sunday October 20 2013 from 11am-1pm for our annual Pumpkin Food Drive Event.  We will have a pumpkin patch, games and refreshments will be served while quantities last.  Please bring a non-perishable food item to receive a free pumpkin. All donations will be given to the Community Share Food Bank. The event will take place at 200 Three Valleys Drive (all the way at the end of Three Valleys Drive). Costumes are optional!

Hope to see you there!
Karen

Howling Hootenanny!

You know the time of year when you have events like this one called Howling Hootenanny. This sounds like a blast for the whole family. There will be apple slingshots, a haunted maze, Dracula magicshows, trick-or-treating and more from October 19 to 20 and October 26 to 27, 11 am-4:30 pm. Free with admission to Black Creek Pioneer Village 1000 Murray Ross. For more information visit Pioneer Village.

Enjoy!
Karen

Brewer's Backyard: Torontoberfest!

Looking for something to do this holiday Monday? Check out Brewer's Backyard: Torontoberfest which will celebrate Oktoberfest with beer and sausages at Evergreen Brick Works (550 Bayview) from 12 noon-4 pm Monday October 14. Admission is free! For more information visit Evergreen Brick Works.

Enjoy!
Karen

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving long weekend!

SportPlay Open House

Looking for something to do with the kids this long weekend? Take a look at SportPlay. There are locations everywhere in the GTA and I love what they teach children! The multi-sports program for kids is holding open houses at six locations on Saturday October 12 for Free! They also have scheduled SportPlay dates and can host birthday parties!  Visit SportPlay for more information.

Enjoy!
Karen

Chilean Wine Festival

This sounds delicious!!!! The Chilean Wine Festival will have wine tastings and Chilean cuisine October 8 from 7-9:30 pm at the Royal Ontario Musuem (100 Queen's Park). Tickets are $75. You may want to consider taking the subway. The subway takes you practically to the front door! For more information visit winesofchile.ca. Online registration is closed but you can still register at the door.

Please taste responsibly!
Karen

Sustainable house tours

This looks like a great source of information!  Learn the latest on insulation, windows, green roofs, landscaping and more at the Sustainable house tour on October 5 from 11:30 am, 1:30 & 3 pm. Free with admission to the Kortright Centre For Conservation (Pine Valley and Major Mackenzie, Kleinburg). For more information call 905-832-2289 or visit The Kortright Centre.

Enjoy!
Karen

International March for Elephants

This is very near and dear to me as I have visited the Sheldrick foundation in Africa this year. Join the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for a march to city hall to protest the ivory trade on Friday October 4 at 11 am at Trinity Square (behind the Eaton Centre).  For more information visit:  facebook.com/MarchForElephantsToronto.

Thank you for your support!
Karen

Toronto Zoo Celebrates Fall

Get outdoors and enjoy the fall scenery! Toronto Zoo Celebrates Fall with fall-themed programs, activities, keeper talks, tours and more from October 5 to 6 and October 12 to 14, 10 am-4 pm. Free with admission at the Toronto Zoo (Meadowvale North of 401). For more information call 416-392-5929 or visit The Zoo.

Enjoy!
Karen

Fall Home Show

Yahoo! The Home Show has arrived! Enjoy talks by celebrity guests including Jonathan and Drew Scott, Annie Sloan, seminars, decor tips, exhibits and more. The Show runs from October 3 to 4, 11 am-9 pm; October 5, 10 am-9 pm and October 6, 10 am-6 pm. Tickets are $15, advance $12; seniors/students/children $13, advance $10 at the Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place.

Enjoy!
Karen

Free day at the Ontario Science Centre

Free day at the Science Centre! This never happens! Science Centre Community Day Special programming, films and more September 29 from 10 am-5  pm. Free at the Ontario Science Centre 770 Don Mills. For more information call 416-696-1000 or visit the Science Centre.

Enjoy!
Karen

Organic Harvest Festival

This should be great for the whole family! Organic Harvest Festival celebrates with a local farmers' maret, organic food samples, music and face-painting on September 28 from 2-4 pm. Free at The Big Carrot (348 Danforth). You can pre-register by calling 416-466-2129.

Enjoy!
Karen

Sweet & Treats Festival

This sounds fantastic! Sweets And Treats Festival will have entertainment by the Silver Elvis and others, a kids' fun zone, photos with cartoon characters, dessert vendors and more! The event runs from September 21 to 22, free admission at Sugar Beach, 11 Dockside Visit Sweets and Treats to find out more information. .
Enjoy!
Karen