Vancouver Event - Playland

Summer is here and Playland is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon for the whole family.  Playland in Vancouver is an amusement park and it has rides for all ages.  There are roller coasters for the little kids (which I prefer) as I find the wooden roller coaster too scary for me.  They also have the ferris wheel with the breathtaking views.  

It's a good idea to get an early start to Playland when there are fewer crowds and people.  Eat a big breakfast for you can enjoy the rides and fun without having to spend too much money on eating out.  There are all kinds of rides with lots of spinning, screaming, and gentler rides like the bumper cars.

Don't forget to bring a little cash so you can walk around the fun games sections to Whack a Mole (which is my favorite) or play darts, shoot guns, knock down bottles all for the hopes to win a prize.  This year the prize was the Skeleton Bunny!  

Check out Playland at their website:  https://www.pne.ca/playland/
Save money by buying online instead of at the gate or check out their special promotions.  

Sunday Funday - Robson Square Ice Skating

Even though the snow has melted in Vancouver except on the mountains and the rain has started, there are still winter activities that you can do.  Robson Square Ice Skating is one of them.  It is conveniently located downtown on Robson Street underneath the Vancouver Art Gallery.  

It is a small rink but it gives people a break from shopping.  They have skate rentals for $4 but remember to bring cash.  I helped chaperone my niece's 14 year old birthday party and took the girls there to skate around.  We didn't stay and went across the street to Cafe Artigiano for a Spanish coffee.  Okay, I wasn't really a chaperone since 14 years old kind of have a mind of their own.  I was there to be a human GPS and keep my sister company.  

Skating Robson Square take about an hour or less before it can be a bit too repetitive but it is unique and fun event if you are downtown.  Plus the girls had fun taking selfies and doing their own photo shoots likely to post to each other on Snapchat.  (That's my best guess!).

After skating we walked down to Cartem's Donuts.  

Robson Square Ice Skating is open until February 14th (Valentine's Day) from 9am - 9pm Sunday - Thursday and 9am - 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Vancouver Event - Mary Poppins at the Stanley Theatre

In the summer, when the Arts Club Theatre had sent me a special sale for Mary Poppins, I couldn't resist.  I love live theatre but living in Vancouver, it is not as famous as London is for live theatre.  I loved watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in London a few years back and have always wanted to be able to watch live theatre more often.  In Vancouver, the theatres are not as grand, but that also means that they are not as expensive.  

Stanley Theatre is one of my favorites and especially for their musicals.  Previously I have watched Beauty and the Beast and Dream Girls at the Stanley Theatre.  It is not a surprise I jumped at the chance to have a date night with Mary Poppins.  As my husband said "The seats were perfect, just beyond the spitting range."  That's the advantage of planning ahead. 

I loved Mary Poppins, it's a feel good show that got me in the happy positive Christmas spirit.  And it is not too late, Mary Poppins has been so popular that it has been extended one more week until January 8th, 2017.  

Stanley Theatre Mary Poppins - https://www.artsclub.com/shows/2016-2017/mary-poppins

Countdown to Christmas!  

Vancouver Event: 4Cats Mug of the Season Workshop

Last year I bought in the Entertainment Book and knowing that it would expire at the end of December, I explored it to see what else I could use before the land of Entertainment book coupons ended. 

That's when I discovered the 4Cats Workshops at Capitol Hill in Burnaby.  It is close to SFU and when I saw the Polar Bear Mug was the mug of the season, I invited a girlfriend who invited more girlfriends and then there were four of us going to the Polar Bear Mug workshop at 4Cats.  I was even able to find another coupon to use.  

This was a fun Friday night that flew by quickly because adults are perfectionists and it takes us longer to follow instructions and make our mugs.  That's what I think.  When we first arrived we all sat around a large table and the 4Cats teacher gave us name tags and the clay supplies.  Then she went through each step and the class followed.  I have to admit that everything was going well until it was time to add the mug handle.  It was hard, and then my clay started cracking and I had a lopsided handle that fell apart.  In the end I asked the teacher to do it for me.  Yes, I'm not afraid to ask for help.  Thankfully she did so I had enough time to paint my mug before the class was done.  

Now my Polar bear mug is curing so I'm not sure what the final results will look like.  If you are looking for an event for your girlfriends, then check out Capitol Hill and the adult workshops.  I know that kids love 4Cats but I never knew it could be fun for adults too.  

#ThrowbackThursday - Vancouver Meat and Cheese Festival

National Blog Posting Month

Blogging Everyday in November 

#NaBloPoMo Day 10 - Vancouver Meat and Cheese Festival

I love to look at the photos I have taken for inspiration for my blogging posts and I stumbled across some beautiful photos and thought they would be perfect for #ThrowbackThursday.

Vancouver Meat and Cheese Festival was in September and it was its first year so Vancity Girlfriends decided to buy tickets for the Wine and Cheese Tasting that was held at the Terminal City Club.  I blogged about the event in July but was busy in September to share the fabulous photo memories.  

Terminal City Club is a beautiful venue located downtown Vancouver.  Normally you need to be a club member to enter but for this evening everyone was welcome.  The Wine and Cheese tasting was scheduled for one and half hours but it did not take that long for the hosts to discuss the six different types of cheese on the plate and the wines to accompany the cheese.  I learned a lot about Canadian cheeses and loved tasting the wine.  Tasting is key as some of the cheese I definitely had wine favourites.  The "lecture" lasted until maybe thirty or forty minutes but that gave everyone time to chat to each other and slowly sip and taste their wine.  I also recommend refilling the water glass as well.  As you can imagine after drinking six glasses of wine (even taster sizes) we were feeling pretty happy.  So happy also that we decided to go out for dinner after the event to soak up all of the wine.  It was a fun wine tasting event and I'm sure we'll be seeing them back in 2017!  

I felt like I belonged to the club for that evening while waiting by the grand piano in the lobby sitting on comfortable arm chairs.  The only thing that was missing was the pianist.  We lapped up the luxury of the elegant surroundings before dinner.  

Vancouver Event - Renfrew Community Craft Fair

National Blog Posting Month in November

#NaBloPoMo Day 5 - Renfrew Community Craft Fair

Everyone has different holiday traditions and one of mine is participating in a local community craft fair.  It is a way to bring handmade jewellery and crafts to life by giving them a new home to someone who falls in love with what I make.  Renfrew Community Craft Fair has been home to my craft fair goods every year.  I invite everyone I know and it is also a way for me to catch up with friends and have mini reunions with everyone as they shop for local handmade Christmas presents.  

It is a good time to get away from the pushy malls and instead take a look at crafts that people have made with love in a local community.  I find the community is friendly and often I find customers who recognize my table from previous years.  That is what happens with traditions!  People know how to find me and my earrings.  

This year I've invited my friend Taslim to share my table and I'm looking forward to see what craft uniqueness she will bring.  Plus I have an opportunity to spend the day with a long lost friend.  

Save the date!  Saturday, November 26th from 10am - 3pm at Renfrew Park Community Centre in Vancouver, BC.  

Sign up on Facebook (Admission is FREE) - https://www.facebook.com/events/333621707014959/

Earrings are my specialty and you can find some of the pearl, skull, coin earrings below.  I'll also have painted gift boxes, felt cutlery stockings, and more!  Still have 3 more weeks to prepare so there may be a few surprises.

Vancouver Event: Cheese and Meat Festival Vancouver

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

You no longer need to wait until February for a wine and cheese festival.  Carolyn found a wine and cheese pairing seminar at the new Cheese and Meat Festival.  So for one evening in September we will be able to sample wine and cheese and learn about which ones go together.  Now that sounds like a fabulous treat!  I love learning about new things and growing and Carolyn loves drinking wine.  So when you have a Wine and Cheese seminar it makes us both happy ;)  

The Wine and Cheese Pairing seminar is at Terminal City Club on September 17th from 5:30-7pm.  Tickets are $35 each and $7 processing fee so it's around $42 for an evening of learning about wine and cheese.  

Not really sure what to expect as this is the first year the festival is taking place.  But we will be sure to bring our iPhones and cameras so we can share our experience.  Or if you wish, grab a ticket and join us. Find out more at the following link:  http://cheeseandmeatfestival.com/vancouver/

Vancouver Foodie Event: Tasting Plates Fraserhood

We are so excited because on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 we are going to Tasting Plates Fraserhood.  It has been so long since I last attended a Tasting Plate adventure.  You can read about my tasting journey from last year with Tasting Plates New Westminister, and Tasting Plates Cambie Village.  

So what is Tasting Plates?  It is a foodie adventure.  There are usually six different types of restaurants, bakeries, and this case even a juicery that joins the adventure.  First is the registration where you pick up the tasting plates card that you bring to each restaurant.  The restaurant will have essentially a "tasting plate" for you so you can try different food from six different places.  

I was pretty excited with Fraserhood because of some of the familiar places that will be in the adventure such as Commodity Juice, and Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria.  The full details of who is included is here:  Tasting Plates Fraserhood.

Now when I buy the early bird tickets for Tasting Plates each adventure is about $32 which is a real steal for being able to try different drinks, food, dessert and have a walking adventure in a new neighbourhood while you are at it.  

Follow Vancity Girlfriends on Twitter as we sample away and see the pictures.  Afterwards I'll blog so come back to see the foodie photos.  Then you can decide if you want to do Tasting Plates Westend which is the next food adventure that has been announced by Tasting Plates.  These are tons of fun and I'm so happy I get to go on Tasting Plates Fraserhood with my Vancity Girlfriend!  

Cherry Blossom Festival 2016 #AtoZChallenge

 Cherry Blossom Festival is every Spring.  It is a beautiful time of year when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom and in Vancouver, they celebrate fully with a variety of different events over the spring time.  

Even though some events were in March, there are still a lot of Cherry Blossom Festival events around Vancouver for April.  

These include Tree Talks and Walks at local parks where you can see the cherry blossoms and learn more about them.  

There is also The Sakura Days Japan Fair which features Japanese festival food, demonstrations, art, trees and talks, music and more.  A weekend of exploring Japanese culture on April 9th and 10th.

This year they have a new event called the Blossom Barge where they will sail a barge along the waterways.  And of course you can also enter the Haiku or Photography contests.  

I love the pink bloomed trees and how they brighten up the landscape.  It is a beautiful time of year and the Cherry Blossom Festival helps you celebrate that whether you enjoy taking photos (like me), writing poetry, enjoying nature, or participating in festivals.  There is a little something for everyone.  That's why C is for Cherry Blossoms.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival Events:  http://www.vcbf.ca/community-events

Vancouver Event: Vancouver Aquarium

This year my 7 year old niece is getting adventuresome and even though she was close to her mom in her younger years, she has recently realized that's it's okay to hang out with "auntie".  This means that I can have fabulous days where I spend the morning and afternoon finding out the joys of being young again.

Kids at school get free passes to Vancouver attractions and the ticket that she received was for the Vancouver Aquarium.  I hadn't been in years so it was great to go and see it through the eyes of a 7 year old.  I still had to pay $31 for an adult ticket but it was worth every penny for a memory that we'll never forget with my niece.

Everything is new and incredible at the aquarium.  We went through the tropics and each large glass she peered inside pointing in amazement at the different fish.  We saw a blue parrot and when we moved over to the Pacific Northwest there were jellyfish.  Jellyfish were one of my favorite.  We went to the 4D show which is lots of fun as the seats and effects will give you an entire experience.  Then we explored the exhibits outside which led us to the beluga whales, Chester, the false killer whale and penguins.  Of course every visit ends by exiting the gift shop and she did buy a seal with a magnetic pen attached.    

Time flies at the Vancouver Aquarium and I took lots of pics.  Here are some of the highlights below.  

Finding Nemo - Clownfish

Tortoises in the Tropics

Amazing Jellyfish

Crabs

Penguins

You can always find more info at their website:  http://www.vanaqua.org/  

Vancouver Event: Dine Out Vancouver Festival 2016

One of the best things for foodie lovers about the new year is the famous Dine Out Vancouver Festival which runs from January 15th to 31st, 2016.  During this festival, restaurants create three course menu options and can choose their prices from $20, $30, or $40 for a three course meal.  It is a great opportunity for foodies to try an appetizer, main dish, and dessert with their dates, friends, family at new restaurants.  It is a perfect girls night out!  

But be sure to make your reservations early as they do fill up quickly especially if you want to go on the weekends.  The restaurants and menus are online and you can look at the Dine Out Vancouver participants here:  http://www.dineoutvancouver.com/  

I love this Vancouver event and have discovered great new restaurants this way.  The countdown begins and the fun starts next Friday!  

Vancouver Event: Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Hotel

Even though Christmas Day is over, you can still enjoy the festivities and the holiday spirit with different attractions in Vancouver.  

Gingerbread Lane at the Hyatt Regency Hotel conveniently located beside the Burrard Skytrain Station downtown Vancouver is open today and tomorrow for everyone to enjoy the gingerbread houses displays.  Secondary schools and culinary schools compete for first, second and third prizes in the friendly gingerbread competition.

The large display this year is a replica of Gastown and the Steamclock.  If you want to take a break from the hectic malls and shopping on Boxing Day, then step inside Gingerbread Lane for a little bit of Christmas to help you relax on a bustling day.  Hard to believe that these culinary creations are edible.  Enjoy!

Vancouver Event: Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Just wanted to share a place that I went to on Christmas Eve.  I had family in town from overseas and they had heard about Capilano Suspension Bridge so we decided to take the free shuttle that leaves from Canada Place downtown Vancouver (close to Waterfront Skytrain Station) to the tourist attraction.

We decided to take the 3pm Capilano Shuttle so we could see their special holiday Canyon Lights during the day as the sun is setting and at night.  We were very lucky that we decided not to get a coffee and instead went to stand in line for the shuttle a bit early.  Good thing we did because they only had only 30 spaces as there were three other stops that had passengers waiting.  We were one of the last ones on the bus.  

When we arrived it was still light out and we decided to get our coffee first and warm ourselves up before we went across the Capilano suspension bridge.  It was nice to have a warm drink by the heat lamp before our winter adventure began.  

We walked across the Capilano Suspension Bridge along with lots of other tourists and visitors.  I never knew that this was one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver.  In the summer, they have buses leaving Canada Place every 10 minutes.  Now I have to admit that I am afraid of heights and going there was facing my fears straight on.  I'm glad I did.  The scenery is breathtaking and beautiful.  During the walk, I held on tight and took one step at a time, probably with the look of fear on my face, but I did get better with practice.  I think that there were so many tourists, some young, some old, and none were scared of crossing that bridge gave me courage.  

Once on the other side we did the Treetops Adventure which is walking along the bridges among the trees.  I did much better at this since they were shorter distances and as it got dark we could only see the lights of the bridge instead of what what down below.  Then we continues our trek on ground as they had Christmas tree lights along all the walking trails.  

Cliffwalk Adventure

Then we went across the other side to do the Cliffwalk Adventure which are bridges against the cliff of the mountain walking up to the top.  All of the bridges were lit with Christmas lights.  More festive lights were on the trees as we walked back down to the gift shop.  

They did have quite a lot to do and see and the walking around alone took us two hours easily.  So it was worth the $37.95 per adult as the entrance fee.  Since I was a BC Resident I received an annual pass at guest services so I can return anytime to the attraction.  With a free shuttle I may bring other friends or visitors who come to Vancouver.  

Canyon Lights is still lit up until January 3rd, 2016 so if you still have time to check it out:  https://www.capbridge.com/visit/

Vancouver Event: Bright Nights at Stanley Park

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

In October Vancity Girlfriend Carolyn was asking me to pin down a date for Bright Night Christmas Train at Stanley Park.  (Or maybe it was her son Toby ;)

Of course I agreed as I haven't been on the Christmas train in years.  I find it difficult to go to these family friendly events without a kid.  Sometimes I borrow a niece so it's nice to be invited to experience excitement through childhood eyes.  Secretly I am a child at heart and love these events.  

Bright Nights Christmas Train is taking a short train ride through a Christmas lights wonderland (I can't say winter wonderland because there is no snow).  A portion of the proceeds for this event goes to the BC Firefighter burn fund to help burn survivors and their families.  

When you first arrive you can see all of the Stanley Park trees covered in Christmas Lights which is quite a beautiful sight.  Then you can walk to the barn which is essentially Santa's workshop where kids and adults alike can talk to Santa and get their picture with Santa for $10 cash.  Luckily the mom had it all planned.

Now getting on the train these days is completely different from what I remembered years ago.  The last time I went on the Christmas train on a blustery day, we just bought our tickets on sight and then stood in line.  The experience now is waiting in line for 1/2 hour so you can be first in your time slot before you can get on the train.  It helps if there are fewer people in your party because they will ask and you can get ahead sometimes.  That's what happened with us and we had 4.  Before that they were asking for 2 to get on an earlier train.  

Bright Nights is a beautiful sight and I loved all of the Christmas Lights.  I guess I don't have the patience of a parent and didn't like waiting in the light rain for an hour even though I appreciated the festive scenery.  Also since it was the last weekend before Christmas, the place was packed and crowded to the brim.  If you choose a time earlier in the season, it may be less packed but that is hard to say.  I'd definitely want to go after sunset to see the bright nights.  Kids love it!  

Vancouver Event: Vancouver International Wine Festival 2016

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Happy Holidays!  This year we went to the Vancouver International Wine Festival 25 for under $25 Mingler and LOVED IT.  Read our post here:  http://vancitygirlfriends.blogspot.ca/2015/03/vancouver-event-vancouver-international.html

So I've been watching the website and anxiously waiting to see when tickets will go on sale.  This is a popular event and sells out quickly so I wanted plenty of time to tell all my friends about this event.  With a wine mingler, the more people you know there, the more fun it is.  I love trying new wines and seeing which ones make an impression on my tastebuds.  Even better that I go with a Vancity Girlfriend.  

The Vancouver International Wine Festival this year has the ITALY theme and the tickets for the 25 for under $25 Mingler are going on sale on Tuesday, January 12th at 9:30AM.  The wine mingler itself is on Saturday, February 27th from 5:15-6:45pm and tickets are $55.  

Check it out and maybe we'll see you there!  http://www.vanwinefest.ca/page470.htm

Vancouver Event: Buddha Woodha Jewellery Class

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

It's Social Shopper Saturday!  I love coupons and I have to admit had a bit of a couponing addition.  I'd buy the Social Shopper, Living Social, or Groupons and would just collect them.  There was a fascination to buying and getting such a great deal!  Then after I had the coupon I would often forget to book ahead of time or to use it.  Yes, it's a bad habit of mine.  Luckily I have learned my lessons so I'm more careful.  I make the reservation right after purchasing.  And with the new Canadian laws, the price that I paid for the coupon never expires.  

I love beading and crafting but the bead stores are so far away in Vancouver or Granville Island.  When I saw the Buddha Woodha Jewellery Making class, it was a good deal and so close to home in Burnaby at the local community center.  I couldn't resist and made a reservation for their ring and pendant class in October.  It's pretty amazing how much you can do in a 90 minute class.  We made two rings and one stone wrapped pendant.  I learned some new skills and had fun!  

They are having another class on wirework now that is offered on Social Shopper with Buddha Woodha.  It is the same deal that I got which is $29 per class for one person or $49 for two people.  My advice is to book your class early.  

Buddha Woodha Jewellery Making Class - Rings and Pendants

Vancouver Event: Starbucks Holiday Share Event

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Christmas is in the air in November!  Starbucks Red Cups are back to bring holiday cheer to our festive drinks which includes my all time favourite Peppermint Mocha.  There's also Chestnut Praline Latte and Caramel Brulee Latte both of which I've never tried but I might now that it's Starbucks Holiday Share Event.

From November 12 - 15 from 2-5pm, if you buy one holiday drink, you get one free to share!  Now that's worth trying something new and you can add a snowman cookie to share.  

Find the details and the invitation here:  http://atstarbucks.tumblr.com/shareevent

Vancouver Event: Pan Pacific Wish Breakfast

Dear Vancity Girlfriends,

Every year I truly do love the Pan Pacific Wish Breakfast.  It is a festive event that supports a great cause and it gets you in the mood of the holiday spirit.  There are Christmas carolers and choirs, lots of people, media and public support who come out to give toys to those in need.  It's a wonderful venue at the Pan Pacific Vancouver and the breakfast is spectacular in my mind.  Best of all is that you are surrounded by people who all have the same motive, to give toys to the kids so everyone gets a Christmas!  (And I don't even celebrate Xmas myself).  I recommend waking up early to go the Pan Pacific Wish Breakfast to avoid the line ups.  It's coming up in a few weeks on Thursday November 26th from 6am - 9am.  See you there!

Here's the information from the Rock 101 website:  http://www.rock101.com/christmas-wish-breakfast/

The Pan Pacific Vancouver, Global BC and Rock 101 are collecting new unwrapped toys and cash donations benefiting the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau on Thursday, November 26th from 6am to 9am. Bring a new unwrapped toy and join the Willy In The Morning show LIVE for a free breakfast in our efforts to make Christmas a little brighter for families across the Lower Mainland.

Last year, Vancouver residents dropped off 40,000 pounds of toys and over $25,000+ in cash donations for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. We look forward to you joining us this year!

Where: Pan Pacific Vancouver 999 Canada Place
When: Thursday, November 26, 2015
Time: 6am – 9am
What: Bring a new unwrapped toy and enjoy a free (amazing) breakfast!

Vancouver Event: Cirque Du Soleil KOOZA

I found out today that a Vancity Girlfriend is going to Cirque du Soliel that is playing at the Concorde Pacific (between Main Street and Stadium skytrain stations) and it is NOT ME.  Jealous!  I admit I knew that KOOZA was coming to Vancouver but did not jump at the chance to go, but that doesn't mean all is lost.  

Cirque du Soleil KOOZA is playing at the big top in Vancouver until December 27th, 2015.  Through my Social Shopper stalking, I've noticed that they put up tickets at a savings during different time periods with tickets starting at $68 of course for specific time periods and dates.  

Social Shopper Coupons:  Click HERE.  

KOOZA is a combination of clowning and acrobatics and of course I'm sure it'll be quite the show.  After all who doesn't love Cirque du Soleil.  Last time I went I was lucky enough to win the tickets, and this time my Vancity Girlfriend is going on Saturday and I'm sure she'll tell me all about it.  I can live vicariously through her and imagine I was there imagining the colour, acrobatics, mesmerized with the theatricals that are all a part of the amazing Cirque du Soleil.   Yes, I'm jealous so if you are going, tell me all about it~enjoy the show to the fullest.  

Vancouver Event: Science World Body Worlds Animals Inside Out

Hello Vancity Girlfriends,

Today was my day to be an auntie and take my seven year old niece on an adventure to Science World.  I'm the auntie who takes transit and the adventure began by getting on a bus to the skytrain.  Wow!  Who knew that taking the skytrain could be a treat!

It was also exciting that the stop that we got off at Main Street Science World was minutes away from the main attraction.  We didn't have to spend too much time in the rain and puddles.  However, we were prepared with our umbrellas that almost flew away and our rain jackets and rain boots.  

I have to admit that I wasn't sure if Body Worlds Animals Inside Out would be appropriate for kids, but I think the warning labels were there just to scare me.  I thought I'd just ask my niece who saw the picture of the stripped down goat and said "Sure, let's go".  Of course she also said in the same breath, I saw "Inside Out" in the theatre.  Well, it wasn't going to be like the movie, that's for sure.  

Body World Animals Inside Out Giraffe

I secretly was excited to be going to Body Worlds Animals Inside Out so we went to that special limited time only exhibit first.  We received an Ostrich stamp because then we could go in and out of the exhibit freely.  When we first stepped in they showed us an arm that was plastinated and explained how plastination worked before we saw the animals for themselves.  Initially there were squid, fish, and sharks.  In one box was a dark red heart that attracted my niece, then she asked "What it is?" and I read "A shark's heart" from the label.  She took a look and instead of being scared, she pointed to the shark in a nearby cage and said "There's the shark."  Ahh, I don't need to be scared when I have my niece to take me around to learn more about the anatomy and physiology of animals.  She really did take me through the exhibit which was fascinating and unique.  

Body Worlds:  Animals Inside Out is at Science World in Vancouver until March 2016.  It's worth taking a look if you have the chance and great to go with kids.  We spent a full afternoon at Science World!  After the Body Worlds Animals Inside Out exhibit, we explored other exhibits including the Living Lab, Body Works, Sustainable World, and even watched the Toys Science Show.  The best was that this was a memory that I now share with my niece.  I love the gift of quality time.