Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

outdoor fun

Year Round Jumping FUN with Springfree Trampoline!

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Before I owned a Springfree trampoline, I had a few questions. (Actually, I had a lot of questions.)
Most centered around safety and size, but there was one question I really couldn’t find the answer to:

“Would the novelty wear out? Would my kids tire of the trampoline?”

Admittedly, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to this, because simply put, kids are different. However, I thought I’d take the time for a little Q&A session – the questions were posed by me before we owned a Springfree trampoline, and the answers are my conclusions after enjoying one for the last four months. If you are in the market for a trampoline this year or next, I hope you find it informative! …

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Smart Safety: It’s Time to Springfree

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PROMO CODE! Use code SpringInto150YYZ1 to receive a FREE tgoma unit (value of $349) with the purchase of ANY trampoline!

To say my boys love our Springfree Trampoline is an understatement. Where else can they let loose, shake off excess energy, enjoy a fun jumping experience and… become Spider-Man?
There’s no limit where their imaginations will take them.

Now I’ll be honest; when I told my mom that we were getting a trampoline for the kids, her first question was, “But are they safe?” I think that most people associate trampolines with all sorts of heinous injuries, and the thing is, they’re not incorrect. Each year more than 105,000 kids are sent to the hospital because of traditional trampolines – and that’s just in the USA. Repeat after me: not all trampolines are created equal. …

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This Summer, Springfree!

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PROMO CODE! Use code SpringInto150YYZ1 to receive a FREE tgoma unit (value of $349) with the purchase of ANY trampoline!

When it comes to Springfree Trampolines, it’s an all-out love fest.

Your kids will love their Springfree Trampoline because it provides hours of outdoor fun. They will jump, bounce, role play and even engage in an interactive Smart Play experience with tgoma.

Your kids’ friends will love your Springfree Trampoline, too. Yes, your backyard will become a party zone.

You’ll love your Springfree Trampoline because it encourages activity, creativity, and greatly improves coordination and confidence. And most of all, it offers a safe jumping experience, especially when kids adhere to the one-at-a-time rules of play.

What’s not to love? Oh right. It also makes the best birthday present EVER.
This year, thanks to the good folks at Springfree Trampoline, I had an opportunity to surprise my sons with one of the items at the top of their wish lists: a trampoline of their very own. I’ve had my eye on Springfree Trampolines for quite some time, mainly due to their patented safety design and smart engineering. Because I don’t want to babysit my boys while they’re in their own backyard, it wasn’t a question of which trampoline to purchase; rather, when we’d go with a Springfree. …

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Staycation 101: Planning the Perfect Picnic

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Before the little ones came along, my husband and I were avid picnickers. There’s just something so very romantic about stretching out on a big, soft blanket and enjoying a simple meal… all the while being surrounded by nature on a sunny, warm day. In fact, almost 7 years ago I received a proposal for marriage while we were picnicking – which essentially made me a #Fan4life.

Alas, when we first had the little guys, the thought of picnicking seemed more like a chore than a chance to enjoy ourselves. Packing toys. A change of clothes. Spill-proof cups. Lots of wet wipes for sticky hands. Colouring books… and that’s before I got to the components of the meal. Sheesh, it’s no wonder I once had an aversion to the great outdoors.

But that’s all changed. This year, I’ve made it my mission to incorporate fun-filled family picnics into our summertime activities. And so far, we’re 5 for 5! That’s right, five picnics under our belts already this summer, and certainly more on the way (as soon as this 45°C heat wave subsides, that is).

There’s no secret to planning the perfect picnic. Truly, once you prepare for it once, it becomes easier every time. Here are my tried and true suggestions:

1. Keep it Simple. Finger foods all the way! Don’t even stress about bringing extra utensils, condiments and/or paper plates to complement a more complicated dish. Kids are famous for just picking what they want anyways, so a simple spread of finger foods such as cooked chicken nuggets, vegetable sticks, sandwich halves and chips are the way to go. For dessert, pack fruit skewers, granola bars and/or cookies (preferably ones that won’t go goopy in the heat). Invest in a large cooler to keep your foods safe and your drinks chilled.

2. Make it Fun. Even though I’m completely entertained just lounging and eating grapes, the boys often require a little more stimulation. I make a weekly stop to Dollarama to stock up on outdoor toys and games to keep the kiddies occupied before and after they eat. A bonus: I don’t necessarily care if the dirty/broken/wayward toys make it home, since they didn’t break the bank. Balls, butterfly nets, Frisbees, squirt toys and picture books depicting nature are all a great way to help them enjoy the outdoors. If there’s a walkway nearby, sidewalk chalk is also a perfect option.

3. Keep them Safe. Protecting little ones from the sun and bug bites is essential, especially if picnicking in conservation areas or near water. A gentle, broad spectrum sunscreen should be a staple in the picnic tote (we like Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50), along with a variety of insect repellents.

4. Pack your Canon. Your Canon camera, that is. There are so many moments I’ve captured in years past, and will cherish always. Seeing the baby sitting on a picnic blanket (with chubby legs poking out); watching my little guy jump up to catch a football; capturing a colourful spread of summer ripe fruits and vegetables. If you’d rather not tote along your DSLR, be sure to have your smartphone on hand.

5. Think Outside the Park. Picnics can happen anywhere – at a nature conservation, the beach, on top of a mountain, even in your own backyard! I love “stay-at-home picnics” – they’re a great way to spend a sunny, weekday afternoon with the boys… with minimal fuss! A bonus: no need to pack a change of clothes/diapers, ha!

This summer, put picnicking together at the top of your list for spending leisurely time with the family. Outdoor fun, here we come!