a peek inside the fishbowl

Awhile back I received an email from Cascades, a packaging and paper company in Quebec. They asked me if I wanted to check out their product catalogue and possibly receive a free sample of one of their cardboard Christmas trees. (And although I did receive this for free, as always my opinions remain my own.)

It took me about a split second to reply to that email. I knew the girls would love it and that it would make a really interesting advent activity.

A cardboard Christmas tree might not sound that exciting to some, but I think it’s a pretty cool idea. It’s made from 100% recycled paper, Canadian made, and comes flat… in large perforated sheets you punch out. Then you just lie them out and start designing your own tree (there are ornaments too), piece it together, and voila, you have an eco tree!

The decorating possibilities are endless and many questions arose: should we paint it? Crayon or pencil crayon? Découpage? Should it be green, or something else? Should we stick things on the tree or leave it plain?

I tell ya, this was an all day project. The girls went to TOWN, and (seemingly) dragged out every single craft supply we own. Almost. (Including the glue gun.)

There are six of these panels and each side had to be painted and left to try. It was a lot of work, but fun. (Here’s a tip, use acrylic paints as they are washable.)

Phew. It’s done! Assembly (not pictured) was a snap.

Now to put something underneath the tree. Oh wait, we already have something furry under there…

… and here’s another view of the final product!

Pretty neat eh?  I loved watching the girls in action, and glitter glue, goggly eyes, pipe cleaners, pom poms were also thrown into this crafty mix.

We are all really proud of the final result. Thank you Cascades for this advent activity!

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This post is part of my 25 days of Christmas advent activities, although I’m actually doing only 12 this year. You can read more about that here.

We have a winner. Thanks for your entries!

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Fishbowl patron Lilac Lingerie has been writing a really neat series of posts on their blog lately. They really want to make sure we’re looking our best on the inside and out this holiday season. Each missive provides a little peek at a fabulous holiday outfit (courtesy of Victoire) along with some helpful suggestion regarding what to wear underneath. (Makes sense right? Lilac Lingerie is, after all, about pretty underthings.) Their latest post is a veritable holiday exposé! And I mean that. Literally.

This set is from a recent blog post that featured an outfit suggestion befitting a night at the NAC’s presentation of the Nutcracker ballet. (By the way, the NAC version has come and gone but you might still be able to swing tickets at Centrepointe or Shenkman.)

… and it’s today’s giveaway! Woot!

The brand is called Change and is part of their Christmas collection. The straps can be worn crisscross in the back or as a halter top, which makes it super convenient for holiday dresses. The padded version of the bra comes in 32A to 38D and soft cup sizes range from 34DD to 38G. There is a matching hipster (as pictured) or a thong. The total value of this giveaway is $100.

If you win: Lilac will give you a professional fitting (like they do with all their clients) and if there are issues, or the style in question doesn’t work, they’ll find a substitute of equal value. We recommend the winner picks up her prize within the next week because this style is selling out quickly. Apparently red is a hot colour around Christmas! :)

Want to win?

• Leave a comment below telling me why you’d like to win this bra and panty set. That’s it!

Some other details:

• This giveaway is open to anyone residing in the Ottawa area but is void in Quebec. (Here’s why.)
• The winner will have to pick up their prize from Lilac Lingerie in a timely manner. They’re located in Westboro at 307B Richmond Road here in Ottawa.
• This giveaway is open to men and women! Men, enter for your wives. Ladies, enter for yourselves!
• One entry per person please! We want lots of people to have the opportunity to win.
• If you can’t post your comment because you’re behind a firewall at work or whatever, you can email it to me for posting: andrea at quietfish dot com (however I cannot be responsible if your entry is misdirected or gets stuck in my Spam folder.)
• I will do a random draw of all qualifying entries using Random.org at noon EST on December 12, 2011.

Bonus!
Everyone who enters this giveaway will receive a one-time 15% discount on merchandise at Lilac Lingerie until Friday December 16, 2011. So make sure you leave your name and correct email address because this is what will qualify you for the discount in the eyes of the staff at Lilac.

Thank you Lilac Lingerie for this great giveaway… and for making us feel so gorgeous!

Good luck Fishies!

I’ve asked all of my lovely blog patrons to give me some ideas for Christmas gifts. Read on for some fantastic gift ideas, and please support local businesses this holiday season! Thank you!

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AliCat Art Studio – Original art for Christmas? Yes please! All three pieces below are acrylic on canvas.

• ‘Better Together’ – 18″ x 24″
• ‘Blue Bird’ – 8″ x 16″
• ‘The Road Home’ – 24″ x 48″

The National Arts Centre

• NAC Orchestra Mini-Pack: 3 concerts for $75 – What’s not to like? Incredible music by greats like Beethoven & Mozart as well as fun Pops shows — your choice of 3 concerts for only $75!
• 2 Tickets to 2 Pianos 4 Hands – The wildly popular play returns to the NAC—the tale of two talented pianists & their highly entertaining trials and tribulations. The perfect January pick-me-up! (Prices vary.)
• NAC Gift Card – Want to leave the gift open-ended? The NAC gift card can be used for tickets, at Le Café or in the parking garage—the ultimate flex-gift! Buy it in person at the NAC Box Office. (Online purchasing coming soon!)

Tag Along Toys

• Green Toys School Bus ($34.99) – Made in USA of recycled milk jugs, no phthalates, BPA, PVC, no metal axles and dishwasher safe. Lots of room inside for a bus full of little treasures.
• Madeline Tea Set ($39.99) – This deluxe set includes a tray, a tea pot with a lid, four cups, four saucers and four plates — each with a different illustration from the book. Four spoons, four patterned blue napkins and a tablecloth, make the perfect party for four.
• Spot it ($14.99) –  A sharp eye and a little bit of speed is all it takes to become a Spot it! master.

Saunders Farm

• Give your family fresh air, farm fresh fun and amazing family memories with a Season’s Pass to Saunders Farm. It includes unlimited visits all Summer and Fall to Ottawa’s favourite family destination.

4Cats Arts Studio (Note! These art kits aren’t available online! Drop by the studio to check them out.)

• Crumbs the Gingerbread man/Christmas tree Sculpey ornament kit. ($24.99)
• Pip the Penguin Christmas tree ornament Sculpey kit ($24.99)
• The Best, most fun art kit ever! Includes 4Cats Acrylic paints, a mini-apron, an easel, paintbursh and canvas ($65 each)

The Guy With the Dog – Sean McCann knows Westboro. These are his top gift ideas!

• A gift card for two peanut butter milk hot chocolates from Truffle Treasures.
• A hoodie from Lululemon for the cold winter days ahead.
• A Christmas toy for the family pooch from Masters n’ Dogs.

Red Chair Kids

• Chewbeads Jane Necklace –  Something for a new mom that makes a great stocking stuffer! 100% silicone teething jewelry. Inspired by babies, worn by moms.
• Moma Topsy Turvy Blocks – Balance these brightly colored and playfully tilted blocks to make towers of fun! Sturdy and lightweight, these 10 vibrant blocks can be arranged in endless combinations for hours of building fun.
• Lilliputiens Baby Chloe Doll – When she wakes, it is time to change her diaper! The diaper and pyjama is easy to remove and to put back on, so that little hands will delight in taking care of baby!

The Museum of Civilization

• Give the gift of culture with a Canadian Museum of Civilization and Canadian War Museum Membership. One first-class, year–long ticket to stay connected! Two world–class Museums designed to be part of your lifestyle. Lots of opportunity to share memorable, meaningful experiences.
• Give the ultimate IMAX Experience of an IMAX Club Membership to your family and friends. They’ll be entertained throughout the year with the best LARGE FORMAT film in town!
• Civilization and War Museum Gift Card – Gift cards can be exchanged at the Boutique and for admission at the Museum of Civilization, the War Museum and the IMAX Theatre. Available in eight different amounts: $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $50, $75, $100 and $150.

SavvyCompany

• A subscription to the Savvy Selections wine-of-the-month-club – A perfect gift for any wine lover … yourself included! It’s a gift that keeps giving, long after holiday decorations are packed away.
• Gift certificates to a night out at a Savvy Event – From Craft Beer classes in local breweries, to elegant Sommelier led wine tastings, evenings learning about artisan cheeses, even a Robbie Burns Day Scotch tasting.
• A gift of wine from Ontario’s best wineries –  Savvy Sommeliers will hand pick a customised selection of hard-to-find wines for a wine novice or enthusiast on your gift list. Perfect for family, friends & clients in other cities too!

Moneca Kaiser Design Build

• A gift certificate for a Big Picture Consultation – Inspired home design help from an expert!

Lilac Lingerie

• ‘Beatrice Deco’ widow from With Love Lingerie – Black and blush floral patterned widow with garter belt. To be worn by itself or with stay-ups.
• ‘Good Nighty’ chemise from Mary Green – Black silk full coverage knee-length chemise with lace bodice. Very popular for larger cup sizes.
• ‘Fiona’ bustier from Parfait by Affinitas – Purple padded wire camisole in silky stretch satin with black lace and ruffle trim. It has a very festive flair and it is excellent for a present.

Ottawa School of Speech & Drama

• A family pass (4 tickets) to see JellyBelly makes Garbage Delight of Alligator Pie. Adapted by the poems of Dennis Lee and presented by the Second students of the Ottawa Theatre School (OTS) February 20th & February 25th
• January Mini Camp – Do you have to head back to work in early January while the kids are still off school? This specially priced mini-camp in the first week of January could be the answer to a happy family!
• A donation to your favorite charity is always a good idea. OSSD is a non-profit charity, and is supported by many agencies and grants including Ottawa Citizen Literacy Foundation, Community Foundation of Ontario, the United Way, and the City of Ottawa. OSSD also accepts individual donations to support a bursary program, which gives over $20,000 worth of bursaries and scholarships per year. Their outreach programs bring drama into community to target at-risk youth and seniors. Donate here to give the gift of drama to someone who can’t afford it.