The mother of all Mother's Days
April 2008 - Erin Isings

Psychic House Parties
Yes, it's exactly what it sounds like! You may think it's only for corporate gatherings or onstage entertainment, but you can have your own private psychic house party this Mother's Day. Just head over to Mom's and the psychic will meet you there!

Ron Sunn of Headstone Entertainment has been doing stage hypnosis and tarot card readings all over Southwestern Ontario for more than 25 years. Sunn tailors the party to his client's liking, and doesn't need a silent atmosphere for concentration - good news for those who are so inclined to giggling, gossiping and discussion. It's all welcome during the readings.

I always marvel at the timeless beauty, magic and mystery of the tarot card. That is one of the reasons I enjoy doing the tarot parties. I truly believe the tarot cards provide a window into the past and future, says Sunn, who is also trained in runes, numerology, astrology and mentalism.

But how does he read the cards? It's like when you're reading a book and you know what the end of the book will be. That's the feeling I get from the cards when I'm doing a reading, says Sunn, adding that he's pretty accurate with his readings. People often stop him in the grocery store or other public places to give him updates on what has happened in their lives.

Sunn also does stage hypnosis for small groups in people's homes. But no need to worry about the X-rated content you hear about at pub performances. I pride myself in providing adult, fun entertainment that is totally appropriate for any situation or clientele I'm working for. The type of show I would do for a group of friends at a bachelorette party is a little more wild and crazy than what I would undertake for a corporate Christmas party r a Mother's Day gathering.

Sunn can be reached at 519-871-7173. Rates are very reasonable but differ by area, so visit www.headstone.ca for more information.

An Outing to the Theatre
Why not take Mom to see some Dirty Rotten Scoundrels? This play was seen only on Broadway until this summer, when the North American premiere will be held right in our backyard at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend. The exclusive rights to produce Dirty Rotten Scoundrels were granted to Drayton Entertainment after some theatre agents from New York watched the performance of Legends at the Huron Country Playhouse last year.

The Grand Bend theatre was made for the big musical. It has developed the reputation in its 36-year history of providing the absolute best in musical theatre in Southwestern Ontario, says Steven Karcher, director of marketing and development for Drayton Entertainment. The company runs six professional theatres in four Ontario communities: Grand Bend, St. Jacobs, Penetanguishene and Drayton.

You can purchase a gift certificate that can be redeemed for any show at any of the six theatres at any time throughout the 2008 season, says Karcher. This is a handy surprise to tuck into a Mother's Day card and you and Mom can sit down together and decide when you're both available and which show you'd both like to see.

If you're looking for more than a show, Drayton Entertainment's box office employs a Customized Packages Coordinator who can help you plan theatre packages including dinner and even overnight getaways.

Since day one, we have been about providing a quality, professional theatre experience in a charming setting. Part of the appeal of going to a theatre is the journey, and getting there leaving the city and taking a nice drive in the countryside, says Karcher.

And charm is what these theatres are all about. The Huron Country Playhouse is a turn-of-the-century renovated barn, the Drayton Festival Theatre is a renovated 1902 historic opera house and the King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene is an old military naval site. There are two theatres in St. Jacob's. The Schoolhouse Theatre is exactly that: a renovated 1867 schoolhouse, and the St. Jacob's Country Playhouse theatre is a converted winery and cidery.

Karcher says all seats have an exellent vantage point, and he's proud of their ticket prices. A regular theatre ticket costs $36. It's part of our goal to show that quality theatre is accessible to all and does not need to break your wallet, he says.
Karcher is especially excited about this year's flagship production, My Fair Lady. It's the classical musical with the typical Drayton twist. People who think they have seen the show before have never seen it until they have seen it done the Drayton way.
For more information, visit www.draytonentertainment.com or call the box office at 1-888-449-4463.

A Night on the Town
If your mother dreams of pedicures, hand massages, fine wine, a chocolate fountain and exotic food, take her to Diamond Estates Ladies' Night. Continues on next page
What we had found is that there was no real ladies' night anywhere in the city quite like this. Our Diamond Estates Ladies' Night really gives women the opportunity to come – either with their friends, co-workers or family member, and be pampered. To sit down and relax – not just networking – but to catch up, says London Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, who provides assistance to Executive Chef John MacRae.

We often hear women say that they haven't had the opportunity to sit down and really talk to each other. (Diamond Estates Ladies Night) also gives women the opportunity to enjoy a nice meal or a glass or wine if they want, or perhaps even a special cocktail, she says.

In addition to a chocolate fountain from La Chocolaterie Forrat Inc., the hand massages provided by Posh Pedicures Lounge have been a hit with many patrons. The hand massages are amazing! It's a really nice way for women to warm up coming in out of the cold, says DeCicco-Best.

The event is held on Wednesdays and features a special theme from different places around the world. Upcoming themes include India, Louisiana, Russia, China, Turkey and our very own London. Diamond Estates provides wine samples according to the theme, and Black Fly Beverages has just signed on to provide a special gift for a monthly draw.

Ladies' night is a signature event I felt very strongly about because I don't have a lot of free time, but when I do, I want to be able to spend quality time with friends or family or even colleagues, in a comfortable environment over a good meal and a drink to relax. I know there are many, many women that feel exactly like that and this is a tribute to them, says DeCicco-Best.

Cost for the evening, which includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert, is $17.95
For reservations, book online at www.fridayknightlights.com or call 519-672-5050.

Other Fun Ideas

• Send your husband over to your mother's (or hire a handyman) to do some renovations or odd jobs that she's been meaning to get around to.
• Rent an old movie and watch it together on a Friday night. Don't forget the ice cream and two spoons!
• Hire a cleaning service to help with her spring cleaning.
• Plant a tree or take her to the gardening centre. You can pick up some plants for spring and give your green thumbs a workout.
• Volunteer together. Call up a homeless shelter and arrange to go in and cook up a meal to mother others in need.
• Consider making a donation in your mother's name to her favourite charity.
• Buy her a spa gift certificate. You can even book a mother/daughter session and get a massage/manicure/pedicure while bonding with Mom.
• To honour the memory of a mother or grandmother who's passed away, light a candle and play her favourite song.
• Put those old home movies in Mom's VCR and let her relive the memories. Or take out an old photo album. For many mothers, the happiest times were raising their children, and who doesn't love an afternoon of Remember when…?
• Want to get away but can't afford the time or expense of a full vacation? Check out the Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory in Cambridge. The average temperature in the conservatory is 24° to 28° C to mimic the butterfly habitat. Stroll through the tropical gardens while catching up with your mom. Visit www.wingsofparadise.com for more information.
  

Remember, brunch, shopping trips, or any amount of quality time are wonderful gifts for Mom. Life is too short, so make every outing with her a special day!