Win a Chance to Visit @TorontoCastle to Live the #KnightLife

UPDATE: Thanks to all entrants! The contest is now closed, and the lucky winner has been notified.

The last time The Husband and I went to see Medieval Times, we were a newly dating couple. I won't go into specifics, but it was a really long time ago. After all, the show has enjoyed a successful run in Toronto since 1993. We had been meaning to take the kids but never seemed to get around to booking our tickets. That's why we were thrilled to be asked to come see the show again though this time it was with a toddler instead of tequila. We went to the 4:30 performance on Sunday, March 13, 2016. As this weekend was the official start to March Break it was a full house, even for the early seating.

Queen of the Tournament

Medieval Times really is a show for all ages, and watching our kids watch the show was absolutely part of the fun. Perhaps the best part is how hard the crew works to make sure the littlest guests are included in the action at every opportunity. M was awarded the "Queen of the Tournament" banner from the Red Knight, our champion in the Tournament.

The show is entertaining, the cast and crew work really hard to make sure everyone is comfortable and entertained, and the service is quick and efficient. The animals are clearly well trained and well treated, and the falcon display is truly something you don't see every day. But it's obviously secondary to the main event, watching the knights battle it out in the arena before the King and his loyal subjects.

The pacing of the meal service is expertly done to keep you munching and drinking while watching the show. Yes, you do eat with your hands, but they bring plenty of cleaning cloths so you're able to clean up at will. Just go with it. The kids certainly loved having a meal where I wasn't working on encouraging proper utensil technique.

Mmmm. Corn!

A high chair was provided upon request, which meant even our littlest knight-in-training could see all the action. Towards the end of the show, Little Cat Z was restless, but I think that was more a function of a shorter-than-usual nap than a lack of interest in the show. Though, at not-quite-three, he's about the youngest age that I'd consider taking to the show. After all, it's fun to be able to see it for yourself and that's hard to do when you're wrangling a little person.

I have partnered with Medieval Times Toronto to send one lucky family back to the dark ages! The winner will receive four tickets (two adults, two children) to a Toronto performance between now and the end of April 2016. 

To enter, visit the "About the Show" page to pick your favourite knight, then comment here, on Facebook or on Twitter with your answer. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter to earn an extra entry. No more than two entries per person. The winner will be selected by random draw on the evening of Sunday, March 20th. 

Disclosure: My family received King's Royalty Package for the dinner & show to write this review. No other compensation was received, all opinions expressed are my own. 

Want to see TinTin?

I have a reward code for two adult passes (max value $24) for the new Adventures of TinTin movie that I can't use, so I'm giving them away here. NOTE: These are valid in Canada only. Here is the fine print:

• Code must be entered on the website by 11:59 pm CT on 1/22/2012. Certificate expires when film is no longer in theaters or on 1/22/2012, whichever occurs first.  Certificate is valid for up to $24.00 towards two (2) adult admissions to see The Adventures Of Tintin, at participating theaters, including those designated as “no coupons, no passes” in local theater listing guides. Reward must be used in one transaction and is void after use, so all movie admissions must be purchased at the same time. Valid in Canada only. If lost, cannot be replaced. Void if resold. No reproductions will be accepted. No change will be provided to consumer. Not valid with any other offer. Each certificate has a unique code that allows a one-time movie theater admission. Attempts to use the unique code for anything other than a movie theater admission or to use it after the expiration date will result in denial of the transaction.

Want 'em? I'll do a random draw on Thursday night at 9:00 EST. One or all of the following will constitute an entry, maximum one of each of these entries per person:

1. Comment "I wanna see TinTin" here
2. Follow @jwarrender on Twitter (comment here to let me know you're following from the giveaway)
3. Like Life with a Parasite - The Facebook Page (comment here, same as above)
4. Share the post that I'm about to add to The Facebook Page
5. Re-tweet the giveaway

 Good luck! Happy movie viewing.

UPDATE: We have a winner who has been notified. Thanks to all who entered. I'll try to see what other giveaways I can come up with in the future.

Week 1 Recap: Elsewhere

I mentioned a PR policy when I announced Life with a Parasite - The Facebook Page. It's here!

Speaking of Life with a Parasite - The Facebook Page, I have posted two quick, easy, family-friendly recipes over there. One for a portable, heart-healthy pasta alfredo with chicken and broccoli and one for a hearty asparagus chowder. How can you make sure you get these updates right away, just in time to save your dinner from ruin? Well, liking the page is a good place to start.

As part of the PR policy, I am also announcing Life with a Parasite - The Wine Fund, a separate blog where I will happily share reviews, contests and giveaways. It's not fully off the ground yet, but feel free to add it to your reading list so you're in on the ground floor. Interested in learning more? Please see the disclosure and PR policies at The Wine Fund using the links on the homepage.

Don't want to add a separate blog to your reading list and feel like you already like half of Facebook anyway? Fear not. Every Sunday, I'll post a recap just like this one to share I'm up to in that great somewhere known as Elsewhere.