Parent Club

Outsmart the Grocery Monster | Theresa Albert

2011-08-29T16:16:00.001-04:00

Back to school means back to the grocery store where the time and money you spend are being manipulated on both subtle and blatant levels. Once you know the magician’s tricks, you will find that you have only the items you want in your cart and a little more money in your pocket. Know that everything that happens from the moment you walk in the door is designed for your comfort (aka, to make you feel happy so you slow down and buy more).

Behind the curtain:

· Know what things cost! A sale isn’t always a sale if you don’t know how much your favourite eggs cost next door. Use online flyers or spend a few minutes with the ones delivered to your door. Is $4.99 per pound a good price for eye of the round or is this sale tag enticing you to believe so? You need a point of reference before you even enter.

· Read coupons carefully! Here’s the scenario: you picked up the 16 ounce can of tomatoes you thought the coupon was promoting only to find that it was the 28 ounce can? You find out your error at the register and what do you do? Buy the wrong one anyway that cost more than the brand you usually buy.

· Choose your store wisely! Store marketers regularly monitor your habits and behaviours in while in the store. They lay out the store to maximize time spent and items purchase (and renovate “to serve you better” when they spot a dead zone that doesn’t get much action). Frequenting one store will mean that you can put your fingers on exactly what you need and be able to compare from week to week how your grocery bill is adding up.

· Take a list! Some online flyers have wonderful email-able lists that can be built and sent to your own mobile (or someone else’s!) It helps to have a list that includes all of your items sorted by store aisle. Nothing slows you down more than having to criss cross the store in search of one forgotten tin.

· Don’t smell the baked goods! You know that isn’t just a mistake, right? The smell from the in store bakery is purposely pumped back in to tickle all of your sense. Ok, so you can’t stop smelling but you can prevent it from enticing you by eating before you go. Or pick up a package of chopped fresh veggies and munch on them while you stroll. You didn’t get enough veggies today anyway, you may as well make it work for you.

· Don’t listen! The music is carefully chosen to suit the likely person in the store at a given time. Folksy romance tunes in major chords? Must be Friday night when the young couples or singles are shopping. This helps them feel all mushy and needy so that they seek comfort in the form of food. Do yourself a favour, plug in your headset and listen to something angry to pick up the pace and knock out that sentimental drivel.

· Look up and down, not just straight ahead. The priciest items are set at eye level and the ones enticing the kids are down around your knees. Do look for in store signs that signal a price reduction (and go back to step 1) or house brands that may cost less and be the same darned thing that is in the name brand anyway.

· Halloween is 2 months away! You will see all the displays for this candy-fest now and you may think “hmm, if I buy them now, I won’t need to go searching later”. It’s a trick. You will (or some other little gremlin will) eat them now and still need to find them later.

Theresa Albert takes on the challenge of demystifying myths surrounding food and health. Millions learned just how smart and funny she is through her Food Network Canada Show called Just One Bite! She has authored two books published in both Canada and in the US: Cook Once a Week, Eat Well Every Day and Ace Your Health, 52 Ways to Stack Your Deck.

For more tips and tricks on how to eat well sign up for Theresa’s newsletter at www.myfriendinfood.com

Norton 360 All-In-One Security Giveaway

2011-08-28T16:05:00.001-04:00

Back to School!

THE WHAT: Norton 360 All-In-One Security (Version 5.0)

THE WHY: Because computer virus' happen

THE HOW: Kids can download, click or open attachments which contain nasty things like viruses, spyware, Trojan horses, worms, bots, and rootkits - nasty! And let's be honest people, parents can let those same nasties into the computer...one bad click is all you need.

THE GIVEAWAY: Enter to win your own copy of Norton 360 All-In-One Security (Version 5.0).

THE ENTRY:
Share in a COMMENT below your opinion about kids and internet security. (hint: visit the Norton site for product comparison about what features protect your computer and your kids)

one entry per day

LIKE Parent Club on Facebook = an extra entry*

TWEET this giveaway mentioning: @ParentClub = an extra entry*
FOLLOW Parent Club on google friend connect (GFC) = an extra entry* {at bottom of main page}

BLOG about this giveaway with a link back to to this post = an extra entry*

*Comment separately that you did so

THE RULES (because life has rules)

Open to Canadian residents only (sorry rest of the world!)
Winner will be randomly chosen using a random generator
Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn

Disclaimer: Parent Club recieved a copy of Norton 360 (review to come). No financial compensation nor baked goods were received.

KRE-O Giveaway

2011-08-25T09:00:00.019-04:00

THE WHAT: HASBRO's new line of construction toys - KRE-O TRANSFORMERS

THE HOW: It's the new cool of construction toys.

THE BONUS: Plan a visit to Fan Expo happening on August 25th – 28th (Metro Toronto Convention Centre) and visit the KRE-O booth! Families will have the chance to get their picture taken with Bumblebee, guess how many KRE-O bricks it takes to build the 8 foot Optimus Prime and put their construction skills to the test.

THE GIVEAWAY: 2 KRE-O Prize packs up for grabs! Approx total value = $105.00 each

· PRIZE PACK #1

o Optimus Prime with Twin Cycles

o Megatron

· PRIZE PACK #2

o Sentinel Prime

o Bumblebee

o Prowl

THE ENTRY:

Visit http://www.hasbro.com/kre-o/en_US/ and browse the construction sets (there are 12!), game, kreons and videos and COMMENT below which KRE-O product appeals to your child.

one entry per day

LIKE Parent Club on Facebook = an extra entry*

Tweet this giveaway mentioning: @HasbroCanada @ParentClub = an extra entry*

Follow Parent Club on google friend connect (GFC) = an extra entry* {at bottom of main page}

Blog about this giveaway with a link back to to this post = an extra entry*

*Comment separately that you did so

THE RULES (because life has rules)

open to Canadian residents only (sorry rest of the world!)

No double winners. 1 winner = 1 prize

Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn

Disclaimer: Parent Club will receive a KRE-O construction set to review (post to come). No financial compensation or baked goods were received.

What makes a good toy? | #playpanel

2011-08-25T08:19:00.002-04:00

When I think about the "good toys" in our house - they aren't the ones in the toy box. The "good toys" are the ones out on the floor - played with everyday. From what I see from the attraction of my 7 month old...a "good toy" is musical, brightly coloured and durable (read -- he likes to bam bam bam his toys).

I had the chance to ask Dr. Kathleen Alfano, Director for the Fisher-Price Child Research Department (cool job points to her) her thoughts on "good toys" specifically...

Is it wrong to offer higher aged toys for infants/kids - hoping they will be more challenged (and learn more sooner?). Or should parents stick to age-specific toys? – Caroline

-If a toy is challenging and it brings the child back to it again and again then it is a good toy.

- If a toy proves to be too challenging, it is up to the parent to be the child’s cheerleader to encourage them to try again. - Dr. Kathleen Alfano

Well, I happen to be a fantastic cheerleader...I was all "yay!" when he touched...

Go Baby Go!™ Poppity-Pop™ Musical Dino
Topzy Tumblers™ Twirlin' Tumblin' Fun Park™
Lil’ Zoomers™ Spinnin’ Sounds Speedway™

And touched...

Laugh & Learn™ Learning Workbench (yes, I keep it in packaging - baby likes to hang off it)
Go Baby Go!™ Bat & Wobble Penguin

And touched some more...

Circa 2000 Fisher-Price Little People Farm, Fisher-Price Zoo, Fisher-Price tri-lingual toy, Fisher-Price musical stacker

Do you see a recurring theme in our "good toys"?! In our house, for more than 10 years, "good toys" have been open-play toys. Toys that attract them to touch (ok - hit in my son's case), discover, manipulate, sort, stack, hide, find, watch, play, laugh and enjoy.

I think it's interesting to share that Dr. Alfano notes the areas "good toys" should hit include:

4 Areas of Development

Physical (first year and a half - two years)

Cognitive (ABC’s, understanding directions (sit/eat/bed)

Communicative (softer- Parents are key in this area)

Social/Emotional (softer- Parents are key in this area)

*When Fisher-Price develops toys, they try to incorporate all 4 of these stages.

We are offering an assortment of physical, cognitive, communicative toys (not so much social at this point). We are finding as the days go on...baby boy is learning how to play which is helping him grow.

And he is most attracted to the musical toys...those are his "good toys"...and they are all over the living room floor.

Where they belong ;-)

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own

Keeping the kids busy | #LMDConnector

2011-08-24T11:15:00.002-04:00

Crafts: Kids=busy. You=happy

In the final stretch of summer vacation and some parents may be tapped out of kid activity ideas (me included some days!).

Over HERE they have some easy activities and easy recipes for kids - like that fruit loop liquorish string necklace pictured over there.

I also like the idea of cereal art. Have the kids gloop and loop white glue on a piece of coloured construction paper and then stick Cheerios on the glue for a 3D piece of artwork.

And I happen to know there are some cereal coupons (yes, click that)...around the web that should help keep kid activity costs down.

And as an aside: now that Thing 3 is able to munch Cheerios (5 teeth = 7 months) our new restaurant activity is allowing the kids to give him one Cheerio at a time at the table. Keeps kids busy and baby busy too! Win - Win.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Parent Club Profiles | Julie Cole

2011-08-22T07:40:00.002-04:00

Name please.

Julie Cole

Your Website?
http://www.mabel.ca/

What's your specialty? (work-wise - you're probably pretty special at a lot of things)
I have three business partners and we are each responsible for different departments within our portfolios. I focus on Sales and I am also the Company Spokesperson.

What's your shameless plug? (books, blogs, bling, etc.)

Mabel’s Labels is the leading provider of labels in North America. We have won many awards, including the coveted Momentum Award, RBC Women Entrepreneur of Canada Awards 2009. We have been featured on The View, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Racheal Ray Show, Breakfast Television, The Marilyn Denis Show, and many others.

Best thing about your work:
Being in a position to engage with our community of customers and Mabel fans. That interaction is what makes this fun!

Parent or not a parent?
Parent x6

Share a typical Tuesday (really we want to hear how you "do it all")

Are you ready to be exhausted?

During the school year:

7:00am – kids get up, 3 biggies off to school bus at 7:45am

I feed three little ones, quick email check and tweet.

8:30am – nanny Hazel appears and takes over, I head into office for a Manager’s meeting. If that’s my only meeting for the day, I head home afterwards

12:00noon - I drive the kids in JK and SK to school for the afternoon. Baby sleeps, I work on my laptop.

3:10pm – 5 kids come bursting through the door. We go through agendas, homework items, get people fed and changed for the evening activities which include dancing, Scouts, violin, hockey and any number of other things they are into. I also pack up school lunches for the next day immediately after they return home from school.

8:00pm – throw 6 tired kids into bed, and hop back on the laptop. I usually go to bed around midnight.

Do you blog?
But of course!

I blog at Mabel’s Labels at www.mabelhood.com/JulieCole
I blog at the Yummy Mummy Club at http://www.thebabymachine.com/

Do you tweet? Who doesn’t?

@juliecole
Mabel’s Labels can be followed @mabelhood

Link to a post/portfolio/recipe piece you think shows your most supreme skills:
This is a tough one! I recently wrote a post that many parents could relate to:

http://www.mabelhood.com/?s=Mrs.+Judgy

Wallflower or social butterfly?
I’m a pretty social gal!

Name 3 people you would like to meet-in-person from Twitter (add why so we can follow them too)...
This is tough! I think I’ve met most of the twitter folks I love! I’ll give you a couple of friends who are definitely worth a follow because they are interesting and engaging:

@tothink
@phdinparenting
@anissamayhew

The Trouble With Change

2011-08-20T21:51:00.000-04:00

Can I tell you a secret? Shhh...just between us...Parent Club is being re-designed right now as we speak....and it scares the bejesus out of me.

Never one who wholly embraces change (let's face it...I run away from change...Olympic style running) this is a big deal in my little world.

On the one hand, I realize that everything - even Parent Club - must change and grow (there is a French saying "if you don't change - you die" morbid but true I suppose).

Change is scary. The day I put my then 3 year old on a school bus for her 1st week at Maternelle (kindergarten in the French school system)...well I cried...and lost sleep...and feared the change.

The day I went into give birth to Thing #3 I was worried about the change in our family in jumping from 2 kids to 3 (10 years apart!).

And with both examples above - the change was beyond fantastic. And I'm (pretty) sure that changing Parent Club to a bigger platform will be fantastic too.

But still the bejesus in me is shaken...some things never change. ;-)

Bean bag boss

2011-08-20T07:08:00.001-04:00

http://beanbagboss.com/

THE WHAT: Bean Bag Boss - an online store of...you guessed it...bean bag chairs

THE HOW: Tough exterior, washable with a damp cloth, kid-friendly and parent comfy!

THE WHY: Bean Bag chairs are great for reading, chilling out, tv watching, napping...geez we could go on...but we'd have to change position in the bean bag.

THE REVIEW:

Out of the plethora of bean bag choices, Solid Colors, Patterns, Plaids, Faux Leather, Lamé we chose a chocolate brown (pictured above). The on-line order was quick and easy. To our surprise, the Fedex (FREE Fedex shipping!) came within days of our order.

Dibs has been called often on who gets to sit in the bean bag boss (read: we all love it). And yes, it is durable and washable - proved my kids smearing brownies all over the boss on very first sitting (argh!!) it washed super well with a damp cloth (and yes, the kids had to clean it themselves - they made the mess).

If you were looking for a bean bag chair for the living room, kids' room, university room or wherever...look no further...Parent Club recommends the Bean Bag Boss.

Find them on Facebook: BeanbagBoss or follow them on twitter: beanbagboss

Disclosure: We were provided a Bean Bag Boss for this hands-on review. The opinions are authentically and honestly our own.

Tablets for Tots - part deux

2011-08-19T06:51:00.000-04:00

In the Parent Club Tablets for Tots post we presented a break down of the benefits of Apple ipad, Blackberry PlayBook and Samsung Galaxy Tablet specifically for family (and tot) use.

The folks at Motorola didn't want to be left out (and why should they?) and offered a hands-on experience of the...

Motorola Xoom

The Motorola Xoom is the perfect size for gaming and watching movies. Definition is great. Kids can easily maneuver the screen to change between applications (better than I really).

It looks lighter than it is. The off button is at the back so little hands won't mistakenly power off. Definitely a grown up tool that is kid-friendly. Favourite apps on this android were piano and drawing.

Note: being an android device you need a google gmail id to set-up.

The tablet market is full of great devices for mobility, entertainment and education. Now...just to find an organization app to schedule it all in...

Disclosure: Parent Club was lent a Mortorla Xoom for hands-on review (and yes, we reluctantly gave it back). The opinions on this review are our authentic own.

How much should I pay a babysitter?

2011-08-17T16:47:00.000-04:00

From the Parent Club archives (and timely following The Real Babysitting 101 Course post)

We invite you to read one of the top-ten most read Parent Club posts: How much to pay a babysitter?

Here is the question of today Parent Club -- How much do you pay a babysitter?

Some of you may have loverly grandparents who babysit free-of-charge (or siblings/extended family/whatever) - or - some of you may have great neighbours who are willing to watch your kids for a couple of hours for a future return of service.
I have never known a teen babysitter to actually set a fee - they have left it up to me to set a price. I try to overpay -- so that the teenager A.)books me first if ever I call for a babysitting day B.) takes especially good care of my krazy kids C.) I know most of the parents of our babysitters and well, there is a point of not looking cheap...

Click to continue reading (and the comments are full of great tips on paying babysitters!)

Funny Mummy | The Real Babysitting 101 Course

2011-08-15T21:39:00.000-04:00

Like many 12 year olds, my daughter recently completed her “Babysitting Course”, which in theory will enable her to venture forth into the world of watching other people’s children with insight, knowledge, and experience. However, after having reviewed the course materials and grilling her on the information that was shared, I do believe that as a mother of four I should share some vital facts which seem to have been left out of the course content.

Changing a diaper on a teddy bear, life sized baby doll or stuffed Elmo is nothing like changing the diaper on a real life, pooping baby. In order to replicate this activity without borrowing an actual baby, you could practice by stuffing an angry octopus into a small plastic bag. About 14 times. For one change. And if you think the squid ink is bad, well…

Most children do not like going to bed. Most babysitting jobs span the exact timeline of getting children into bed. This is not an accident by the employing parents. They may have in fact secured your babysitting services entirely to avoid putting their own children to bed, for one night. A refusal to go to bed by the child, coupled with the 114th reading of GoodNight Moon will wear down even the most patient of parents. They’ve decided it’s your turn. Good luck. Wear protection.

Parents will tell you that as long as the kids are safe, happy, and healthy (and put to bed on time, as per the last point), they aren’t fussed if you make a mess doing arts and crafts, feeding the kids, or playing games/building forts. This is a lie. We all hate coming home to a messy house and if you need to leave Junior in front of the television or video game for half an hour before we get home, it’s fine with most of us if it means all the couch cushions are back in their rightful spots.

Parents who tell you outright that they try to limit their children to only half an hour of television per night are most likely to be the ones who let their kids watch television non-stop all week and are trying to lower their child’s average hours of viewing for that week, all in one night, courtesy of you. Good luck with that. Start building that fort.

Use the “Well I’m just going to call your Mother and ask her” threats wisely. Kids catch on to this really quickly (just like the fake calls to Santa and the Easter Bunny). Practicing a fake one-way conversation with fake angry Mom is good practice for any babysitter. Do some role play with your friends.

It’s not always a bad thing if the parents don’t have the money to pay you on the spot when they get home. Most of us feel so guilty that we made you wait for your money that we top up even more the next day when we drop it off. And never say “It’s too much.” We know what the real cost is of watching our own kids. It’s not too much. Reading GoodNight Moon one more time? Now that’s “too much”.

Read Funny Mummy every month and follow Kathy on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kathybuckworth Visit http://www.kathybuckworth.com/

Baby Food On The Go | #TravelTip

2011-08-12T12:13:00.000-04:00

Carrying around infant cereal in a baggie but no recipient to use for feeding? Here's a smart travel tip:

yes, we eat Mott's

Wash your old applesauce containers and recycle reclaim and re purpose them as your on-the-go baby food bowl.

Won't matter if your lose it on your travels. Easy enough to rinse out to wash. It makes life easier for busy parents!

General Mills Free Towel Giveaway Winner | #LMDConnector

2011-08-11T17:01:00.000-04:00

153 D.Calvert said...

Tweeted

http://twitter.com/dewinner/status/97088074533703680

calvert0 at telus dot net

29 July, 2011 7:36 PM

Thanks to the other 225 entrants for participating! Check back soon for other giveaway opportunities.

The Travel Itch

2011-08-10T11:34:00.000-04:00

Right before I go on a trip en famille - I get a travel itch. It's a worry-ing, nervous, anxiety-ish type of itch (it's the way I am).

And those who know me - know my worries go straight to my tummy. Never a good thing. Especially when travel approaches.

So instead...I focus (almost imprint) on something to BUY for a trip. (I'm not a buy buy buy type of girl usually - I'm fairly un-splurge-ous).

Trip before last I had to buy this:

Please Mum Puddle Jumper - it is great

And that coat was perfect for chilly, rainy walking! (and shipping was free and it was on sale...so really it was meant to be!).

Going to the cottage, I learned about...and had to BUY

Go-pod - it is le great

And the babe LOVED hanging out in that go-pod (and I loved packing it - super portable).

Are these itches so capricious? When it's the kids who benefit? And if it helps direct my energies away from my tummy....can't be bad right?...

And so leaving this weekend on another trip and I have a bit of an itch...

Peg Perego Pliko 3 - kijji-ing it right now

If you've got an itch you have to scratch right?...

Eating Local | #LMDConnector

2011-08-08T15:00:00.002-04:00

You might not know this but I interviewed the authors of the 100 Mile Diet for Canadian Girl magazine a few years ago. (Side note: 100 Mile Diet is a book written by a Canadian couple who decided to eat only what was produced within 100 miles of their home for a year...needless to say they went without chocolate).

However, what they did eat were seasonal foods picked at their freshest and with the lowest food-miles. Worth a year without cocoa.

I am a big farmer's market city girl. And local berries are my family's latest farm to table treat.

You can find some easy recipes for cobblers, crisps and more at that link.

I've already made my yearly double batch of Ontario strawberry jam...local and delish!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own

Sense and resentenability

2011-08-08T08:38:00.000-04:00

I am of two minds these summer days. One mind is much enjoying "Camp Mom" (where I am full-time caring, hangin' and activity-izing my 2 big kids and 1 small babe). It's a good life.
But that other, sneaky and stealth mind is resentful of no "me time". I miss writing. I miss networking. I miss talking with other grown-ups.

Good Gandhi - growing humans is a rewarding and amazing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world (or George Clooney). And, no I wouldn't want to go back to full-time-out-in-the-world-paid-work and put these 3 humans in daycare. I do know I have a good life - and am grateful for it. Staying home with them is a privilege.

But it's also a job.

A big job.

An all encompassing job.

And I struggle to find time to write my Nick of Time column over at yummymummyclub.ca. And pop in to http://www.fisherpriceplay.ca/ and share dear son's latest milestones.

And I remind myself that when I wrote about life lessons and re-calculating parenting and mourning a baby...that there is a bigger picture. And I tend to dwell in the details.

So I push the 2nd sneaky stealth mind to the side. There will be days and years of "me time" "writing time" and "grown up time" in my future. Right now, I must appreciate the growing years because I know they fly so fast...

2011-08-06T14:17:00.003-04:00

http://www.fisherpriceplay.ca/

Do you know you could WIN a $400 prize pack over at fisherpriceplay.ca just for sharing your child's milestones?

I shared my milestones HERE (well, not MY milestones...dear son's milestones...my milestones are full night's sleep and a fresh shower these days).

Moving on...share your milestones, meet the Fisher-Price Moms (do you spy me there)? and browse the toys that will help your babies play laugh grow.

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price #playpanel program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Brilliant Basics is a go-to toy | #playpanel

2011-08-04T14:15:00.002-04:00

I have been trying (so unsuccessfully) to get things done around the house. My almost 7 month old wants, whines, and wills me to entertain him. And I get ~~frustrated,~~ ~~resentful~~, derailed. I'm not sorry that I have this wonderful baby to entertain. I just get frustrated in that my house looks like a tsunami hit. Everyday.

Enter in the Fisher-Price Brilliant Basics Blocks and I have found the magic key to unlocking a bit of time to get things done concurrently with entertaining the babe.

These blocks are just the right size for his little hands to hold, bop (on his highchair) and drop on the floor (he looks for where they've gone). I place the bucket on its side on his highchair tray and he's happy to play with the handle, pull out the different shaped blocks and hit them on the table making tap tap tap sounds. And I can wash the dishes!

What's best about these blocks is that they are really easy to grasp. My son - not co-ordinated at this age - can pick-up, turn and play with the 10 blocks very easily.

The simplest toys are always the best right?

Now he's not at the shape sorting age yet nor can he stack them up...but this is a toy that will grow with him to when he hits those milestones. (Aside: I've seen my 10 year old sorting the blocks through the shape-sorting lid - siblings can play with this toy too!)

It's great to have a go-to toy to play with when Mom just needs to get the dishes (or whatever) done. This is our go-to toy right now. And it's brilliant.

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price #playpanel program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

FREE RIO screening in Toronto

2011-08-04T13:54:00.000-04:00

Dear readers, rsvp directly to Nicole.McKnight@Ketchum.com to reserve your seats for this free screening.

I can tell you, we've seen RIO, great music - no scary parts - funny dialogue.

FREE Concerts at Ontario Place

2011-08-04T13:35:00.000-04:00

FREE Family-field trip alert for this weekend!

THE WHERE: Echo Beach outdoor concert venue - Ontario Place

THE WHAT: Friday August 5, Canadian indie-rockers Sloan will take the stage at 9:30 pm, with opening acts starting at 7:30 pm

Saturday August 6 will feature a double-bill performance.
4 pm Toronto Concert Orchestra
9 pm Platinum Blonde

The concerts are in partnership with Live Nation and free to guests as they enjoy free admission to the grounds of Ontario Place throughout the summer, which is presented by CTV. For more information about Ontario Place’s 40th Anniversary Concert Series please visit www.ontarioplace.com/concerts or echobeach.ca

Boy Meets Penguin | #playpanel

2011-08-03T09:57:00.001-04:00

One day a boy meets a penguin and well...his life changes. Ok maybe "life changer" is an overstatement...but it certainly makes playtime a whole 'nother world of fun. The wobbly, woozy, Go Baby Go!™ Bat & Wobble Penguin is a boy/penguin relationship that no parent can put aside.

The penguin makes silly, funny, musical sounds which make my dear son sqee and squeel with excitement. He loves to bop it while lying down and kick it (not so gently - thank goodness it's sturdy) when he sits.

It can change his mood from whiny to "what's that?!". He even giggles (which is the coolest sound EVER).

Boy Meets Penguin

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price #playpanel program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Parent Club #UltimateSandwich

2011-08-02T18:11:00.002-04:00

I was challenged to come up with the #UltimateSandwich by @MC_Canada and @Black_DeckerUS using my mad cooking skills (ok more frustrated than mad...my kids are picky!) and a Black & Decker Convection Oven.

I, dear readers, have actually already eaten the ultimate sandwich. And it was in France. And you know those French people know a thing or two about ultimates of food.

But first I had to make breakfast.

choice du jour: lightly toasted

And then lunch happened.

don't judge nutritional value of baked pizza

My Parent Club #UltimateSandwich took 20 minutes from oven to table with the using the 3 of the 4 functions of the Black & Decker Convection Oven (and I would like to personally thank the makers for the easy-view glass door which made waiting for dinner entertainment for my kids along with the ready signal bell because at minute18 the baby started crying.)

3 Main Ingredients to le best sandwich you've ever eaten:

demi baguette

steak haché

frites

While I baked the demi baguettes (3 fit in the oven at the same time! woot woot) - I browned the ground beef adding garlic, salt & pepper and a whole lot of "Dinner's coming please go watch TV".

10 min. bread is baked. "Guys it's coming!" Put French fries on the bake pan in oven "Almost ready.." Cut the bread in half to toast for crunchy goodness. Picked up crying baby with one hand and smeared mayonnaise on the toasted crunchy goodness bread with the other. Now cooking one-handed (literally) popped the fries back in to warm while I assembled le sandwich.

Done! Sandwich steak haché frites

le #UltimateSandwich inspired in France and eaten in my house last night

French fries inside a baguette married with mayonnaise and fresh beef - it looks so wrong but tastes so right. And the Black & Decker Convection Oven (available in Canada in August 2010) made it so easy.

Disclosure: I created this post as part of the Black & Decker Ultimate Sandwich contest as part of a Mom Central Canada program. I received a Convection Countertop Oven Courtesy of Applica Canada Corporation, exclusive licensee of Black & Decker Home. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Parent Club Blog Hop

2011-07-27T08:14:00.002-04:00

I'm le cottage-ing this very moment - thus what better time to host a blog hop!?! Why? Because I can come back and read what YOU'VE been up to this week.

As always - please keep links family-friendly. Old bloggy friends (well, you aren't that old...you look youthful reallY) and new bloggy friends invited to hop along.

Should you wish to grab mon button...

#TravelTuesday Tip: Airport playgrounds

2011-07-26T08:52:00.001-04:00

Travelling with kids? Research your airports and learn about the in-house playgrounds. That's right! #TravelTuesday tip: airports have playgrounds.

Toronto Pearson has a children's slide and play structure in front of several gates in the international departure area.

Frankfurt airport has a climbing slide in a restaurant on the 2nd floor as well as a play area (with Disney movies) in the airport.

Paris has a kids video game console in the international departure area.

I know this all first hand from many trips where the kids needed to stretch their legs and play after a +8 hour flight. When the kids are jumpy and mommy's tired a playground is a life saver!

Hamilton Beach Bébé Products Make Life Easier

2011-07-24T17:11:00.000-04:00

THE WHAT: Hamilton Beach Bébé Mini Blender and Hamilton Beach Bébé 3 Cup Food Chopper

THE HOW: Dishwasher safe, this mini blender and food chopper are the new parents' best friend. Small enough to fit on the kitchen counter without being cumbersome yet powerful enough to get the job done.

THE WHY: Because making baby food from scratch is family-budget-friendly and really just easy!

THE REVIEW: Both tools were used to make a week's worth of baby food and the result was easy, fast and perfect. The elements wash up in a jif (yes, I use words like jif). The chopper was fairly quiet (a big WIN for when making baby food with baby in the kitchen - quieter is better). The one touch blender was even so simple and safe that my 8 year old was able to "make" baby food for her brother. (Also, works great for smoothies for the whole family!)

PARENT CLUB RECOMMENDED.

Say Hi Sunday Blog Hop

2011-07-24T15:57:00.001-04:00

http://www.carriewithchildren.com/

Carrie with Children is hosting a blog hop today - go support her by surfing over and saying hi.

Parent Club in The Toronto Star

2011-07-23T14:47:00.001-04:00

File this under: things that make my day -
I'm quoted in the Toronto Star, parentcentral.ca article: "Heat Doesn't Spoil Camp Fun" (and merci for the link back to Parent Club)

Activities for Kids on a Hot Day

2011-07-23T12:24:00.001-04:00

Never have board games been more fun in my house then this week of hazy, crazy, blazy heat. "Mommy wanna play Monopoly?" "Mommy wanna play Connect 4?" we enjoyed a slew of mad-playing-board-gamin'.

And then of course, when Mommy had to go do Mommy things (like changing diapers and feeding babies) the kidz wanted e-activities.

"Can we watch tv?"
"Can we play on your tablet?"
"Can we make cookies?"

I don't mind screen time nor supervising kids' cooking. However, neither are really appealing at 2pm on a hot summer day. Let's get away from the screens and hot ovens...

Well kids...why don't you...

<li>run through the sprinkler
<li>read a book
<li>draw a picture
<li>listen to music
<li>dance in the living room
<li>play with your toys *insert kid groan here*
<li>draw a hopscotch game outside
<li>swing (we have the swingset outside remember)
<li>play in the shade
<li>swim in the pool
<li>make popsicles
<li>stamp
<li>colour
<li>play go fish

Summer is the season to disconnect from screens and hot ovens. *she hypocritically typed from her laptop* C'est la vie.

Cool FREE Places To Beat The Heat

2011-07-21T08:23:00.002-04:00

With record hot days, the following are some free ideas on where to cool off, en famille, for an hour or the whole day. . .

❂Public library
❂Public pool
❂Wading pool
❂Splash pad
❂City cooling station
❂Mall
❂Beach/Lake

Remember to keep kids (and yourself!) hydrated! Water is great but active sweaty bodies need electrolytes replenished in great heat-ish days like today. So gatorade-type drinks is not only a treat but a good thing for big kid bodies. (Popsicles, freezies, ice cubes and home-made slushies are also great treats to cool off hot little bodies)

Offer babies lots of feeding opportunities.

Stay cool my friends!

#TravelTuesday | CN Tower

2011-07-19T13:14:00.000-04:00

Visiting the CN Tower in Toronto? Here's a hot tip...make a reservation at the Tower's 360 restaurant and receive complimentary admission to the viewing level.

This means you can by-pass the LONG elevator line up (both going up and coming down). Enjoy the atmosphere of the revolving restaurant. Child's menu starts at $17 (kid-friendly choices of pasta with tomato sauce, roast beef and french fries...) .

Restaurant is not stroller friendly so bring a carrier for baby.

Funny Mummy | Now THAT’S Educational TV

2011-07-17T12:56:00.002-04:00

Now THAT’S Educational TV
Sherwood Schwartz, best known as the creator of The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island, passed away this month, much to my own and to many of my “raised on 70’s TV” counterparts’ dismay. With so much emphasis today on what is educational TV, and what is potentially harmful for our kids to watch, it’s fun to think back to the days when TV was fun and silly and we didn’t worry about what we were learning or not learning. Of course there were messages that we received from both of these shows that are truly hard to comprehend today as an adult, but luckily our unhelmeted heads back in those days didn’t question; we just enjoyed.

Some of the puzzling thoughts I now have as an adult include what kind of a salary Mike Brady was making to support six kids, a dog, a housekeeper and a stay at home wife. Was he even a good architect? He supposedly designed their own house, which not only had an exterior that didn’t match the interior, but which also had a totally inadequate number of bedrooms and bathrooms for nine people. And the backyard was only eight Brady-filled Racing Potato Sacks’ wide. And while the entire premise of Gilligan’s Island is ridiculous, some facets of it were even more crazy than others. Why were millionaires, and a movie star for that matter, on a three hour commercial boat tour? The tour only accommodated five passengers? How were they making any money? I guess they weren’t spending any on radar weather reports. Who travels with that much luggage for a three hour tour? Also, did Ginger and Maryanne not use any feminine hygiene products? Why didn’t the Professor’s white shirt ever get dirty? And if he was so flipping smart why couldn’t he get them off the Island? Even the Harlem Globetrotters found their way off…so far as I know. (Actually has anyone seen them lately?)

I love shows that suspend my (dis)belief; it’s the shows that seem all too real that I find hard to watch. Teen Moms and Jersey Shore folks; Beverley Hills Housewives and Bachelors being paid to look for love…they’re all pretty disturbing. While it’s well-known that reality shows are partially scripted, overdramatized and heavily edited, it’s the pretence that the actions these folks are taking are real which drives out any enjoyment from watching them. Is it better that they’re only the way they are because of the editing and scripting, or are they really like that? What’s worse?

Check out Twitter on any night and you’ll see people tweeting “I can’t stand to watch Kate and her eight kids anymore. Who else is watching?” or “This episode of Hoarders is disgusting – you should tune in!” And, if you can’t watch it live, you must PVR it so you have no excuses not to partake in the horror. Since when did watching television become such a chore? My friends and I all knew and loved shows like the Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island because it was the only thing we could all watch at the same time. I used to race home after school to relax and laugh along with the canned giggles on these shows (plus a healthy dose of Partridge Family, Get Smart and the Addams Family) and I like to think that my Mom was having a coffee klatch or a quick gin fizz with her friends in the next room, not worrying if the show Teen Mom was giving her own teens the wrong idea. Maybe if we just added a laugh track to the dialogue of Snookie and Blake we’d all find our love of the silly once again. Or maybe I’ll just have to write my own show called The Buckworth Bunch. But only if I get an Alice, too.

Read Funny Mummy every month. Visit Kathy Buckworth at http://www.kathybuckworth.com/ and follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kathybuckworth Kathy’s latest book, “Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay” can be found at bookstores and online, everywhere.

Harry Potter and the Deathy Hallows part 2 | Review

2011-07-16T12:44:00.002-04:00

From the age of four, Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life. Every year I waited impatiently to see the next installment of my favourite series and I have read and loved all the books. So that’s why last night, I couldn’t believe it was all coming to an end!

I think they did a great job on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and I was really glad that they included almost all of the important information from the books.

There were a few scary parts that I should probably warn people about. For example, when Voldemort’s snake, Nagini, attacked, it always scared me because she would jump up out of nowhere. Another frightening part was when Voldemort and Harry went flying through the air together and crashed into Hogwarts’ castle.

Some of my favourite scenes included the break in at Gringotts, the battle at Hogwarts, and, of course, the final duel between Voldemort and Harry.

Throughout the whole movie, all I could think about was the ending. Would they stay true to the book or would they change it? In my opinion, it was a great ending which was very similar to the book, but they didn’t include my favourite line—the last line of the book, “I’ve had enough trouble for a lifetime.” I am happy that they also included the epilogue, which takes place nineteen years later.

Overall, I loved the final movie of the Harry Potter series, and I can’t wait to watch it over and over again!

(reviewed by a Parent Club jr. Reporter, age 12)

Healthy Habits | Theresa Albert

2011-07-15T07:15:00.000-04:00

To Snack or Not to Snack?
It’s an age old question with no clear cut answer. For some, having 3 square meals is their preferred route but for many, smaller meals eaten and a couple of smart snacks help keep energy levels strong and blood sugar levels even. Simple enough, right?

But what snack and for how many calories? How do you assess a snack? It is always best to grab a piece of fruit or a handful of veggies, no doubt! That way, you are not creating landfill waste, and no matter which you choose, you are sure to come out ahead with nutrients. But, we are an on-the-go nation who loves our packaged convenience. So here’s a rundown of the best Healthy Habits options that are low cal, and still feel like a treat and won’t do damage to the bottom, er, bottom line.

Carb craving?

• Popchips! Because the potatoes are hot-air popped and not baked or fried, they are deliciously low in calories and high in flavour. Coming in all of the traditional chip flavours and satisfying 100 calorie single serving sizes makes them a fantastic “I’m peckish but I don’t want to ruin my dinner” snack.

Protein starved?

• Try Blue Diamond single serving 100 calorie packets. They are tiny and it would be easy to eat 2 but let the pouch be your guide and stop there. 4 grams of protein in any one of the flavoured packets from Teriyaki to lightly salted.

Need refreshing?

• You could always pack a piece of fruit, that’d be your best bet, but, if you are worried about the bruises here’s an option. Motts has delicious unsweetened fruit cups in delicious fruit blends. Try the Country Berry flavour and pop it in the freezer overnight. It’s fabulous frozen and great as it thaws. The best part is that you get 2 of the containers for a measly 100 calories. That ought to wake you up!

Time for a dip?

• There is nothing like hummus and crackers but what a pain to pack! Luckily Summer Fresh has done it for you with their Snack and Go product. Best bet is the Red Pepper hummus to get the most nutrients out of your 160 calorie snack.

Super Sweet?

• Dark Chocolate is the way to go, no doubt about it. Look for formulations that say how much cocoa is used, you are looking for 70% or more for the most antioxidant power. If you find it hard to stop at just two thin squares (which is what 100 calories looks like!) both Cadbury and Hershey have new bars that wrap it up for you.

Full disclosure: I like Popchips so much that I became their nutritional spokesperson.

Incorporating Learning Through Play Into Baby's Day | #playpanel

2011-07-14T15:02:00.000-04:00

Summer is busy (LE BUSY chez nous!) between getting the big kids to camp and soccer games and family field trips the baby is in a constant state of "tag-along". However, I'm finding that I need to decidedly incorporate baby play into our daily routines. Because for baby...playing is learning...and learning is development.

One might think to look at my babe - that he is in constant play mode. Always smiling, looking, discovering, moving. (He is a player in that regard).

However, it's altogether different play when he's on his activity mat discovering that he can flip his body over from back to front with a bit of momentum. (then the poor soul gets turtle-syndrome and can't flip back).

And when he takes his blocks in hand and twists and turns his wrists in deep examination of the size, shape and sound. (it's pretty awesome to watch) And yes, blocks are in the diaper bag as we speak as his on-the-go-play whether at a playground or waiting for his sister's Karate class to finish.

And I've already told you about his crazy jumperoo play. The boy can play hard.

It's so very magical to watch him discover his abilities through play. Confession: yes, it's nice to play with him but it's even nicer when he can play solo (let's build those independence skills shall we?). He smiles and shrieks and babbles away. And I realize that he's building his fine and gross motor skills. And discovering the world around him. And growing. *sigh*

Which makes me think of this:

Those 3 words are so important to children. Baby play doesn't just happen when you have 2 bigger, busier siblings in the house for the summer. So I ~~schedule,~~ ~~sneak~~, ~~steal~~, incorporate play time into his day so he can play, laugh and grow. And it gives me a chance to pause in our le busy summer day...and enjoy my baby in a totally magical way.

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

General Mills Free Towel Offer Giveaway | #LMDConnector

2011-07-14T13:42:00.004-04:00

General Mills and Parent Club want to help your summer become a bit more fun - with fab new towels the kids will love to take to the pool/spash pad/cottage/bath tub.

THE WHAT: Enter to win The “General Mills Free Towel Offer Giveaway” pack is valued at approximately $50 and includes three (yes, 3 towels people!), 60” x 30”, limited edition General Mills towels.

THE TIMELINE: Today through August 9th 2011

THE ENTRY: Share your favourite summer recipe (inspiration over at http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/)

THE EXTRA ENTRIES:

Tweet "I entered the Towel Giveaway from @LifeMadeDelish and @ParentClub! http://www.parentclub.ca #GMFreeTowelOffer"
(comment separately that you did so).
NEW! Like Parent Club on Facebook
(comment separately that you did so).

THE RULES (because life has rules):

Open only to Canadian residents
One entry per day
Readers may enter the contest on multiple blogs but are only eligible to win one Free Towel Offer prize pack as part of the contest.

Full promotion details can be found at https://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/freetowel #GMFreeTowelOffer Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

COMMENTS NOW CLOSED (AUG. 9TH)

#WordlessWednesday

2011-07-13T07:24:00.001-04:00

Tablets for Tots

2011-07-12T14:51:00.000-04:00

I was recently invited for a Tablets for Tots luncheon (hosted by Best Buy, the Geek Squad and reps from RIM) to munch and meander the opportunities for kids and tablet devices.

Confession: I have a tablet - a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and no I do NOT let my kids touch it (thems got sticky fingers)

Take-away: the Geek Squad is solution based so if it takes them 10 minutes or 10 hours they will work dedicated to your problem until its solved. (recommend bookmarking the online support feature)

During that Tablets for Tots discussion, my opinion of kids and tabs did open up. We talked about how mobile tabs are family friendly (one device = your library, camera, movie player, social network, e-mail and game system). We talked about how tech savvy kids are and that learning how to manipulate a tab can be part of their education. We also talked about the cool apps (not Angry Birds...despite the fact that my kids think it's pretty cool) out in the free and paid markets which can keep kids entertained (and bonus if they have educational quality).

We also discussed "screen time" and most of the invitees agreed that screen time should not be limitless. (chez nous it's 30 minutes) Nor do screens replace books.

On our lunch table was every tablet imaginable and I thought it might be prudent to share a quick run-down for you dear readers.

ipad

The ipad was the biggest tablet on the table (PlayBook and Samsung are half the size). The biggest fail on the ipad is that it can't play flash (which means when there is a video on a website - it just shows a blank area). Amazing amount of apps. Good video quality. My research tells me ipad does not have a built in camera - can anyone confirm this?

PlayBook

The picture quality of the PlayBook* is fantastic! From pictures to games to video the imagery is the top amongst this tablet listing. It's a smart device with easy one finger swiping. With this, dad can check e-mail using the blackberry bridge, mom can surf the internet and kids can watch videos and play movies (think of it one vacation, one device and only one cable to pack!). Yes, it has a built in camera. And it plays flash.

Samsung Galaxy Tablet

I received the galaxy tab for my birthday and at first I thought it was just a toy. But after extensive testing (ok daily use really) I have found it's a really COOL tool. It is my hand-held go-to for twitter, facebook, web searching and camera (do you notice a trend of the importance of camera to me? multi-purpose devices are my thang). Android operating system. Plays flash. Extensive app market (my new fav is talk-to-tape where I can audio record interviews - great for a writer-type like me).

Disclosure: I received a PlayBook at this luncheon for hands-on experience. Moment it came into the house the family was all "Can I have it?" "Can I have it?" "Me!"

Hot Summer Trends | #LMDConnector

2011-07-11T18:52:00.000-04:00

My, personal, hot summer trend is a baby sleeping through the night (kinda, sorta...ok not really at all). This is the time of year when ~~publishers~~ ~~editors~~ me come out with "hot trends" lists.

My hot trend is a staycation (because travelling with a baby is pas de fun). My summer is filled with making homemade Brownies on a Stick and Very Berry Iced Tea. And of course there will be swimming - lots and lots of swimming (and by swimming I mean the kids swimming - I take the baby bath out and hold the little sumo upright - the big swimming pool is just too big for a tot so small).

And we've already done some family field trips - I am litterally just back from the beach - have sand between my toes to prove it.

Off to get the burgers on the grill myself (and by myself - I mean my prince - I don't grill - I grocery shop). More summer recipes can be found over here...

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own

Parent Club Profiles | Lindsay Brewda

2011-07-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

Name please. Lindsay Brewda

Your Website? http://www.graceannouncements.com/

What's your specialty? (work-wise - you're probably pretty special at a lot of things)
I make things beautiful! My most popular item is the birth announcement, but I offer products for any of life’s moments, if you can think it, we can create it. People are really loving some of our other items like business cards, wall art prints and personalized placemats.

What's your shameless plug? (books, blogs, bling, etc.)

My personalized placemats were on Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, the ladybug design for Stella was designed for her 1st birthday and now available to anyone on my website. http://graceannouncements.com/blog/2010/09/24/spotted-on-tori-dean-home-sweet-hollywood/

Best thing about your work:
Everything is custom designed for you, and you get to work one on one with a designer the entire time to make sure your order is perfect.

Parent or not a parent?
Parent of two wonderful kids, 6.5 year old son and 4 year old daughter.

Share a typical Tuesday (really we want to hear how you "do it all")
Wake-up around 7:30am
Bug the kids to get up
Check my iPhone for anything urgent
Get dressed so I can take the kids to school
Bug the kids again to get up
Head downstairs to make breakfast and lunch for the kids
Help them get dressed
Take them to school
Clean the breakfast mess and eat breakfast myself
Make a green tea and enjoy a little twitter while checking my email
Organize orders for the day
Start designing
Run to the printers
Come home and eat lunch
Visit Twitter and Facebook while eating lunch at my desk
Back to designing for a few hours
Package and ship orders
Run to the printers
Pickup kids at school
Prep dinner while kids eat an after school snack
Check email
Cook dinner
Hang out with the kids for a bit
Bath and bedtime for kids
Back in front of my computer to complete any orders still left from the day
Tweet while working
Head to bed around 11pm
Watch tv and fall asleep around midnight
Do you blog?
Yes I have two blogs, “everyday grace” for the business http://www.graceannouncements.com/blog and my personal blog http://www.themombehindthedesigns.com/ although it is hard for me to find the time right now to write on my personal blog.

Do you tweet? Of course I tweet! You can find me at @graceannounce

Link to a post/portfolio/recipe piece you think shows your most supreme skills:
Wow this is hard, besides my entire website which is like my large portfolio I think the thing that I am most proud of right now is my involvement in Name Your Tunes new website and second cd design, http://www.nameyourtune.com/

Wallflower or social butterfly?
Neither, I kind of fall in the middle. If I am comfortable I can be very social but if you put me in a room of strangers, I am very shy.

Name 3 people you would like to meet-in-person from Twitter (add why so we can follow them too)...
@caffinated_mom – she is like my food hero!
@sprankard – I would love to give her a hug as she has been a huge supporter of mine.
@ohsheglows – I have really enjoyed her transition into doing something that she loves, and her food posts always look delicious!

Le Winner

2011-07-08T19:21:00.000-04:00

Le Winner of the Celebrate Summer Giveaway #LMDConnector

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

16

Timestamp: 2011-07-09 23:19:21 UTC

#16 Glogirl said...

Daily Entry:

I'd like to try the Taco Seasoned Chicken recipe.
21 June, 2011 3:40 PM

Please shoot us an e-mail Glogirl!

Britax Baby Carrier Review

2011-07-07T08:10:00.000-04:00

THE WHAT: BRITAX BABY CARRIER (featuring the CarryLong System, which reduces the risk of back and shoulder strain during extended wear by distributing weight across the shoulders, back and hips.)

THE HOW:
accommodates babies 8lbs-32lbs
padded waist and shoulder straps
distributes weight across shoulders (comfortably)
removable infant insert
baby can face inwards or outwards
detachable bib
easy snaps
adjustable head support

THE REVIEW: Without hesitation, recommend BRITAX BABY CARRIER! We tested it out on short walks, just doing chores around the house and full day trips and the comfort of carrying baby was excellent. (Yes, we have tried other leading brand carriers and this one excelled in easy on/easy off, comfort for parent and comfort for baby).

Really like the detachable bib to keep the carrier clean. The one hand snaps allow for easy on/easy off (even when the baby is sleeping). The versatility of positions is great for newborns and toddlers.

Baby shower in your future? This is a go-to gift for any expectant mom! Parent Club recommended!

#TravelTuesday | Rent it

2011-07-05T07:13:00.010-04:00

Traveling with kids is awesome - taking all the baby/kid gear is not awesome.

THUNDERBOLT CONCEPT!: Rent your baby/kid gear! No more hauling of highchairs and jamming in jumperoos.

When we go to France, we have needed carseats & boosters, strollers & highchairs - and thankfully family has sourced it all out for us each time...but I can tell you - not packing those everyday must-haves are awesome. If you don't have family at your destination - renting the gear is the way to go.

In Canada, you can google (google is such a great verb) a site like http://www.weetravel.ca/ - which is all about renting baby and kid gear.

And also, check out my friend Corinne's site www.havebabywilltravel.com for tips (I love her Have Stroller Will Travel series)

Free Summer Activity - West 49 LRN2SK8 TOUR PRESENTED BY DISNEY XD

2011-07-04T17:09:00.000-04:00

Free and fabulous: This summer West 49 has big plans to continue being part of that first skateboarding experience for Canadian kids. West 49 is pleased to announce West 49 LRN2SK8 Tour presented by Disney XD.
Starting this June (2011) and running through to September 2nd The West 49 LRN2SK8 Tour presented by Disney XD will be making 30 stops at West 49 locations across Canada (mall parking lots) offering an amazing program targeting beginner skaters age 5 and up.

The ½ day program will include the following elements: mock-classroom lessons where trick description (Tech Deck Trickology 101) and the history of skateboarding will be reviewed, Build-a-Board Workshop learning how to install bearings and apply grip tape and small group lessons aiding in individual progression execution and analysis will be taught with skate-educated seasoned riders providing the lessons.

This program is FREE to kids aged 5 + across Canada and you can register online starting June 1st, 2011 at http://www.west49lrn2sk8.com/. Each location offers two sessions 10am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm with free skate being offered at 3pm.

*Helmets are mandatory. Helmets and skateboards will be available for use during the programs.

Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo and my crazy baby | #playpanel

2011-07-04T16:02:00.001-04:00

I would love to say my baby looks like the one pictured in the Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo.

(I would also like to say he sleeps through the nights and never ever cries...woulda, coulda, can't).

Here is the picture comparison of the Fisher-Price Jumperoo baby and my Fisher-Price Jumperoo baby. Can you spot the difference?...

Calm Baby

Crazy Baby

He. Can't. Stop. Jumping.
Can not.

He has discovered his legs and all he does is bounce and bounce and bounce. I thought that the jumperoo would take up too much real estate in our small living room - but good ghandi the boy LOVES that piece of Fisher-Price wonderment beyond anything else. Bounce. Bounce. Bounce.

He's grabbing for the monkey up high and rattling the alligator toy (one could say he's is exploring the world around him and building his motor skills - but on the mom-level - he's playing the heck out of himself).

And he shrieks with thrill so much he surprises himself!

I like that it can adjust to 3 different heights so that the jumperoo can grow with him. Also, I like that it doesn't need a doorway. Yes, it takes up real estate but the box says that the tubes pop off for easy storage (though I'm thinking -- easy transportation -- to Grandma's!)

Who needs a still picture of a baby in a jumper?...my crazy jumperoo baby is a memory in the making!

FREE Wiggles Performance at Chapters Bayview Village

2011-07-04T15:31:00.000-04:00

INDIGOKIDS PRESENTS: “THE WIGGLES! BIG BIRTHDAY!”

THE EVENT: The Wiggles are in Toronto for The Wiggles! Big Birthday! party. North American Tour and fans of the acclaimed foursome can enjoy a FREE sneak peek as they perform live in-store. Please note that this is a performance, not a book signing.

Wristbands are being handed out tomorrow Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:30am. Quantities are limited, for more details, please visit: www.chapters.indigo.ca/storeevents/

THE SHOW: Wednesday, July 6th, 2011; 3:30pm

THE WHERE: Chapters Bayview Village

2901 Bayview Avenue #132, Toronto, ON

Replays Are Worst Then Real Time

2011-07-03T07:47:00.002-04:00

Last night, I took some mashed avacado from my plate and gave a bit to Thing 3 to try (didn't like it). I left the dinner table to prepare some infant cereal for him only to return at the moment Thing 2 was spooning something into his mouth.

"YOU CAN'T..."

But it was too late. He started choking and gagging and making that horrible silent choke noise (you know the one) and then he threw up again and again.

"You can't feed him!" I said.

Thing 2 said she only wanted to help. ok - said I - you saw he was hungry and you wanted to help but sisters can't decide what babies eat or drink - parents decide what he eats ok?! ok?!

Everyone was fine and dinner continued. But I replayed that moment over and over again. What if I hadn't turned around? What if she had given him an even bigger spoonful of raw snap peas? In real time, you react...in replays you re-live...again and again.

And it reminds me once again...I need to go for a CPR course.

My Kid's CBC Days

2011-07-02T17:44:00.000-04:00

If you are in the Toronto area on July 20 & 21 be sure to visit My Kids' CBC Days (check out the event's Facebook page for more information). Live performances by Sid & Patty, The Doodlebops and more!

Strawberries du jour | #LMDConnector

2011-06-30T09:55:00.001-04:00

Would June Cleaver be proud? Would she? This week our strawberries du jour (really it should be called strawberries du semain n'est pas?) was homemade - from scratch - strawberry jam (bought at a farmer's market so it was truly field to table fresh...damn it June better be proud of me!)

Maybe your strawberries du jour is Classic Strawberry Shortcake (or maybe strawberries on the side of some Canadian-tastic Butter Tarts. Easy recipes are just a click away with this loverly internet we have.
Oh - and by the by - recettes sont disponibles en Français ICI (merci Maman Epicee)

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Gluten Free Chex | #LMDConnector

2011-06-29T13:12:00.001-04:00

Honey Nut Chex - Gluten Free!

A few years ago, I was tested for Celiac Disease (that link gives the wikipedia definition along with the remedy "The only known effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet".) At the time, my thoughts were "But I love gluten" (really - breads are a large, overwhelming, loverly part of my diet). However, if it was going to make me feel better - I was prepared to divorce my beloved gluten.
Fast Forward: do not have celiac disease. But am more gluten aware.

Rice Chex - Gluten Free

As such, I notice more gluten free choices outside of specialty food stores. Like Chex - which is now gluten free and available in Canada.

It's a good option for school snacks as a dry party mix (check out some other gluten free recipe ideas over HERE). Life Made Delicious even has a Gluten free newsletter with recipes and coupons.

Food sensitivities may mean you have to eliminate foods to make you feel better but it doesn't mean you have to give up the tastes you love.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Celebrating Milestones (Big and Small) | #playpanel

2011-06-29T09:41:00.000-04:00

Whether it be finding the perfect birthday toy or giving a present for a special occasion - celebrating milestones for little ones can be a bit of a head scratcher. What to get?!

For my son's recent baptism, I was happily surprised that a friend gifted him some Fisher-Price peek-a-blocks. I thought it was a great idea because it was something he could interact with, discover with, play with...over the next few years.

(and it was something I didn't have to take off a shelf and dust - bonus points for that smart friend).

And now, at the dawn of 6 months he is really enjoying those blocks. Well, enjoying hitting them on his high chair (that's discovering sound right?)

Milestones don't have to just be birthdays or baptisms - I'm known to just celebrate "getting through Tuesday" at my house. Who wants a treat?!

If you are looking for a go-to gift for a boy or girl - check out the Find the Right Toy tool at FisherPricePlay.ca (and you can get inspiration based on gender and age range).

And for some celebrating yourself - register at FisherPricePlay.ca, you'll be entered for a chance to win a "Celebrating Milestones" prize pack of Fisher-Price® toys valued at $200, plus a spa gift card valued at $200! There’s a prize every month (so your summer forecast could be: sunny with a chance of spa celebrating!)

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Spot me if you can | #playpanel

2011-06-29T09:15:00.005-04:00

Look for me and Thing 3 in this commercial - Spot me if you can!

Other commercial with nous are now running on CMT and W networks.

#TravelTuesday | Via Rail is family-budget-friendly

2011-06-28T16:16:00.004-04:00

#TravelTuesday tip: Via Rail is offering 1/2 price tickets to kids this summer. Toddlers under 2 years of age travel free. Children 2–11 travel at half price.

Disclosure: I haven't actually experienced Via Rail travel myself - but know families who take it every summer and they rave at how family-friendly it is. And at half price it's worth considering n'est pas?

And no, this isn't sponsored by Via (sadly) but I'm thinking travel where you don't have to search out a roadside potty or strap kids into car seats might really be a more human way to travel...
Has anyone taken Via? Stories to share?

Parent Club Reviews: Kodak EasyShare Mini

2011-06-28T13:10:00.000-04:00

THE WHAT: The KODAK EASYSHARE MINI Camera

THE SIZE: as big as a credit card. really.

THE FEATURES:

Kodak's Share button is a one-touch-sharing tool to KODAK Gallery, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, YouTube, FLICKR and more.

10 MP

3X wide-angle optical zoom

Blur reduction

Kodak’s Face Recognition feature

video with audio capture

THE WHY: Because parents' bags runith over - this compact camera is perfect for family-field trips. Pop it in your pocket and you are good to go. Plus, the Share button takes your photos everywhere you want them to go (for us it's mainly Facebook or Twitter) easily. It's even small enough that kids can hold, click and share.

Parent Club Blog Hop - No Rules

2011-06-24T12:24:00.001-04:00

Parent Club is always sharing information on ways in which busy families can make their life a little bit easier...so why not share some good reads for nap time (or while you wait for the kids' karate class to finish)...through a blog hop.

There are no rules to this blog hop (wait - one rule - please keep the links family-friendly).

Should you wish to show some Parent Club Blog Hop luv...posting my button on your blog would most appreciated (but it's not a have to...feeding the kids is a have to...doing laundry is a have to...grabbing my button is not [and never will be] a have to...

Pools, kids and drowning: A Big Reminder!

2011-06-23T14:54:00.002-04:00

Did everyone hear the recent U.S. study that found a child drowns in a backyard portable pool once every five days in the summer? (original study is in the Journal of Paediatrics).

From inflatable pools to wading pools even to in-ground pools - this is a big parent reminder - children should be closely supervised around water.

I learnt this the hard way.

A few years ago, the kids were swimming at a friend's house. I got out of the water (they were at the edge in the shallow end) to get them towels. (back up - they were 6 & 8 and had water noodles keeping them up - I wouldn't leave a toddler or baby ever in water). So I turned just for a minute to get them a towel.

I was right there.

And I turned to see both kids under water - eyes open - near-drowning. (Thing 2 had lost her noodle - grabbed Thing 1 - who at that exact moment lost her footing and went under with the weight of her sister holding her).

And I froze. You would think Mother instinct would set it. I would jump to save my babies. And I was just frozen for seconds. Precious seconds. I will never forget freezing. Ever.

Our friend jumped in. Propped the girls up. And they were fine.

The saying "water is a silent killer" is true - because kids don't scream while they go under. I was right there and I didn't hear a sound.

Keep your kids in arms reach while they enjoy water play this summer. Take a CPR course (I really need to do this myself).

Pools should be fun for kids...not deathly.

#TravelTuesday tip | stroller shade

2011-06-21T14:57:00.001-04:00

This is an inexpensive travel tip to shade your baby when you go out & about in the sunny world.

Get some rip-stop (available at fabric stores) and a hair clip.

(yes, I sewed the borders so it wouldn't frey - extra June Cleaver points for me - you don't have to do this).

Drape the rip-stop over your stroller canopy and secure it with hair clip.

Voila - light weight, cheap, practical sun protection!

Also doubles as a picnic blanket!

Easy Kid-Cooking Cookies | #LMDConnector

2011-06-20T11:49:00.001-04:00

Challenge: bake kid-made cookies with an 8 yr old on a Friday night while baby sits in highchair.

Do-able?: apparently yes.

Not only did we make really yummy and cool cookies (merci to this easy Life Made Delicious Bunny Cookie recipe)

These cookies also won 1st place in the school cookie contest! (#WIN for dd's self-esteem - since losing her "baby" status in the family we've been taking extra steps to make her feel special - this was such a boost for her)

How easy? betty crocker sugar cookie mix + a few other ingredients + kid creativity = ready in no time!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Zombie Moms: Not Just For Newborns | Kathy Buckworth

2011-06-19T15:25:00.001-04:00

The huge on-line success of the book “Go the F**k to Sleep” is due mainly to one thing: Every single parent in the world has uttered these words, either in their inside or outside voice. From the string of sleepless nights a newborn delivers the minute they come home from the hospital, through scary school age nightmares about The Grinch, to the awakening sounds of a teenage boy banging around the kitchen in search of a midnight snack. Sleep is one of the few challenges parents face with their children from start to finish, and that we all can relate to not having enough of. However, as with many facets of raising children, sleep deprivation is one where you always think you’re going through a tougher time than anyone before, or after you.

While the recent Twitter hashtag #ZombieMoms includes membership from Moms with children of all ages, it does skew towards the newborn side. Their challenges don’t always inspire thoughts of empathy.

“You think it’s tough having a newborn? At least they don’t go anywhere – I’m up all night worrying about my teenager driving around, and then when she gets home she makes so much noise it wakes me up all over again.”

Complaining about the lack of sleep (a badge of honour for parents) is a bit of a curious phenomenon. Back in the good ol’ days (before we had kids), most of us wore our lack of sleep status with pride.

“I was out clubbing til 4:00am, had a power nap, a quick shower, and here I am back at work. Wicked, man.”

I suppose there are some similarities with that type of sleep deprivation and the type that comes from having a newborn; your eyes are red, your body’s aching, and you might be dealing with vomit which isn’t always your own. The main difference though is the lack of control that you have over your own sleep patterns, once Baby makes his entrance. When they’re infants, we instinctively rise to their occasion every time they can’t sleep. We read the baby books that alternate between telling us to comfort them instantly, and just letting them scream it out. Unfortunately Baby isn’t usually up to speed on which book we’re reading or which strategy we’re trying, so it doesn’t always work.

As the kids get older, though, it can be a mistake to let them assume they are still in charge.

“I try to get him to bed at 8:00 but he just won’t go.”

Have to admit I don’t understand this. What’s with the “try”? Just substitute the word “put” here, and it works out pretty well. The getting them to stay in bed, once uncontained by crib bars, can be the real challenge.

By the time they get to the ‘tween stage, they try to push the boundaries of bedtime, but most of them haven’t mastered the art of sleeping-in the next morning, so a later sleep start usually just speeds up the development of the surly side of their personality which will fully bloom in the teen years.

When your teenage children start to stay up later than you do, it makes you feel old. Not the physical old as you feel when you’ve been up six times in the night with a newborn, but old in a “how old am I?” mental way. Comparing the levels of weariness, both of spirit and body, is tough.

Teenagers, on the whole, like to sleep in. Let them. As tempting as it is to get some sleep deprivation revenge fully due to you, take the time to Drink The F**k Some Coffee.

Halloween in June?

2011-06-17T14:48:00.001-04:00

So DD was invited to a Halloween birthday party tonight (A+ for creativity for that party mom). And DD is of an age where costumes need to be "cool" and "dead".

yah that.

And there's nothing "cool" or "dead" in her closet. What's a girl to do?

Mom's Idea # 1 - get out your plastic fangs and go as

Apparently, somebody else is going as a cool, dead, vampire.

Mom's Idea # 2: put on a sheet and go as

Apparently, dead but not cool.

Mom's idea #3 (we're running out here...)

Put on toga + wear a crown of leaves + put some celery in hair + run some red makeup down face (blood)

A bloody Caesar! She didn't get the irony either...moving along...

Mom's idea #4 (this one I'm pitching to her after school - if she doesn't like it she better dust off those fangs)...

Get a cheerios box + tape a plastic knife to stick out of it + duct tape it to your shirt

Cereal killer. (I would like to thank twitter for proposing this idea. Twitter you're good people).

The take-away from this post: Moms get creative with tight deadlines.

Fisher-Price Makes Diapers? Who Knew?!

2011-06-17T14:19:00.001-04:00

Parent News Alert!: Fisher-Price makes diapers. Wait. Change that. Fisher-Price makes great diapers.

My 5 month old had a chance to test-drive Happy Days and Happy Nights Fisher-Price diapers. Result: not one diaper failure! (a #WIN as baby is transitioning to pureed foods and you know...when babies change to food...well...their diaper deals change too).

My rolly-polly baby needs stretching diapers (I've tried a few brands - stretch is a must). And both days and nights diapers formed to his curves very nicely.

Now do you need a different diaper for both day and night? Honestly, I don't know...depends on your baby I guess. My DS now sleeps through wet diapers at night so the extra absorbent happy nights diapers did prevent leakage (and not a wet bum rash to be had!).

I didn't know Fisher-Price made diapers but now that I do...I'm going to keep a look out for them on shelves. (I hear from the other Fisher-Price #playpanel moms that they are available in Canada at Walmart).

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own

Salmon on Cedar Planks | #LMDConnector

2011-06-16T08:38:00.001-04:00

Creative bar b q'ing yells summer (and whispers "hey Dad! you're cooking"). So with Father's Day on the Brain...here's a cool dish Dad can make for the family on his special day.

Grilled Lemon and Herb Salmon Packs

Salmon on Cedar Planks

- Salmon
- cedar planks (available at fish counter)
- lemon
- tomato cans (2)

24 hours before your start the grill submerge the cedar planks in water (placing them in the sink covered with water works - use the aforementioned tomato cans to keep them down as cedar floats).

Have Dad fire up the grill. Place cedar planks on grill. Salmon on top (skin side down). Grill until done.

Easy.

and btw - those grilled lemon and herb salmon packs picture up there looks pretty Father's Day Friendly too n'est pas?!

For more creative bar b q ideas - check out Life Made Delicious (sshh...there's a coupon over there for brownies...don't tell anyone)

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Celebrate Summer Giveaway | #LMDConnector

2011-06-15T13:59:00.002-04:00

THE WHAT: A giveaway of General Mills Goodies to help you get your grill on!

THE GOODIES: The “Celebrate Summer Giveaway” pack is valued at approximately $100 and includes:

❂Barbecue Utensil Set
❂Paper Plates
❂Colourful Napkins

General Mills goodies from:

❂Old El Paso
❂Cheerios (including Chocolate Cheerios!)
❂Fibre 1
❂Betty Crocker
❂Nature Valley

THE HOW: Share your favourite http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/ summer recipe in a comment to this post.

THE TIMELINE: now through July 7th 2011

THE WHO: Canadian residents only

THE RULES (because life has rules):

one entry per day

tweet "I entered the Celebrate Summer Giveaway from @LifeMadeDelish and @ParentClub! http://www.parentclub.ca #LMDConnector" = an extra entry (comment separately that you did so).

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

NOW CLOSED

Healthy Habits | Theresa Albert

2011-06-15T09:43:00.000-04:00

If there were three simple things that you could do every day that would virtually turn your health around, would you do it? What if all three were easy to do, did not take any time and cost you exactly nothing. Any one of them will help you live healthier, longer and take years off the appearance of aging skin but together they are your little secret to your inner universe. Are you ready? Of course you are!

Life Altering Tip #1

Make yours NEAT!

We are all strapped for time and getting to the gym isn’t on everyone’s wish list anyway. When you think about it, the official exercise regime gets you moving for one hour per day. It is what you are doing the other 15 waking hours that really counts. Now there is “NEAT” or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Making this change is as simple as increasing all the heat creating (aka calorie burning stuff that you do in a day) and you have a lot of sway in how that goes.

• Find as many ways as you can to wiggle, tap, move throughout the day. Walk one bus stop, take the stairs for at least one flight, sit on an exercise ball for an hour a day while at work or watching tv. The possibilities are endless and they all add up.

• Add weight whenever you can. Fooling your body into carrying more weight around (that isn’t really your own!) builds muscle. A backpack of books, maybe? Carry a basket around the grocery store instead of using a cart or strap on a waist belt for the subway ride standing up.

• Convert your desk to a standing station to reduce all of the sitting hours in your day.

Life Altering Tip #2

Remove liquid calories.

The brain does not process liquid calories the same way it processes calories that must be chewed. When you chew, your human internal food mechanism indicates satiety, when you sip...nada. If you added up all the useless calories that come by way of cream and sugar in your coffee, sodas, alcohol and even juices you would likely find 300 calories each day that you could do without.(Do that for 11 days and you can lose one pound!) And don’t go switching to aspartame laden beverages, they are even worse! Try this juice substitute instead.

Life Altering Tip #3

Add ½ cup of beans each day.

There is now sound evidence that it takes one small serving to make a world of difference in your cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. Beans and pulses (not green beans!) can come in any form and need no longer be the overnight-soaking-pain-in-the-pants they used to be. Here are some ways to work beans in:
• Serve hummus (made from chick peas)

o as a dip for an afternoon snack

o hummus comes in a variety of flavors so you will never get bored

o It’s easy to make at home in a blender

o add a tablespoon to every wrap and sandwich instead of mayo

• Add drained, rinsed canned beans to any pasta dish

o White navy beans and lentils work best

• Make a crockpot full of lentil or minestrone soup weekly

o store in the freezer in single servings for lunches or appetizers

• Top salads with canned kidney beans or chick peas

• Look for bean based veggie burgers instead of beef burgers

• Snack on roasted soybeans instead of nuts or popcorn

All it takes is a tiny shift in attitude to improve your health outcome. Make these healthy habit decisions once and never look back.

Sign up here for Theresa’s weekly newsletter and receive more tips and recipes!

Ontario Science Centre | #TravelTuesday

2011-06-14T09:51:00.001-04:00

THE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Ontario Science Centre

THE WHERE: Toronto, ON., Canada

THE AUDIENCE: completely family-friendly!
For the 8 and under crowd: Kidspark
For kids and parents: hands-on exhibits to explore, live performances, IMAX movies
For teens: Sci Fri

HOURS & PRICES:
open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm
$8 parking
Adults $20, Child $13, Youth $16, Infants FREE *Science Centre admission only
TIP: a family membership pays for itself in 2 visits plus gives you discounts on parking, food & giftshop

ACCESS & EATING: stroller & wheelchair friendly. In addition to the regular pizza & burger destination menu food choices include fresh salads, wraps, fruit and snack options -- all at kid eye level.

REVIEW: The Ontario Science Centre is on of our most favourite family field trip destinations! Many exhibits and English & French (a plus for our bilingual family). The "please touch" environment is a great place for kids to explore and learn.

We had a chance to check out the newest live performance CSI: Live, REPTILES: The Beautiful and the Deadly and the IMAX movie Tornado Alley.

Parent Club recommends CSI:LIVE as a show for older kids and tweens. It's an engaging, interactive and educational performance. (warning: strobe lighting and loud for little ears)

Parent Club recommends REPTILES: The Beautiful and the Deadly for all ages. The exhibit of live reptiles is one of the best we've seen.

IMAX movies: In general, for older kids and up. Specifically Tornado Alley - appealing to big kids and parents.

PosterJack Review

2011-06-13T13:25:00.001-04:00

THE WHAT: posterjack.ca

THE CANADIAN COOL: This Canadian Company turns your digital photos into artwork. From posters to canvas to peel n' stick photos and more.

THE HOW: Simply chose your photo, select product and size and upload. It's that easy. Delivery is only to Canadian residents at this time.

THE BONUS: Just in time for Father's Day - Parent Club readers can get a 20% discount.
Discount Code: Parent Club

THE REVIEW: We had a chance for a hands-on experience of posterjack.ca. The entire process took minutes (i.e. can do during nap time!). About a week later, our peel n' stick photos arrived at our door. The peel n' stick posters are safe for walls and removable (great for kids rooms). The quality is impressive. The ease of it all is family friendly!

Prices start at $6.99 so every budget can take advantage of this cool Canadian company!

New look - same club

2011-06-12T17:02:00.001-04:00

What think you of the new Parent Club look?

Spring cleaning isn't just for closets. . .

An Interview with Craig Kielburger

2011-06-08T14:25:00.000-04:00

A very cool read...surf over to my yummymummyclub.ca column for my interview with Canadian child rights activist Craig Kielburger (founder of Free the Children, Me to We and also a recipient of the Order of Canada).

Kids helping kids
An Interview with Craig Kielburger

I had the chance to review two titles from Me to We Books My Maasai Life: A Child’s Adventure in Africa by Robin Wiszowaty and Lessons From a Street Kid by international children’s rights activist Craig Kielburger. After reading them I wanted one thing: an interview with Craig.

Homosexuals in Hockey? Does it matter?

2011-06-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

Surf over to my yummymummyclub.ca column to read my latest post
Homosexuals in Hockey? Does it matter?

This was a shock tag line I heard on the radio the other day. I thought to myself? In this day and age, what does sexual orientation have to do with sports? Then days after, my kids asked me what is "gay"...

Click on the link to continue reading...comment below if you wish to share your opinion...

Wordless Wednesday | the places these feet will go

2011-06-01T13:13:00.001-04:00

Amber MacArthur, Elmo & Apps for Kids

2011-05-31T11:51:00.003-04:00

Amber MacArthur, mom, my former YummyMummyClub.ca teammate (tech blogger) and co-host of TV's App Central was interviewed by Parent Cub about age-appropriate apps for kids...

What makes a kid app-ready?

Each child is really different, so there is no one age when a young one is comfortable playing with apps. However, for many young toddlers the iPad is a really easy device to use to get started. My two-year-old son started using this family gadget just shy of his second birthday. Today, he flips through applications like he's a grown-up! The one thing that is important is to make sure that you protect your tech toys. In other words, try a great skin or case to ensure that your kids don't break anything. For the iPhone, if you want to get extreme, there is an awesome case called the Griffin Survivor that I've been using for a while. It will withstand a throw or a toss on pretty much any surface - http://www.griffintechnology.com/armored.

How long should kids be on devices?

The younger the kid, the less the attention span. I don't worry too much about my toddler on the iPad because he will only sit still for about 10 minutes max (which, I will say, is enough time to unload the dishwasher!). I would recommend that you set time limits for technology. Whether it's half an hour to an hour a day total, find a time that will ensure that you kid is also getting lots of play time outdoors and away from "the screen."

Last time I flew with my kids to Europe (and I was pregnant then) - I loaded my ipod touch with game apps like angry birds, spongebob and make me a princess. Do you have some favourite kid travel apps?

My son loves to play Angry Birds on road trips. We often use Bluetooth to run the audio through the car system, so he gets a kick out of the great sound (it's annoying, but again, it keeps him happy). I'm also a big fan of the company Duck Duck Moose, they've made some award-winning educational apps for younger kids that will keep them entertained.

Amber recommends:

Pre-School Kids

Elmo's Monster Maker - $3.99
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/elmos-monster-maker/id350361202?mt=8
Choose a monster body and touch its face to give it eyes, nose and a hat—there are lots and lots and lots to choose from. When you’re done, Elmo will dance and play with your monster
Wheels on the Bus - $1.99

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wheels-on-the-bus/id303076295?mt=8

Wheels on the Bus is a fun, interactive musical iPhone book, based on the popular children’s song. An original production by Duck Duck Moose, Wheels on the Bus includes fresh illustrations, creative interactions, and live music. Designed for children of all ages, starting as young as 18 months.

School-Aged Kids

LeafSnap - FREE

http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/leafsnap/id430649829?mt=8
Leafsnap is the first in a series of electronic field guides being developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.

Solar System - $13.99
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/solar-system-for-ipad/id406795422?mt=8

A breakthrough electronic book about the Solar System, offering hours of interactive exploration and presenting a treasure trove of visual information.

Amber MacArthur has an exclusive interview with Sesame Street's Elmo about what it's like living on Sesame Street, where he gets his sense of humour, if he uses the Internet, and his new app - Elmo's Monster Maker. This App Central interview airs on BNN, Tuesday, May 31 at 8 p.m. ET on and on CP24 Sunday, June 5 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Les Winners

2011-05-31T09:45:00.000-04:00

Here are les winners from the latest Parent Club giveaways - thanks to all who entered...

Fisher-Price trike winner:

33 Amy C said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/Butterfly_012/status/74289411981967360

green123apple@gmail.com

27 May, 2011 9:43 PM

Blurb winner:

4 DaniGirl said...

I already follow you on twitter! :)))

20 May, 2011 7:14 AM

More giveaways coming up in the next few weeks...come back - read|share|enter!

Help...We've Got Kids Facebook Party

2011-05-31T09:37:00.000-04:00

http://www.helpwevegotkids.com/

Help!...We've Got Kids is throwing a Facebook Party and You're Invited!
(Lots of prizes to be won!)

To Participate, "Like" All Help's Sponsor's FB Pages*,
Then Meet Help At their Facebook Page on Wednesday, June 1st at 9pm EST!

(You'll remember I wrote the Help!...We've Got Kids newsletters for years (reluctantly having to give up working with the fab team when Thing 3 was born and my schedule became that of an unreliable undeadline oriented mom-with-a-newborn). Anywho...recommend you visit their Facebook party and join in...'cause any party...where you can wear pj's...is a good thing).

MapsGirls Safe Car Seat

2011-05-30T12:42:00.003-04:00

From May 30 to to June 5th, My friend @mapsgirl will be writing many posts about car seats, car seat installation and passenger safety as part of Safe Kids Canada's Safe Kids Week 2011.

Wanted to share with Parent Club readers to surf over her Funny Things Are Everywhere blog to read about car seat safety (a hot topic in my house as you know we are in the infant car seat stage again).

She's also giving away a True Fit Convertible Car Seat. I might enter that myself ;-)

Check out this month's Oh Baby! magazine

2011-05-30T09:05:00.000-04:00

Pick up the magazine or check out the on-line issue to read my latest contribution to the reading world Busy all day and yet nothing ever done. It's a featured look at the life of a mom...with a newborn...and kids...and to-do list...which may or may not include laundry.

Parent Club Profiles | Sharon DeVellis

2011-05-27T09:29:00.000-04:00

Name please.
Sharon. Or mummy. Sometimes honey. Also, Hey You! There was this one time I accidentally cut someone off and they yelled a name at me but I couldn’t really hear it because his window was closed. I’ll answer to all of them except whatever the window yeller said.

Your Website?
I have two! I’m Editor of YummyMummyClub.ca and have a blog there called The Inside Scoop which has nothing to do with hysterectomies at all and another blog called Speed Skating Mom. That one’s simpler to figure out.
What's your specialty? (work-wise - you're probably pretty special at a lot of things)
If you asked my kids, they would say I specialize in being the meanest mom in the world but you can’t ask them because they’re both in a time out for not cleaning their rooms, so I would say writing. And editing. I’m really good at editing other people’s work. Mine? Not so much. There’s probably a typo in my answers somewhere. I blame it on my keyboard, the keys tend to stick because of all the salsa I’ve dripped on it. For awhile I couldn’t type Z’s which didn’t really affect me until I tried to write an article on Vajazzaling which *raises eyebrows and shakes head* you don’t even want to know. Whatever you do don’t google it. No, seriously, don’t do it.

Alright…don’t say I didn’t warn you.
What's your shameless plug? (books, blogs, bling, etc.)
I’m not even sure why you would think my hair isn’t real.
Best thing about your work:
I get to work from home and eat nachos and salsa. Plus every afternoon I have a dance party in my living room. I used to drink coffee but found this to be a much more effective way of perking myself up when I was hitting the mid-afternoon slump. I don’t understand why corporate environments frown on dance parties. I bet employee productivity would go up 700% if they were allowed to bust a move for a few minutes every day.

Also the potential for viral videos.

Parent or not a parent?
I didn’t know I got a choice. Was there some return policy I’m unaware of?
Share a typical Tuesday (really we want to hear how you "do it all")
My husband’s day off is Tuesday so I’m going to choose Wednesday because Tuesday is when I lay around in a robe all day while he feeds me peeled grapes. It’s also the day I take hallucinogens.
Typical Day: I want you to close your eyes and picture a hamster running on a wheel. Running, running, running, running but never actually getting anywhere. That’s pretty much it, only also add kids needing to be fed, school volunteering and rushing to do laundry when I realize there is no clean underwear for anyone.

And for the record, I never “do it all” – I prioritize and have learned to let go of the stuff that doesn’t really matter. If you ever come over to my house, don’t look at my baseboards.

Do you blog? (include your blog address)
http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/the-inside-scoo
http://speedskatingmom.com/
Do you tweet?
@sharondv
Link to a post/portfolio/recipe piece you think shows your most supreme skills:
Seriously….I don’t think I have something that shows my supreme skills. I’m always working on improving my writing and I could go back and re-write everything I’ve ever written. If I ever hit a place where I think I’m supreme, I’ll stop trying so I’ll just stay at this place where I feel I suck and work my ass off to be better every day.
Wallflower or social butterfly?
Okay….Imma gonna break the news here. I’m a butterfly who’s ridiculously awkward in social situations. Like last week I was at this tweet-up and I walked over to someone, hugged him and told him how good it was to see him again, then continued to talk to him for the next 5 or 10 minutes until I finally realized he wasn’t the person I thought he was.

True story. This is why I drink.
Name 3 people you would like to meet-in-person from Twitter (add why so we can follow them too)

This is difficult because I’ve already met so many awesome people that I tweet with but I’d have to say:

@ApoloOhno: This is purely professional. My meeting him would have to do with learning tips and skills for speed skating and nothing to do with touching his rock hard thighs.

@eatingarainbow – Kia is funny, vibrant and is trying to teach people how to get their kids eat more fruits and vegetables. Plus she DMs me all the time telling me how great I am. Although she hasn’t been lately. You should follow her anyway.

@JNReynolds – Technically I’ve ‘met’ her in real life due to my ability to wear someone down until they finally say “OKAY! I’ll meet with you. Just please stop with the emails.” But I’d like to chat with her more – she’s brilliant, strong (I mean mentally – I haven’t challenged her to a wrestling match….yet) and funny.
Also, she never actually said for me to stop emailing her. She’s way too polite for that.

Parent Club Review: Bayer's DIDGET

2011-05-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

THE WHAT: Bayer's DIDGET

THE WHY: the first and only blood glucose meter for kids with diabetes that connects directly to Nintendo DS™and DS™ Lite gaming systems. Bayer’s DIDGET meter adds an element of fun to the routine of checking blood glucose

Motivates – Kids with diabetes to test their blood glucose frequently and meet personalized glucose targets by rewarding them with points to unlock game levels.

Tracks – Trends and patterns in blood glucose levels over time, using Bayer’s trusted CONTOUR® meter platform, allowing for more consistent disease management

THE REVIEW:

This is an awesome idea for a Nintendo game put out by Bayer. It gets kids to keep their blood glucose levels in check and encourages them to establish consistent daily habits. If they are having difficulty checking their blood glucose level they have the option to set up their didget meter to remind them to check their blood glucose levels thus accumulating points. The points they earn from testing can be used to unlock mini games and characters. It’s an incentive for kids to keep on a daily schedule and to become aware of the importance of maintaining an optimum blood glucose level. Although, points are awarded regardless and extra points are given if you are within your optimal range which if you are having a bad day is a great idea.

The Bayer Didget meter connects right to the Nintenedo DS. The blood glucose level is checked and points are awarded. Unfortunately, for younger kids and those new to Diabetes, the number is not transmitted and displayed on the Nintendo screen and therefore there is nothing said about the blood glucose number like good job or nice try, which might give kids a little extra boost of encouragement.

tweeks they could create something a little less gender specific.

Thanks Bayer for a great idea!

(Hands-on review by Parent Club reader w. a diabetic child)

Champions for Healthy Kids | Life Made Delicious

2011-05-25T09:41:00.000-04:00

This is a PC-PIA (Parent Club - Parent Information Announcement) that might be good to file away for your next charity committee meeting (trivia: I'm a long-time volunteer at a Children's Centre).

Champions for Healthy Kids is an initiative launched by General Mills with the goal of the providing a grants program to encourage communities across Canada to improve the eating and physical activity patterns of young people ages 2 - 20.
So far, twenty-five grants of up to $5000.00 have been awarded in Canada each year. 2011 is no exception. If you know someone who may want to be considered for a grant you can get more information here -> http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/AboutGeneralMills
Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Funny Mummy | I Have My Eye On You

2011-05-22T12:29:00.001-04:00

The Japanese have introduced a technological “advance” with the invention of the Lunchbox Communicator, a modified “Bento Box” which includes a video camera and screen, embedded in the box’s lid. The idea here is that the child can watch Mom preparing his/her lunch, just before digging in, and Mom can in return watch Junior eating it. As riveting as video footage of lunch making can be – quite surprised there isn’t a reality show called “Extreme Lunch Boxes” – and as appealing as it is to watch a child eat lunch, it begs the question: Why? Why? Why?

Making the decision as to what you will eat out of your school lunch is a major part of learning and growing as a child. Do you go for the apple Mom packed, or try to trade it for your best friend’s cupcake? Is that homemade chocolate chip cookie really worth two fruit roll ups? It’s sort of like a food version of “Let’s Make a Deal”, and the bartering and bargaining learned here can build a foundation for negotiating skills most kids will require later on in life (particularly if they become parents themselves). And with most schools now having supervisors watching for kids throwing out healthy food, trying to sneak it into a garbage can is a risky option compared to the good old trade.

But with every move being monitored by the video camera’s watchful eye, these poor children will likely be forced to eat what their Mama gave ‘em…and where’s the fun in that?

On the other side of the lens, I’m not sure why there’s thinking that kids would want to watch their parents prepare their lunches. Kids don’t want to watch their mothers do anything; particularly something as pedestrian as providing them with a basic life necessity. Do the manufacturers really think that the kids will appreciate the effort that Mom (or Dad) has put into the preparation of this meal? If anything, they’re more likely to be turned off when they realize that there are “raw” ingredients that go into making a sandwich, salad, or cooked entrée. “There’s cheese in my macaroni? I never knew that. You know I hate cheese Mom.” No, I think this new innovation has disaster written all over it. I don’t know about you, but watching my children eat breakfast and dinner at home is enough “food bonding” time for me. Also, I’m not entirely convinced my children wouldn’t capture an inappropriate body part on the camera, just for my viewing pleasure.

I mean, what’s next? Do we want to have two way video cameras on our children for other moments during their school day? Not sure I need to see how uncoordinated they are at gym, or that the pencil they use for homework is also an effective scratching implement for places that scratching shouldn’t be done in public. Let’s leave some things in the realm of the unknown, and unwatched, shall we?

Kathy Buckworth is an award winning humour writer, and feature writer for Sympatico.ca in their parenting, travel, and auto sites Visit www.kathybuckworth.com and follow Kathy on Twitter @KathyBuckworth

Healthy Habits | Killing Me Softly

2011-05-19T12:18:00.001-04:00

Hints:

• You likely consume it every single day and sometimes even feel bad about doing so

• Most of us know already know that we are supposed to reduce it’s consumption

• Kids today consume an exorbitant amount of it

• It, alone, may just be the explanation for our rising obesity crisis

• You can even pour it into a glass daily when you think you are doing a good thing

That’s right. Sugar.

(sometimes known as juice)

(even pure “freshly squeezed” fruit juice)

(also known as brown sugar)

(no better than High Fructose Corn Sugar)

There is a youtube video lecture called Sugar: The bitter truth given by a specialist on paediatric hormone disorders (like diabetes) and the leading expert in childhood obesity, Dr. Lustig that has become a bit of a legendary sensation normally reserved for pop artists. This lecture makes a persuasive argument about sugar and its toxic impact on your body. He makes it clear that we can no longer just think of sugar as “empty calories” that can be “worked off” as long as you are otherwise healthy. The impact of sugar goes way beyond that to actually become toxic. He walks through the biochemical reasons why a glass of juice or soda is no different than a shot of bourbon. The impact on the liver is the same either way and it is killing us...sweetly. Worth switching categories for, right?

Knowing this begs the question: Is it ALL sugar? Certainly all white sugar/brown sugar/corn sugar that is consumed in liquid form. There is no doubt that we need to reduce the estimated 40+ pounds of that stuff that we swallow in our snacks and pour into our cups each year. Then, you want to find alternatives to them as often as you can.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play | #playpanel

2011-05-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

http://www.fisherpriceplay.ca/

So far this Spring, (on what seemed like the only two warm, sunny days, thus far) we broke out our Fisher-Price infant to toddler swing for my son. Swinging outside changed the whole mood of those days...making baby and Mom SO much happier.

According to Kathleen Alfano, Ph.D. (Director of Child Research at Fisher-Price) "Playing outdoors is a form of exercise that promotes well-being and wholesome physical development." I wholly agree with that - after having a winter baby and spending that last few months indoors - playing outside is good for all.

And aside: what I love most about that swing is that it is ready-to-go in the yard. No hauling kids to the park. No waiting a turn. It's ready for a quick swing while we wait for the school bus or a longer swing to enjoy the fresh air.

My bigger kids love bike riding, scooter-ing, in-line skating to and from the park. It's a great way for them to exercise as well as develop balance and coordination. And it gets us all away from electronics.

I like that getting outdoors disconnects the big kids from T.V., computers, video games.

Playing outside is also good for us to re-connect as a family. Playing soccer together. Playing traffic with a little kid powered coup. Bike riding en famille. Just thinking of it puts a smile on my face.

I'd love to hear YOUR family's favourite outdoor activities! Comment below. Or tweet with me @ParentClub.

Bring on the nice weather for outdoor play. Bring it I say!

Fisher-Price Giveaway | The Benefits of Outdoor Play

2011-05-16T18:02:00.003-04:00

THE GIVEAWAY!

THE WHAT: Barbie Tough Trike (for kids aged 2-5)

THE TIMELINE: now till May 30th

THE WHO: Canadian residents only

THE ENTRY: Surf over to http://www.fishepriceplay.ca/, get inspired and then comment below which is your favourite Fisher-Price outside toy.

THE RULES (because life has rules):

one comment per day

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES for ONE extra entry per day

Tweet the giveaway: I just entered to win a Barbie Tough Trike from @FisherPrice and @ParentClub http://tinyurl.com/c9v7tz #playpanel

Follow Parent Club by clicking on the Google Friend Connect button on right sidebar at bottom

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. Winner will be randomly chosen.

Giveaway now closed - thanks for entering.

Blurb Review & Giveaway

2011-05-16T14:45:00.002-04:00

Years ago, I did a Blurb book (my first foray into manscript writing). That's it right there -> "a MOM book". (it's still on the Blurb store bookshelves if you want a copy or three).

I liked template choices for book layout, colours and set up. And it was EASY!

With blurb you can write your own cookbook, write a novel, publish your portfolio, create custom educational books for your kids, and of course, tell the story of your wedding or vacation.

With Blurb, there are three ways to design your book http://www.blurb.com/make/:

1. PDF to Book gives professional users full creative reign over the bookmaking process, offering blank Adobe® InDesign® templates

2. Booksmart makes it very easy and lays out a template for you

3. Bookify lets you unleash your creativity from cover to cover

THE GIVEWAY!

THE WHAT: Enter to win a promo code for $50 for Blurb (prices start at just $13.95)

THE WHO: Open to Canadian and U.S. residents

THE HOW: Surf over to http://www.blurb.com/, get inspired and comment below about the book you would make.

THE TIMELINE: contest running 2 weeks

THE RULES (because life has rules):

one comment per day

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES - LEAVING SEPARATE COMMENTS

Follow @ParentClub on Twitter and tweet the contest (and comment here that you did so) = an extra entry

Become a "Follower" on Parent Club (over there on the right -> the google friend connect on right sidebar at bottom)

Disclosure: winner will be randomly selected using a random generator

Giveaway now closed - thanks for entering.

Mark's Work Warehouse Giveaway! Winner

2011-05-15T09:16:00.001-04:00

winner: Mark's Work Warehouse Giveaway!

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1

Max: 78

Result:

35
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

35 Glogirl said...
Daily Entry:

I need a restyle to update my wardrobe to include more feminine pieces.
ajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com

blog header blockage - part deux

2011-05-13T14:19:00.000-04:00

I know - Parent Club header is different yet again. That is because 2 of you dear readers told me the cartoonified version didn't do it justice. So I've {yet again} put a temporary header up.

Maybe Parent Club will just be like Google and change the header everyday.

The thing about blog headers is kinda like naming kids. It has to fit. Just right. And then the blog (and kid) grows from there.

With Thing 3 - I was in labour and we were still debating girls' names. (The boy name was leftover from day 1 pregnancy 1 with Thing 1...that's a lot of 1s...I know...I was on a roll).

Moving along...So there were we in the labour room and we finally decided Thing 3 was going to be Analia. And then...a boy child was born. (goes to show...life is unexpected).

So choosing that blog header is kinda like naming a child. Debating right up until the end. Until you get what you get. And you love it.

So keep the feedback coming dear readers. And forgive the header changes. The Google-everyday-change will one day end. And you'll love it.

Free Chocolate Cheerios | #LMDConnector

2011-05-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

http://www.lifemadedelicious.ca/BrandSites/ChocolateCheerios/Chocolatecheerios.html

FREE box of Chocolate Cheerios alert!

Surf over to that link (on zee right ->)

Get the coupon.

June 21, 2011 go to your grocery store and redeem for a FREE box of Chocolate Cheerios (or new Fibre 1* Brown Sugar Shredded Wheat!)

Fisher-Price #playpanel | WIN

2011-05-13T09:59:00.002-04:00

Over at fisherpriceplay.ca (yes, that's me and Thing 3 pictured there) you can enter to win a spa certificate along with Fisher-Price toys (valued at $400) just by sharing your child's milestones.

And while you're there you can read my little post about Milestone Moments and Moms.

Spot me if you can!: that picture the Fisher-Price "Meet our Moms" is running in t.v. commercials on some of our favourite channels over the next few weeks...spot me if you can on Treehouse, W Network and CMT.

The morn of four months

2011-05-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Activity du jour: 4 month well baby check up.

Where have these past 4 months gone?!
Some days they were longer than years and other just flew like by like dust fairies in a sunbeam.

Mother's Day Recipes | Life Made Delicious

2011-05-06T17:37:00.006-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Tho I'm not big on Mother's (or Father's or Grandparents') Day (call me grumpy) I am big on family brunch. Take all afternoon on a Sunday, eating, hanging, playing, ignoring the laundry...is what I call a day well spent.

So Mother's Day Recipes alert! Get your Quiche on this Mother's Day.

And White Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries then Three-berry Trifle.

Call Sunday whatever you will...but enjoy it all that you can ;-)

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Baby Blues, blogs and Breathing

2011-05-05T15:11:00.000-04:00

A peek behind the blog...it's blue dear readers. Very blue.

Yes, the baby blues are back in da house this week. So very tired. And sad. And lonely. Amazing since I am hardly ever alone (baby always by my side...or breast...mainly breast...cluster feeds suck - forgive the pun).

And I think to Shrek and onions and how both have layers...just like parenthood. On one layer I am completely blues-ish and on a higher layer I get that I am blues-ish so am doing what I can to push the blues layer under. See. Onions, Shrek and Me. Layers people. Layers.

So you'll notice I'm pimping up Parent Club. Changed the header. Re-formatted the sidebar. It's for my layer. Renovating Parent Club gives my mind and energies somewhere to focus which is good for the soul. It's gives my blues a boost. At least I think it does.

Walks in the sunshine are just as good. But less tangible. With the blog I can say "See I put in a new header!" It is a thing-done. Whereas a walk is a thing-experienced. Both good against the baby blues.

As is breathing. Deep breathing. Knowing the baby blues is a normal, hormonal, mom-moment. Just keep breathing and it will pass.

Right?

If you've got the blues...I recommend the #zombiemoms over at twitter. A great bunch of pregnant, new and seasoned parents up day or night. Put that hashtag at the end of a tweet and watch a community come alive.

I wrote about the baby blues HERE (and merci again for all the comments and support and virtual hugs)

Healthy Habits | Killer Condiment Conundrum | Theresa Albert

2011-05-03T19:52:00.001-04:00

Its barbecue season and what could be faster, tastier and healthier than a little something grilled? From tofu and veggies to burgers and dogs, anything on a bun is beloved by our backyard and cottage culture. You carefully choose the leanest meat and whole grain bun but what you top it with could be a slather of unsuspecting empty calories. Here is your condiment guide in order of worst to best, choose wisely and slip back into your skinny jeans come the fall. Heed not and risk looking like the sausage yourself.

Worst to Best Burger Toppers

5. Mayonnaise or anything made with mayonnaise

All commercial mayos are made by thickening some kind of liquid fat into a solid. Either the traditional whipping of oil into eggs is used or the lower fat treatment of using a corn or seaweed derived thickener, the concept is still the same:fat. Delicious, creamy fat that will cost you about 100 calories per tablespoon no matter which brand you buy. Tartar Sauces and “sandwich spreads” are no better; they deliver no nutrients and too many calories. If you simply must have your mayo opt for President’s Choice Blue Menu or Hellmann’s Half the Fat because either will cut your calories down to half. Heed this, though, even then, they are more caloric than the next worst spoonful. (Yogurt makes a decent substitute)

4. Barbecue Sauce

This bold bounce to your bun packs a punch but most formulations begin with sugar and water. Mixing in a proprietary blend of tomato sauce and spices makes each version a flavor all its own and everyone has their favorite. Offering almost no nutritional value for its 300-400 mg of sodium (almost 1/3 of a healthy day’s dose) in 1 tablespoon is a crime before you even consider the 30-40 calories. There is one on the shelf that provides the taste without all the calories and that’s Kraft calorie wise at a decent 10 calories per tablespoon. (It uses more water and corn-thickeners to reduce the load but keep the consistency) You don’t get a break on the salt, though.

3. Ketchup

Treasured by children and loved by all as the condiment of choice for just about everything. Ketchup takes the middle spot for the fact that it relies upon one of earth’s healthiest vegetables. Albeit, this is a high salt, high sugar way to get that vegetable, but still. Most formulations do start with tomatoes or tomato paste that is thinned down with vinegar and water and seasoned up with salt, spices and sugar. The top few brands weigh in at about 20-25 calories per tablespoon delivering about 10-15 % of your healthy day’s amount of salt. The No Name brand is a little lower though the formulation looks about the same so expect it to be a little thinner (higher in water). Heinz has a low sodium version that will save about half the sodium and PC blue menu has one that uses sucralose to reduce the sugar (and that has its downsides too!). Even with the “improvements” this red spoonful is still middling at best.

2. Relish

Now we are moving to the better side of the bun. Not all relish is created equal; you can still stumble if you choose sweet green, zucchini or chili. All offer little nutritional benefit and about 15-25 calories per tablespoon which is about the same as ketchup. But there is a rising star here that can deliver huge taste for a mere 4 calories per tablespoon: Bick’s Dill Relish is the pick of pack. It does dose with the same kind of sodium found above but for much fewer calories in the end.

Best in Class!

1. Mustard

All you have to do is avoid the honey mustards and mustard blends and you can’t go wrong. Each and every mustard on the shelf is lower in calories than anything else you are going to squeeze on your dog. And they are little super heros packing much more than they seem. Made from mustard seed which is a high anti-oxidant spice that has anti-inflammatory properties. If it is colored at all it is usually with trace amounts of turmeric which is another potent anti-cancer spice. Rarely made with sugar (thus the “avoid the honeyed versions” note) and only mixed with vinegar and very little salt it offer zing for a caloric pittance. There are some outstanding gourmet formulations on the market that are truly worth trying but even the cheapest brand of yellow ballpark mustard is worth adding.

Theresa Albert takes on the challenge of demystifying myths surrounding food and health. Millions learned just how smart and funny she is through her Food Network Canada Show called Just One Bite! She has authored two books published in both Canada and in the US: Cook Once a Week, Eat Well Every Day and Ace Your Health, 52 Ways to Stack Your Deck.

Read her at www.myfriendinfood.com

Parent Club needs a tag line...

2011-04-30T10:48:00.005-04:00

Parent Club needs a tag line (whyfor? because everything in life grows...kids, waistlines, blogs...)

But I've hit a tag line brick wall (might be the sleep deprevation of newbornhood + kids + life)

So I'm asking you dear gentle readers to chime in on a Parent Club tag line...(I've always described Parent Club's mission as aiming to make life easier for busy parents...so maybe a tag that reflects this).

So far I've (and twitter & facebook friends) come up with...

Parent Club - making life easier for busy parents

Parent Club - 1st rule of Parent Club is to share Parent Club*

Parent Club - nap time well wasted

Parent Club - figuring it out together

Parent Club - real parenting by real parents

Friends I would appreciate your comments on what YOU think would make a great Parent Club tag line.

'cause I've got that big wall in front of me right now...

*this is a play on Fight Club rules

Parent Club Profile | Greg May

2011-04-24T17:38:00.010-04:00

Name please. Greg May.

Your Website? gregmayhair.com

What's your specialty? (work-wise - you're probably pretty special at a lot of things)
Sexy, lived in, deconstructed hair. Vidal Sassoon approach to the foundation cut.

What's your shameless plug? (books, blogs, bling, etc.)
Hair Products. Greg May Product. Scissors. Mizutani. mizutanicanada.com

Best thing about your work:
Sexy, lived in. Lasts longer than most. I do my own colour, and cutting, & am a big believer in this. I know the shape. I know the texture, so I know where I want to place the colour. You only need to book with one person. When you build a house, you don't build half a house.

Parent or not a parent?
Definitely a parent to 3 Awesome boys. Julian. Tyson. And, Kaden-Jet.

Share a typical Tuesday (really we want to hear how you "do it all")A typical Tuesday begins with my kids crawling into my bed at 5am. Getting up around 7-7:30am.Maybe watch cartoons with my 2 younger boys. 8:00am. Walking my boys to school. 8:30am. Either Gym, or long trek to the salon. 10:00am-11:30am. In the salon. Quick pow-wow with Salon Coordinator Serena Branquino. 11:00-noon. Begin cutting & coloring. -no breaks- 10:00pm. - midnight. Finish cutting,& coloring. Pack up. 11:30pm. -1:30am. Get home. 11:30pm. -2:00am. Kiss my wife, Kelly May. 2:15am. Sleep. Then do it all again.

Do you blog?
I do blog, although I Tweet more. Blog site will be integrated into website.

Do you tweet?
I Tweet. A lot. @gregmayhair

Link to a post/portfolio/recipe piece you think shows your most supreme skills:
most recently Janine Falcon's blog post on how to not create a weightline through the base of a haircut:
http://imabeautygeek.com/?s=greg+may

Wallflower or social butterfly?
social butterfly at the salon. Quiet, thinker outside of the salon.

Name 3 people you would like to meet-in-person from Twitter
@bruceleelegacy This is Shannon Lee, Bruce Lee's daughter. I would let her know how important her Father was in the molding of my life.

I guess @sassoonsalonus But really I would like to write specifically to Vidal Sassoon to let him know that I probably wouldn't be a stylist if it weren't for his architectural approach to haircutting/colour.

And, I'm not sure if Jennifer Aniston is on Twitter, but I would love to do her hair. (Even though Chris McMillan does an outstanding job.)

AND THE QUESTION PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW BUT ARE TOO AFRAID TO ASK...

Who and how much do we tip in a hair salon?
I believe that all depends on the experience you have in the salon. Definitely the assistant. They are the ones who work hard to welcome you, take your coat, fetch your dinner. Give you that awesome scalp massage. Shampoo/condition. Etc. There is a constant debate on whether or not to tip the stylist. I believe it is personal. But if you do, the usual could be broken down to Assistant- 5-10% stylist 15-20%.

Give or take. Depending on the experience.

"It's all about the experience."

Milestone Moments and Moms | #playpanel

2011-04-22T07:48:00.001-04:00

That little, musical, stack-able, 10 year old Fisher-Price toy pictured over there has taught my 3 babies actions and consequences, melodies, hand-eye coordination and how to smile.

All parents like it when toys help baby reach milestones like soothe, sense, move, discover, socialize, learn, create and imagine. This toy did it for me. Three times over. It's music soothed the savage beast (teething infant), it wobbled and swayed, it was built up and pushed down.

Dr. Deborah Weber, Senior Manager for the Fisher-Price Child Research Department (and also an expert in early childhood development) has a tip that fits the description that little toy of ours...

Encourage your child to play with toys in different ways. Be sure to join in the play with them and show them all of the special features of the toys including the lights, sounds, different shapes, colours. This is learning.

As a busy Mom, I'm not really thinking about milestone moments. I'm thinking of activities to keep little Thing 3 occupied so that I can do the switch laundry loads, call the doctor and perhaps tweet just a little.

I'm glad that Fisher-Price is thinking of the milestone moments. Because underneath the layer of fun...my baby is learning...and so am I.

Disclosure: I’m part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Easter Egg Decorating for kids

2011-04-21T09:03:00.006-04:00

Back in the Parent Club archives you'll find a post on Easter Egg Decorating for kids - jr & senior edition.

Click on the post for complete instructions but the gist of it is...

Egg Decorationg for little kids
Use hard boiled eggs, sponges and tempra paint.

Egg Decorating for bigger kids
Use foods (such as carrots, blueberries, tea) as natural dyes

And for a tried & true method...

Easter Egg Decorating with Food Colouring

You need:

Hard boiled eggs (or blown out ones)

Food colouring

Water

Vinegar

Container

Spoon (or wire)

Paper towel

Mix about 20 or so drops of food colouring with 1 tbsp of vinegar and 1/2 cup of tepid* water.

Repeat this step with different colours to create a rainbow (tip: use clean, used, coffee cans to hold the mixtures - then you can trash them).

Using a spoon (or my friend once made an egg holder with copper wire) lower the hard boiled egg into the colour mixture. The longer you leave the egg in the more vibrant the colour.

Pat the coloured egg dry with a paper towel.

Remember: food colouring stains so break out the art bibs.

*tepid means not hot, not cold, but just right.

Ssshh! Chocolate Cheerios | #LMDConnector

2011-04-19T19:31:00.007-04:00

As a #LMDConnector...an opportunity presented itself...which really I shouldn't share. But I will. Because I'm a share-er. But don't tell anyone. Just between you and me.

Chocolate Cheerios

Really.

Whole grains, low in fat, chocolate and fibre (see how I ended that with fibre totally skimming over the chocolate part...never mind about that...ignore the chocolate...nothing to see here...move along...)

Tho, they will be on Canadian store shelves June 3rd I had a chance to test-drive chocolate cheerios. And let me tell you, great for dry munching as you type...nom nom nom.

I also sent said dry munchies off to school for 3rd snack (the sweet one) and the kids much enjoyed them. (Dry cereal us a go-to for school snacks in our house - they are nut free, easy and a good sweet alternative).

There is going to be a FREE chocolate cheerios coupon offer...so check back here in the comments section where I'll reveal where/when/how later in June.

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Mark's Work Warehouse Giveaway!

2011-04-18T14:26:00.011-04:00

Last year, I was one of the media peeps invited to experience Mark's Work Warehouse "#Marksover" (Make-over) to get hands-on on how Mark's refreshed brand represents what Mark’s has become to Canadians – the place for innovative and fashionable men's and women's casual apparel and footwear. (Read the Parent Club #Marksover review and see the dress that is honestly the most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever worn!).

Mark's Work Warehouse is now running a Spring reStyle contest, (running now until June 15) where they are asking men and women from across the country to share their need for a fashion refresh or upgrade (worth a check out people because the prizes are re-donk-u-lous!).

THE GIVEAWAY

THE WHAT: a $50 Mark's Gift Card

THE WHY: Because Mark's knows parents want style (and comfort and affordability)

THE HOW: Comment to this post about why you need a ReStyle (be honest, funny, rant, have a pity party if you like...)

THE RULES (because life has rules):

Gift Card Giveaway Timeline: to mid-May

Open only to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec)

One comment per day

FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES - LEAVING SEPARATE COMMENTS

Follow @ParentClub on Twitter and tweet the contest (and comment here that you did so) = an extra entry
Become a "Follower" on Parent Club (over there on the right -> the google friend connect thingy)

Disclosure: a winner will be picked randomly. Winner must claim prize within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. Head's up: As per the Canadian Sweepstakes Law Canadian winners will be asked to answer a mathematical skill testing question.*

Comments now closed - thanks for entering! (15/05)

Yummy Mummy Club Column

2011-04-16T12:40:00.000-04:00

Over at my Yummy Mummy Club column I'm starting a bit of a debate about

Should kids sell cookies for fundraisers?
And are we morally obliged to buy them...

Kids are out there hocking cookies, magazines and chocolate bars to raise money for their schools and other organizations. Are kid-selling fundraisers good team building or is it parents paying the price?..

http://yummymummyclub.ca/kids-sell-cookies

Fisher Price #playpanel is LIVE

2011-04-14T16:33:00.002-04:00

The Fisher-Price Canada site is now LIVE...and I share this not only because I like Fisher-Price (which I do...come visit our toy box...you'll see how much I like it)...but also because I am featured as 1 of 8 Canadian Moms on the Fisher-Price #playpanel.

http://www.fisherpriceplay.ca/

Go...surf over...see if you spot me.

Parent Club Profiles | Maria Lianos-Carbone

2011-04-12T23:13:00.000-04:00

Name please.
Maria Lianos-Carbone

Your Website?www.amotherworld.com>

What's your specialty? (work-wise - you're probably pretty special at a lot of things)
I’m a writer, blogger and social media addict. My specialty is writing! I write for several sites at the moment and love every minute of it.

What's your shameless plug? (books, blogs, bling, etc.)
I run www.amotherworld.com, a lifestyle website for moms. I’m Online Editor, Social Media for ParentsCanada magazine’s website www.parentscanada.com also write celebrity news for www.babble.com.

Best thing about your work:
Writing lifestyle articles and news about parenting, motherhood, celebrities, health and other fun topics, makes me happy and fulfilled. The other amazing thing about the kind of work I do is the flexibility it allows me. Having two young children, working on my own time gives me the chance to be both a present mom and have a career that I love.

Parent or not a parent?
I’m a mama to two rambunctious boys who are my life and light, and the occasional reason for cocktails before dinnertime.

Share a typical Tuesday (really we want to hear how you "do it all")
First you must read this post to get an idea:
http://amotherworld.com/main/featured/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-work-at-home-mom-in-numbers/

My day begins at the crack of dawn before the kids are even awake, or at least one of them. I put my coffee on and turn the computer on and check in… to my emails, Twitter, Facebook, you get the point. I usually get some work done (ie. write a couple of posts) before the morning rush begins. After breakfast and school drop-off, it’s back to work. My eldest is in school full-time but my youngest is only in pre-school. The mornings he is in school, I pump out a good portion of the day’s work. But when he’s home, it’s literally 20 minutes of work and then 20 minutes of playtime. Then it’s back to school to pick up DS1 followed by snacks, play and homework. Dinner prep and cooking begins and I can try to squeeze in some more work then. Dinnertime and after dinner is busy until the kids go to bed. I usually finish up my work for the day in front of the T.V. with some sort of cocktail or chocolate fix, and then it’s time for bed.

Do you blog?
I blog on my website, www.amotherworld.com under the Blog section.

Do you tweet?
I tweet. A lot. I have several Twitter accounts to manage it all. I tweet for @amotherworld and @ParentsCanada but my personal account is @MariaLianos.

Link to a post/portfolio/recipe piece you think shows your most supreme skills:
http://amotherworld.com/main/featured/eating-disorders-and-the-media-how-much-does-media-play-a-role/

Wallflower or social butterfly?
Depending on my mood, I can be both; but I usually am a social butterfly, most of the time.

Name 3 people you would like to meet-in-person from Twitter (add why so we can follow them too)...
@MomMagRocks, @sarahjcarter and @smilenwaven. They are amazing, inspiring women with awesome personalities who always have something interesting to say, are supportive and sweet and will quickly become not only a twitter acquaintance but a real friend.

Winner of the Take 5 Challenge

2011-04-12T11:08:00.004-04:00

The winner of the Take 5 Challenge is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers: 7
Timestamp: 2011-04-12 15:07:19 UTC

7 "Katrina Brady said... My 5 minute idea is to mix tuna with mayo and grn onion. stuff pita with mixture and add spinache, cucumer and tomato..fantastic!"
sweetpeg at gmail dot com

Congratulations Katrina!