Gluten Free Chex | #LMDConnector



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.

FREE VALENTINE'S FAMILY ACTIVITIES

How did I manage to use ballgowns and spaghetti and Valentine's Day in the same family activity?! Surf over to my Yummy Mummy Club column to find out...

Don't you ever wish you could freeze a delicious family moment in time? Tuck that newborn smile in your pocket and save it for a rainy day? Upon the occasion of Valentine's Day I have some ideas to treasure the family luv forever...and do it for free...
http://yummymummyclub.ca/free_valentines_activities_kids

Baby Blues over at Yummy Mummy Club

My latest Yummy Mummy Club column on the Baby Blues has hit a cord with readers, tweeps and parenting groups.

This post - which was meant as a "better out than in" emotional release has been praised on twitter and in the comment section:

boomda181: loved your honest article. It will help so many new mommies.

grow_with_me: I read your baby blues post and I could have written it myself word for word.

jenngoddess: I had the baby-blues and thought they would never pass. Give @ParentClub some props for going public with hers...

WonderMoms_ca: Huge Kudos for you talking about it. I am thrilled women talk about "Baby Blues" openly. We use to bottle it up. Pardon the pun.

Meganliddle: Just wanted to say kudos on your baby blues article! Refreshing to see it spoken about so candidly.

aftergloTO: Honest post and brave for sharing. You are not alone.


Click on link to read my Yummy Mummy Club article on the Baby Blues

Parental ADD

I would like to bring to attention a disorder which is sweeping our nation - ahem - our continent - ahem - the global village. Serious serious stuff.

Parental Attention Deficit Disorder (PADD): characterized primarily by inattention, easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, forgetfulness suffered by parents. There is no known cure.

It is often misdiagnosed as "Mommy, you aren't listening to me" and "Are you on your blackberry AGAIN?"

Symptoms include:

often flipping television channels

has trouble playing tea party or lego for long periods

often checks Facebook and Tweetdeck

easily distracted from switching laundry loads

often forgetful of to-do items (like mailing letters)

Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want match socks

Treatment:
Though there is no known cure, studies indicate certain treatments help with symptoms. For example: gifts of chocolate cake and kids going to bed early without fuss.

Do you suffer from Parenetal ADD? Please know you are not alone.

Interview with Lays ChipTrip Spokesperson: Kathy Buckworth

Parent Club: You are the spokesperson for Lays ChipTrip - what is that?

Kathy Buckworth: I'm working with Lays to promote their ChipTrip program, which has been developed with the Canadian Tourism Commission, as a way to encourage Canadians to become tourists in their own cities and provinces, or to travel to new provinces and explore their local attractions. I've found their website extremely helpful in finding activities, making plans, and of course redeeming the points has been a huge cost saver for me. I already buy Lays chips, and I have four kids, so our points are adding up just through moderate snacking. I think most families would be the same.

Parent Club: A new survey says staycations are the new trend for families...why do you think that is?

Kathy Buckworth: Over 75% of Canadians say they won't be taking a summer holiday at all, will be staying near home or vacationing within their own province for 2010. I think it's a combination of the economy as well as the fact that it can be hard to get away for longer periods of time in the summer with an active family. Canadians are also very excited about seeing their own country, having recently seen the beauty of Vancouver/BC during the Olympics, and making an effort to support their local economies and stay a bit closer to home.

Parent Club: What are your top 5 suggestions for staycation ideas?

Kathy Buckworth:
1. Plan the staycation - whether it’s a day outing or an overnight venture- with the kids. Going on to the www.lays.ca website is a terrific way to search for ideas and inspiration, across Canada.

2. Keep a budget in mind, and look for activities which can fit easily into it. Redeeming ChipTrip points can really help in keeping costs down.

3. Plan for both rainy day and sunny day alternatives.

4. Be a tourist in your own city. Live like a tourist - take transit, guided tours, explore city landmarks and quiz the kids on their knowledge afterwards so that they can become an ambassador for your city as well.

5. Plan your meal stops (check the www.lays.ca site for food options from Subway, to Boston Pizza, both great for families) as well as some unstructured, or downtime, which kids always need.

Parent Club: Any tips for keeping kids entertained in the summer?

Kathy Buckworth: I like to schedule the weeks whether they're in formal camps (day or overnight), or at home at what I like to call "MomCamp", or "DadCamp". I sit down with them and we plan out the top 3 things they'd like to do (beach visit, a fair or exhibition, movies, etc), and then we try to make sure each child gets to do at least one thing on their wish list. My kids are involved in quite a few sleepover camps during the summer, and after all of that activity while away, I find they do need a schedule of activities when they're at home to try to avoid that "Mom I'm bored!" syndrome.

Parent Club: Where will we find you this summer? (events, launches, twitter, vacation, funny farm?...)

Kathy Buckworth: I'll be everywhere! The kids are off to camps the first part of the summer, and I'll be travelling out west to speak and do a book tour. I'll be Tweeting the whole time, (plus exploring some attractions in BC and Alberta) and returning home to spend a week at a cottage in Ontario with the whole family, as well as doing a lot of day trips. We're already planning a trip to the Polar Mountain Express, and I've promised a shorter trip to Medieval Times as well. And yes, you might just find me poolside with a glass as well. Have BlackBerry, will travel.

Parent Club Giveaway: Energy Basket

The Ontario Power Authority, WWF-Canada and a major loyalty program have launched a campaign which provides Ontarians with a way to continue the momentum of Earth Hour by pledging to take simple actions that will have lasting financial rewards and help fight climate change.

One example action is reducing "phantom power" - the electricity used by electronics and appliances even when they're switched off - an unknown problem that accounts for as much as 15% of a home's monthly energy use!

Parent Club has TWO gift baskets (worth approx $250 each) to giveaway to help save energy in your house.

Each gift basket contains:

• A power bar with automatic shutoff to reduce phantom power
  
• 1,000 Bonus Air Miles (this could get $140 in grocery gift certificates, movie tickets or even a 3 piece luggage set)
  
• A cute & cuddly toy panda from WWF-Canada
  
• Cold water laundry detergent

TO ENTER:
Write a comment (below) on an action you do in your house to help save energy thus fighting climate change.

THE RULES (because life has rules)

Ontario entries only (sorry rest-of-the-world-friends)

One entry per day

Tweet the giveaway (and comment you did so) = an extra entry

Follow-up on Travel With Kids

So after you take your kids on a plane trip (to Europe for example where said kids become Travel Troopers) - we have some valuable after-travel-tips.

• Jet lag equals one day for every hour of time change (an Air Canada steward told me this). So if you fly to France - it will take about 6 days to get over the jet lag (6 hours difference between Canada and France).
  
• Have a comfort food ready in the freezer for when you get back. (Homemade pasta sauce was defrosted & fusilli was cooked the night we returned home - on the table in less than 20 minutes).
  
• Have your Mom, neighbour, friend stock your fridge with essentials. (It's nice not to have to dash out for milk when you've just gotten home).
  
• Try to get the kids to stay up. (When going to Europe with kids, they want to go to bed at 7pm but wake up at 4am when they get back to Canada)

Also, when you get back from a trip - you have fresh eyes onto the state of your house (good ghandi! We live like THIS?!). Take advantage and spend some time spring cleaning excess toys/stuff.

Parent Club interviews Pinball Clemons on Random Acts

Mars Canada's RANDOM ACTS OF CHOCOLATE campaign is a reminds Canadians that their acts, big and small, make a difference in the lives of others.

I had the opportunity to interview the spokesperson of Random Acts of Chocolate - Michael "Pinball" Clemons (a simply charming and inspirational man - the perfect spokesperson for a kindness campaign).



Mars Canada Inc.'s Chocolate division will be giving away over 8.5 million coupons redeemable for free chocolate; inspiring Canadians to use these to help spread a little kindness in your community.

Furthers, Canadians are encouraged to nominate a local Community organization for the opportunity to receive one of three $10,000 CDN donations to have an act of kindness made in their honour.

Meeting Pinball changed my day. His smile, gracious answers and friendliness were all small acts of kindness. The inspiration I left with was big.

I encourage all Parent Club readers to share, in the comments below, a story of an act of kindness - you have either done or received - because reading a good story deed - well that can be inspirational thus having a big impact on someone's day.

Mom's weight, eating and body image

I have been thinking about this post for a while.  Partly inspired by my friend (you know who you are) and Phat Mummy (aka Maria who writes an awesome blog over at the Yummy Mummy Club about weight and mummydom).

If you know me, have met me, or saw me on the TTC platform - I am a skinny, slight, slender-ish person.  Always have been.  Always.  My confession: I have a digestive disorder, IBS-D, which is unreliable, embarrassing and the ball on my friggin' chain.

So when, someone says "I hate you -  you're so skinny" (hello mom!) I accept it (though - would you say this to someone on the other side of the scale?! "I hate you - you're so fat" no - you wouldn't because it is a faux-pas to talk about someone being heavy - however skinny girls - they are hate-worthy).

See the thing about IBS-D is that I don't get the nutrients of my food.  An exciting event, stress, certain foods...can all make me drop pounds.  I lost 4 lbs at an all-inclusive resort (and don't say "I wish I could do that" because I call liar liar pants on fire - you don't want this - you eat and nothing stays in - you can't go out into the world - you are in pain - you are embarrased - you have no control over your life).  I never know when or for how long an IBS crisis will strike.  So at that all-inclusive resort - I ate rice and chicken - for 7 days - and still the IBS thunderstorm descended. 

Through my teen years, I delt with my IBS by not eating until it was "safe" (read: I'll eat when I get home and there is a bathroom at the ready).  So I got the anorexic tag.  (Elaboration: I still don't eat when I go out - it is years and years of habit management - I don't need comments, advice or snorts about "that's how you stay thin" - no this is how I manage having a life and going out into the world - everyday - of my life).

In September 2007, I weighed 99 lbs (my prince had suffered a pulmonary embolism and the stress of it sent a brutal thunderstorm) - I looked horrible (so my mother-in-law kept telling me).  Weighing so little also makes one really friggin' tired - not good when you busy leading two little children through life.

I've been to a nutritionist, counsellors, doctors and naturopaths.  I have a prince who loves me so much that he points out the washrooms to me whenever we go out in the world.  I have family & friends who don't snort when I have a liquid lunch while they eat at a restaurant. 

I must say - there was a hiccup in my grand food management plan.  When my kids started saying "I'll eat when Mommy eats" when we went on a family field trip (we all know, by now, I'm not going to eat - not because I'm on a diet but because when I have an IBS thunderstorm it is sudden and raging - and that can't happen when I am the only caregiver on a family field trip - I have to have control over my body).  So, I eat a couple bites of a granola bar while I supervise the my kids eating a full and balanced lunch. (and before anyone gets rant-y on me: I eat full & balanced meals all the time - at home - in front of my kids - they know I get thunderstorms - we don't talk about #diets, #weight or #gettingfat.  We talk about #being active, #healthy food and #going out).

I am inspired by my friend and Phat Mummy because I connect on the other-side-of-the-scale to their weight, eating and body images.  I support anyone who makes the decided-effort to take off - or put on - weight in a healthy fashion.  In my little opinion, everyone has an imperfect body and we can chose to accept it, manage it or change it -- but I don't think anyone should be hated because of it. 

I'm trying to teach my kids that weight doesn't matter - it's how you feel in your own skin which counts.

Going to Riu Bachata

Our stay at the Riu Bachata, in Puerto Plata was well researched.  We had key points that absolutely had to be met:

• Family Friendly
• All-inclusive
• On the Beach
• Close to the airport
• Budget Friendly

The Bachata had it all.  Our room was comfortable and quiet.  Two double beds were perfect for our family of 4.  The Bachata provided a large complimentary container of distilled water in our fridge which came in handy for drinking and tooth paste spitting.

The breakfast buffet had cereal, pancakes, crepes (kids' favourite) and more.  The kids could eat hamburgers and hot dogs at the lunch buffet while we parents ate paella and chicken.  There were also 2 sit-down restaurant choices (a pasta restaurant and a steakhouse) for dinner options. 

We had the option of the daily activities at the Bachata or visiting the sister hotels Riu Merengue and Riu Mambo (a short walk). 

Daily activities included formal events like: ping pong tournament, darts, water aerobics, kids club activities, water volleyball and more.  The entertainment team was inviting to both grown ups and kids.  Informal activities included; swimming, beach fun and the swim up bar (kids loved asking for orange juice!).

Unfortunately, there was a jagged piece of ceramic tile, submerged on the bottom step of the pool, and my daughter gashed her foot.  She was rushed to the on-site medical office where a doctor promptly attended to her wounds (stitches required).

We informed front desk immediately of the issue with the pool. 

The next day, when we asked front desk about borrowing a wheelchair for our child, we were told we could rent one from the pharmacy.   We noted her injury was because of negligence and as such a wheelchair should be provided.  It was. 

We informed our on-site Sunquest representative of the injury. He inspected the spot where the injury had occurred, at which time a Bachata employee was quick inform us that the jagged tile had been removed. It had.
However, our vacation was fairly ruined by this injury as said child was in pain and unable to go in the water and sand. We were disappointed that the Riu Bachata did not follow up with us regarding the injury nor did they take any steps to make amends.


Really too bad...because we were having a lot of fun at the hotel...

Dominican Republic and Me

Back from our unplugged family vacation.  Leave it to me to lose 4 lbs in 7 days at an all-you-can-eat, all inclusive, holiday (le sigh).  

However, overall, it was a great getaway.  Here is a quick round-up:

Our Dominican home (our top floor room faced the Atlantic Ocean)

Our Dominican setset (we watched for Pirates but Johnny Deppe didn't show)

Dominican beach (not shown: my prince boogie boarding - I tried but the darn board kept getting away and hitting me in the face [not elegant].) 

We did a day trip into the outback (we be adventurers!)

Laughed out loud upon reading this

Oh, and it isn't MY family's vacation unless there is a medical emergency...(to be continued...)

Family February Get-Away

We are heading out on a family February get-away next week.  Why?  Because of THIS, also because it is my prince's birthday (a big one) and some family time sans blackberry is very much needed.

We knew we wanted an island -- a warm Spanish island.  I had some other family requirements too:

• Location - not a long plane ride from Canada
• Activities - no shooters in the pool thank you
• Accomodation - comfortable yet kid friendly
• Entertainment - (see no shooters above)
• Budget - friendly

After considerable research, I decided RIU Hotels & Resorts was a fit to all our requirements.  On the beach, daily kids' club activities, many food options - something for everyone in the family. 

We've had our Hep A & B shots, I've got bug spray to ward off malaria-mosquitos and sun hats are at the ready.

Oh, and as you all know - I'm compulsive at making teachable moments (seriously, there should be an intervention). So I created my own crossworld puzzle (click the link to go to the cite - bookmark it for your next trip) and made an english/spanish vocab. sheet  (phrases for Thing 1 and cartoons + words for Thing 2). 

Aside: one year we went to France, the teacher sent homework to do on the plane.  The last thing I wanted on my vacation was to cut and paste (as IF the airline would let us bring sissors on the plane!).  However, my crossword puzzle and vocab. list are specific to what WE will be doing, seeing, celebrating on our trip.  (and for those who know me "where are the bathrooms?" is, of course, one of the translated phrases - along with a picture of a toilet).

Just listen the 1st time

Last night, as I was making dinner - my prince decided to start playing guitar.  At the kitchen table.  Then gave guitar to Thing 1 to practice.  At the kitchen table.
(the kitchen table is our eating place, homework nook, craft area, reading corner and all around bowling alley).

My prince then started to dust-bust the various and sundry specs of dust/hair/snack crumbles on the floor.  I plated dinner.  Then put dinner on the table. 

(1) "dinner's on the table" said I gently (and stating the obvious)

Still guitar and vacuuming.

(2) "Dinner is on the table"

Still guitar and vacuuming.

(3) "DINNER is on the table"

Still guitar and vacuuming.

(4) "DINNER IS ON THE TABLE"

Still guitar and vacuuming.

(5) "DINNER. IS. ON. THE. TABLE!"

(and I would like to note to my mother, children's services and the spirit of Michael Jackson that I resisted the great urge to swear)

Perhaps the obvious of me making dinner, setting the table, plating dinner and serving it was not so obvious...perhaps one of my superpowers is invisibility and I just hadn't realized it before.  I am SO using my invisibility the next time I hear "there's no more underwear in my drawer!!!"

People - if I have to invite you to the table 5 times again...dinner will be self-serve...out of the garbage can.

Looking Forward

Sorry to have not updated since Mourning a Baby (which I happen to write on my/our wedding anniversary). And no, I haven't been wallowing in that mourning (that post looked very wallowing when I looked at it this morning). I've been looking forward (which I think is healing - at least for me).

I/we have been spending time with family - and - as a family. Spent my wedding anniversary (the night I wrote that post) on a soccer field cheering on Thing 1's little soccer team.

Went to the cottage and took more photos of the kids than paparazzi take of Jon & Kate.

The night my prince brought home his new motorcycle I burst into tears bc he had something new and exciting and my new and exciting was gone (does that make sense?). Ah - there seem to be grey days and days of light on this road I'm running.

However, in general, I'm looking forward - making plans - feeling out projects - making my own new and exciting. I wonder if its avoidance or healing...

Thank you for all your comments and thoughts...a grey day may pop in here and there...but your support helps bring much needed light.

Amber Alerts and Scary Stories

This past weekend we drove through Woodstock. I remarked that there were a lot of radar traps and OPP on the road. When we crossed the border into the states - the U.S. customers officer asked us to open the back door to see the children. I thought - she was matching their faces to their passports - how thorough.

When I saw the news last night - I realized - no they weren't just looking for speeders or routine border patrol - there is a little girl lost. An 8 year old girl, Victoria "Tori" Stafford, has been missing since Wednesday. I remember hearing about her last week, but it didn't register as I don't believe they called an AMBER ALERT.

This is every parent's worse nightmare. Don't you agree? This morning I talked with Thing 1 & Thing 2 about awareness...

• The only people who will pick them up from school is me, my prince or their grandparents. I wouldn't send anyone else. If someone else tells them I sent them to pick them up - they aren't to go.
  
• Tell me our home phone number.
  
• If you - ever - get lost in a store go to the cashier. (a kid used to be able to go to any grown-up but blog knows who is a creep and who is a nice guy these days). Nope - go to the cashier. The cashier definitely works for the store, might wear a uniform to make them stand out from strangers, and will certainly have a telephone nearby.
  
• If anyone does take you (blog forbid) what do you do? Thing 1 said "make noise, scream". Yes, said I. You won't get into trouble for yelling.
  
• If anyone does take you - try to escape to a store or restaurant. "Yes, but McDonald's doesn't have phones to call 911" said Thing 1. Every restaurant and store has a phone - you might not see it - but they have phones...ask the cashier.
  
• Remember, Mommy and Papa will always look for you.

In addition, I think it's good to consider Sharon's comment to the Emergency Plans post about kids being scared of firefighters. Police and firefighters can be intimidating in their uniforms - but kids should know they are go-to people for protection.

Moms Vs. Dads

Dad's see parenting as a map; with a road going from A to B. They, as Dad's do, look for the shortest route to get to B (as they are thinking about time, fuel consumption and their own "let's go" mentality).

Mom's see parenting as a GPS navigation system. They are on the same road...going from A to B. However, Mom's are always on the lookout for the next turn, washroom, restaurant and playground.

Case in point. A Dad (and for the life of me I can't remember which Dad) once told me his strategy for taking kids out. "I have a cell phone and a wallet. What more do I need?". It was an A-ha! moment. True enough - if you go out with kids - you can quite certainly buy or call for whatever you need. Dad's are thinking about the destination - not the trip.

Have you ever seen a Mom's bag? It filled with toy cars, snacks, stainless-steel water bottles, Kleenex, sunglasses, paper & crayons, hair elastics, band aids and lollipops. Oh, and a wallet and cellphone. Mom's are thinking about the trip, the roadblocks, the detours, the destination and the return trip.

Feel free to call me on this one - if you feel compelled. Moms cannot enjoy the trip without the plan. We need a plan. We embrace our plan. We own our plan. Dad's - Dad's are along for the ride. They've got the wallet and their cellphone and will burn that bridge when they get to it. (there is both envy and contempt for those bridge attitudes).

Parenting is a very twisted road - don't you agree?

Parent Club - Muralunique.com

Parent Club first mentioned Muralunique at the Toronto Fall Home Show . Remember? This is a fantastic Canadian company. Canadian artists art work and/or photography material ordered by you at home and shipped directly to your door. A beautiful addition to any nursery, play room or bedroom.

The prepasted murals are easy to hang in less than 1 hour, dry removable in a few minutes and reusable. Wallpaper that has the look of textured, hand-painted murals...really? Yes, really.

The price per item is very family friendly. Muralunique (Mural unique - get it?!) is offering Parent Club readers a 15% discount - only - for November & December so that you can give the gift of art to someone over the holidays.

Look over to the right to see some of the murals for kids (then surf over to their site to check out some of the adult murals - great for living rooms, dens and offices).

Use the promotion code: parentclub

SuperMom

Did you get a chance to read; "Supermoms' work never done: Women retain homemaker role as work responsibilities grow: Study" in Metro? If you didn't - Parent Club recommends you click on the link and read this article.

A survey (questioning parents from 13 countries which included; Canada, China, Russia, France, U.S. and U.K.) presents that Moms, who work outside the home, pack 27 hours' of activity into their day. Yes, we all know there are only 24 hours in a day. However, the study found; Moms are returning from their "day" paid jobs to evenings and weekends of family responsibilities which stretch their schedules past the limits.

Dads aren't to blame as the study also proved that many Papas are spending more time with their children then their own fathers did with them.

I have an interesting question about paternity leave...check back with Parent Club this week!

Olympic Games

The Olympic Games start 8.8.08 (that would be this Friday for those of us who have too many pin numbers and passwords and really don't need any more numbers in our lives).

Actually the preliminaries for some events start tomorrow. (did you know that?) However the opening games can be seen on Toronto television starting at 7am Friday morning.

You and your family can follow the Olympics HERE. You can send messages to the Canadian Olympians HERE.

Olympic information should be shared on Parent Club because it's good family entertainment. Sport, honour, victory & defeat mixed in with sportsmanship and competition, pride and courage.

Yes, I believe each child should get a medal in a school competition. Fairness, personal best and engagement should all be recognized. However, I also think it is good to show kids that with determination, commitment and talent -- there are some who become the best (I am not one of them -- I don't really know anyone who is the best of the best -- but I do know some pretty darn goods).

The Olympic motto is "Citius, Altius, Fortius." These three Latin words mean "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." (you'll use that in trivial pursuit one day - I'm sure).

Share Parent Club

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It is read by tens of people every day. Be sure to share with the club by e-mailing your comments, experiences, rants to info@parentclub.ca.

In the coming weeks, Parent Club will be sharing a product review (food related this time - Yum), road trips with kids - you ok back there?..., planning an easy birthday party and novel loot bag ideas - without the novelty factor.

Share the Club with a friend today!