Freckles The Mom

Wordless Wednesday - A bit of bliss & a moment to myself

2012-01-25T22:57:00.001-05:00

My Ford Family Road Trip

2012-01-24T22:26:00.002-05:00

This is the truck we drove to Florida thanks to Ford Canada. We have owned a pick up truck before so we know what it takes to fill this truck with gas. It can be costly, especially when you are talking about a drive to Florida. We have were anticipating a cost of at least $500 for gas for the trip down and of course about the same for the drive home. Wow were we surprised. We spent about $260 each way on gas. Now, keep in mind we were starting with a full tank of gas but even at that we were just in awe of how effective EcoBoost really was. We doubting in the beginning that it would really make a difference in the trucks fuel economy but we are believers now. It was truly impressive. The best part was that it still had all the power of a big pick up truck with out the high price of gas.

About EcoBoost

EcoBoost™ uses direct injection to produce a cooler, denser charge that generates more power per every drop of fuel, while the air-to-air intercooled turbocharger design spools up much more quickly than a single large turbo. EcoBoost™ delivers instant low-end torque and virtually no turbo lag.

The best part? It also happens to be better for the environment.

EcoBoost™ is fundamental to Ford's objective to provide the horsepower and torque of larger, normally aspirated engines while delivering the fuel efficiency of a smaller engine. Ford says 90% of the maximum torque can be reached at any RPM level, unlike other engines which require higher RPMs to attain higher torque.

In my next post I will talk about all the things inside the truck that we loved. It was a very comfortable drive. The interior of this F-150 was very luxurious.

Escape Artist

2012-01-23T10:23:00.000-05:00

So........it seems someone left the door of the hamsters cage open last night.

I put the kids to bed last night and come back down stairs to watch a bit of television....and....as I pass by the hamster cage I notice he is missing. Ya MISSING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The front door was wide open and Fluffy was missing.

It was 9 p.m. So what do I do? Get the kids back up to help me look for the hamster. We looked... and looked... and looked... and looked. We looked under the fridge, we looked under the couch, in the mud room...and he was no where to be found. Sadly we could not find him and so I sent the kids to bed. It was a school night after all. Let's just say there was not much sleeping going on. The guilty culprit just couldn't settle. Every five minutes she called down to see if we found Fluffy. We hadn't.

And then.....at about 11:00 p.m., despite several previous checks, I spotted him....in the basement. Yup the basement. I have no idea how he got there and he clearly didn't have any idea how to get back up because he was sitting at the bottom of the basement stairs. He was staring up the stairs and shaking. I quickly grabbed some treats and the hamster carry case and slowly walked down the stairs. I worried that he might run away once he heard me coming so I tossed him a tasty treat and snatched him up. The escape artist was captured.

So I thought I would spare my daughter the agony of worrying about the hamster all night so I called her down to see him. Once she saw him she was smiling from ear to ear. She headed back up to bed and quickly feel asleep.

Crisis avert but it was certainly hard lesson to learn about taking care of a pet and really paying attention to what you are doing.

Wordless Wednesday - Mickey Magic

2012-01-18T19:47:00.000-05:00

The Magic of Life

2012-01-18T13:17:00.004-05:00

Are you living in the magic of life?

I am coming to believe that is something I need to ask myself every day. Am I living in the magic of life?

Some days I can honestly say No. I am working to make sure that every single day I ask myself if I am living in the magic of life that I can say YES! I accept that is can be hard some days. It has to be a conscious shift in how I think and live every day. I think I am getting there but it is a process.

But what does living in the magic of life really me?

I think it means living a truly happy and authentic life. It is waking up every day being grateful for the blessings in your life. There is not doubt that much of the pressures of the world we live in can really put a damper on that feeling. We are surrounded by images trying to tell us that we need more to be truly happy. There is nothing wrong with wanting more in my mind but in order to want more, or to get more of those things that make you happy I believe that you need to be happy with what you have already. More isn't always more. When you come from a place of happiness and gratitude more happiness and things for you to be grateful for will come into your life.

I am always moving toward loving every day of my life. I don't want to say that it is work in a negative way but it is work. It is work in the most positive of ways. It is fun work. There is a total beneficial pay off for working hard at making sure of a total shift in thought because I become happier and more satisfied and more content with the life that I am living.

Are you grateful for what you have? Are you living in the magic of life?

My Ford Family Road Trip

2012-01-18T10:13:00.000-05:00

This is the Ford F-150 we had the pleasure of driving to Florida. This was pick up day.

Dentist Fun (OK, that is a lie)

2012-01-17T23:09:00.002-05:00

So this week I paid a visit to my dentist. Not exactly the most fun I have ever had. I don't hate the dentist but I don't love it either. It is a necessary evil. I did pretty good as far as my check up was concerned. I had a new set of x-rays done and the dentist did detect a small cavity in between my molars. It wasn't large enough to need to be filled but it is something to keep an eye on. For starters I need to start flossing more than I do.

As parents we often worry more about our children's teeth and oral health than our own but there are significant reasons for us Moms and Dads to make sure we are brushing our pearly whites.

Poor oral health can affect more than just your mouth; it can affect other areas of your body. There is now now research that shows the connection between poor oral health and systemic disease such as diabetes in people of all ages and respiratory diseases particularly among elderly people. There is also new research pointing to links between oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth weight babies.

So what are the most important things you can do to maintain good oral health, to reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease, and to reduce your risk of developing many of the other diseases? Here are a few tips from Health Canada

Remove plaque by brushing your teeth for about 2 minutes at least twice a day and by flossing daily to remove plaque between your teeth.
To promote healthy tooth development in children and to strengthen your teeth, use water, toothpaste or rinses containing fluoride.
Check your teeth, gums and mouth regularly. If you notice any problems with your mouth or teeth, plan to see a dental professional as soon as you can.
Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
Stay active and make healthy food choices according to Canada's Food Guide.
If you have diabetes, heart or respiratory disease, or if you're pregnant, plan to speak to a dental or other health care provider to help design an oral health plan that's right for you.
See a dental professional on a regular basis.

Like anything else when it comes to good health, it is a marathon not a sprint. It is a process over time. Good oral health is important for every member of the family. Be a good example to your children and get brushing those pearly whites!

Giving Opens the Door to Receiving - Bliss List

2012-01-16T19:54:00.002-05:00

I read something today that really struck a nerve with me....

Giving opens up the door to receiving. You have so many opportunities to give every day.
Give kind words. Give a smile. Give appreciation and love. Give compliments

How easy is that? I feel like we often think of giving in a momentary/financial way. And while that is sometimes the case I think the giving that is not financial can actually be the most meaningful and fulfilling. It doesn't take very much to give in a way that is simple, like offering a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, an understanding ear or a compliment. Those things bring me the most joy and also offer the most joy I believe.

Today I offered a smile to everyone I passed in the parking garage tunnel on my way to work. I said hello and smiled. I held the door for everyone I passed. Simple things but they can give so much to others. That is something worthy of the Bliss List...simple things done every day that bring Bliss to every one's lives.

What have you given to others today? What simple acts of Bliss have you offered to someone today?

My Ford Family Road Trip

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-05:00

Here is the beautiful truck that the wonderful people at Ford Canada let us drive to Florida. What a fantastic vehicle to drive for hours in. It has so many bells and whistles....so many that I can't wait to show you pictures and tell you all about them in the next few posts.

More Bliss for 2012

2012-01-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

So another year has passed and another year has begun. Some things have changed and yet some things have not. I remember starting off the year last year writing about working smarter, not harder. I am not sure that I was very successful at it but it is always a work in progress for me. How about you? This year I am not making any specific resolutions but am pledging to live a more blissful life...in every aspect of my life. Sometimes that can be hard for me. I can see the positive in most things but I think I am like many people and sometimes listen to that little negative whisper in my head. I need to stop doing that. I am really embracing the idea of the power of a positive thought and the power of the law of attraction. It is really important that I believe the universe will bring me everything I want, all I need to do is put it out there. I have seen a lot of good things come my way late last year and I know that 2012 will continue to bring me everything that I want in my life and for my lifeEveryday I will see what is blissful in my life. Today...it is blissful to have a few minutes to myself while my daughter is in dance class.What is bringing you bliss right now?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Disney World Fun

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Husband sitting with M in Hollywood Studios...just about to go into The Muppets show

Search for the Toshiba Tablet for ShesConnected

2011-12-19T19:47:00.001-05:00

As part of the Toshiba Ambassador Program for Sheconnected. I set out to get my hands on a Toshiba Tablet. I wanted to see what it was really like when I held it in my hands. That was a hard task. I went out with my 8 year old daughter - who was my cameraperson for the videos - to see if we could did manage to hold one in our hands but we could not actually get it to work. Our first stop was Best Buy. It did feel good in my hands and I did like the position of the buttons. It was a nice size. I can see the kids and I watching movies and playing games on this tablet.

It is pretty to look at. It fit nicely in my hand but the sales associate couldn't get the screen to come on.

Not a bad price.

Lots of products in stock at Best Buy.

So we did check things out at Future Shop. This time we couldn't even hold it. There was not a single Toshiba Tablet on display.

So disappointing. There was no Toshiba Tablet on display.

Some of the features that I do like.....from Toshiba

Android

Powered by Android 3.2™, Honeycomb, this tablet delivers an easy-to-use interface with more customizable features. Enjoy a variety of apps available from the Android Market™, plus a full suite of familiar Google apps, such as Gmail, Google Books, Google Maps, Google Music, Google Videos and more.

I like the idea of the Android because I have an Android phone. I am fully immersed in the Google world, with Gmail, Google Maps etc. I like the idea of have the same-type format for all my devices.

I hope to have a video of me actually using a Toshiba Tablet Thrive soon! Stay tuned.

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Disclosure: I am participating in the Toshiba Brand Ambassador program by ShesConnected. I received a Toshiba Camileo in exchange for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Fun With Dad

2011-12-01T21:30:00.001-05:00

What Dad lets the kids do when Mom is at work!
He lets them shower in their clothes!

My New Addiction

2011-12-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

OK. I think it is time that I come clean. I have a problem. It is kind of embarrassing but I think it is time that I be honest with myself and all of you. I am addicted......to the butt warmer in my car.

Wow. I said it. I feel so much better.

Here is the thing - when it gets cool outside ( I am not talking cold, just a cool breeze would do it) I turn on the seat warmer in my car. Day or night that butt warmer is on. There is just something so cozy about a warm seat.

Tech for the Holidays

2011-12-01T19:40:00.001-05:00

I am looking forward to taking part in this program. I will be checking out some cool products from Toshiba and will let you know what I find.

I am going to take a look at the Toshiba Tablet or/and 3D HDTV...not sure if I can choose. I want to take the Tablet for a spin but I know my husband would LOVE to check out the TV. I might have to report back on both. I will keep you posted

Sick Days and other fun stuff

2011-11-23T11:25:00.001-05:00

Oh how I love sick days. At least sometimes, especially when the kids aren't terribly sick and we all get to chill at home. Also when I don't have any where to be or any thing to get done. There is nothing better than getting to sleep in, not having to make lunches and just chilling out in our pjs all day.

OH ya and watch movies too! Today we watched Rainbow Brite. Who remembers that show/movie? I love that my kids are watching movies and shows from my childhood. Too cool!

I would say that cuddle days are something to add to my Bliss List. Everyone needs sick days ( or mental health days as I like to call them sometimes). These days give me a chance to hang out with my girls, although they are not feeling great, and reconnect with them. It is Blissful to just relax with my little girls.

What do you like to do with your kids on sick days? Do you take mental health days with your kids?

Wordless Wednesday - The Rainbow on a Rainy Day

2011-11-16T20:54:00.001-05:00

Finding Bliss with friends on a rainy day.

My Bliss List part 2

2011-11-15T21:49:00.001-05:00

I started writing about what gives me bliss . Some of what I am writing has made here to my blog but some of it is still in my personal journals and being compiled for another project I am working on. Tonight I noticed a conversation on twitter between some of my friends - particularly @scatteredmom and @amotherworld. They were talking about bliss and how @scatteredmom - also known as Karen Humphrey - was finding it hard to find bliss lately. I agree some days it can be hard to see it but I said that doesn't mean it isn't there. I think we sometimes have a hard time recognizing the blissful things in our lives. Sometimes they are small and sweet and maybe they are just the most ordinary thing. It can be those ordinary things that are the most blissful. I say that because when we are faced with a challenge in our lives when those ordinary things suddenly become extraordinary things, become difficult to do or complete we suddenly realize how blissful, how joyful those regular, ordinary things really were.

That being said... I think today I will put some ordinary things on my Bliss List today....

Today I managed to get two loads of laundry folded while watching T.V.. I had some time to myself, some time to my own thoughts while I folded and that was blissful.

Today I painted the bathroom. It was blissful because I was able to complete the job while the kids were at school. I love the feeling a freshly painted wall gives me!

Today I left my family a hot, home cooked meal!

Domestic Goddess - or something like that

2011-11-15T20:53:00.001-05:00

OK, so that title is a bit deceiving. I am not a domestic goddess. I actually dislike any and all things that have to do with cleaning or tidying the house. I truly dislike dishes, laundry, and vacuuming. I am sure I am not alone here. So why or why is there always so much cleaning to do around the house. Really? Where is the cleaning fairy when you need her.

I need help people. Actually my entire family, the entire house, needs help.

What tips do you use to keep a tidy house? What do you do to stay on top of the housework around the house? How do you stop the dishes and laundry from piling up? Help me people

Holiday Decorating with 3M

2011-11-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

It is one of my favourite times of year. Christmas time. I know we are still several weeks away ( I am not counting really because that might just stress me out) and that means it is a perfect time to start decorating. I love to get the house ready for the holiday season. There is nothing better. It helps everyone in the family really get in the Christmas spirit and it just makes me feel good. It brings back happy memories of holidays gone by. I think back to when I was a little girl and how great it was to help get the house ready for Christmas. Decorating also makes me think about all the great traditions my husband and I are creating for our two girls. These traditions will give them years of happy memories.

This year I got a little help to kick start the decorating process. EverythingMom and 3M Command Products really got the ball rolling.

With a few 3M hooks and strips I was able to easily hang wreaths, garland, lights, ribbon and decorations. Fifteen bloggers were asked to participate in a Holiday Decor Challenge, to come up with some great DIY holiday decorating ideas and get decorating with 3M Command products. I was up for the challenge.

So head over to EverythingMom and check you my holiday inspired decorating ideas. There are some great pictures and a post to help you get started.

CONTEST

The gallery idea with the most votes wins a prize. The best part is that not only will your vote help me win, you also have a chance to win a weekly cash prize too:

November 15th -$50

November 21st - $100

November 28th - $200

December 5th - $200

December 12th - $100

The contest ends December 12, 2011 so hurry over and vote today. The contest is open to EverythingMom members so this is a great opportunity for you to join the site. Don't forget to vote for me

Talking Teeth - Invisalign Teen

2011-11-03T23:00:00.000-04:00

Metal Mouth

Train Tracks

Brace Face

Heavy Metal

I know those names all to well. I had braces for what felt like an eternity. I got them during my grade 6 year and finally got them off in grade nine. Hard years to have braces. Being a young preteen/teen can be hard enough, especially when you are a girl and going through all the changes that girls go through, but to add braces into the mix it can be even harder.

It was a huge investment, not only financially for my parents, but also with our time. We had dozens of orthodontist appoints and what added up to hours in the chair. I remember those days leaving school early to go to my orthodontist appointment. I remember those appointments. The people at the office were almost like family. I visited the office so many times over nearly three years. They saw me grow up.

Ah, the memories of having braces. I was teased, just like every other kid who ever had braces. It didn't bother me too much. I was used to being teased about being a little bit different. I have freckles and a lot of them. There was only a couple of us in the school with freckles so we could often end up being at the end of a freckle joke. But having braces wasn't without pain, both social/emotional and physical pain. I remember when I first got braces it was so painful. I had to have four teeth pulled even before I could get the braces because I had too many teeth in my mouth. Once the braces were on my teeth and I was wired up there were many painful days ahead as my teeth were being pulled into place. Every time the wires were tightened along the way there were more days of pain ahead.

Sometimes my teeth just ached and I had to be really careful of what I ate. And then there was the time that I actually had one of my braces pop off my tooth while I was eating an orange. Yup an orange. So there it was dangling on the wire in my mouth until the next day when I could get in to see the orthodontist. It was so painful. It was actually the most painful part of having braces.

So the braces were tightened, elastics were added and then the braces came off and then there were retainers. And today, I am the proud owner of nice straight teeth.

My story is probably like a lot of other teens who wore braces. Now with advances in dentistry and orthodontic care there are options. I have recently become aware of a neat product, something I think I would have liked to try when I was a teen. Invisalign Teen, an innovative company that provides a modern alternative to traditional braces. That is the biggest plus about Invisalign is that is offers an option, an alternative.

Here are some Invisalign facts:

- Invisalign Teen effectively straightens teeth like metal braces and is an ideal choice for active teens

- In most cases, Invisalign is comparable in costs to traditional braces and is covered by most dental insurance plans
- Invisalign's treatment capabilities are not limited to mild/cosmetic cases – Invisalign can help correct a broad range of cases: Overly crowded teeth, widely spaced teeth, cross bite, overbite and under bite
- Invisalign treatment is also ideal for busy parents because there are never any emergency appointment from broken wires/brackets; it requires fewer appointment (because you get your sets in advance) and less chair time (for those uncomfortable tightenings)
- The total treatment time with Invisalign averages between nine and 15 months and the number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30.
- There are almost two million Invisalign cases in treatment or completed worldwide (15-20% are teens)

CONTEST

Thanks to Invisalign and Mom Central Canada I am able to offer my readers a chance to win an Invisalign Outdoor Sport Chair for all those games and activities you are running to with the kids. Just tell me how Invisalign Teen could benefit someone in your family. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only. Contest runs until November 18, 2011. Make sure to leave me an email address so I can get in touch with you if you win. Good Luck!!!

You can also enter to win an Invisalign Teen full treatment (a value of up to $7,000) For the contest: http://tinyurl.com/3llvzu3

For the Rules & Regulations (which can also be found in the contest section): http://tinyurl.com/4x45hna

Disclosure – I am participating in the Invisalign Teen program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Align Technology, Inc. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Barbie I Can Be - what will you dream?

2011-10-30T14:38:00.000-04:00

It is a great time to be a girl!

I am a Mom to two very strong, smart and inspiring little girls. When I look at them I see all that is possible for them and for the world. They can be anything they want to be and because they are young they still believe that they can be anything. Children see all the possibilities of the world. Just today I had a conversation with my 6 year old daughter about this very topic. We were in the car and a Justin Bieber song came on the radio. My daughter said to me "You know Mom lots of people make fun of Justin Bieber. Why do they do that?" I told her sometimes people are jealous of all he has accomplished and the success he has had. My daughter then said to me "You know Mom they don't have to be that way. If they worked hard they could be anything they want to be. It just takes hard work and practice. Anything is possible if they just put their minds to it" Wow wise words for someone so young. It left me feeling so proud of my daughter. That is one of the many special things about childhood, children see the possibilities in life. Anything is possible for a child and you know they are right. It is only when we grow up and start to let other people tell us what is possible and not possible we start to believe that we can not dream of being anything we want to be.

I try every day to show my girls - not just tell them - you can do or be anything you want or dream. I am a journalist, a writer. It is something I have wanted to do and be for a long time. As a child I remember spending hours writing short stories and poems on sheets of lined paper. I loved writing essays, loved doing it so much I would spend spare periods and lunch breaks in the cafeteria helping my friends write their essays. I not only work in news but I also write freelance magazine articles. I am doing something I love. I want my girls to see anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

I want my girls to know that they can do anything and everything they want to do. It might take hard work and perseverance but they can live their dreams. I want them to love what they do, no matter what it is.

I was lucky to have grown up with the best parents in the world. My Mom was always there for me... is still there for me no matter what I need. She was the best role model a little girl could have. She taught me about patience, love, understanding, strength, joy, and about being the best you can be. My Dad was also a great support. He raised me to be strong and smart and to believe I could do anything I wanted. He never treated me like I couldn't do anything. He supported me in school and in sports. Both my parents still support me and are my biggest cheerleaders. They taught me how to be a good parent. It is the lessons I learned from them that I am passing on to my girls. The love and support of family is the most important thing for girls. Family anchors us, it supports us, it holds us up, it pushes us on, it cheers us on, it drives us, it tells us we can dream and loves us enough so that we can be anything we want to be.

It is important for all of us to support girls and show them anything is possible. Barbie I Can Be is a great campaign helping to support girls and all they are dreaming to be. Check out the new website www.bethevoice.ca ( I love this name...we need to be the voice and give our girls a voice and help them to use their voice to be heard). It is dedicated to helping moms raise smarter, stronger, happier, and more fulfilled daughters. Join the conversation on the site. Leading Canadian parenting coach, Terry Carson, www.theparentingcoach.ca, will provide perspectives, wisdom, and experiences.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Barbie I Can Be campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Mattel Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Inspiring Story - a must watch

2011-10-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

I noticed this video after a facebook friend posted it. This is such an inspiring story. It made me cry tears of joy as I watched it. I just reminding me of some of the smallest joys can have the most meaning. This just shows how important passion is in your life. This young man is passionate about basketball and through persistence, hard work and the sheer love of the game paid off. This is just sheer joy to me. It is about sheer bliss. How does this make you feel?

Wordless Wednesday - Butterflies

2011-10-26T19:41:00.002-04:00

Halloween

2011-10-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

My kids and I love Halloween. Our Halloween is more fun than scary and spooky. We always pick fun costumes. This year the kids have decided on Smurfette and a leopard (that is what they have decided so far there is still lots of time to change their minds)

The beauty of the costumes they have picked this year is that they hark en back to my childhood. When I was a little girl one Halloween my mom made me a Smurfette costume. A white felt hat with blonde braids and a white felt dress just like Smurfettes. I wore a blue shirt and pants and I was transformed into Smurfette. I was just a little bit older than my youngest daughter. My oldest daughter is going to be a leopard. The leopard costume is very special. It was made by my mother about 45 years ago...maybe even longer. She made the costume for herself and a matching one for my dad one year for a neighbourhood Halloween party.

Halloween is a special day that we share with our entire family. It is fun to have costumes that are home made, made with love from my mother. The special touch that my mother puts on costumes every year makes every Halloween memorable for my children and for me. I have very special memories of Halloween when I was a little girl, trick or treating with my brother and sister and all our friends. We would take our pillow cases and trick or treat until they were full. We went for blocks and blocks and blocks. I remember when my Dad would be at the door and make kids do tricks for their candy. He would make them sing or dance or tell a joke before he would hand over the candy. I think Halloween was as much fun for him as it was for all of us. That is what I hope that my husband and I are giving to our children. They are kids for such a short amount of time and there is nothing better than loading them up with as many special childhood memories as we can, we try to load them up with the memories that will last them a lifetime.

Of course, what would Halloween be without the pumpkin. We like to do this one as a family. We like to get our pumpkins from one of the local farms, like Springridge Farm, and then we plan and create our Jack-o-lantern as a family. The kids work with their very artistic Dad and craft a scary face. Once they have their design sorted out the kids get to do what they think is the best part: digging out the pumpkin guts. They love to stick their hands inside the belly of the pumpkin and pull out the guts, the seeds and the gunk. They do it with glee. We always roast the pumpkin seeds more out of tradition than anything else because even with a generous helping of salt the kids still don't like to eat roasted pumpkin seeds. Now to the cutting, it is done with great precision and finally the Jack-o-lantern is complete and takes it spot on the porch.

And then there is the matter of the candy. There can be a lot of debate about what to hand out. This year we are gladly handing out a great assortment of candy from Allan Candy.

Some tasty facts about Allan Candy Company:

- Allan Candy Company is a Canadian company and all of their Halloween Candy is proudly made in Canada
- Allan Candy Company is now celebrating its 77th year and their iconic Big Foot brand has been around for more than 25 years.
- Peanut Free and the tasty Halloween line-up includes: Allan Intense Jubes & Jellies, Allan Chewy Rascalz and Allan Fruit Buddies. You’ll find these selections at key retailers, including Wal-Mart and Loblaws.

I admit when I got the candy I dipped into the supply. I had to. Someone need to taste test to make sure that it was all as sweet as it looked!

Disclosure – I am participating in the Allan Candy Company program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

My Bliss List

2011-10-20T22:14:00.000-04:00

I have decided to make a list... it is really a pledge. A pledge I am making to myself, with myself about living a live of Bliss, living a Blissful life. As part of that I am making a Bliss List... rather than a Bucket List. I want to focus on life rather than death.

Here are first of many entries on my Bliss List...many more to come, both big and small.

The Bliss List

1. Love myself everyday! I am going to do something special, big or small, for myself every single day. I want to make myself feel special so that I can spread that feeling of feeling special to others.

2. I will kiss my kids everyday and tell them and all the over people in my life that I love them.

Morning Mayhem

2011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:00

OK. Come on you have done it too. You had one of those mornings, you know exactly what I am talking about, and you rushed the kids off to school still wearing you P.J's. Or forgot to brush your hair. Just remember hats are your friends. I have done it way too often. Actually, I can admit it I do it every day. There I said it. Admitting it is half the battle... right?

So tell me your stories. How do you dress for school drop off? Would love to hear all your great stories.

ps... I promise to be brave enough to take a video of me in the morning, during school drop off. Are you brave enough to do the same?

Love this song - it brings me peace

2011-10-18T11:42:00.000-04:00

I love listening to this song. Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. What music brings you peace?

My First Vlog - Halloween & Mom Central Canada

2011-10-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

So this if my first attempt at a video post. Not sure I am used to seeing and hearing myself. And I certainly don't like the freeze frame of this video but I am proud of myself for doing it and actually uploading this video. I have wanted to do this for a long time but for some reason I just didn't get around to doing it.

I look forward to hearing your feedback and I look forward to posting more videos in the future.

Three Things I Learned About Parenting Today

2011-10-16T18:54:00.002-04:00

Everyday I realise that being a parent is a learning process. I learn something new from my children everyday. I think of these as life's lessons of an awesome life. Sometimes I think we let the junk of life, of everyday life, get in the way of seeing these lessons of an awesome life. I have been thinking a lot about this lately. So I wanted to start writing down the awesome things I learn from my kids each and every day. Children are great teachers.... they see the beauty in life, life is fun and exciting for them and everything is new for them

So I reached out to some of my twitter friends and asked them what 3 things they learned from their kids today or things they learned as a parent ( Friday). Here are their answers

@SmittySmiles ... as a parent...listen...listen...listen

@susanotkids 1.rainy mornings are difficult for kids (and parents) to get up 2. make a plan but always in pencil 3. it would be dull without kids :)

@Mumitude there's a moment when you can see that your hard work is paying off, it's ok to let them go, and they're always your baby (*to put it in context, dd16 had first driving lesson 2night. Then I dropped her at the mall with her friends, then we snuggled)

My (@Imfreckles) three things were laugh, relax and have fun no matter what

I think as we grow up we forget the beauty of being a child and living life with the outlook of a child. They see the beauty and fun of everyday, they truly know how to have fun, to dream with an abundant amount of imagination and think that life is never ending and full of limitless possibilities. Every day I am going to work to living a life with those childlike possibilities. We can learn so much from our children and part of that is learning to let children be children and learning to live in, around and with the beauty of our children

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T21:47:00.002-04:00

Just a snap shot

Wordless Wednesday - Elora

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-04:00

Beautiful ruins of an old mill in Elora

Joe Jonas!

2011-10-02T16:45:00.000-04:00

I just got the chance to meet Joe Jonas tonight... I took this picture for my girls. He was in the building promoting his new album.

Wordless Wednesday - Beautiful Bridge

2011-09-28T14:30:00.000-04:00

Ontario's only surviving covered bridge

Called the Kissing Bridge

It was a beautiful day, one of the last of the summer, when a friend took my kids and I to see this covered bridge in Elora, Ontairo

Make a Pledge with Energizer - Good Thoughts, Good Deeds

2011-09-27T11:53:00.001-04:00

I truly believe that we all have the power to make change. One person, one kind act at a time can make this world a better place. It may sound a little bit cheesy but I do believe it is true. We all can do things in our daily lives that can make things better for others. All those small deeds can really add up over time. That is why I am so excited to join Energizer Canada, Evergreen and Mom Central with "Do Something Little, Help Something Big" initiative. The idea is to ‘Make a Pledge with Energizer” and share Five Kind Acts that I pledged and why.

Here are 5 things I like to do to send positive energy out to the world

1. I make sure I smile when I walk past people on the street, in the mall, in the line at the coffee shop, on my way to work. Sometimes a smile is all someone else needs to brighten their day. It is all about positive energy.

2. I donate my time at my children's school. I don't always have a lot of time to spare but I give what I can. Right now I am helping the school run a program called the Kilometer Club. It is a program run by parents but supported by the school and the parent council and we encourage kids to come out on their lunch break to run or walk a track to stay active. We log the kilometers traveled to see how far the kids get! It is a small price for me to pay to help out, give back, and teach children to stay positive and active.

3. I also donate old clothes. It is really important to give to others in any way you can. This is a win-win for me. I get to clear out some space in my family's closets and I also get to support local charities.

4. I make sure that I also give to the food banks. We always give when that brown paper bag comes around at every holiday. Holiday food drives are important but it is also important to give all year round. People aren't only hungry at the holiday's. So we try to give occassionally throughout the year at our local grocery store. Every little bit helps, even one can of soup.

5. Finally, I love my children and my family. I give love and get love. I teach my children to be loving, caring and generous people. When I say generous I want them to not only be generous with their money but also their time. I want my children to grow up to be loving, caring, compassionate people and that starts with me! That means caring about people, places, plants, pets and all living things. I truly believe that we create a loving and livable society by teaching our children. ... kids are the key.

Have something you want to add to the discussion? Feel like you need to add you won list of positive acts? Check out the Now That’s Positive Energy website. Your ideas could inspire others to join the movement.

Before I go I wanted to make sure to include a few important details about this initiative

“Do Something Little, Help Something Big” initiative:

· Both Energizer Canada and Evergreen are working together on their “Do Something Little, Help Something Big” initiative in which Energizer is proud tocontribute $100,000 to Evergreen to make cities more liveable.

· For each pledge, Energizer will donate an additional $1 to Evergreen.

· Evergreen is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to making Canadian cities greater and more liveable… creating a more sustainable future for all of us.

· For more information, feel free to visit http://bit.ly/qrnCEI

“Disclosure – I am participating in the Energizer Canada & Evergreen “Do Something Little, Help Something Big” program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Energizer Canada & Evergreen. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

Staying Healthy - Tips

2011-09-27T10:00:00.000-04:00

So every September when school starts we get sick in our house. It never fails. It is like the start of sickness season for us, the unofficial start of the cold and flu season in our house.

I decided to go to some friends and fellow moms for a few tips and tricks for staying healthy this season.

Deborah Lowther, @KidsGummyMum ,with Iron Kids Gummies and Adult Essentials and a mother of three, has lots of great information. She is a firm believer in getting outside, even when the weather turns chilly. Deborah says fresh air is important and when you partner that with family exercise it is a win-win. Go for a hike, walk to school and of course take your vitamins. She says it is really important to find ones the kids like and want to take, and don't forget to get vitamins for Mom and Dad too!

http://www.iron-kids.com/

http://www.adultgummies.com/

ShesConnected Countdown

2011-09-26T21:47:00.001-04:00

We are just days away from ShesConnected 2011. It is going to be a great 2 days. There are great sponsors and brands this year but what I am most looking forward to is meeting all the great women who will be attending. There are 200 fantastic women attending this year! What are you most looking forward to?

Wordless Wednesday - 1st Day

2011-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sister love!

Year of the Pie

2011-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

Tenderflake hosted a Tweet Up last week at the ThinkFOOD! facility in Mississauga. It was a great time. We got a chance to learn a few kitchen tricks when it comes to making apple pie. We actually got a chance to get our hands dirty and make our pie. After all the hard work we got a chance to eat pie. Thanks Tenderflake for a great day. I am ready to get baking for the holidays!

My Pie making buddies!

Pie in progress.

Our hosts Gillian and John

My finished pie.

The pie we got to eat as a reward for all our hard work baking !

way back when -11/7/08

2011-09-19T10:33:00.002-04:00

*thought this was funny. Oh how time flies. It seems so long ago ... when Twitter wasn't part of my everyday life*

For a while I have been hearing about this thing called Twitter. I finally decided to check it out. I joined yesterday and, as I posted on Twitter, I think I am becoming addicted. I know, I know...it's like anything new. Maybe the shine will wear off but then again, maybe not.

I am still learning how to navigate around and to really use it but I am enjoying it. It's cool!

You should check it out.
http://www.twitter.com/

September Sickness

2011-09-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

By the time the last two weeks of August roll around everyone in our house is kind of ready for school to start. The kids are getting on each others nerves and on mine. We all love to spend time together but we are ready for a change.

BUT .....

When September rolls around and school finally starts I quickly remember why I dislike this time of year. The first few weeks of school are rough. For example, last September the stomach flu spread like wildfire and then the school was suffering from a serious outbreak of head lice. We got caught up in both outbreaks. Wow, that was seriously not fun. The girls missed an entire month of dance classes because of the sickness and lice. So this year I decided to hold off on the dance class sign up until after the first few weeks of school in anticipation of the impending sickness. And just as I had suspected we have fallen victim again this September. Today is sick day number 2 for my oldest daughter and it is only the third week of school. Both my girls are home this morning with a cough and complaints of sore stomachs. Mind you now that they are awake and have eaten some breakfast they are feeling better. I am going to attempt to get them off to school this afternoon. (Here's hoping).

It is not that I mind the kids being home... REALLY but I just don't get much done when they are home. Now that the kids are in school I plan out my days. I have housework and cleaning to do. I try to get some writing done, both for the blogs and the freelance work. I also enjoy having some time to myself after two months of summer with the kids.

I am hoping this will be the last sickness for at least a few weeks. And I am keeping my fingers crossed for a healthy winter!!!!

Check back here soon... in the next weeks I am going to post a few articles on how to keep healthy during back to school, some easy home remedies and some important tips as cold and flu season takes grip. Don't forget to leave your tips and tricks for surviving colds and flu in your house.

Hair Woes

2011-09-14T20:15:00.002-04:00

So my girls went to the hair salon for the first time.... WITHOUT ME!

To be honest I am not sure how I feel about it.

Part of me is sad the first appointment wasn't a girls day out... with me. Those are special memories. The other part of me is happy in a way because it was a difficult appointment. My husband says there was lots of crying and screaming. That is just too hard to hear.

What do you think? Should I be upset?

New Read - Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes

2011-08-27T10:00:00.000-04:00


I am enjoying the read so far Penguin Canada.

Can't wait to finish this one.... thanks Penguin.ca

Hot Dogs

2011-08-26T22:29:00.000-04:00

OK, I know they aren't always the most nutritious choice but to be honest they are always in my house - usually in the freezer. They are kind of a stand by kids food (OK, Mom food too sometimes) . My kids love hot dogs. I like a good hot dog occasionally too. They are often on the summer BBQ menu because BBQ'ing hot dogs is how I really love them. And beans and hot dogs are a good lunch when the weather is cold outside.

I recently was offered coupons by Maple Leaf to try their Top Dogs. I will be honest when it comes to hot dogs I am picky. I don't eat pork so my dogs need to be all beef, preferably with no fillers. Maple Leaf Tops Dogs are available in six varieties, including 100 % Angus Beef, BBQ size and with less salt. I really liked the Angus Beef Top Dogs.

The coupons were part of Maple Leafs campaign promoting the companies contest encouraging parents and kids across Canada to pile on the toppings and share how they like to "top" their Top Dogs for a chance at $25,000 and the crown title of "Canada's Next Top Dog". The top 10 finalists selected will be in Toronto this weekend for a live cook-off taking place at this years Scotiabank Buskerfest

* I have 2 sets of coupons for two readers. Anyone interested in some coupons for Maple Leaf products leave me a comment and I will pick 2 people for the coupons.(they can be used for a number of different Maple Leaf products, not just hot dogs). I will mail them out to you. Those selected will be chosen at random.

***I received coupons to purchase Maple Leaf products but my opinions and views are my own***

Wordless Wednesday - Garden Beauties

2011-08-17T18:33:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday - Porch Salon

2011-08-17T18:32:00.000-04:00

Who needs to go to the salon when the kids bring the salon to you on the porch.

And here is the fancy creation.

When is a Sick Day Not a Sick Day?

2011-08-16T11:32:00.001-04:00

So, when is a sick day not a sick day? When Mom is sick. And if you are a Mom you know exactly what I am talking about.

I have been suffering with a brutal cough for about 8 days now. It is bronchitis. I was so sick last week that I was off work for three days. Three days that I should have been lying in bed, resting and working to get rid of this cough BUT instead I was playing Mom, as well as being sick. There really is no such thing as a sick day when you have kids. They still need Mom no matter how she is feeling. They still need help finding clothes, getting breakfast, lunch and dinner, finding that ever special toy, sorting out the latest fight, calling a friend for that play date that shouldn't even be happening because Mom is not feeling well and just needing Mom for what ever it is that sparks their fancy.

My kids were pretty good about letting me sleep past 9 a.m. and letting me rest on the couch but it just isn't the same. I think back longingly to those days before kids when I got sick and could stay in bed all day watching television with no one to look after but myself. Getting sick when you are childless just seems so much easier. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about my kids. I do love my kids but Mom is just a bit crankier when she is sick and has to fix grilled cheese sandwiches while coughing up a lung.

How do you cope when you are sick and still have to look after the kids?

I'm Going...Are You?

2011-08-15T22:42:00.000-04:00

I am going...are you?

This is a very exciting opportunity to connect with other Canadian Digital woman and Canadian brands.

What are you most looking forward to?

BBQ Time - Wonder+ Simply Free

2011-08-07T18:39:00.000-04:00

These are great tasting & so nice to be able to serve the kids something that is simple and delicious.

SimplyFree is the first Canadian National Brand of bakery products FREE OF artificial preservatives, flavours and colours; it is also free of high fructose corn syrup and made with unbleached wheat flour. More and more companies are offering families smart choices for dinner like Wonder+ Simply Free. They are priced well which is always important when it comes to a grocery budget. I picked up these for $1.99, which is comparable with other brands.

Grilling up a delish meal.

Adding a slice of cheese for those burgers!

Buns are ready.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Back to the Grind

2011-08-04T17:46:00.000-04:00

I love going up to the cottage. It is so relaxing and it is always great to spend time with the family. My kids love the freedom of being at the cottage, they swim all day and sit around the fire roasting marshmallows at night. Everyone sleeps well. Ahhh.... it is relaxing just to think about our weekend at the cottage.

BUT ........

It is shocking how quickly that feeling of relaxation washes away. I was back at work Tuesday night and by Wednesday morning I was exhausted again. I was once again feeling worn down and slightly stressed out. Why is it the affects of the weekend getaway don't last longer, can't seem to withstand the stresses of regular life?

I think maybe the trick is to work a little bit of that cottage life into my everyday life. I need to take more time to relax, really relax. I need to take time out and put my feet up and not worry, stress or think about cleaning, dinner, laundry, work ... etc. Easier said then done I think.

What do you think? What do you do to keep that vacation feeling? How do you relax and unwind during the week?

Wordless Wednesday - Cottage Bug

2011-08-03T22:35:00.000-04:00

A little creature we rescued this weekend at the cottage.

Our New Fish - Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-27T18:29:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to go under.

She did it!

And again! Mom is so proud. It was worth the wait.

Crafting Some Birthday Memories

2011-07-20T20:51:00.000-04:00

Here are my young bakers whipping up a couple of bowls of cake batter.

Crumb coat finished and chilling in the fridge.

My daughter hopes to be a pastry chef when she grows up. I would say she is well on her way to living that dream.

Our finished creation. A beautiful Barbie cake.

Wordless Wednesday - My New Computer Buddy

2011-07-20T18:25:00.002-04:00

Frugal Friday

2011-07-15T21:28:00.000-04:00

So I am 5 for 5 this week. I have managed to bring dinner to work all five days this week. That is a big deal for me. I often get lazy, forget to pack a lunch even though there are leftovers in the fridge. When I forget to pack leftovers it is a double whammy really, not only do I have to buy dinner when I get to work but I also fail to eat food that is in my fridge and that can contribute to the amount of food that has to go to the garbage because it goes bad.

I need to be doing more of this for a couple of reasons. Bringing dinner helps to control what goes into my mouth. When I have to buy dinner I am more likely to buy bad food. There isn't too many choices in our neighbourhood, McDonalds, Subway, a pizza place and a pita place are about the only things around open late and that is when bad choices are made. The other reason is a budget one, I can save a lot more money when I bring dinner. It is much cheaper to buy groceries and make food then going out and buying dinner from a restaurant near my work. It feels good to be eating home cooked food too!

What do you do to stick to a budget? Do you bring your meal to work? I would love to hear what you do to save a little money every week, month, year?

Summer On the Cheap

2011-07-12T14:37:00.000-04:00

School is out and the kids are home. Now what?

Keeping kids busy can get expensive if you start looking at camps, play groups, movies and activities. I have two kids and so everything we do has to be multiply by two and that can get really costly. So, I am challenging myself to have summer time fun with the kids on a budget. I think it can be done. I sent out a call for help to my twitter peeps and got some great ideas.

@psmom http://www.problemsolvinmom.blogspot.com offered up this list of great free things to do with kids over the summer: park, arboretum, library story time, water scape, gardening, firefly catching, sprinkler.

@MumsnChums Sara Hodge http://www.mumsnchums.com had this great list for me: Splash pads, picnics, beach visits, camping in backyard, picking fruit, hiking, crafts, scavenger hunts.

@JenPinarski http://www.decafplease.com says she turns to library programs and farmers markets as a great budget friendly source of fun for kids.

I took my girls strawberry picking a few weeks ago and because I was short on time I just washed and froze the berries. One summer time activity I am hoping to do with my girls is make strawberry freezer jam. It is fun, the kids love to mash the berries and this jam recipe is no cook so easy kitchen fun for kids. And we will be able to taste test at the end of the job.

We are lucky to have a free splash pad nearby and a beach too so both of those will be on the summer agenda. We are going to plan a few library trips and there is a couple church camps in our neighbourhood that are a nominal price, one is $20 a kid. Not bad for a week of half day camp.

A few gardening projects might be fun too. Kids love to weed, heck who doesn't. Pulling stuff up is always a good time. And of course, turning on the sprinkler is a great afternoon of fun. Oh, I forgot all about the disco party in the basement. My oldest daughter got a disco ball for her birthday (it lights up) so the kids love to go down to the cool basement, blast the music and dance their hearts out.

What do you do with the kids during the summer that is fun and free ( or at least budget friendly). I would love to hear your ideas.... I need all the help I can get.

Motivation Monday

2011-07-11T21:07:00.000-04:00

I have often written under this header before - Motivation Monday. The idea when I first started was to write about it when I needed a good kick in the behind. Right now I could use a good kick when it comes to freelance writing.

I have let some things slip over the past few weeks. I am not sure if you are like this but sometimes I find that I just have to take a step back from all the EXTRA work I do outside of my full time job. I do love to write but sometimes I just lose steam when I am writing for work, writing to deadline and just writing a lot. I write for a living, so to speak, in my full time job and so sometimes when I do a lot of freelance writing I think I get burnt out. I just lose the inspiration. Often, life just takes over all the extra time that I have. I think that happens when Moms work outside the house, work in the house and just generally manage a family and life.

So writing a post can put a fire under me. Part of that comes from putting it out there to all of you. It makes me responsible.

I am working ahead with some house stuff....like getting house paperwork in order, getting the kids play areas sorted out and working on the upkeep of the outside spaces of the house. I have some unfinished freelance work. I think a schedule might help to keep me on track. Posting that schedule somewhere is also important. I did work to get the back room organized and set up a desk so that I finally have a main floor work area. I need to stop working at the dining table. (picture to come)

What do you do to keep you on track with freelance work? What about blog posts? Do you schedule your posts? I would love to hear how you manage your work.

Wordless Wednesday - The Kayaker

2011-07-06T09:21:00.000-04:00

A Tasty Little Treat

2011-07-04T22:01:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to toss them on the grill. They were tossed with olive oil and a little salt and pepper.

Then they get wrapped with Swiss cheese and some Schneiders Country Naturals Turkey. I got a coupon for a free package thanks to Schneiders and Maple Leaf and this is what I turned it into. It was delish!

Great Food, Great Family

2011-07-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to post a picture of the spread that we put together Friday night for dinner. It took me 5 hours to get to the cottage so what is better for a low stress meal than burgers and some grilled chicken and avocados. Yummy. Naturally we also toasted up our WONDER+ SimplyFree buns. I wrote about my meal plans Friday morning, and while we made some adjustments, it was a great meal!

Disclosure – I am participating in the WONDER+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card, BBQ kit and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

CANADA DAY! Get BBQ'ing

2011-07-01T10:33:00.000-04:00

So another Canadian long weekend - Happy Canada Day - and another reason to light up the BBQ.

This time around I am planning to step away from the unusual hamburger and hot dogs and pop on some chicken on the barby. The plan is to do something with some boneless chicken, maybe some BBQ sauce or a nice light lemon and herb marinade. I have some avocados that really need to be used up. Add some tomatoes, lettuce and some mayo, or some garlic mayo on some toasted Wonder + Simply Free hot dog buns.

I am also thinking about maybe brushing the buns with a little olive oil and garlic... hmmm... might be too much? Oh, add a nice Caesar salad and some cold lemonade ( maybe with a little Vodka for the adults) and I would say that lunch is served. (pictures to come when the feast is completed)

I am trying to be a bit more creative this time around. Think I can impress the family? I am hoping to impress the pickiest eaters in the bunch, the kids. Kids can be hard to please, especially when you venture away from the standard fare of hamburger and hot dogs but I think I might have a winner with chicken and avocados

There is no shortage of recipes at Canadian Living featuring WONDER+ SimplyFree hamburger and hot dog buns

WONDER+ SimplyFree is the 1st Canadian National branded line of hamburger & hot dog buns FREE OF artificial preservatives, artificial flavours and artificial colours. They are also made with NO high fructose corn syrup, and like all products from WONDER, made with unbleached wheat flour.

Disclosure – I am participating in the WONDER+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card, BBQ kit and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

My Dancer & friends

2011-06-23T23:31:00.000-04:00

In Need of a Little Inspiration

2011-06-23T21:46:00.000-04:00

Does this happen to you? I really need to write, want to write, feel I should write but for some reason I am lacking inspiration. I am not sure what I want to say?

Blogging is a great release for me. I love the opportunity to share my thoughts, feelings and experiences but sometimes it is a lot of pressure. I feel like to be a good blogger you need to post often. I think it is the only real way to keep people reading and coming back to read. I love followers here and I love comments but obviously if I don't write, then there is nothing to read.

I have often wondered about using writing exercises or writing prompts to help me creatively. Sometimes you just need to write...no matter the topic... in order to actually get anything down on the screen.

What do you do to keep writing. How do you stay creative and keep yourself inspired? I would love to hear.

Cake Pops - as promised !

2011-06-14T22:29:00.000-04:00

Not the greatest picture... more coming I promise. I have a blog post planned and will be posted soon!

I Saved A Life Today

2011-06-14T22:09:00.001-04:00

So getting up this morning for school, we were running late as we usually are. As I was trying to wake up my youngest daughter I looked out their bedroom window. It over looks the backyard. I was shocked to see a little chipmunk madly swimming in the water that had collected in the lid of the plastic sandbox. The poor little thing was swimming and swimming and just couldn't get out of the lid. Who knows how long he had been swimming around in that little pool of water. So the girls and I ran down the stairs and out to the backyard to rescue the little creature. I instantly tipped the lid and let the water and the chipmunk pour out.... probably not the best approach. It was like a tsunami for that little guy. I had to scoop him up with my hand and put him down on a dry patch of dirt. He was exhausted. We weren't sure that he was going to make it. He wasn't moving much but we hoped he would pull through.

The girls went off to school, ready to tell our tale to everyone they met. It spread like wild fire around the classroom and playground. So naturally everyone was excited to see this.....

The girls were over the moon. They were so excited and happy to hear that our little chipmunk survived and will live another day....and my daughter said I was the best Mom in the world.

Marriage in the Fast Lane

2011-06-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

So, let me explain that title.

Since I went back to work after having kids, my husband and I decided that we would do whatever we needed to do to make sure that our kids were not in daycare. We just wanted to be home with our kids. We are lucky to both work in industries where that is possible. So we have managed to work hours that allow one of us to almost always be home with our girls. When we aren't able to be home with them they usually go to the grandparents. This year, for the first time ever, we hired a babysitter. She comes every Tuesday and Thursday for about an hour or so to cover off the time when I have to leave for work and when my husband gets home from work.

This has been great for our girls but not so good for our relationship. My husband and I have literally been reduced to cars passing each other on the highway. There are a few days each week that the only time we see each other is that passing second or two on the highway when we pass each other in traffic. I drive into Toronto searching for my husband on the other side of the highway. I am going eastbound and he is going westbound. And if our timing is right, then we pass each other, and wave. He in the fast lane, and me in the fast lane. Nothing like a marriage in the fast lane.

To be honest it can take it's toll. We are starting to both realize that. We go for days without actually seeing each other or having a conversation in person. Ah, the things we do for our families.

My Little Runners

2011-06-06T22:43:00.000-04:00

Here are my girls after the Moon In June race. They ran a 1km race all by themselves. I am proud

Wordless Wednesday - Tree Climber

2011-06-01T19:17:00.002-04:00

Sweet Sunny Moment - Awesome

2011-06-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

Today was a fantastic day. Blue sky as far as the eye could see. Not a cloud in the sky. The wind was really blowing today.

I love it when the warm wind blows the long grass. It almost looks like waves of a green ocean as the wind whips around the long blades of grass. Awesome.

My girls spent the day in the pool. Awesome! Reminds me of those sunny warm days that I spent in the pool when I was a child.

Sweet Moments on a Rainy Day

2011-05-26T09:34:00.000-04:00

So as I am sitting here at my computer it is another gloomy day. It is raining again. We have had rain for what feels like 2 weeks straight. It is even cold out. I have had the furnace off for a week or two but this weather makes me what to turn it on again. My feet are cool but that makes me think there must be some good things about this weather right? There are some awesome things about this day.

1. Getting to curl up on the couch with a really warm, fuzzy blanket with a hot cup of coffee. Mmmmm... nothing better.

2. My garden is busting at the seams with all this rain. Love it.

3. I get to day dream about the next warm sunny day and all the great things that I will be doing once the sun peaks out from behind the clouds.

Do you have anything that you think is awesome about a rainy day? Give it a try. It will certainly help you see the bright side of any day.

Simply Free at the Cottage

2011-05-25T22:01:00.000-04:00

There is nothing better than a BBQ at the cottage. And even better when it is a long weekend. Every year on the Victoria Day long weekend my family heads two and a half hours north to our cottage for the weekend. We brave the rain and the bugs to spend time in the great outdoors. This weekend we were lucky enough to get some sunshine on Saturday and we took advantage and sparked up the BBQ. The burgers and dogs were sizzling for lunch. It was a great chance to try Wonder's newest offering, SimplyFree. The hamburger and hot dog buns feature a list of ingredients even my kids could read.

Wonder+ SimplyFree from Weston Bakeries is the latest addition of simply ingredient products to the grocery shelves. It is the first Canadian National Brand of bakery products made with unbleached wheat flour and free of artificial preservatives, flavours and colours. They are also free of high fructose corn syrup. A growing number of manufacturers are understand customers are looking for products with simple ingredients. Let's face it, it is refreshing to be able to pick up a product and be able to pronounce all the ingredients listed on the side of the package.


Yummy. Nothing like a cheese burger.

But ultimately, the product has to taste good. These buns passed the tough taste test of my gang. They kids who were feasting at our table said they tasted great, just like a good old hamburger bun. The one down side I saw was the price. When I picked up these buns they were regular price, at $3.19 per 8 pack. That is a bit pricey, especially if you are a family on a budget. I did notice that the buns are currently on sale at my nearby grocery store, priced at $1.99, which is an affordable price and comparable to more no name brand buns.

The family finally enjoying the feast.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Getting Creative - Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T22:47:00.002-04:00

Making doggy paw invitations for my daughter's birthday party.

Sweet Moments - more to my list of awesome

2011-05-17T10:49:00.001-04:00

There are so many things each and every day that are sweet moments, many of them we let pass us by. We let the little stresses of our life to mask, cloud and hide the sweet moments that life hands us - the gifts of every day life.

So here are a few new things that are sweet moments, things on my list of awesome. Today's list is inspired by the rainy weather we have had for days here in the GTA.

*sitting, curled up on the couch, on a rainy day watching a movie. Sometimes made better when you are all alone in a quiet house and sometimes made all the more special when you are curled up under a blanket with your kids.

*a beautiful rainbow after the rain. We don't see many these days, I remember so many more when I was a child. Even more special is when you get to glimpse a double rainbow. Totally awesome.

*the chirping of robin birds as they flit around the lawn scooping up all the worms after the rain.

*I love what the rain is doing to the garden. It went from mostly dirt to luscious green leaves, beautiful plants sprouting up out of the ground and those sweet green small spikes of new grass ( they were seed only days ago) peaking out of the dirt.

*I love to watch the kids out playing in the rain. They pull on their rubber boots and rain coats and revel in the wetness. They splash in the puddles and dance between the rain drops. They see the beauty, the fun and the positive of the rain.

There are so many more... What are your sweet moments inspired by the rain?

Mommy Feels Guilty

2011-05-11T18:54:00.000-04:00

It never gets easier. Leaving for work. Leaving my kids everyday. It is the struggle of every working (out of home) mom. You would think going to work every day would make it easier but it doesn't, to be honest I think it actually makes things worse.

It is hard for me but even harder for my kids. I would say at least one day a week one of my two girls cries and has a total meltdown when I have to leave for work. I makes me sad when they say "I miss you when you are gone", "we never get to see you". I try to explain to them why Mommy has to go to work but when it comes right down to it some of the things that I mention don't really matter. Will I regret not spending time with my girls? Will I regret it when they are older and don't want to hang out with me? You bet. I regret it now. I don't like to leave them. It isn't that they are in a bad place when I go to work though, they are with their grandparents, on both sides. They aren't even there for long since my husband picks them up on the way home from his job.

I am missing time with my kids. My kids are missing time with me. I am missing time with my husband. It is time to rethink things I think. There is only so much that can be sacrificed before the sacrifice isn't worth it any more.

Searching for Inspiration or maybe Motivation

2011-05-11T12:05:00.001-04:00

Do you ever feel like you have a lot to say but just can't find the time or the motivation to get it down on paper ( or blog)?

I have been feeling like that over the past week or so. I have lots of great ideas swirling around my head but just can't seem to find the motivation to actually sit down and get writing. There is so much I want to say. I am always amazed when I read other bloggers and see how much content they churn out on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. It is truly amazing.

I think sometimes I just get a little burnt out. I can sometimes do too much. I work five days a week in the evenings, I am home during the day catching up on housework, looking after kids and taking care of whatever freelance writing that I have on my desk at the time. There is so much that I would like to do ( or rather need to do) around the house, besides the day to day cleaning, like painting, organizing and creating an office space for myself and all the gardening. There just never seems to be enough time in the day and then I guess that is where if find myself struggling for motivation.

The other thing that I find can be a motivation killer is social networks. It is an easy place to hang out when I want to procrastinate. I can talk with friends on twitter and facebook and before I know it 3 hours have gone by and it is time to pick up the kids from school. It is a love hate relationship with twitter and facebook. It is great to talk and network but it doesn't exactly help me get work done.

Many weeks ago I wrote about getting organized in an effort to work smarter, not harder. This month I am planning to revisit that plan. My main goal is to create a main floor office/work space for myself. Originally I had planned to make an office on the third floor but that is just not practical. It is quiet up there but I would not be able to keep my eye on the kids and work at the same time from upstairs so the logical place is on the main floor. I have a place in mind but I just need to clean, declutter and organized before I can get it set up. I will update you as I go along.

The messy storage area that is soon to become my office. I hope it will be beautiful and functional soon.

Adding to My List - Awesome

2011-05-03T23:12:00.001-04:00

I wrote about starting my list of Awesome.... well tonight I am adding to that list.

*when your daughter tells you she missed you today

*warm laundry straight out of the dryer

*laundry fresh from the line on a sunny, sweet summer day

*the smell of BBQ in the summer ( and even the winter for that matter)

Office With a View

2011-05-03T14:10:00.000-04:00

Talk about a great view. Wish this was an option everyday!

Awesome

2011-04-29T18:55:00.000-04:00

I am feeling inspired.

I was inspired after listening to a CBC radio interview. CBC's Here and Now host Laura Di Battista was talking with Toronto author Neil Pasricha who wrote The Book of Awesome and the follow up book The Book of Even More Awesome ( just released) and also writes on his blog 1000awesomethings.com. The Book of Awesome is a collection of little universal pleasures that we share, that bring us together, that bring us joy every day. It was an inspiring interview and got me thinking about all the awesome things that make being a Mom, or Dad, so sweet.

So tonight I start my list of awesome things....

*the sweet smell of a baby

* watching your children sleep

*cuddling up on the couch while watching a movie with my girls

*Dancing with my kids and husband in the kitchen

What awesome things happen in your life? I would love to hear about your little bit of awesome.

Frugal Friday - Who Needs the Salon

2011-04-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

My 5 year old is painting my nails. The flyer is needed under my hand so the table doesn't get painted too!

Why?

2011-04-28T10:53:00.000-04:00

Why? I just want to know why it is so hard to get the kids out the door and on the way to school in the morning.

Can't anyone answer me that question?

We are late for school so often the ladies in the office are joking that instead of signing the late sheet they should just make me a stamp. Let's just say I am a regular.

The thing I don't get is that the kids have no problem getting up at a ridiculous hour on Sunday morning. The one day of the entire week that I can actually sleep in and they have to get up early. During the school week I have to drag them out of bed at 8 o'clock. I mean when I go into their room during they week they are still dead asleep. What is that about? Someone explain.

It is just hard to get them to eat breakfast, get dressed, get their school stuff and get in the car. I just don't get it.

Anyone else have that same experience? What do you do to help make the morning move smoothly? I could use all the help I can get

Moms4Moms - Social Media Moms Support Moms Around the World

2011-04-27T21:12:00.003-04:00

I am blessed.

Plain and simple.

But there are women and girls around the world who don't have all the privileges that I enjoy as a Canadian mother. I remember celebrating my first Mother's Day. I had a beautiful baby girl and I was truly blessed but many women don't get to celebrate the day. Hundreds of thousands of women around the world die during pregnancy and childbirth. The statistics surrounding maternal health are shocking.

The U.S. ranks 41st globally in maternal health care.
15% of all pregnancies result in a potentially fatal complication during labor or delivery.
Pregnancy is the biggest killer of girls ages 15-19 in the developing world.
For every woman who dies in childbirth, 20 more suffer from debilitating complications.
We have the knowledge to prevent 90% of all maternal deaths —and they're often simple, common-sense, affordable solutions.

This year, mothers will be showered with gifts from their families. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend approximately $14.6 billion this year on gifts for Mother's Day. In an effort to raise awareness and donations, a group of digital women joined forces to create Moms4Moms, an organization created to help women and mothers worldwide. They asked a question: What if 1 % of the $14.6 billion could be given to this cause?

These women were inspired to change the world for Moms around the world. They picked a charity, Christy Turlington Burns www.everymothercounts.org and started to spread the word.

Please visit the site, make a donation, do something to effect change in the lives of women around the world. We can do this, we have the power, Mother's are a powerful force.

Moms4Moms is a movement started by Holly Pavlika, founder of Mom-entum, a blog about marketing to Moms using social media and Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Big Fuel, New York.
Holly partnered with the following twelve influential moms and bloggers to create Moms4Moms Day: Erica Diamond womenonthefence.com, Audrey McClelland momgenerations.com, Molly Gold gomominc.com, Beth Feldman rolemommy.com, Niri Jaganath mommyniri.com, Katja Presnal skimbacolifestyle.com, Kelly Loubet everydaychildhood.com, Julie Cole mabelslabels.com, Linda Grant nycsinglemom.com, Katrina Carefoot ficklefeline.ca, Dagmar Bleasdale and Sherry Aikens babypop.com

Wordless Wednedsay - My Awesome Kids CBC Tweet Up Adventure

2011-04-27T19:56:00.001-04:00

Kim Wilson talking about some exciting things ahead for Kids CBC

New Look

2011-04-27T19:42:00.000-04:00

You might have noticed that I changed the look of my blog. Frankly, I have been wanting to change it for a while, I was hoping for something a little more streamlined, something simple. I am not sure if this is the right fit but I think it is better.

I don't want the template to take away from the pictures and content of my blog. Those are the things I want you the reader to notice not my busy blog appearance.

What do you look for in the look of a blog? What do you like, what do you dislike?

One of the things that I didn't like about my previous blog design was the header picture/design. I had always intended to change it but could never find anything that I really liked. The one I left on my blog really had not importance to me and just wasn't a fit.

I hope that I can continue to improve the look of this blog... and some of the other blogs that I am working on and hope to show you all in the weeks ahead.

My Newest Speed Demon

2011-04-19T11:39:00.000-04:00

The training wheels just came off!

Kids Say the Funniest Things

2011-04-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

Here is a conversation I had with my youngest daughter. She is five years old. She was out riding her bike on the sidewalk out front of our house.

Me: "It is time to come in. Mommy needs to have a shower and get ready to go out."

M: "Why can't a 5 year old just stay outside and ride her bike by herself?"

Me: "Well honey, there are lots of people that pass by that Mommy doesn't know. It isn't safe."

M: "I won't talk to strangers!"

Me: "I know that. That isn't the problem. It is just that there are lots of people that pass by the house. I don't know everyone who comes by and I would worry that someone might come by and take you. " ( I know there are some that might not think that is appropriate to say to a child BUT I wasn't trying to scare her but just explain why I didn't want her to stay outside by herself)

M: "You have got to be kidding me. Like that would ever happen."

Wordless Wednesday - A quiet moment with a great book

2011-04-13T23:37:00.000-04:00

Online Contradictions

2011-04-04T21:21:00.000-04:00

Interesting thoughts lately...about my online life . I have been thinking about a number of contradictions... pros and cons, the ying and yang of my online networks, online life, online friends ( if you can really call them that)

Here are a few of the things that have been swirling around in my brain lately...

I have met some great people and I have also some not so great people.

The twitter community can support when in time of need and also tear people down at a moments notice.

The twitter community can make you feel great and also feel crappy.

I sometimes feel like a real grown up and sometimes I feel like I am back in high school.

Sometimes I feel like an experience professional and sometimes I feel like I have a lot to learn.

Sometimes I feel completely connected and sometimes I feel like I am living in the smallest bubble.

Sometimes I feel like I can't leave my computer and sometimes I feel like I can't stand to sit at it for another second.

Sometimes I feel like I am a better writer and sometimes I feel like I just suck.

Something For Myself

2011-04-01T12:37:00.000-04:00

Today I finally had a little time for myself. Both kids are in school and so I took the opportunity to book a hair appointment. It was long overdue.

I love the feeling of cutting off my hair. I had gone a long time since my last cut so my hair had gotten a little bit long. Long hair doesn't look good on me ( in my opinion) and there is nothing better than going into the salon, sitting down and saying "cut it all off!" And that is exactly what I did today. My hair was down to the bottom of my neck... not super long, but long enough that you could see it out the bottom of a hat. ( A hat by the way which had been covering my head for most of the week... that is how bad my hair was!) So here is the end result.

What do you think?

What do you do for yourself? Are you able to steal moments away to pamper yourself?

Wordless Wednesday (sort of) - New Fridge Got Damaged on Delivery

2011-03-30T23:11:00.001-04:00

The guys delivering the fridge didn't properly measure our front door and scraped the fridge on the way in the house.

Our new fridge.

Me, Kids and Money

2011-03-29T09:30:00.003-04:00

I am going to be honest here.....

I am not that good with money.

There I said it. It is not that I am terrible with it exactly but more that I don't really know what to do with it and how to make my money really work for me and make me more money. I work, I make money and I even work freelance to make a little extra money but I don't think that my money is really working for me. To be honest, the freelance work is not really where I would like it to be. In my dreams, the freelance work is enough from me to retire from my full time - punch a clock - work. I would love to be writing from my great third floor office (right now the great third floor office is a toy play room for the kids - a work in progress ). I work hard but would love to work better, not harder. I think part of the key to that is making the money that I do have do more things for me.

I love this blog post from Chatelaine....I would love my kids to know about money too!

http://www.chatelaine.com/en/blog/post/24593--five-things-i-want-my-kids-to-know-about-money

I think sometimes we forget to talk to our kids about money, to teach them the importance of money, of saving it and how to spend it wisely. We live in such a got-to-have it culture now a days, our children have everything they need and nearly everything they want. We have become such consumers, we are making our children super consumers. My kids are always wanting something, needing something, desperate to have the next-latest-greatest thing. I hope that through my experiences and our family money experiences that I am able to teach my children to be better savers and smarter spenders than I am.

What techniques or tools to you use to budget or spend wisely? How are you teaching your children to be smarter spenders and savers?

Walking Does the Body Good

2011-03-28T12:40:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to get more exercise lately, which to be honest is easier said than done. It can be hard to stay motivated, I am sure you can all relate to that. Well, since the weather is getting a bit better I finally decided to lace up those old dusty walking shoes and hit the pavement. We have a great area to walk. The waterfront trail is just a few steps from my front door so I hit the trail.

It was a great day for a walk. The sun was shining and the breeze was cool but not too cold. I started out slow because to be honest it had been a while since I actually got out walking. It didn't take long before I was hitting a great stride and moving a good pace. I was trying to remember to do all the things that I should, breathe, stand up straight, good posture, moving my arms and walking at a good pace/stride.

I felt great at the end of the walk. I wasn't out too long, in all about an hour. What I found the most amazing thing was even late at night, the end of my work day, I was still feeling good. Normally I am pretty tired by the time midnight rolls around. I think when it has been a while, you can forget about how great exercise can make you feel, both physically and mentally.

What are your exercise tips? Are you a walker or a runner?

Great View - Inspiration

2011-03-22T11:49:00.001-04:00

Great view of Lake Ontario on my morning walk. A great reason to get out there and enjoy the scenery.

A Look Back at March Break

2011-03-22T11:34:00.001-04:00

March break is over and it is time to get back to routine. We struggled with getting ready for school this morning...and yesterday too. It was hard for all of us, kids and parents. It is amazing how one week of March break can change the routine. We all got used to getting off to a slow start in the morning. I think it might take us all week to get back into a rhythm... or as much of one that we can in our house.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this year's March break. We stayed home and it was great. I loved having time to spend with my girls, even though some days they drove me crazy with the fighting and bickering. Ah sisterly love. I don't usually get a chance to spend much time with my girls during the week because I work evenings. We got a chance to really hang out, we went to the ROM and Disney on Ice Toy Story 3...just Mom and daughter time. So great and so needed.

I had planned on blogging about health and fitness this month specifically and in a round about way I think that is exactly what the focus of the month has been, and so much more. I feel better this month ..better than I have in a long time. There have been some changes at work that have taken a lot of stress off my shoulders and in turn that has allowed me to lighten up, in mind, spirit and body. I enjoy going to work, I am sleeping better ( if there is such a thing when you get home at 1:15 a.m and get up with kids to get them off to school in the morning ) and I think I am a much happier person. I am in a better mood all around and that makes me a better Mom, wife and friend I believe. I have been able to reconnect a bit more with my kids which helps my mind and more importantly my spirit. We have had more days this month to just hang out and watch movies, more days for me to unplug from technology ( like facebook, twitter, email ). It is really important to do that. I want my girls to know they are more important to me than spending time on the computer. I think we all forget sometimes, when we are rushing around, trying to make connections and network online, we need to nourish the real life relationships we have with family and friends. I hope my husband and I can take some time out of our busy schedules to reconnect a bit. We both work crazy schedules, he is days and I am nights. We both work freelance ( him more than me) and that means we are often working from home on the weekends. It can be a struggle to make time for ourselves, we find time to spend with the kids and as a family but that sometimes leaves little time for the couple. Oh well, I will consider that a work in progress...one thing at a time.

So while I didn't blog about going to the gym or going for hour long hikes or watching what I ate, I think ultimately I did more for my health this month by nourishing my mind and spirit. It is what is going to help me to get to the gym and get out and walk.

What do you do to nourish our mind and spirit? What kind of things do you do to reconnect with the people you love?

Great Day at the Royal Ontario Museum

2011-03-18T00:11:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday - Wind Tunnel

2011-03-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

Me Time

2011-03-16T10:28:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight.

Just saying "Me Time" can get a chuckle out of a lot of Moms. It is something that is hard to do and yet Moms everywhere long for it. Being a Mom is a 24/7 gig. We are the go to person when someone can't find their mittens, or their shoes, or their book, when someone needs breakfast, lunch or dinner and especially when someone has a nightmare or is sick in the middle of the night. There are not too many moments in the day where we Moms get to have some time just for ourselves.

The funny thing is there are days when things are so crazy the only time I get to myself is when I go to the bathroom. I go in and shut the door hoping that no one notices that I am missing. That doesn't last long. Eventually the kids notice that Mom is missing and the search begins. I can hear them screaming my name from every floor in the house. ( We have all had those days right ladies?)

When the kids are at school, sometimes I have a lazy day on the couch. I grab myself a coffee and breakfast after I have dropped the kids off at school and pop a movie in the DVD player. It is truly luxurious. I get to watch a movie, uninterrupted. It is a great way to take time just for me.

When the kids are home, sometimes I make myself what I like to call a fancy coffee. I take the extra time to make myself a cappuccino or a latte. It is something I don't do everyday because it takes a little more time but it is truly enjoyable no matter what is going on around me. In the summer I love to grab a fancy coffee and a book, or my e-reader and sit on the porch while the kids play outside.

Here is the thing, "Me Time" doesn't have to be a long time. Some days "Me Time" can be a few stolen minutes in the bathroom to put on your make-up in peace and quiet or a long, enjoyable hour in a hot bathtub, reading a book, or watching a movie. The important thing is that you take some time for yourself....period. Some days it is the only thing that saves me from the insanity! Seriously, it is the one thing that helps me remember that I am more than someones mother, that I am a woman, an independent person who needs to remember to nourish mind, body and spirit.

Remember, visit http://www.facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Feeling Sleepy

2011-03-15T15:08:00.000-04:00

I don't know about you but I am feeling a little bit sleepy. OK, a lot sleepy. Most days that is the norm for me since I work evenings but today I am finding a lot of other people joining my band wagon. That could have something to do with daylight saving time. We moved the clocks ahead one hour Sunday morning and research finds the first Monday after the time change we are just a lot more tired. We apparently start Monday about with about 40 minutes less sleep than normal. Recent studies have found there's a higher risk of heart attacks, traffic accidents and workplace injuries on the first Monday of Daylight Saving.

And here it is Tuesday and I don't feel anymore refreshed than I did yesterday. Actually, I feel more tired today. I think it is all just adding up.

Here is a bit of unfortunate news when it comes be being sleepy. The brain of a person who does not get enough sleep--in quality and in quantity--is unable to operate efficiently. Health, emotions, memory and more are affected. It's enough to make you want to go to bed early, isn't it?

If you're getting fewer than 8 hours of sleep at night, there's a good chance that stress is involved. For some people, stress keeps them from sleeping as well or as long as they'd like. For others, the busy schedules that don't allow enough time for sleep are the same busy schedules that bring excess stress.

There are things that you can do

*Over the next few days, start going to sleep 10 to 15 minutes earlier, and getting up 10 to 15 minutes earlier as well
*sleep experts say a bedtime routine is also important to help you get a good night sleep.
* unplugg the technology. Try to turn off the phone, blackberry, television at bedtime so that you can settle your mind and get a proper sleep.
*create a cave. Make sure your room is dark and cool because this will help your mind get into that proper state needed for sleep

I would love to hear about any of your sleep solutions. What do you do to get a good night sleep.

My Frugal Confession

2011-03-11T14:35:00.001-05:00

I have debated in my mind about whether or not to write this post... I have an image to uphold after all ( NOT)

So here is the thing. I have been trying to cut back on my spending and stick to somewhat of a budget. I am trying to cut down on the non-essential things that I buy and spend money on and that includes all those beauty things, like hair cuts, nails etc. I know I can almost hear some of you cringe just at the thought of it. Yes cutting back meant cutting back on the visits to the salon and that expensive cut and colour. I have gotten into the habit of going to the salon about every 8 weeks for the works, colour, hi-lites, low-lites and a cut. Anyone out there that goes to a salon knows how pricey that can get. We are talking about $170 per visit. Ouch.

Being on a budget means spending that kind of money on hair is not an option...sooooooooooooooo I had to come up with plan B since my hair had gotten longer than I like, the style had grown out and I was showing some seriously scary roots. Here is where my confession comes in. A few weeks back I decided to throw caution to the wind and go to one of those no appointment necessary hair cutting places. My choice was First Choice. I was a little worried. It had been years since I had gone to one of those places. I had had some bad experiences in past, a couple of good experiences but the bad out weighed the good to be honest. I was nervous so I took my 5 year old along for moral support.

I didn't go for too fancy a cut. I took a picture from a magazine to show what I was going for. In the end it turned out OK (no pictures please...OK maybe later) It was shorter...it looked OK. Not exactly what I wanted but all in all it wasn't bad. I could still go out in public at least but I wasn't done yet. There was still the little problem of those roots so I hit the near by Shoppers Drug Mart. I grabbed a box of colour, a nice brown. My 5 year old daughter helped to pick the colour and we headed home to fix my colour.

So here is how it all came out ... the hair cut cost me a little more the $15 ... let's say a little more than $20 with tip and the box of colour cost me $8 dollars. So for about $30 I got a little refresher on my hair. I still plan on going to the salon but just not as often. So that was $30 rather than $170 .This was a great solution to keep me on budget but still have a decent hair style BUT I am not ready to give up the salon completely. I just won't be going as often.

What are you willing to give up or put on hold for the sake of a budget?

Article I Enjoyed

2011-03-08T21:05:00.000-05:00

**A GREAT READ**

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/03/08/weird-al-yankovic/#more-26421

I think I am going to get this book for my kids. I love what Weird Al says in this article. It is so interesting to read how a teacher told him he was good in math and drafting, he was artistic and he should take those skills to become an architect. On face value that would be a great profession but not his passion. Weird Al wanted to a writer and illustrator for MAD Magazine. How many times has a child been discouraged to follow their passions.

I hope I am strong enough as a parent to help my children follow their passions and to grow up to be anything they want. I want them to be happy... that's all... just like Weird Al's dad wanted for him.

Motivation Monday - Feeling Inspired

2011-03-07T23:56:00.000-05:00

So it is Monday and ya know what? I am actually feeling inspired.

I was driving in to work tonight thinking about all the things I need to do, the projects on my plate right now, and you know I am feeling pretty good about everything. Strange really because lately I have been feeling less than inspired. Call it the winter blues, the February Blahs, or just plain old laziness, February was just not the most productive month for me. I had lots of plans but most just didn't pan out for me. And for some reason today things got a little more clear, I got a little more focused. Maybe it was the sunshine today? I hear sun and a little Vitamin D can do that.

I have some exciting writing opportunities ahead of me this month. Some great articles too! Writing is fun when you really like what you are writing about. Simple really.

It feels good to be starting the month on a positive note. I have lots of things that I want to get done this month. I am continuing to get organized in my life, in my home, so I am still working on a number of projects that I started and blogged about in January, I am still working on building on the relationships in my life (February) and now this month I am hoping to talk health, fitness and over all better living. I might be too ambitious this month but that is OK. I am going to do what I can and continue to move forward. I am going to continue to work smarter, not harder.