Search for the Toshiba Tablet for ShesConnected

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

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

My New Addiction

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

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

 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

Finding Bliss with friends on a rainy day.

My Bliss List part 2

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

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

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

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?

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

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

Halloween

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

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

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

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

My First Vlog - Halloween & Mom Central Canada

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

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

Just a snap shot

Wordless Wednesday - Elora

Beautiful ruins of an old mill in Elora

Joe Jonas!

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

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

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

 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

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

Sister love!

Year of the Pie

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

*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

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

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

I am enjoying the read so far Penguin Canada. 

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

Hot Dogs

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

Wordless Wednesday - Porch Salon

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?

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?

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

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.