In keeping with my 2021 resolutions to a) stop procrastinating and b) simplify my life in order to make “a)” a possibility, I’ve decided that this is the year I won’t be scrambling to do my taxes! The best part? You can benefit from my newfound proactiveness: read on for a review of TurboTax Live Full Service, a simple and affordable way to have your taxes done by a real tax expert – without leaving the comfort of your home!
There’s no doubt it’s more important than ever to file correctly and get every dollar we deserve. However, finding work/ life balance in COVID times is also a challenge; both my kids have been learning from home for almost a year, and in between being a parent, entrepreneur, photographer, at-home chef, armchair therapist… sigh, the list goes on!… I don’t necessarily have the time or energy to prepare my own taxes. My main goal heading into this tax season was to obtain the largest possible tax refund while staying safe at home. …
Holidays with HUAWEI: Top Gift Picks
There’s a common thread among the comments I receive on my social posts featuring HUAWEI:
“I really need to look into HUAWEI.”
“I’ve heard great things about this brand.”
“Everyone I ask says they love HUAWEI! Need to learn more.”
So… what are you waiting for? The brand is absolutely coveted worldwide, by tech enthusiasts and mom creators alike. When you’re ready to make the switch, HUAWEI makes it easy with several quick and reliable methods of transferring apps and data from your previous phone.
However, in addition to the HUAWEI P40 Pro, which boasts the world’s best smartphone camera, Huawei also offers dynamic wearable tech. In fact, the HUAWEI Watch GT2 Pro and HUAWEI Freebuds Pro are two of my top picks for gifting this holiday season!
The brand-new HUAWEI Watch GT 2 Pro is the most comprehensive model in the series to date. The very first thing that caught my attention is that although it primarily functions as a sports watch, its slim, elegant design is more GQ than Sports Illustrated. …
Despite the Pandemic, You Should be Planning Your Next Trip
Travel may not be top of mind at the moment, but my good friend Barry Choi, Personal Finance and Travel Expert, offers a convincing argument why this is the best time to plan a trip. Read on for some valuable advice on how to maximize your travel dollars.
Although the pandemic has reduced the number of flights available, and most people have no interest in travelling if there’s no vaccine for COVID-19, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be planning your next trip now.
It’s true that no one has any real idea of when travel will get back to normal, but by planning now, you can take advantage of some great deals. You can even turbocharge your savings by planning out your spending and taking advantage of some great welcome bonuses that come with the best travel credit cards in Canada. …
Investing in Myself! Four Ways I Seized the Day
This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’ve had a little extra time on my hands over the last few months. My newfound slower pace – originally unwelcome, but we all must adapt – had given me much time to reflect on many things, including my life, habits, and the changes I could make to better myself. 
I’ve invested in so many things over the years – a new home, new car, my career, my children – I’d finally realized that it was time to invest in my well-being. …
Meet the HUAWEI P40 Pro
I struggled with whether to write this post directed at moms or content creators. Both could equally benefit from the world’s best smartphone camera, and certainly, when I think of a mom in 2020, the aproned-serving-roast-beef-dinner maternal figure doesn’t really come to mind.
Then, it clicked – moms are actually content creators, too! We’re capturing video and clicking photos of our children’s daily moments, sharing insights with friends and family (as we share the content we’ve created on social media), and today, keeping up with the Joneses includes comparing whose smartphone has the best battery life. (My vote is HUAWEI! The P40 Pro features a SuperCharge 4200 mAh Battery that goes from 0 to 70% charge in 30 minutes.)
Mom creators, meet the HUAWEI P40 Pro.
The HUAWEI P40 Pro boasts a Quad Vision Leica Camera, which allows you to take extraordinary photos at any time of day and at any distance. In a world where we use “the Cadillac of…” to describe the cream of the crop, ladies, Leica cameras are the Cadillac of smartphone cameras. Let’s talk specs:
50 MP Ultra Vision Camera
12 MP Telephoto Camera
40 MP Ultra-Wide Cine Camera
3D Depth Sensing Camera
However, in addition to its impressive camera specifications, one thing that really attracts me to the P40 Pro is just how intelligent it is. The 3D Depth Sensing Camera can almost immediately sense what should be in focus, whether it’s a person or object. This is especially valuable when you’re capturing shots while multitasking – because even when you’re juggling a million things, at least your photos will look like you’re in control. …
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread – Introducing Kilne
In fact, a Kilne bread knife may be the best thing to slice your bread, too.
We’re all spending more time than ever in the kitchen, and trust me when I say that it’s MUCH more enjoyable when you have the right tools! I had been on the hunt for a new set of knives since spring, when I embarrassingly had to admit that our “starter set” of knives, hastily purchased when we were first married, were a) already 13 years old, and b) woefully inadequate to keep up with my unofficial new role as a prep cook.
Enter Kilne. Designed in Canada and crafted from high-quality German steel, Kilne knives are simply the best knives for home chefs. The highlight reel:
High Grade German Steel: Blades crafted from Chromium-molybdenum-vanadium steel stay sharp for precision cutting.
Full Tang: Solid steel from tip to tail gives exceptional strength and perfect balance.
Ergonomic Design: Handle grip and bolster provide a secure hold, even with wet hands. …
Moving Forward by Giving Back: School Fundraising with Navy & White
This school year looks different. Then again, EVERYTHING looks different.
Now that we’ve officially spent 3/4 of the year getting used to our “new normal”, there’s an unspoken willingness among friends, family and fellow parents to simply move forward. No, 2020 isn’t what we expected. Yes, we will pivot and adjust.
Of course, when it comes to schooling, the changes are more evident than ever. From learning at home to in-class mask wearing and hand sanitizing, we’ve tasked our children and educators to establish new strategies and routines that will allow for continuous learning and development – in a safe, socially responsible manner. …
Winter Skin Care Myths… Busted!
This blog post is sponsored by Aveeno. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Ladies, it’s sweater weather. Could there be a more iconic season than fall? Colourful leaves, PSLs and warm apple pie… these are a few of my favourite (fall) things!
Of course, the fall season is also a test-run when it comes to cooler temps, and just ahead of the cold winter weather, I think it’s the perfect time to re-evaluate our skin care regimens to make sure they’re working for us. Today, I’m busting myths about skin care and re-introducing you to a product that I’ve been using religiously for the last three years with fabulous results. Spoiler alert, it’s AVEENO® ABSOLUTELY AGELESS™ Restorative Night Cream!
Myth #1: Quality skin care costs a lot of money.
Of course, this is false! It’s all about finding the right formula for your skin, and sometimes, even the most exotic ingredients simply aren’t compatible with your skin type (or fail to deliver the results you’re hoping for). The trick is to get back to basics: what is your skin type, and how do you want your skin to look feel? If a product can address these needs in an effective way, forget about the price tag and concentrate on the results. …
Back to Routine: Eggcellent Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas
Whether your kids have returned to the classroom or are distance learning from home, one thing hasn’t changed: the need for simple, delicious meal ideas that your littles will love.
This season, I’ve once again teamed up with Burnbrae Farms – a family favourite! – to showcase easy recipes you can make with the kids (or, if you have tweens like me, that they can make on their own!). Burnbrae Farms’ prepared egg products are made with the same delicious shell eggs you love, they just require less time and effort so you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine.
With the tasty egg innovation products available from Burnbrae Farms, there’s simply never been a better time to “Break Out of Your Shell”!
CHEESY BREAKFAST BARS
Cheese, ham and egg goodness in a handheld breakfast bar – yes please! My husband, our resident breakfast chef, adapted the Western Bars recipe featured on Burnbrae Farms’ website. Using two types of cheddar, diced ham, veggies, EGG Creations! Whole Eggs Original and a croissant base, he whipped up an easy and most delicious way to start the day! …
Quick & Easy Reunion Recipes featuring USA Rice!
The best part of summer 2020? That’s an easy one: reuniting with loved ones.
As certain restrictions have lifted in many cities across Canada, families and friends are able to get together in a smart and safe way – limiting their numbers, staying within the same bubble, and most importantly, continuing to social distance from others. For me, it’s a chance to reunite with my extended family and closest friends, and do the one thing we love about summer: enjoying a meal, drink or coffee together in our backyard.
Of course, having a repertoire of quick and easy recipes is just part of my charm!
For those impromptu drop ins, late afternoon coffee chats and lazy summer nights where you’d rather spend time with your loved ones than cooking in the kitchen, read on for simple meal ideas, perfect to put together with a few favourite ingredients you may already have on hand. The star of the show? USA Rice!
USA Rice is a key pantry staple and can be used in so many delicious ways. This gluten-free, low allergen, original ancient grain is virtually fat free and serves up the complex carbohydrates your mind and muscles need to function. Rice has always been an integral part of my diet, and now it’s a staple ingredient in so many of the meals and snacks that my family loves, too. We tend to cook a big batch on the weekend and then refrigerate to use in soups, fried rice, side dishes and even desserts. One pot of cooked USA Rice can last us over five days and be used in five different ways! …
A Better Way to Breakfast – Flourish Pancakes!
I didn’t know I was looking for a better-for-you pancake and waffle mix, however, now that I’ve discovered Flourish Pancakes, I simply can’t go back!
Flourish Pancakes Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix, a proudly Canadian brand (based right here in Toronto!), packs 23g of protein, 7g of fibre and contains ZERO added sugar per serving. Based on the ingredients alone (which are all-natural, and include organic and non-GMO foods), I feel amazing about serving Flourish Pancakes to my family. In fact, we were recently treated to the LIMITED EDITION Birthday Cake flavour (the company just turned two!) and the mix is even made with all-natural sprinkles, such as green sprinkles made with spirulina, which means they contain no artificial colours either!
We decided to use the mix to make waffles, and since I just needed to add water, prep work was a breeze. Skipping the syrup, we instead dipped our waffles in natural colour candy melts for a flash of colour and birthday fun. Aren’t they just too cute for words? …
The Most Delicious Way to Elevate Your Burger
It’s officially summer! I don’t know about you, but this year, more than ever, I am ready for the heat!
Of course, like many other Canadian families, we’ll be sticking close to home this season. With several travel restrictions still in place, most of our daily jaunts will be to the backyard. But there’s nothing a delicious meal can’t fix! Since we’ll be grillin’ and chillin’ all summer long, I’ve come up with a simple and delicious way to elevate your burger.
Think outside the bun!
I know hamburgers are a family fave, and normally I wouldn’t try to mess with a good thing. However, I think I’ve found THE BEST way to enjoy your burger this summer – by swapping classic hamburger buns with Furlani Garlic Toast!
The combination of flavours is almost too delicious to describe. …
This Spring, Break Out of Your Shell! Kid-Friendly Meal Ideas
Spring 2020 is unlike any we’ve ever known. (Understatement, right?)
My son was recently assigned a writing task where he was asked to detail “positive effects” of staying safe at home. After spending time brainstorming, he presented a list to me – and at the top:
“I’m spending a lot of time cooking with my mom.”
Be still my heart! It’s no surprise that many Canadian families are rediscovering their love for home-cooked meals – and reveling in the bonding that comes with it – while we stay home. Since my boys now eagerly join me during meal prep, I’ve made it a priority to try nutritious recipes that keep them entertained and egg-cited about cooking! …
Kids in the Kitchen: Make this Easter EGGcellent!
Friends, read on for two simple ways to get the kids involved with Easter prep!
There comes a point in most children’s lives where they sincerely want to help out in the kitchen. (And let’s be honest: mini chefs are the best.) Whether it’s baking with mom or helping dad prepare breakfast in bed, the enthusiasm with which kids stretch their culinary expertise is downright precious.
So, what better time to let them shine than holidays? Involving kids in special occasion meal prep not only facilitates family bonding and expands picky palettes, it helps children hone a necessary life skill – cooking. …
Your 2020 Last Minute Getaway: Where, When and Why to Go!
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of last minute vacations. It’s honestly one of my favourite ways to travel! In fact, in 2019, I helped friends and family NOT-plan five family vacations – all booked with less than a month’s notice (and all beautiful, memorable getaways).
If you’re fortunate to have flexibility in your work and home life, here’s why last minute vacations are a great option:
1) You’ll save money. Of course you’ll save money – it’s the main reason they’re called last minute “deals”. With Air Canada Vacations, you can save up to 40% on packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, South and Central America, the US and many more vacation destinations. …
Conquer “Fright Night” with Janes
Before I became a parent, I often scoffed when the term “Fright Night” was used to describe a busy weeknight. I mean, get it together! How crazy could a random Tuesday or Wednesday evening actually be?
Friends, I humbly beg for forgiveness, for I have seen the light.
Our family’s dynamic has changed through the years. Whereas we used to enjoy casual, unhurried dinners (actually eaten at the dinner table), today our demanding jobs and activities pull us in different directions. My husband is in sales, so he’s often on the road or working late. My job has no set hours; I could be working at 5:30AM or 11:00PM, depending on the day. Ryder has karate twice a week, Reid has coding twice a week, and they both have skiing and skating once a week. And yet somehow, the expectation is that I’ll produce a delicious, healthy meal that the entire family will love.
So, what if I told you that I’ve found quick and delicious, fully cooked and, most importantly, KID FRIENDLY foods that are ready when I am?
Let me reintroduce you to Janes. …
New Year: A New Way to Invest in Your Child’s Future
Happy 2020, friends!
We’re just a few weeks into the new year and I’m already feeling amazing about my progress. This year, I decided to shun resolutions and instead set goals for improvement that I’m willing to continuously work on. My plan to better nutritional, physical and financial health in 2020 includes:
1) Make better food choices for my family. This includes adopting a more plant-based lifestyle, reducing the amount of processed foods in our diet and making healthier substitutions when possible. It’s definitely a work in progress for me, but this year I’ve communicated my plan to everyone in the family and, so far, have buy-in. Fingers crossed!
2) Get physical, together. Although our family is moderately active, I realized last year that we don’t actually spend time together enjoying physical activities. This year, we’ll be skiing, canoeing, bike riding and ice skating as a family. Our days are busy, so I’m hoping to make this one work!
3) Focus on building the boys’ RESPs. It feels like I blinked and suddenly, my sons will be 12 and 10 years old! Although I created an RESP for each of them many years ago, I’ll admit that I’ve majorly slacked when it comes to contributions. …
Facial Fillers: Five Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dermatologist
This post is sponsored by JUVÉDERM®. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
A few weeks ago, I shared my feelings from before, during and after the Beauty Decoded Live event by JUVÉDERM®. Go ahead and take a moment to read the post – don’t worry, I’ll wait.
Back already? Great. You’ll see that following the event, I felt more comfortable than ever at the prospect of having facial filler injections. Based on the wealth of information provided at Beauty Decoded Live, combined with the opportunity to see a live demonstration with almost instant results, I went from thinking facial fillers were something that weren’t for me to making an appointment at a local cosmetic dermatology clinic.
Dermetics, you are incredible.
Since admittedly I’m a noob when it comes to cosmetic procedures, I had a few questions (okay, more than a few). And while I’d love to provide a complete transcript of my 90-minute appointment, I figured it would be much easier to simply pick five questions I feel are absolutely necessary when considering facial fillers. …
This Holiday Season, Give a Priceless Experience
“Experiences, Not Things.” The saying was etched in sparkly red letters on a plush white throw pillow, carefully positioned on an elegant chair in a store window. I recall stopping in front of the small store, staring at the pillow while pondering the words before me.
Experiences, not things.
The moment was particularly poignant because just hours before, I had engaged in a discussion with my girlfriend about how travel is the perfect gift. You see, it’s actually three gifts in one:
1) The gift of anticipation. Planning a trip with friends and family fosters closeness and offers a continuous build in excitement! From the moment you start thinking about booking a trip to the last-minute discussions about wardrobe, you’re on a happy high anticipating your great adventure.
2) The gift of experience. These include the sights you see, the foods you eat, and of course, the laughs you share with loved ones. Often, experiences also involve discovering a new country, culture or customs, which make them all the more enriching!
3) The gift of memories. Going through your camera roll; sharing an inside joke with a friend (“what happens in…”) or finding a ticket stub in your jacket pocket. You relive the moment all over again, hanging on to the good times until you start the cycle all over again.
This is why we choose experiences over things.
Of course, there are experiences, and then there are Priceless Experiences. Whether you’re booked to travel abroad or prefer to stay closer to home, Priceless Cities is available exclusively to Mastercard cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences around the world.
The best part is, there’s something for everyone! Enjoy a glass of prosecco and a behind-the-scenes kitchen tour at the hottest restaurant near you or play golf with a PGA pro while staying at a world-renowned resort and spa. You can even skip the line at a popular theatre show or take a hands-on donut workshop! …
This Season, Make Your Miles Count
I know I say this every year, but where did the time go? We’ve snapped our fingers and poof! The holiday season is upon us. And this year, more than ever, I know that many of my friends and followers are looking for ways to give back. In fact, I’ve been so inspired by acts of kindness, generosity and selflessness that I’ve seen all year long! Whether it’s donating time to assist others or offering support to a special cause, there’s no better time to share in the true spirit of the season.
Need a little inspiration? Here’s a quick and simple way to help make a huge impact.
From December 2nd to 8th 2019, Aeroplan, through its annual Mile Matching week, will once again support the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program. All miles donated to the Air Canada Foundation during the week will be matched, up to 500,000 miles. These miles help provide flights to children who need specialized health care not available in their hometown. Since the introduction of the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program in 2003, hundreds of sick children, accompanied by a parent, have been able to obtain the medical care they needed away from home.
Photo (and feature image): First Steps Photography
I’m blessed to live in a city where medical assistance for both my children is readily available. However, for many parents across the country and beyond, their situation is quite the opposite. In fact, for those children currently undergoing treatment, long road trips can be strenuous for both the child and the parent, especially when several visits to the hospital are required each month or when treatments last several months. …