If you ask any Canadian parent how they feel about their child’s education experience over the past several months, you’re likely to hear everything from hopeful and excited to anxious and uncertain. Truthfully, I probably fall somewhere in the middle – while I’m feeling mostly positive about my sons’ academic progress, there are times when I question if there’s more I can do to offer additional support, especially when they learn online.
A new survey commissioned by D2L, a global learning technology leader, tells me that I’m not alone. Canadian parents are feeling connected (36%), overwhelmed (29%), and empowered (20%) by online learning platforms as part of their child’s education experience. …
Eggs Around The World – Savoury Egg Curry
From time to time, often when I least expect it, memories of the rich, fragrant East Indian dishes from my childhood come flooding to my mind. I’ll instantly run to call my mom, asking her to send the recipe or explain the cooking method. Sometimes, I’ll brazenly ask her to simply make the dish so I can come pick it up – we all know the best takeout comes from mom’s kitchen.
Recently I began craving Egg Curry, a humble dish served all over India thanks to its roots in vegetarianism and simple, accessible and affordable ingredients. For this recipe, I love to use Conestoga Farms Free Run Omega-3 Eggs; they’re enriched with Omega-3 polyunsaturates and are produced by hens fed an all-grain diet enriched with flax seed.
Traditionally, this dish would be made with eggs that were hard-cooked until crumbly. However, I prefer a creamier center; I usually set my egg timer for exactly eight minutes.
Tip: to save time, try Conestoga Farms Free Run On the Run Hard Boiled Eggs. They’re cooked and peeled, then packaged in a convenient twin pack, for an easy, ready-to-eat snack – no peeling required. …
Adventure Has Never Been Bigger: Clifford The Big Red Dog
“Magic is all around us if you just know where to look.” – Mr. Bridwell
Let me start out by saying: Clifford The Big Red Dog is a magical family film. We were offered an exclusive opportunity to view an advanced screening courtesy of eOne, and my boys loved it! The movie has a decidedly innocent throwback appeal; generations of fans of the original literary series have already fallen in love with the over-the-top main character and this movie has been long awaited by children and their parents alike! Here’s the official movie synopsis:
When middle-schooler Emily Elizabeth (Darby Camp) meets a magical animal rescuer (John Cleese) who gifts her a little, red puppy, she never anticipated waking up to find a giant ten-foot hound in her small New York City apartment. While her single mom (Sienna Guillory) is away for business, Emily and her fun but impulsive uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) set out on an adventure that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat as our heroes take a bite out of the Big Apple. Based on the beloved Scholastic book character, Clifford will teach the world how to love big!…
If I Knew Then What I Know Now… Living with Psoriasis
When I was just 11 years old, I asked my mom to look at my scalp. “It feels strange,” I worried. It was mildly itchy and had a tingly, almost burning sensation. Additionally, I had felt quite a few bumpy patches that I couldn’t keep my hands off. “Have you been picking?” she asked, knowing that I tended to scrape and pick at scabs. “Yes,” I admitted. “It’s very itchy!”
(That was only partially true. Have you ever seen the payoff from psoriasis scabs? They’re like the size of cornflakes and I found them so satisfying to peel! Disclaimer: Don’t do this!)
My mom marched me to our family doctor who a) diagnosed me with psoriasis and b) suggested a coal tar shampoo of which I can still recall the smell to this day. Faithfully, once a week, I tipped my head over in the bathtub while my mom massaged the shampoo into my hair and scalp. When I was older, I took over the duties myself, and weaned myself off the regimen when my psoriasis improved – though it never completely went away.
While I tried not to let my psoriasis get me down, it nevertheless affected me psychologically throughout my teens and twenties. I rarely wore my hair up, concerned that the scales and scabs would be more visible if I pulled my locks away from my scalp. I panicked when my hairdresser went on vacation, knowing I’d be too embarrassed to have a new stylist do my hair. When I dated, I freely disclosed my condition out of fear that a man would nonchalantly run his fingers through my hair – and draw back in surprise.
It’s obvious that while I thought I was “managing” my psoriasis, I was still allowing it to control my day-to-day. Fast forward to 2014, when, after decades of letting my psoriasis symptoms wax and wane, my joints flared to the point where I was disabled with swelling and pain for over six months. The diagnosis: psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Today, I have mild flares of psoriasis on my scalp, lips and elbows, but I’m considered to be in clinical remission thanks to the medications I take for my psoriatic arthritis (which have the added benefit of keeping my psoriasis in check). I regularly see both a dermatologist and rheumatologist for my conditions, making sure to advocate for myself when I need to. Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist based in Toronto at Skin Science Dermatology.
In the days leading up to the interview, an idea started to form – I wanted to share with you some things I wish I knew about psoriasis decades ago (that I know now). Dr. Yadav was knowledgeable and thoroughly answered my questions, which in turn allowed me to create the following list for you!
1. Psoriasis is a lifelong condition.
If I had clearly understood that my psoriasis would likely be with me for the rest of my life, I would have taken more definitive steps sooner to get my condition under control (and certainly before it progressed to PsA). …
Mydoh: Earn, Spend, Play. Smart!
This post is sponsored by Mydoh. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
I have a teen and tween and they’re both EXCITED to perform their weekly chores. Yes, really! And it’s all thanks to Mydoh, the digital app with a Smart Cash Card that helps kids learn and practice money management.
However, things weren’t always so simple. Let me rewind:
Now that our boys are back in school, I decided it was a great time to re-establish a routine for chores. Together, we decided what they would be responsible for, and how much we would compensate them for each completed task. Generally, the boys had weekly responsibilities, which included washing their uniforms, dusting areas of the home, cleaning their bedrooms and reducing clutter from high-traffic areas such as the kitchen and family room….
Rewarding My Lifestyle with Neo
Rewards.
Cashback.
No Annual Fee.
Oh yeah, you’re speaking my language, Neo Financial!
I was first persuaded to join the Neo Community via a promotion from Hudson’s Bay. There’s just something about the words “additional % off…” that I can’t refuse! I was absolutely floored by the simple process that had me approved, with credit card number in hand, in less than 20 minutes. Everything was done digitally, including providing a selfie with my mobile phone! …
Simplify Weekday Mornings with Evive Smoothies!
Parents, it’s crunch time.
Back to school time can be both exciting and exhilarating. Supplies have been purchased, routines have been established and after a long, lazy summer, kiddos are ready to be reunited with their classmates.
But weekday mornings? Still crazy.
The ongoing struggle with my boys is ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast – preferably that they can make themselves – that’s ready in a pinch. Thank goodness for Evive Smoothies!
Evive, the original blender-free smoothie, takes just 30 seconds to make – simply pop the cubes in a bottle, add your favourite liquid (juice, milk or water) and shake. I find the smoothie cubes are best incorporated when steeped in liquid for 15-20 minutes, so combine the cubes and liquid, let the kids continue their morning routine, shake… and YUM! …
Phantom Screens: Five Benefits of Retractable Screen Doors
If you’d like to welcome fresh air into your home, reduce energy costs, enjoy natural lighting and more… this is your sign to purchase a retractable screen door from Phantom Screens.
Our retractable screen door, professionally installed by Ontario Screen Systems Inc., Phantom Screens authorized distributor, is sleek and stylish, easy to use, and most importantly, retracts fully when not in use (preserving the beauty of our balcony door). When we first researched screen doors, our needs were simple: to keep the bugs out. However, with continued use over several months (and seasons), we’ve discovered many surprise benefits, including:
1. Improved air quality = improved mood. You’ve heard the saying, “Like a breath of fresh air” – now sit back and enjoy the real benefits to your emotional well-being and mental clarity when you have fresh air circulating all day long. Phantom Screens retractable screens make it easy – they fit all types of doors including in-swing, out-swing, single, double and slider doors. …
Back to School Tips: Organizing the Entryway
With the new school year just around the corner, I decided it was time to reorganize our home’s entryway. I know it’s not typically associated with back to school preparations, but the foyer actually sees the most traffic and chaos: masks are thrown, shoes are kicked off and lunch bags stay nestled in backpacks (often with leftover food inside – my biggest pet peeve)!
To set up my kids for success, I stopped by Kitchen Stuff Plus and grabbed stylish, affordable accessories to help organize the space. I can’t believe such small changes made such a big impact! Here are my top tips and product recos:
1. Start with large, high quality indoor mat. Especially over the winter months when slush finds its way in the home, you’ll want to ensure that kids know to keep their shoes and boots planted firmly on the doormat. I found this sleek, Harman Textaline ‘Trace’ Vinyl Indoor-Outdoor Mat. Available in an array of designs and sizes, its non-slip backing prevents shifting and skidding, and the mat cleans easily by simply wiping with a damp cloth.
2. Keep it simple: use a coat rack. We have a gorgeous, spacious, mirrored closet adjacent to our foyer… but somehow, my kids haven’t mastered the trick of opening the closet and hanging their coats. (Okay, they’re just lazy. We know this.) After years of nagging I finally decided to simply their lives (and mine) by purchasing this gorgeous, sleek KSP Spoke Metal Coat Rack. A simple and modern design helps tidy up outerwear, and I love that it suits any décor! A wide metal base keeps the coat rack secure. …
Mommy Needs a Cocktail! Iconic Mixed Drinks to Make at Home
As the world begins to open safely, we’re once again dreaming, planning and enjoying leisure travel! While everyone has their own level of comfort when it comes to vacations abroad, at the very least, we’re all hoping to move in a decidedly forward and positive direction.
In the meantime, why not bring a little bit of the Caribbean into your home this summer? Beaches Resorts has generously shared the recipes for their most popular cocktails mixed at their all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Until you can experience the ultimate luxury family getaway at one of their stunning properties (my pick: Beaches Turks & Caicos!), let’s cheers at home to sandy beaches and warm breezes!
And to be honest – whether it’s planning the perfect getaway or simply balancing the highs and lows of everyday life, sometimes, mommy needs a cocktail!
Be sure to pin the following recipe cards for a taste of paradise at home – I’m sure you’ll feel all the vacay vibes while recreating these popular cocktails! (Tip: Simply leave out the alcohol for a delicious mocktail.) …
Five Cool Tips for a Backyard Ice Cream Bar
Ah, summer. The season of tank tops and flip flops; when kids play until the streetlights come on and adults sip a drink (or two) on the patio. This summer I’m not taking a single day for granted! As much of the country continues to reopen, I’m looking forward to reuniting with loved ones safely.
For our first family get together, we created a backyard ice cream bar! The best thing about the set-up is that it’s so easy to organize and you can customize it to suit your preferences. It also gives us the perfect reason to indulge in our favourite Chapman’s Premium Ice Cream!
Here are five cool tips to create your own ice cream bar at home:
1. Plan your spread. At your next grocery run, grab a variety of candies, chocolates, nuts, sprinkles and syrups – basically everything you’d love as a topping for your ice cream. Then, select your favourite flavours of Chapman’s Premium Ice Cream – with its velvety smooth texture, rich creamy taste and sinfully delicious flavour combinations, half the fun is choosing which flavours to feature! My picks: Strawberry Shortcake, French Vanilla, Black Cherry, Caramel Praline, Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Pistachios and Almonds Ice Cream! …
What Will Your Story Be? A Conversation about GARDASIL®9
This post is sponsored by Merck Canada. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
It was just two weeks ago that an email landed in my inbox: “Physical Education Form – Please Sign”. Normally I skim over such permission slips, but this time, the words seemed to jump off the page –
We will examine some aspects of sexuality, including sexual characteristics, sexual identity, and sexual roles. We will review the changes of puberty and the development of male and female fertility. We will discuss sexually transmitted diseases, and how to prevent them.
It suddenly hit me – I’ll soon have brand new teenager in the house. And he’s almost TALLER than me.
Conversations that I’d convinced myself I could put off for months (years?) suddenly became a priority. And while I know that my boy’s father will take the reins for much of the “talk”, as a woman, and as a Canadian mother to boys who may choose to become sexually active in the coming years, it’s my responsibility to openly discuss HPV infection, cervical cancer and how to help protect against both. By getting vaccinated to help protect himself against HPV, his own risk of getting infected is reduced and he may, in turn, be less likely to transmit HPV to his partner(s). …
Live Your Life in Style: The All-New, All-Hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna
This year, I’ve been tasked with replacing not one – but TWO – family vehicles. Our leased cars are due back in the spring and summer, and over the past four years, our boys have grown from primary school kids to tweens to teens. Therefore, our “wish list” for a vehicle has evolved somewhat dramatically; having multiple interior power points and ports to charge the kids’ iPads and electronics is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.
If you told me a few months ago that I’d seriously consider a Toyota Sienna, I would have raised my eyebrows in surprise. Then again, the all-new, all-hybrid 2021 Toyota Sienna has done much to pleasantly surprise me – in the best way possible.
Considered a technology leader for modern families, this boldly designed minivan raises the bar for style, safety, comfort, versatility and fuel efficiency. Quite simply, it’s what a next-generation minivan should be.
First impression: the styling is gorgeous. I expected the 2021 Toyota Sienna to be spacious – but I didn’t expect it to be sexy. The interior boasts a clean and streamlined design with a sleek dashboard, a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system and the innovative Bridge Console, which is the key to allocating personalized space to the driver and front passenger. …
Your 2020 Tax Return: A Little Lift from TurboTax
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. …