Domesticated Momma

Virtual Play Date - Busy Town Takes on the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 25 May 2012 18:23:00 +0000

I'm participating in the Virtual Play Date link-up with Mom vs The Boys and Maple Leaf Mommy. Come on over and join in on the fun!

Fit & Firm: Daily Workout Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Between Mother's Day and the Victoria Day long weekend, I kind of plateaued. I felt bored with my workouts. While I still pushed through them... I just wasn't feeling it.

I went searching the interwebz for daily workout plans. I came across a fabulous Tumblr post by Back On Pointe. This post has been my go-to all week! It's been the change that I've needed and challenge that I've been craving.

The great thing about these workouts is that you can spread them out and do them over the day. I, personally, prefer to devote nap time to working out... so I can knock these baby's off in 20 to 30 minutes. You don't need to commit to doing HIIT (high intensity interval training) daily... you can pick a few days a week to do these workouts and a couple days to focus on cardio, yoga, the deed (don't giggle... sex is a good way to burn calories), or whatever else may tickle your fancy! No excuses.

Generally speaking I work out 5 to 6 days a week. I follow my body's cues. If my body is screaming, tired and it feels like it needs a break. I take it. The one thing I try to focus on preventing is injury... so if you do the above mentioned workouts... remember to warm up and cool down.

Be sure to speak with your physician before beginning any workout plan to make sure it is right for you!

Happy Friday!

Thirsty Thursday: Summer Sippers

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:00 +0000

If reside in the Toronto or surrounding area, you'll agree with me when I say it feels like summer has arrived. Now it may be too early to call it just yet, but for now lets embrace the summer heat with an iced cold bevvie!

Watermelon Limeade (via Just Us Girls and Tales of a Ranting Ginger)

The Sarasota (via Desserted Planet)

1 large bottle of Moscato or Riesling Wine

1 can of raspberry lemonade concentrate

a splash of sprite

crushed raspberries

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

Green Tea Soda (via Better Homes and Gardens)

Cheers!

Long Weekend, Birthdays and Road Trips!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:42:00 +0000

I always feel this overwhelming sensation when I talk about my Nannie (Great Grandma). I'm so blessed to have her in my life and to have gotten to know her as well as I have over the years. From the age of 4 until the age of 11, I spent summer after summer out in the boonies with her. I skipped summer camp and opted to head straight to her place. There was never much to do. No TV or any of that. I was just content to bond, bake and learn from her life experiences.

This past Friday, my Nannie celebrated her 91st birthday.

We spent 6 hours (round trip) driving on Saturday to head up to her nursing home and celebrate with her. I always get so excited when I get to visit my Nannie. This occasion was no different.

The moment we walked into the nursing home, my Nannie started to cry. She had been expecting my Nana and Mom... she had no idea that my children and I were always tagging along. She was so overjoyed.

This visit... while it was nice was also very emotionally draining. I'm not going to delve into too many details out of respect of the privacy for my family... but if you follow me on Twitter you've probably seen me talking about my Nana's (Nannie's daughter) battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. I'm going to leave it at that as I'm getting misty-eyed. Between my Nannie's roommate passing away last week and on top of everything else, while we all shared in many laughs... there were also many tears.

I'm just grateful that we got to have all 5 generations in one room again!

Happy birthday to one of the most inspiring women I know!

WW: Spring Fling {Linky}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:13:00 +0000

Cheers to the Frickin' Weekend!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 18 May 2012 17:36:00 +0000

It's Friday... BUT... not only is it Friday! It's a Friday before the long weekend. Can I get a woot, woot?!

What's not to love about this forecast?

I could live, dream and breathe sunshine! It's so glorious. Too bad every day can't be as beautiful as the forecast for this weekend depicts. I'll take what I can get.

You'll find me outdoors for the most of this long weekend... enjoying time with my family, soaking up the sun and maybe sipping a few beers.

Not only that...Tomorrow I will be heading up North to visit with my Great Grandma. Today she is celebrating her 91st birthday! It's not too often I get to see her, so I'm really looking forward to our visit.

What are you up to this holiday long weekend?

I hope you have a safe and fabulous weekend!

Foodie Friday: Cheese Burger Mac & Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Foodie Friday is back!!!

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted a recipe. It's been a LONG while since I posted an easy recipe. Everyone loves a meal that is simple to throw together and get on the table in a short amount of time. You can't deny that!

The recipe I'm about to share with you is a huge hit with my kids. It's the perfect meal for a night where you just seem to have no time at all, need to kid the kids feed and off to their extracurricular commitments. It's also my favorite comfort food!

Ingredients
1lb Ground Beef
2 cups of beef broth
1 can (541ml) Aylmer Accent Italian Petite Tomatoes
1 packet of taco seasoning
2 cups of uncooked macaroni (don't substitute with any other pasta - trust me!)

Sauce
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Directions
Brown the ground beef; drain off fat.

Add in taco seasoning, beef broth, tomatoes, and macaroni. Heat to boiling and reduce heat to simmer for 12 to 15 minutes.

While your meat/pasta mixture is simmering, you can start preparing your sauce.

Melt the butter in a shallow pot. Once completely melted, add in flour. Whisk to combine and keep whisking until the roux is fragrant and light brown in colour. Whisk in the milk. Bring to boil and whisk until the mixture is thickened.

Remove from heat. Add in seasoned salt, pepper and cheese. Whisk until smooth and the cheese has melted.

Once your pasta noodles are cooked and most of the broth is absorbed (there may still be a bit remaining - that's ok)... mix in your cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.

Let stand a few minutes before serving.

Happy eating!

Note: This dish is inspired by Kevin & Amanda's original Cheeseburger Macaroni dish. I've made some slight modifications.

Stress Management Means A Healthier Baby! {Guest Post}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

When people talk about important elements of a healthy pregnancy, they often mention proper nutrition and exercise. Stress management on the part of the mother is also essential to the developing baby for a number of reasons. High levels of stress during pregnancy can cause developmental and emotional problems in a baby after it's born. In contrast, keeping stress down during pregnancy can help foster the development of a happy, healthy baby. Here are some ways mothers can reduce stress and maintain a good environment for the baby while it's still in the womb.

Slow Down and Relax
In the modern world, many of us are so used to the frenetic pace of life that we hardly give it a second thought anymore. During pregnancy, taking time out to relax can really benefit you and your baby. This can be done in many different ways. For example, cooking a meal from scratch and then devoting yourself fully to enjoying it is a great way to unwind. Eating slowly and mindfully also improves digestion and nutrient absorption, aiding healthy development for your baby. Yoga is another great way to relax. Although pregnant mothers should not attempt all poses, many are safe and help to dissolve stress for you and your baby.

Image Source: Do You Yoga

Practicing Positive Thinking
By monitoring your own thoughts and perceptions, you can more easily maintain a positive outlook that keeps stress levels down. Keeping an eye out for negative environmental triggers that upset you can clue you in to ways to improve your mental hygiene. Practicing affirmations of your own strengths and accomplishments can make a huge difference in your levels of satisfaction and happiness. Overcoming negative emotions such as anger, guilt, and bitterness also goes a long way toward making sure your baby is as healthy as can be.

Cord Blood Banking for Peace of Mind
Planning for cord blood banking provides assurance that a related source of stem cells will be available to the family if necessary for a medical treatment down the road. Performed immediately after delivery, the umbilical cord blood is collected and stored in a private facility. This is a great way to help de-stress about future health issues that may arise.

Image Source: Just Kegel

Exercising for Better Mood
During pregnancy you may feel like lazing about at home, but staying active is vital to mood and health. There are many ways you can get light exercise that's appropriate during pregnancy. Getting out of the house and going for a long walk is a great way to keep you and your baby in shape. Swimming is another excellent exercise that can be as light or strenuous as you make it. Moderation is important when it comes to exercise during pregnancy, but at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day is recommended for pregnant mothers unless prohibited by a medical condition.

With these healthy preparations made, you will be starting your newborn off on the right foot and helping to ensure their health and growth, as well as your recovery.

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This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog, Moore From Katie or her twitter @moorekm26.

WW: Big Sister, Little Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:16:00 +0000

Inter-Varsity #PioneerCamp {Share & W!n Con+est}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:33:00 +0000

Summer is just around the corner. We've certainly been getting a little taste of it over these past few days. The sunshine, warmer temperatures... It's been calming. The summer fever will definitely set in over this Victoria Day long weekend.

With the school year getting closer to drawing to an end, you and your children must be beginning to think a lot about what to do over the summer. Well, I have a fabulous idea... Summer camp! Something I've been speaking to you a lot about over the past few months. I even shared with you an amazing contest from the Inter-Varsity Camps.

The Inter-Varsity Pioneer Camps have a lot to offer their attendees. Not only are the camps spread out across Canada, but all Pioneer Camps have a different look and feel.

Alberta Pioneer

in-line with CSR - 1 lake, 1 pool
primary focus activity - horsemanship

Manitoba Pioneer

smallest of the 4 Pioneer camps
most extensive wilderness/tripping activities --> 5, 10, 20, days out in the wilderness with other campers
LIT program (not eligible for 20% off coupon - but great draw for leadership training)

Ontario Pioneer

3 main offerings:
Adventure camp (ages 5-10): 2-1 camper to staff ratio, archery, mountain biking, swimming and arts and crafts.
Girls camp (ages 7-16): wilderness and day trip exploring, canoeing and kayaking, weekly theme or programs, 1 week wilderness trip.
Boys camp (ages 7-16): wilderness and day trip exploring, canoeing and kayaking, weekly theme or programs, 1 week wilderness trip.

Pioneer Pacific - Thetis Island (North of Vancouver Island)

ocean-driven experience
whale-watching
water sports
along with everything else that comes with the camp experience

Could you imagine sending your child to one of these beautiful camps? Well... you have the opportunity! Enter the Share and Win contest. Who knows -- you could win!! If you did... while your child is at camp - you could be vacationing in beautiful Punta Cana! Such a dream! A dream that could come true, if you enter.

All of my Canadian (excluding Quebec... sorry!) readers can easily enter to win. Entering is easy... Simply visit Pioneer Camp, fill out a short form and share to increase your chances of winning!
Contest closes: June 15, 2012 @ 11:59PM

Disclosure: I have received compensation for this post. All views expressed are those of my own and not of a PR company or brand. This contest is open to Canadian readers (excluding Quebec). Contest closes June 15, 2012 at 11:59PM.

#RogersSmartHome Monitoring Systems {Share &W!n Contest}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:26:00 +0000

Imagine.. you're home alone, lying in bed. You're all settled in for the night, ready to just unwind and read a book... when the doorbell rings. You're not expecting any visitors. Your heart starts to race. Who could it be?!? What could someone possibly want at 10PM?!?

Breathe.

With the Rogers Smart Home Monitoring System, you can easily check who is at your door without having to get out of your bed and answer the door. You're always connected to your home whether you are there or touching base remotely.

What's even more is that the Rogers Smart Home Monitoring System is completely automated. You can control aspects of your home -- like turning the lights on/off or adjusting your thermostat -- with the push of a button through your wireless device. How cool is that?!

I'm a little travel bug, so I can't tell you how often I worry while I'm away about if I remembered to do something. With Rogers Smart Home vacations would become worry-free. You'd be able to rest easy. Knowing your home is protected and monitored, 24/7.

All of my Ontario readers can easily enter to win 1 of 5 Rogers Smart Home Monitoring Systems. This prize is valued at over $1,500. Entering is easy... Simply visit Rogers Smart Home, fill out a short form and share, share, share to increase your chances of winning!

Seriously it's that easy to enter...

You'll just need to...

provide your contact information.
click to answer why Rogers Smart Home is important to you.
answer 4 easy questions
share the giveaway with your friends and family to increase your chances of winning!

Prize valued at $1,518.83 each and includes:

1 Touchpad
3 Door/Window Sensors
1 Motion Detector
1 Key fob
1 Camera
1 Thermostat
1 Lamp Control
Service for one year

There's only a few more days left to get those entries in.... So what are you still waiting for? If you reside in Ontario, Canada hurry on over to Rogers Smart Home and enter today! What have you got to lose?! This contest started March 1, 2012 and continues until 5:00PM EST on May 16, 2012 "contest closing date".

Good luck to all entrants!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Compensation has been received in exchange for publishing. All opinions expressed are those of my own and not a PR company or brand.

Going Once, Twice.... SOLD to the Highest Bidder!

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:43:00 +0000

At 12:01AM on May 5, our house went live on the market.

We had 8 showings on Saturday; 18 showings on Sunday.

By 4:15PM on Sunday our house had been taken off the market and we had several offers registered.

A bidding war and home inspection later... our house is officially SOLD for over asking!

It all seems so crazy... so surreal. It happened so fast. I just can't believe it! I'm high on adrenaline from excitement!!

Excuse me - Canadian Dad - when I say this... BUT - Woot! Woot!

WW: Cancun Adventures {Linky}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:14:00 +0000

Speroway - "Raise Money for Haiti" {& Contes+}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:17:00 +0000

Speroway is a Canadian charity that was once known as Feed the Children - Canada. Speroway partners with other loving Canadians to care for the needs of children and their families, both in Canada and worldwide by providing food, medicine, education and other essentials with Christian love, compassion and integrity.

Speroway (pronounced spare-o-way) is a very unique name that is derived from two different meanings. Spero is a Latin word which means hope. Whereas as way represents the path we follow.

Speroway is currently running a giveaway in hopes to get people to take notice of their ongoing efforts, name change and to try to help raise money for Haiti. The grand prize includes:

· 1 – iPad HD 2012 (16GB)

· $500 WaySpa Gift Card

· Cineplex Night Out Gift Pack for 4

· 2 “Big Kaboodle” combo packs from Mabel’s Labels

Entering is simple... Visit Speroway to fill out a simple questionnaire and share! Your chances of winning are increased as you share with your friends and family! How amazing is that!

Speroway is committed to delivering hope to children and families in need. Their programs are a reflection of their ongoing support and care for those less fortunate.

Programs include:

Feed-a-Child
"Look into the face of a hungry child and you’ll see a child with real hopes, real fears, and a very real need to eat. From areas devastated by natural disasters to countries caught in the grip of poverty, countless hungry children need help!"

Child Champions
"Reach into the life of a child through our child sponsorship program and become a “Child Champion”. You can impact a child’s life forever. Every child deserves basic necessities like food, medical care, and education. Changing a child’s future – can you think of anything more important?"

Medical Team
"We seek your continued support for our medical teams. This program provides medicines and vitamins in its mobile clinics, along with food and other supplies. Assistance is also required in shipping containers of food, medicines and other life-saving essentials to overseas locations."

First Nations
"High unemployment rates and an extremely high cost of living results in First Nations communities in Northern Canada living in poverty. This can be unreasonably difficult for First Nation children who simply want to have a good meal everyday."

Abandoned Baby Center
"A baby’s feverish eyes show the suffering. Ragged breath points to pneumonia, tuberculosis or worse. The agony of slow starvation is heartbreaking, and every day babies like this are orphaned or abandoned in Kenya. They are innocent victims and their needs are urgent!"

Food Drops
"We gather food from over 110 procurement partners and other generous groups and put together a 25+ pound box of food – enough to provide a child a meal a day for 7 days. Food drops are a tangible way to put our mission into action and to provide a helping hand to people in communities across Canada."

Special Projects
"You can make a difference for hungry children by organizing a Special Project Fundraiser. These projects are a fun and fulfilling way to take a stand against hunger with Speroway."

It's amazes me to know and think that amazing charitable organizations like this exist. Let's band together and raise awareness about Speroway and their ongoing initiatives. While yes... they've recently changed their name, website, facebook page... what hasn't changed is their love to help children and their families.

Some of Speroway's highlights from 2010 include:

Emergency medical team to Port Au Prince, Haiti.
50 children and 12 youth per day at our First Nations Camp.
4.54 million lbs. of food/product distributed.
Distributed 3724 food boxes.
Over 4000 medical and dental patients treated in El Salvador.
The working support of 844 volunteers at our warehouse and office.
Domestic GIK distributed: $6,635,098 (over $1.8 million to First Nations).
International GIK distributed: $1,946,024

Hop on over - ENTER the giveaway and help raise money for Haiti and awareness of Speroway.

This contest is open to CANADA, excluding Quebec. A full list of rules and regulations can be found HERE.

Contest Period: April 26, 2012 at 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time and ends on June 22, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

To learn more about Speroway and their ongoing initiatives, please do check out their Facebook Page and/or website.

Disclosure: This post has been compensated, all opinions are my own. I’m not responsible for the prize in any way shape or form – just letting you know about it!

Source: Please note all videos, images and informational facts are acquired directly from the Speroway website.

Fit & Firm: True Story

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Sat, 05 May 2012 01:51:00 +0000

I really don't have much to say about my journey this week. Hard to believe, eh?!? Me... speechless?! Seems almost surreal. I'm the girl that never seems to shut up. Honestly though I've been inundated with so much house crap this week. My mind is mush!

So I leave you with this...

Happy Friday y'all!

T-Fal 2 in 1 Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer {PTPA Winner Review}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:36:00 +0000

Life with a newborn can be quite hectic. We'd like to daydream about it being all peachy keen and laid back, but not always does it work out that way. As a new Mom... I used to try to opt to use products that were user friendly, safe and time sensitive.

I'm sure if you're a parent you can remember that antagonizing feeling of rocking a screaming baby while you wait anxiously for the bottle to warm. My bottle warmer always seemed to take what felt like forever to warm up. 5 minutes far too long.

If only I had been introduced to the T-Fal 2 and 1 Bottle Warmer & Sterilizer back then... I would have been set. Seriously. This product is a must have... it is that amazing!!!

"The T-Fal 2 in 1 appliance allows you to sterilize and warm bottles and jars quickly and easily. Ideal for travel.
• Quick and easy to use - Sterilises a bottle and its accessories in 6 1/2 minutes and heat an8 oz. bottle in 2 minutes at the same time.
• Ideal for heating or sterilizing all types of standard and wide neck bottles, small food jars and accessories
• Natural steam sterilisation at 203°F for optimal sterilisation effectiveness. Destroys the bacteria responsible for collic. Tested and effective on the following bacteria: Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium.
• Heat bottled milk and jarred baby food conveniently with 4 pre-set heating times, depending quantity.
• Automatic shut-off when the sterilisation is complete. Audible sound signal to indicate when warming is complete." - Source: PTPA Media

This product is perfect for busy Mom's that are on the go! I loved how user friendly and quiet the appliance is. The small, sleek design is not an eye sore and can easily be tucked away under the counter without taking up too much space. The appliance works within a matter of minutes. Whether you need to warm or sterilize a bottle... maybe even both... it gets the job done!

This product will definitely be my go-to gift for any baby showers. It's so awesome! I tell all my Mommy friends about it.

T-Fal 2 in 1 Bottle Warm and Sterilizer was recently given the Parent Tested, Parent Approved seal! Congrats to T-Fal!

If you'd like to become a PTPA Parent Tester hop on over to PTPA and sign up!

And We're Listed...

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:36:00 +0000

It's been a crazy few days... weeks... months. Purging, cleaning, renovating. For those who follow my blog regularly, you know we're building a house from the ground up. It's been an exciting tiring, albeit very exciting time

Tonight we had our realtor in to get the ball rolling on the sale of our current house. It feels almost surreal. This is the first home my husband and I have ever owned together and now we're getting ready to sell it. Wow!

I still remember worrying as a child about how I would ever afford to have a roof over my head and provide for my own family. I could never fathom how my parents got by. Silly, right... I know! BUT - that was me a huge worrier. Always daydreaming about my future.

And here we are!

Married 5 years. 2 kids later and we're ready to move on to house numero duex! Insane!

We've made many memories in our current house. Ones we'll carry with us forever. It'll be bittersweet when it comes time to move out. This is the house where my son was born. Such a special moment. I can't wait to take him for a drive one day when he is old enough to understand and show him the house where he was once born.

Holy crow... I'm getting teary just thinking about it. It's all this excitement I tell ya!

Our house will be on the market as of tomorrow night or Friday. Eeps!!!

WW: Mayan Cenote {Linky}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:52:00 +0000

Buffalo Chicken Lasagna w/ Olivieri & G|veaway

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:40:00 +0000

We're a house of lasagna lovers. I don't make it all that often, but typically when I do I turn to the trusty ol' crock pot. Simply for the fact that it's easy and I don't have to waste my time boiling noodles.

Recently I was introduced to Olivieri Lasagna Sheets. These sheets are fresh ready-to-go pasta noodles. The can be located in your local grocery store near the deli section in the fresh pasta island.

The Olivieri Lasagna Sheets were amazing. They simplified dinner prep... and we all know how long prep can take when making a lasagna. Not always as easy with little ones tugging on you. Today I didn't run into that problem. Amazing!

We've been down and out with head colds for the past few days. Given how crummy we've been feeling I decided to make Buffalo Chicken Lasagna. Some of you may remember my original crock pot recipe. Buffalo Chicken Lasagna was just the meal we needed to kick the cold out of us. The spicy heat did just the trick! The Olivieri Lasagna Sheets were the perfect addition to this meal. The last thing I wanted to do was stand over the stove longer than I had to.

Ingredients
1 Package of Olivieri Lasagna Sheets (360g)
3 bonesless skinless chicken breasts (cooked and chopped or shredded)
2 sweet bell peppers (chopped, finely)
1 cup Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce (Make sure you use the Buffalo Sauce not the Hot Sauce)
28 oz Pasta Sauce
Tub of Ricotta Cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.

In a bowl combine the pasta sauce, buffalo sauce and chopped or shredded chicken.

Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray. Ladle a large spoonful of your sauce to cover the bottom of your casserole. Add a layer of lasagna sheets. You may need to cut the lasagna sheets to get them to properly fit and cover your casserole dish.

Spread a layer of ricotta cheese across the lasagna sheets. Add a layer of chopped bell peppers and a handful of shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients. I managed to get 3 layers. The final layer should finish with sauce and cheese.

Cover the casserole dish lightly with foil. Make sure the foil is not touching cheese. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes.

Let stand 5 to 10 minutes.

Want your own chance to try out Olivieri pasta? Here ya have it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All views and opinions expressed are those of my own.

Call Me Maybe

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:00:00 +0000

So I must live under a rock. I'm sure everyone and their Uncle has heard the song "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen by now. Everyone except me, that is.

Ever since hearing it on the radio over the weekend... I can't get it out of my head. I've been bopping around the house while humming along to the tune. It's love!

I guess I should be glad that I don't listen to the radio often because I'm sure that this track must be overplayed...

Pampers Launches "O Canada Baby"

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:51:00 +0000

"To help cheer on Team Canada at the upcoming London 2012 Olympic Games, Pampers, the iconic baby care brand, has teamed up with Canadian Olympic Games Bronze medalist and new mother, Priscilla Lopes-Schliep and her baby Nataliya to launch “O Canada, Baby” – the first version of the national anthem performed entirely by little athletes – babies." - Source: BusinessWire

My littlest man was lucky enough be have had the opportunity to submit a video of him cooing, giggling and babbling for consideration to be included in the first cut of Pampers "O Canada Baby". Unfortunately, he didn't make the initial 15 second video... It's all good though! We had so much fun filming him in his Team Canada baby olympic gear and capturing his finest baby moments.

So... I'm sure you're all wondering.. Is it too late to get my child involved? Of course not!

All you need to do is capture a video of your child being super cute... Y'know... laughing, cooing, gurgling, babbling and/or singing. Visit http://www.facebook.com/PampersCanada to upload the video. Once done sit back and watch as individual video cuts are made public on Facebook and at events across the country on Canada Day! It's really quite easy!

"A 15 second sneak peek of “O Canada, Baby” is now available on the Pampers Canada Facebook page. Individual cuts of the video will appear on Facebook on an ongoing basis and will be showcased at public events across the country on Canada Day on July 1st, 2012. To engage Canadian Twitter users at public events, an official #OCanadaBaby hashtag will be created for consumer discussion. The final “O Canada, Baby” video will be revealed during the Olympic Games to cheer on Team Canada." - Source: BusinessWire

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are those of my own and not a PR company.

#McHappyDay is Upon Us | Wednesday, May 2

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Come on out on Wednesday, May 2 and visit your local McDonald's and celebrate McHappy Day. Every $1 spent on the purchase of a Big Mac sandwich, McCafe beverage or Happy Meal will be donated to charities such as the Ronald McDonald house.

"RMHC Canada is the national organization that supports Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across the country, which provides families of sick children a home-away-from-home or a place of peace and calm within a hospital. McDonald’s Canada covers all of RMHC Canada’s administrative and operating costs, making it possible for 100 per cent of every directly donated dollar to go to Ronald McDonald Houses and their programs. " - Source: McDonalds

When I was 11, my sister was born preterm. She was very fragile and ill. The duration of the hospital stay (both before and) after her birth was quite lengthy. The drive to the hospital and home was an easy one. While it was very hard for me to be away from my Mom and baby sister for an extended period of time.... we lived within travel distance of the hospital.

There are many families who don't have these means. There are families that have to take up rooms in hotels near a hospital or even commute back and forth each day. It isn't convenient, it's costly and it adds undue stress. The last thing anyone wants... more stress... when already worrying about a sick loved one. There are Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across Canada that can provide support for these families of sick children.

My family has never had to receive the support of the Ronald McDonald House, but it's very comforting to know that places like this do exist.

So please mark May 2 on your calendar... and stop by McDonald's to pick up a Big Mac, coffee or Happy Meal! You'll be supporting a great cause.

Fit & Firm: Be the Best You That You Can Be.

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:33:00 +0000

The journey to be fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle isn't an easy road. So many venture down this road and anticipate that it's just going to this easy journey, but it's quite the opposite. It's challenging and bumpy. At the end of the day though, you battle your way through out. You do it for you. There's only one of you in existence. If you didn't put yourself first, who would?

I've had remind myself of this each day this week. It's been an off week. A week where I've had to battle with myself to workout and not binge on junk food. I'll admit it's been a stressful week, so that probably comes into play. I've definitely treated myself a little more than usual. That's okay though. It's all in moderation and discipline.

Be the best you, that you can be.

That's my motto. It speaks the truth. You have to be the best you that you can be. It doesn't require you to deprive yourself of anything. It just means that you should put yourself first and work for what you want to achieve in life.

In essence, I'm doing just that. I'm always my happiest after a good work out... and even a good ol' impromptu dance party. Maybe even a dance walk? Whatever works, right?!

Source: YouTube

While it's been an off week, I have managed to get my work outs in. I'm going to take a weekend of rest. It'll give my body time to recoup and my mind a chance to reflect. And hey, I may have binged this week... but next week is a new week. A week where I can focus myself on getting back on track!

10 Rules for a Happy Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Source: Southern Weddings Magazine

WW: Anniversary Getaway {Linky}

noreply@blogger.com (Nicole) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:26:00 +0000