Mom in Work PJs

Mothers Day Spa Giveaway ~ valued at $95 #PGMom

2013-05-03T05:55:00.001-07:00

Mother's Day Spa Prize Pack ~ valued at $95

DISCLAIMERS: Products may not be exactly as shown. I am a P&G Mom. As part of my affiliation with this group, I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own, are never influenced by brand relationships, and are not paid unless otherwise stated.

By entering the contest, you agree that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program; however, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected.

Open to Canadian residents only.

Crib Conversion Kit

2013-05-03T05:11:00.002-07:00

I think it may be time for Lil B to move onto a big boy bed. We recently got back from a weeks vacation and since we’ve been back he is refusing to sleep in his crib. Now it is either that he is still in vaca mode, or thinks that he can continue to sleep in a bed with me. Either way, it’s frustrating!

When we bought our crib, we made sure to get a convertible one so we wouldn’t have to buy him a new bed when the time came. I’m thinking that was an expensive mistake. I called around to buy the conversion kit and am told it is $299! Really? I can buy a whole new bed for cheaper than that.

So my tip to you, if you are crib shopping and thinking about getting a convertible crib, check out the prices of the conversion kit before you decide. That may make your decision easier.

30-Day Photo Challenge #MonthofMom #PGMom

2013-04-30T12:49:00.003-07:00

Starting tomorrow I will be taking part in the P&G 30-Day Month of Mom Photo Challenge. Every day during the month of May I will be sharing a photo inspired by the word of the day (see words below) on Twitter. You can follow along with the hashtag #MonthofMom. There will also be a few posts where I will share some of the P&G products that our household uses and loves.

I can’t wait to see the photos everyone comes up with, so feel free to join in on the challenge. Just take a photo that you think represents the word of the day, post on Twitter and/or Instagram and tag the photo with #MonthofMom. Be silly, be creative and have FUN.

I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group, I have been offered compensation to participate in the #MonthOfMom 30-day photo challenge. The views, opinions and photographs expressed on this blog and in my social networks are my own.

Bye-Bye Builders Mirror #DIY

2013-04-18T18:57:00.001-07:00

Oh my list of Pinterest DIY's is growing, but I've also been able to check another one off that list. Presenting my DIY bathroom mirror frame.

BEFORE

AFTER

All you need is:

baseboards the width that you would like your frame
paint
wood filler
no more nails
saw and mitre box

I am so pleased, I'm going to tackle my other two boring bathroom mirrors this summer. Anyone can do this and it makes the cheap builders mirror look like a million bucks!

How could you not? :)

2013-04-01T18:55:00.001-07:00

Smile with Confidence #Giveaway

2013-04-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

The first thing someone notices when they first meet you is likely your smile. Since you only have 3 – 7 seconds for someone to make their judgment about you, it’s important to make a good first impression.

April is Oral Health month and Crest is asking you to pledge to get a more confident smile by brushing, flossing and rinsing with Oral-B products for the next 30 days. If you visit the Crest Facebook page and make a pledge P&G will donate $1 to Dress for Success.*

Dress for Success promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Make your pledge today and be sure to make the most of your confident smile.

To aid you in getting that super smile, P&G is providing an Oral-B Professional Deep Sweep Triaction 5000 prize valued at $110** to one of my lucky readers. I have this toothbrush and can tell you it rocks. I will never turn back to using a manual brush!

ENTER:

Smile with confidence Open to Canadian Resident Only. By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program; however, to be fair you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more than once, another winner will be selected

Dance into spring with Yoga Jeans

2013-04-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

I have previously shared my love for Second Denim's Yoga Jeans and that love still continues.

These jeans are super comfortable and hold their shape like no other - just say no to sagging bum jeans!

I wanted to share the spring line that Second Denim has just come out with. Choose from colors such as Watermelon, Peppermint or Sunflower; these jeans scream spring. I'm not sure which color I love more.

Check out their video that explores color, real women and the amazing feeling you get when you wear a pair of yoga jeans.

Bye-bye honey oak banister #DIY

2013-03-22T06:22:00.000-07:00

This fall/winter I made over our staircase. When we moved into this house I knew it was a DIY project I would want to tackle asap.

The staircase was a blonde oak that looked dated and terrible - not to mention the ugly mirrors that they had on the wall – can you say circa 1980? The staircase is the first thing you see when you enter the house and this is definitely the not the first impression I want to give people.

After pouring over many pictures online I settled on a dark stained handrail with white spindles. I debated on doing the entire thing white, but decided the dark railing would hid the hand-prints better.

Now just a warning if you are planning on doing this, it takes more time than you think, but is totally worth it! Here is a quick breakdown on the steps I did:

Clean all the wood. I just vacuumed it all and used a damp cloth with all-purpose cleaner
Sand, then sand and sand some more. I only sanded the banister and the end posts and it still took a LONG time. I bought a small sander like this one and it helped a lot. I couldn't imagine doing it all by hand.
After you sand you will have a ton of dust so make sure you clean it all before you move onto staining.
I took about 3 coats of stain to get it covered the way I wanted it. I used a black stain and if I had to do it again, I’d probably paint it or use a gel stain. It was tough getting it to go on even and not run.
After the stain was dry I applied a heavy duty primer to the spindles. I used Glidden Gripper Primer as advised by a professional painter. I only did one coat, but probably could have done two.
Then came time to paint. I painted the spindles the same white that was used on our baseboards and doors. It took two coats of paint to get complete coverage. I used a small brush to get in all the little cracks of the spindles, which added to the amount of time this took.
Underneath our railing there was a brass piece that holds the spindles. You can’t stain brass and I originally thought I’d just leave it, but it stuck out like a sore thumb. So I bought some black craft paint (for metal) and a small brush and painted the underneath of the handrail. It looks so much better and really didn't take too much additional time.

I am so glad I undertook this project, I love the results. Now to get the carpet up and stain the stairs...

Fisher-Price: A Million Moments of Joy Contest

2013-03-08T06:05:00.002-08:00

Having our second child was not an easy one for me. It came as a surprise and one that I am not fully sure I was ready for, but I don’t know if I ever would have been truly ready. Having our first son die as an infant brought an OVERabundance of stress to what should be a blissful event, the pregnancy.

When Lil B arrived I was HeadOVERheels for him, but also scared and OVERprotective (and I think rightfully so). We’d make anyone that came into our home wash their hands before they could even go sneak a peek at him. We really didn't take him to any public places and if we did, we’d avoid any contact with people that may touch him (you know those people that insist on grabbing babies hands! Urgh) I’m sure people thought we were crazy, but we didn't care.

Having Lil B in our lives brings us so much joy. Seeing him happy and becoming a sweet little boy makes the craziness we endured, when he was first born, all worth it. What parent doesn't love to see their little one flourishing?

I recently learned that Fisher-Price was launching a Million Moments of Joy campaign and I had to share my moments with you so you know you are not alone, if you also feel neurotic when it comes to your little one. :)

You may be feeling OVERwhelmed, OVERtired or just plain OVERit. Fisher-Price wants you to share your Million Moments of Joy and celebrate all the joys of parenthood.

Upload a video or photo and be automatically entered into a draw to win one of eight weekly prize packs worth approximately $200 that include:

My Little Snugabunny™ Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
Ocean Wonders™ Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

Contest ends on April 29th and is open to Canadians only (excluding Quebec).

Goodluck everyone, I can't wait to read all about your Million Moments of Joy.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Million Moments of Joy Blogger Campaign by MomCentral Canada on behalf of Fisher-Price. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Spring Cleaning Challenge

2013-03-03T17:04:00.000-08:00

The sun seems to be coming out more and spring is right around the corner...right?! I saw a blog post last year motivating people to get their spring cleaning done by checking off one thing from the list per day and after a few weeks your house will be cleaned from top to bottom. Sounds good to me.

Anyone want to give it a go?

Here is the list from Finely Ground.

Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans--microfiber dampened with vinegar is good.
Sweep cobwebs in corners and along the ceiling.
Dust all horizontal surfaces—tops of doors, picture frames, shelves, baseboards, counters...
Magic Eraser or spot-clean the walls.
Wipe down circulating fans, wall, and floor vents with a cloth dampened with vinegar.
Get a new vacuum filter (seriously, when's the last time you did it?)
Take everything off the bed and launder, including things you might wash less often like comforters or bedskirts.
Sprinkle the mattress with baking soda and let sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it all up with the brush attachment. You can do this while your bedclothes are in the wash to save steps!
Vacuum all upholstered furniture and vacuum or launder curtains.
Take rugs and mats outside and beat with a broom handle.
Vacuum the floor REALLY thoroughly before you put the rugs back down.
Spot-clean the carpet.
Give the kitchen a deep clean, especially the parts you usually skip (drip-pans, anyone?)
Check expiration dates in your fridge, pantry, and medicine cabinet, and bring things to the front—or to the garbage!—accordingly.
Give the bathroom(s) a deep clean, especially the parts you usually skip.Here's an easy, green method for the shower!
Go through your make-up and throw out anything that smells funny or you never use.
Wash windows inside and out. A mix of water and vinegar with a microfiber cloth work great!
Scrub out all window tracks with soapy water and an old toothbrush.
Go through your wardrobe and if there's things you never wear or have worn out either donate them or put them in a rag-bag (for craft projects!)
Bring summer clothes to the front and hide winter clothes in the back.
If you have a wool coat, bring it to the dry-cleaner's—I know, not cheap, but it's only once a year!
Treat any dingy whites to a soak in vinegar or borax. Might be a good time to do the dishcloths, too!
Polish and condition wood—anybody know a good green way to do this and nix the orange-glo?

Do you have a proven spring cleaning ritual?

Ding Dong Diaper Giveaway #PGMom

2013-02-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

I have a wonderful giveaway for those of you expecting a little bundle of joy (or know someone that is).

Proctor and Gamble has dubbed this “The Ding Dong Diaper Ditch.” A select group of P&G Moms were sent on a mission this month. The mission: To surprise a new mom with a Pampers Gift Pack. They were encouraged to drop off the gift and a note, ring the doorbell and then hide. They were to capture the surprised parent’s reaction when she see’s that she has been gifted. See Christine's post on how she ditched her diaper package.

As a parent that uses disposable diapers I know how awesome this gift would have been to receive when my sons were born.

I want to give one of my readers a Pampers Gift Pack that they can either use for themselves or drop off to an unsuspecting friend or family member.

WIN IT:

Conquer the Cold #Giveaway #PGMom

2013-02-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

There has been some pretty wintery weather over most of Canada for the last few weeks and it’s been taking its toll on my skin and hair. Oh how I would love to live somewhere warm...

I'll keep dreaming, but in the meantime I have some tips and a #giveaway, courtesy of Proctor and Gamble, to share with you on how we can make conquer the cold some of the most common skin and hair care concerns.

Read more »

Making a difference with Gifts to Grow

2013-02-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

When I'm talking to parents I'm always surprised that a number of them don't even know that this exists...

inside their Pampers diapers and wipes!

Inside each package of wipes and diapers (boxes too) there are Gifts To Grow Codes that you collect to earn points. Save up enough points and you could find yourself with a Rocking Elmo for your little one, gift cards to buy an outfit, or even make a donation to a charity.

I'm not going to lie, it takes a long time to collect points for anything of any value, and I would never buy these diapers just for the points, but since I have to buy them anyway, it's a nice perk!

Toopy and Binoo Live Tour

2013-02-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

If you have a child under the age of 6 in your house you have likely know who these two characters are...

I have a Toopy and Binoo obsessed child on my hands! Yesterday I received an email from Koba Entertainment indicating that Toopy and Binoo are doing a live theatrical production, Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon! in various locations across QC, ON and NB.

Read more »

MathWhisperer

2013-01-24T05:43:00.000-08:00

This week’s momprenuer is Sofia Saleem, founder of MathWhisperer. Sophia’s story shows how you can take an existing talent and turn it into your own successful business (all done without owning a smartphone?!). :) Enjoy....

What inspired you to start your business?

My husband and my mum inspired me to start my own business. After having twins in 2009, my mom sensed that I would not be returning to my day job as a full-time teacher with my local School Board any time soon. After being off of work for one year, my mom and husband suggested that perhaps I could use my skills as a teacher to tutor neighbourhood kids in mathematics. As a result, fast forward to 2012 and the concept of MathWhisperer (www.mathwhisperer.ca) finally became a reality. I resisted the idea of starting my own business at first, as no one in my immediate family ever owned or operated their own business (save my dad who bought a diner back in the late 80s for a short while), as I was afraid of how much time and knowledge it would require. Luckily I also learned early on, that building a business takes time…lots of time. So I started slowly and thus far have enjoyed the process of building it.

What did you do before you were a WAHM?

Before becoming a WAHM, I was teaching mathematics and science to students throughout the Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal areas in Canada. I am still a certified teacher with a local school board but on an extended leave of absence. After having twins in 2009, I knew I had to slow things down, as rearing twins is a job unlike any other (a true blessing but double the work!). My small business allows me to utilize my skills as a teacher while also focusing on helping children succeed in a subject I hold so dear to my heart.

What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of running your own business?

The most rewarding aspects of running my own business are the independence, freedom and flexibility I have in creating new formats of learning for my business (e.g. integrating technology, acquiring new resources, sharing pedagogical literature on issues of interest to my clients etc.). In addition, the fact that I get to set my own schedule for the day, decide how much time I want to spend on a certain task and still know that I accomplished what I had set out to do during the day, leaves me with a good feeling.

The most challenging aspects of running my business include finding the right medium(s) to market my business for maximum results, as I do not have a marketing background and finding a balance between my daily workload and being accessible to my children. Luckily I am blessed as my husband is amazingly supportive and he’s always there when I need him to lend a helping hand, despite the fact that his hours as lawyer are very long and not very flexible.

How do you separate your work and home life?

When my two boys and my daughter ask me to ‘take a break mom’ from spending all day on the computer or on the phone, I know this is the right moment to spend time with my kids and family. Weekends are also all about the family. I don’t own a blackberry (not yet) nor a data plan on purpose, as I know I would be hooked to my phone, but I do have a devil of an addictive tech tool on me most of the time, the iPad! I would rather use the time I need to grocery shop, visit a coffee shop, park or book store with the feeling that I have no other responsibilities at that very moment. It keeps me sane and lets my family know that they are my main priority and a huge source of inspiration for me to start my own business.

What is your typical workday like?

Wake up in the morning at 8am to get my eldest son ready for school. Get the twins dressed so they can help me drop him off for his full day of kindergarten. I usually don’t turn the computer on until 11 am or so, after I have spent the morning with my twins. Once they go down for their nap, I get busy with the day’s work related activities. The day usually winds down a little before dinner time at around 6pm. By then the kids are all rowdy and any alone time to do work becomes fruitless. In between all of this I usually consume 5-6 cups of green tea (decaf or flavoured) and end up running for frequent bathroom breaks.

What is one piece of advice would you give to someone trying to break out on their own?

Take your time. I have always had a bit of an impatient streak in me. I want results quickly otherwise I tend to lose interest, or at least that’s how I used to before starting my own business. I have learned very quickly that in the business world things take many months’ even years to come to fruition. I am still advertising my business a lot using multiple mediums to get my brand, name, and vision out there.

Sometimes you get some hits and most of the time you get a lot of misses. If you are in the service industry like my company, the misses can often become discouraging. Make sure you have someone you can talk to about the up and downs you are experiencing as you grow your business. In Canada, there is a fantastic organization, Mompreneurs that is dedicated to supporting women through networking and accessing resources. Find a support network that works for you and don’t be shy to turn to someone in your industry for advice to keep you moving forward.

Do you wear your PJs all day or get up and get dressed? :)

I wish I could be in my PJs all day, but since I have to venture out to pick up and drop off my eldest son to and from school I am forced to change into more appropriate attire during the day. At times my mom (who lives 7 minutes away from me) asks me to visit her, so if I show up in my PJs I would never hear the end of it. Having said this, as soon as I walk into my home, the first thing I do is change back into my PJs so I can truly enjoy being comfortable in my natural habitat: My home.

Additional note: As a result of my business model, my fourth baby, MathWhisperer, was recently nominated for the 2013 Mompreneur Award of Excellence. In order to win the grand prize of $30000 (comprised of legal services, resources and $5000 in cash to be reinvested back in to my business) votes are needed…lots of them. If you believe as strongly as I do in supporting mompreneurs and in enhancing numeracy skills for children, then please vote for me . In order to vote you must be a Canadian resident. You can vote once a day every day until the 31st of January. Each vote makes you eligible for a chance to win $500 in cash courtesy of Mompreneur Canada. Your support will be invaluable!

Brighten your winter skin with Olay #Giveaway #PGmom

2013-01-13T15:41:00.001-08:00

When I became a #PGMom I received some of their latest and greatest products to try. In that box of goodies was the line of Olay Total Effects products including:

Olay Total Effects Daily Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer Plus Touch of Foundation Cream
Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush
Olay Total Effects Refreshing Citrus Scrub
Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Night Moisturizer
Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Eye Treatment

Now that I have tried them out for the last couple of months I feel I can give you an honest review on them.

Moisturizer – Love it! I think I have been converted to wearing a tinted moisturizer all the time. So easy to throw on in the morning and know that my skin is being moisturized, protected and it gives me a sheer foundation look that I think looks pretty natural. If I was going out out (you know more than just running around doing errands) I’d want more coverage and would use foundation, but this is great for everyday.
Dark Circle Minimizing Brush – Not a fan! This is supposed to instantly reduce the appearance of darkness under the eye, but it just didn't cut it for me. Maybe my circles are just too dark. I need something thicker for that region like a concealer.
Refreshing Citrus Scrub – Love it! I have dry skin and exfoliate every day. This scrub is gentle and smells great.
Night Moisturizer – Pretty good! This hydrates my skin without leaving it greasy. It is supposed to smooth away the appearance of discoloration and age spots, but I haven’t noticed any difference.
Tone Correcting Eye Treatment – It’s just OK. Products like this I find hard to judge. It is supposed to diminish the look of under eye darkness, but I can’t tell if it has done anything. It does leave the skin around my eyes feeling moisturized.

WIN IT

Now the best part....one lucky person will get the chance to test out these five Olay Total Effects products for themselves and achieve beautiful, healthier looking skin!

ENTER

Open to residents of Canada. Contest ends January 27th at 11pm EST.

Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Lisa Pedersen Design

2013-01-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today's mompreneur is Lisa Pedersen of Lisa Pedersen Design. I met this fab momma at a blogging conference in 2011 and we clicked right away. Read her story on becoming a WAHM below and you will see why I enjoy this fabulous woman so much.

My name is Lisa and I'm a Social Media addict!

Actually, that's my business... so I have a good excuse. ;) Lisa Pedersen Design was born out of a desire to stay home with my kids, keep myself creatively stimulated and still contribute financially.

As a WAHM, I usually have too many balls in the air and stay up until all hours of the morning making sure none of them drop! When I'm not playing with my kids or working at my home office, I can usually be found chauffeuring my kids to some activity or another… and never without my iPhone! Yes, I'm *that* Mom… the one sitting in the bleachers at swimming lessons with her eyes glued to her smartphone, tapping away at the screen.

I strive to be the ultimate multi-tasker, but often fall short. I'm definitely a work-in-progress, learning to juggle being a Mom, an entrepreneur and a wife. Thank goodness my family is patient… having a wonderful husband and kids supporting me is what keeps me motivated!

How long have you been a WAHM for?
I decided to start my own marketing company in early 2011, after my maternity leave ended. It just seemed like the right time to strike out on my own. It was definitely a scary proposition, but I'm so glad I took the leap - it has been an amazing journey so far. In addition to offering traditional Marketing and Graphic Design services, I have branched out into Social Media Marketing/Management and am loving every minute of it!

What did you do before you were a WAHM?
I had a career as a Marketing Manager, working both in corporate and small business environments. Early in my career, I held Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing positions.

Who is your role model?
I'd have to say my Mom. She worked so hard to provide for our family… her work ethic is something that I have always admired. When I was young, I thought she was tough on us -a stickler for good grammar and manners, ensuring we met project deadlines, encouraging us to follow things through to completing - but I've since realized how important those things are.

What has been your greatest success – in life or in business?
In life, definitely my family - my wonderful husband and kids. They are absolutely the lights of my life! Despite my frustration some days at getting *nothing* done (a definite WAHM pitfall), and working into the wee hours of the morning to meet deadlines, I wouldn't change a thing. My kids will only be young once, and I'm truly blessed to be able to be there to experience it all. In fact, I have a pendant engraved with "Luckiest girl in the world" to remind me of this when I'm stressed, tired and my patience is worn thin. In business, my greatest success has been building amazing relationships with my clients, many of whom have become friends. I'm so grateful to get wonderful referrals from existing clients… it makes my day when I hear that someone has recommended my services.

Do you wear your PJs all day or get up and get dressed? :)
I usually get dressed. My oldest child is in school, and I have to drop her off every day, so I've gotta make a decent impression! LOL ;-)

What one piece of advice would you give to someone trying to break out on their own?
Figure out what you do well and do it. When I first started out, I had a ton of services listed on my business card. Now, when people ask what I do, I'm much more concise. I have learned what my strengths are and what makes the most sense to spend my time doing - from a profitability (and enjoyment) standpoint. Oh, and don't undervalue your time! Just because you're working from home, doesn't mean you're worth less than if you were working for someone else. This is still a work-in-progress for me.

6 Kitchen Hygiene Tips

2012-12-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over the clean up begins. That is the worst part, in my opinion! I often think of healthy or clean cooking as food containing healthy and natural ingredients, but there is another way to look at healthy cooking – by having a clean, bacteria free kitchen!

When cleaning up last night I found the facts from the Hygiene Council to be helpful and honestly a bit frightening.

Did you Know? 50-80% of food-borne illnesses happen in the home.

Scary isn't it! We are always cautious where we eat when we are out of the home, due to cleanliness, but often don’t stop to think about what is lurking around our very own kitchens.

I thought I’d share with you a few things we do to keep things germ free; as well as some Hygiene Council facts (in bold)!

1. Hand washing

“Bacteria can survive on surfaces for long periods of time. They can then be transferred to other surfaces (including the hands) in sufficient numbers to represent an infection risk.”
Before anyone touches any food or drink wash your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds then dry them on a clean, dry towel.

2. Surface Prep

“Poor hygiene and food preparation can cause up to 90% of kitchen surfaces to be contaminated during the preparation of a meal.”
To ensure that your food prep surface is clear of harmful bacteria and viruses try using an antibacterial product that is safe to use on food areas. Use this on all counters and cutting boards.

3. Clean Fruits and Veggies

"Your kitchen sink contains 100,000 times more germs than a bathroom or lavatory.”
So before you soak, scrape, brush and wash your fruit and vegetables be sure to clean your sink well.

4. Prevent Cross-contamination

By using different knives and cutting boards for meat and vegetables we are able to prevent cross-contamination.

5. Dealing with leftovers

The Hygiene Council recommends you "reheat leftovers (at 70°C or above) and re-serve leftovers only once."
After eating we are quick on the cleanup (because the mess drives me mental). We never leave leave cooked food sitting at room temperature for longer than the recommended two hours.

6. Post event cleanup

"52% of kitchen taps found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Ecoli. High chairs or places where children eat have worse levels of bacteria than toilet flushes."
Again, the mess drives me crazy so we give everything a good clean, food prep areas, eating surfaces and the sink.

I hope these tips help keep you and your family in good health. Is there anything you do to make sure you keep your house as germ free as possible?

Disclosure: I am part of the Lysol® Healthy Families Ambassador Program by Mom Central. I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Image courtesy of sxc.hu/poison-yvi

Doing Nothing

2012-12-24T06:33:00.002-08:00

Yesterday I did something I haven't done in forever....NOTHING. I didn't do laundry, cook, clean or work and I didn't feel the least bit guilty about it.

I made myself a cup of tea, went into the basement and played, of all things, Xbox! I can't remember the last time I did something selfish and mindless; it was great.

I know it is important to take time for yourself, but I very rarely do. How do you unwind?

A Get Holiday Ready Giveaway

2012-12-12T13:27:00.001-08:00

Winner: Maegan from AB - Congrats!

I'm sure by now most of you have decked your halls and are almost ready for the holiday madness to begin.

If you are like me and haven't quite started your planning, here are some easy to follow tips from Colin Cowie, lifestyle expert and celebrity party planner. Oh and a chance to win some P&G products to help you get guest ready!
Read more »

Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies

2012-12-04T07:57:00.002-08:00

I'm not a baker, all that measuring and exactness just isn't my thing. Occasionally I crave a gooey homemade cookie.

With the holidays only a few weeks away I thought I'd share this easy (even I can do it) and oh so delicious recipe Mint Chocolate Chip Cake Mix Cookies. Yes, that was a mouthful and trust me you'll be filling your mouth with these cookies as soon as they are out of the oven.

Blossoms & Springtime in November #healthyfamilies

2012-11-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was our Christmas parade, and Lil B’s first experience at a parade. The parade in our town takes place at night. When we first moved here, I wasn't so sure about having a parade in the dark, but let me tell you a pickup truck decked out in colourful lights looks much better at night!

With almost 40,000 people on a short parade route you have to stake claim to your spot early. Much like fighting for a lounge chair by a resort pool! At the crack of dawn everyone heads to the route with chairs, tarps and anything they can use to mark off a section to watch the parade. We were no exception; DH went out at 7am and secured us a curbside spot.

With it being a night parade it gets COLD and this year it was VERY cold. Saturday afternoon I realized I hadn't dug out any of our cold gear (thanks to the beautiful ON weather up until now). I grabbed our scarves and hats and realized they smelt dusty. Of course I didn't leave myself anytime to wash them (which kind of grosses me out to be honest), so I did the next best thing...
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My Interview with Jewel Kilcher #PGMom

2012-11-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

I recently had the opportunity to interview singer/songwriter Jewel Kilcher about her new life as a working mom. I asked her about how she balances her work and home life now that she has a son, how she creates time for herself, and her involvement with the Millions of Beautiful Morning Moments campaign.

I think the interview went well, even though I had a hard time hearing her and my dog was barking in the background :) Here is what Jewel had to say...

#PGMom Influencer Event

2012-11-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I attended the #PGMom Influencer Event that at the gorgeous Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto. Since my house is full of P&G products, for me, it was a natural fit.

Proctor & Gamble brought together bloggers from across Canada to meet brand managers, product experts and spokespeople for a variety of the P&G brands. The repeated message that we heard from each person presenting is that P&G puts a lot of time and pride into making people's lives easier.

We were encouraged to ask questions, dig deeper into the brand and products they represent. I realize P&G products are not for everyone, and that is cool. If you have questions or concerns about anything, let me know and I'd be happy to pass the message along.

As a member of this new program we will receive some special opportunities, be able to give feedback and concerns on products (like how the Whitestrips hurt my teeth) and share promotions with you. I look forward to seeing how the program unfolds.

Stay tuned for an upcoming post on my first opportunity as a #PGMom.
PS it involves a famous singer that has sold over 27 million albums worldwide ....

(photo courtesy of Mom vs. the Boys)

Ways to Give Back this Christmas

2012-11-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

The weeks leading up to the holidays see so many people stress out over Christmas! We all spend a lot time rushing off to visit friends and family, cooking, eating and drinking more than necessary and we can’t forget SHOPPING. We often forget that many people are not so fortunate and aren't able to participate in the types of activities we now associate with the holiday season.

I think it is important for us all to remember the true meaning of the holiday and give back to our communities.