Mumfection

Help your kids pack for themselves!

2013-05-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

When it comes to trying to teach our little ones how to start packing for themselves for Summer Camp; it can get pretty tricky... not to mention patience wearing. My goal today, along with Stuck on You, is to help you do that by taking small baby steps. I mean we can't expect them to do all of it in one go, so we are going to start small; as always we're not looking for "perfection" just "mumfection".

Packing their toiletries

This is a small but important task for us to teach them that will give them a little responsibility. It will give them that awesome "I'm a big kid now" kinda feeling. All about the small wins right? To ensure this will go smoothly and easily for them here are some great first steps you can take:

Ensure all items are reachable for your little one.
Provide a couple Ziploc bags for your little one to put some of select items into.
Provide my printable picture list. (at the bottom of the page)
lots of encouragement.

Now I have this great Stuck on You toiletry bag that I find just perfect for them to stuff all their toothbrushes, clean wash cloths and shampoos into. If you really want to make them independent about this whole endeavor think about a picture list! Something I have made for you all at the bottom of this page!

See everything can fit nicely inside this great little bag, everything they will need with room to spare! Something they can use for all your vacations and camping trips! So how do we get our little ones to properly pack for themselves?? Now for that picture list I was talking about:

DOWNLOAD FREE HERE

By giving them some awesome guidance and all the tools they need to make it super simple. And I am going to give not one of you but FIVE of you the chance to get a Stuck on You $20 voucher so you can also be well on your way to helping your kids learn to pack for themselves.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MaxSold.com and the Canadian Cancer Society

2013-05-16T10:23:00.002-07:00

When my mother passed away she had a TON of stuff, a lot of stuff and there was barely anytime to go through any of it. I still ache for somethings I miss and wish I could see again but sadly that just can't happen. With all her other things I hope they've found good homes, but something was brought to my attention the other day. MaxSold.com is actually working with the Canadian Cancer Society to help with their cause.

Since my mother passed away from lung cancer it would have a been a wonderful thing to see some of her items give back for her. Definitely would have been more of a comfort than the choice I was presented at the time for sure!

“On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, I am thrilled to welcome MaxSold in the fight against cancer. This innovative online auction service offers a unique opportunity for MaxSold customers to make a contribution to the Society. We are grateful to MaxSold for offering this service as yet another way our supporters can join in the fight for life,” said Ontario Division CEO, Martin Kabat.

Their ‘Donate Your Goods’ program is a cross-Canada initiative they launched this month by MaxSold.com and the Canadian Cancer Society. It’s a quick and easy way to turn unwanted household items into cash, and then donate the net proceeds to the Canadian Cancer Society. MaxSold clients will receive tax receipts within six to eight weeks of their sale. Sounds again like a better idea than most situations.

The Canadian Cancer Society is very close to me and I am so happy they're finding even more ways, through companies, to find even more funding. One day there will be a cure I know it, they get closer and closer every day with our help and that is amazing. Just think of all the amazing advances they have made in the last few years, it is incredible. So here's hoping that momentum continues, I am just so happy to be able to share this partnership with you. It is a great idea, and a great way to get use out of old items and do some good.

I was not compensated for sharing this with you, I genuinely think it is an amazing ideas and it touched my personal situation.

Palladium Boots

2013-05-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

If you are unfamiliar with the awesome history behind the Palladium Boots company you are truly missing out, I can't tell you enough how much I love these shoes. They are super well made and LOVELY for you and your little ones!

Eldest couldn't wait he ripped of his runners to try them on and head out on a hike! Ignore his silly expression completely got him about to blink :(

The main reason these great shoes are so well made is because Palladium was founded in 1920 to make tires. Yup you got that right, tires! These tires were made by layering canvas underneath vulcanized rubber. They were so great at it that soon the majority of Europe's aircraft's were using Palladium tires. Then, after WWII, they business came to a screeching halt, so they opened a plant in France and took their canvas skills and created an awesome shoe line! It is a great looking shoes, super durable and a GREAT rich history just look at them!

I had to throw this picture in, it is so cute lol!

looking awesome!

I think we definitely got a great shoe that I know he wont wear out before he out grows, they have a GREAT tread that really helps while he is jumping around on the trails. And the best part?? You can fold the blue plaid down for a splash of colour OR you can have the shoes go high up on the ankle! Both looks are great but we're talking about my son here so clearly he loves them most with the plaid and bright colors showing!

They have a great collection of awesome shoes for you to choose from and yes mom and dad can get a pair too! Fashionable and useful a perfect combination for the on the go family!! Great for hikers with the summer season coming up and of course amazing shoes to have when you're traveling, they can do it all!!

I was given this pair of shoes in exchange for this post, all opinions are my own and the information was given to me by the company. Thank you so much!

The Amazing Top Vancouvermom.ca Mom Bloggers

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Back in 2012 when I was named one of 30 amazing Vancouvermom.ca’s top mom bloggers of the year I was floored and ecstatic. My two year old blog was my pride and joy and I loved getting up in the morning to dive into what each day had in store for me. I was so excited that I was receiving some amazing recognition here in my own home city, and I was finding all these other amazing women doing the same.

What I didn’t anticipate was how all the connections I would make would impact my life in the most incredible way possible. Of course I increased my already growing following, made even more PR connections, started increasing my income even more than before etc… but this wasn’t the most important thing I gained from being a 2012 top mom blogger.

It was the women I met, the bonds that I have created.

Our 2012 group is so close I consider all of them my sisters, my mentors and my confidants. We rant and rave together, help one another, encourage and cheer one another on. We attend amazing events together here in the city, play together, validate one another and best of all learn together. These friendships I have made are irreplaceable and each one of these women inspiring to me each and every day. They are something I can’t quite thank Vancouvermom.ca enough for.

images by bethany

Not only did Vancouvermom.ca connect all of us on a blogging level, on a business level but they introduced us to the power all of us have together as a group. We have all discovered our worth together, ensured none of us are taken for granted and risen above so many challenges holding each other’s hands. We are Vancouver women and the internet can hear us roar; we are loud and proud, unbreakable when together.

So as all of our numbers grow together so does our love and expertise for all the things that we do, for this is an incredible art we are perfecting. After all we’re more than just mom bloggers we’re powerful and inspiring moms who blog. We have a massive range in topics, knowledge, reach and an endless amount of creativity between us. I am so thankful to have them in my life and I am so excited for our futures together, I deeply look forward to growing old with each and every one of them.

* * *
This year marks the 4^th annual Vancouvermom.ca event; you can still get your early bird tickets and even get $5 off using this code 2013friend. It is a great once in a lifetime opportunity for all you amazing Vancouver mom bloggers or just a blogger looking for some amazing people to mingle with. I PROMISE a good night, even my husband is excited!

Me enjoying last years event... no idea what I will wear this year....

#ManCandyMonday - Alfie Allen

2013-05-13T11:05:00.001-07:00

>>>>>> KINDA SPOILER ALERTS <<<<<<

Alright I think all of us, who watched last night, are completely in agreement that Theon's situation is looking horrible... by the time this guy is done with him he'll be a torso that is still breathing! Honestly I am unsure how much more of his part of the story I can really watch. I also don't think my hubby will be able to walk for a few days once he gets the chance to watch it.

What do you think is going to happen to poor Theon? (note I haven't read the books)

Despite the horrible turn his character has stumbled down, we can at least appreciate his sexiness while he is still here. The greatly endowed Theon!

Here's hoping you make it out with your package intact... though I highly doubt it which saddens me.

Mothers Day isn't happy for everyone

2013-05-12T12:06:00.002-07:00

I am not gonna sit here and fill you up with tons of mothers day love and stuff. I know to everyone Mothers day just isn't like that, it has taken me a long time to accept Mothers Day and even enjoy it in the smallest way. But I am getting better and better every year, but I know I am not the only one in the world who has issues or had issues with Mothers day. Some of you have lost your mothers, others have lost your children and some of you are struggling to even bring life into this world on your own and that is spirit crushing. For one in six Canadian couples facing the emotional and financial burden of infertility, it can be an unbearable day.

So today I wanted to extend an extra huge hug to all of us not having the best Mothers day, I love you, you're doing amazing keep on swimming! Look around and love the ones around you, smile as often as you can and never give up.

Did you know that Quebec is the only province in Canada to provide universal access to in vitro fertilization through a policy that covers the cost of treatment? Don't you think that should be all provinces??

I mean think about it due to the limited access to infertility treatment services outside of major urban cities and the average out-of-pocket cost of in vitro fertilization treatments range from $6,000 to $8,000. Then add medications, many couples either can't proceed with treatment or are faced with the decision to transfer more than one embryo per treatment cycle to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Transferring more than one embryo can often result in a multiple birth. Multiples are not only a high risk pregnancy but are also 17 times more likely to be born pre-term, require a caesarean delivery, and need expensive care at birth and throughout their lives. Covering the costs would limit all those risks, make this so much less stressful and heart breaking don't you think??

"Next week is Mother's Day and I will be at home alone in silence. I began trying to conceive at 24 and thought the fact that I was healthy and physically fit meant I wouldn't face challenges trying," says Casandra Sullivan, from Surrey, British Columbia. "My husband and I are saving to start our first cycle of in vitro fertilization. But there are challenges - the cost of this procedure is very expensive, let alone the emotional toll it takes. I wish I'd known more about my fertility and believe we need more resources to support people facing infertility."

So I think that this year I am not going to focus on myself so much as wanting to reach out to the ones trying to hide from today.

Please contact the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada for more information.

The day the vegetarian full on caved...

2013-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Okay I am not gonna sit here and lie to you, I haven’t been sticking to my Vegetarian diet all too well this last month and a bit. Nor have I been hiding the fact might I add, so when I was offered a once in a lifetime chance to tour the Overwaite plant out here in Chiliwack, B.C. I jumped on the chance. I mean I have two and a half (I say half cause my youngest doesn’t swallow meat only chews into a gross mushy pulp he insists on spitting out into my hand…) meat eaters at home, and well… I was succumbing to the calls of bacon from time to time. Can you blame me? So I was excited and this was going to be a great learning experience for me as a parent, a consumer and an environmentalist!

The morning of I woke up bright and early, dressed myself, didn’t drink nearly enough coffee and headed off on a big meaty adventure. With Starbucks in hand I patiently waited for our small group to all arrive so we could all jump on the bus and head out on our road trip! The lovely ride even gave everyone a chance to ask questions and get some great information as we enjoyed the scenery. We learned everything about our beef, where it came from, how they’re fed, what they’re fed the differences between Organic meat and non-organic meat. What was a hugely pleasant surprise was how focused they were as a company in terms of sustainability. All their cows are raised on land that is otherwise unfit for crops, they promote different meat cuts during different seasons to encourage the use of the whole animal (summer time there is clearly a rise in T-bones vs. Pot Roasts for example), and their feed is even thought out thoroughly in terms of waste management. Heck even their vacuum sealed packaging has been put in place to reduce the use, and eventually eliminate the usage, of Styrofoam which is notoriously bad for our environment.

Finally arriving at our destination we were warmly welcomed by one of the heads of the plant, a very lovely cheerful father who was super welcoming and friendly. We got a background on his position at the plant, how long he has been with him and some info on the company and what they stand for. All of it was very personal and down to earth, they‘re all about educating everyone on where their meat comes from and the amazing families that literally raise our meals.

And then the suits came out… after all we were getting a tour and we had to make sure to follow all the health code protocols. There were a ton and all of us were happy to get all sexy in some head to toe germ preventing gear! We even had to take off all our jewelry, they certainly take safety seriously and I’m happy to see it. Best part is all over the plant you could see their safety protocols clearly displayed and they were very strictly followed amazing for us to see all of this in action.

After dressing ourselves up in the latest in meat plant fashions we were happily escorted through the entire inner workings of all their processes and I can honestly say we were all impressed. The workers were cheerful, but stayed focus on their tasks at hand, their hours seemed decent and all their gear up to date and code. I think my favorite part was the ground beef machine which puts all your ground beef into its packages. I was skeptical when he said it was marvel to watch but I was completely impressed, I didn’t really want to stop watching it, truly fantastic. Reading that I find it really odd that I’m gushing over a piece of machinery so you better understand that I was impressed by it!

Once we got all cleaned up and back into our regular clothing the wonderful people literally made us a steak lunch. Yeah no joke, straight off the line, to the BBQ and to my plate! Yes you heard that right, I caved… though for people around me you know that has happened a few times for holiday dinners etc… but this was the first completely out of nowhere meat-eating-session. I mean going veggie again has been hard, I am thankful I have only really caved to holiday meals at this point. Don’t judge me… this is no place for that and the steak was fresh of the LINE how can I not sink my teeth into that!?!? I couldn’t…. you’re right.

Then just when all of us thought that we couldn’t learn anymore or eat anymore steak they gave us picnic basket coolers and sent us on the bus again to take a mini tour of the meat department at their local Save on Foods branch. Having worked at Save on Foods back in the days of my pregnancy with Eldest, I felt completely at home and loved touring their section with all the vacuum packaging in action. Everything looked great all lined up; tidy and super clean thanks to the packaging. The section at our local grocer is always plagued with blood drippings and finger poked packages… needless to say we prefer to not take the kids. Something clearly other parents in my area need to think about as well…

Our day was awesome they filled our heads with tons of great info, filled our bellies with food and were nice enough to drive us around while doing it. A big thanks to Overwaite Foods, Canadian Beef, BC Cattlemen, and Save on Foods for the great day, great company and brilliant time!

Picky Eaters

2013-05-09T10:00:00.003-07:00

I recently had the chance to talk with Baby Gourmet founder Jen Carlson about her tips for getting picky kids to eat their meat. My youngest has the hardest time with proteins, he loves to chew them and spit them out, so we eventually gave up trying and moved him to eating my vegetarian options. Thankfully he loves all of them and our problem was kinda solved, but we still want to try and get him to swallow his meat, since this isn't a taste issue. She had some really great tips for me to:

Use ground chicken, turkey or beef in soups, casseroles, pasta dishes, quesadillas etc.. If the meat in ground it is easier to chew and not as noticeable as a chunk.
Make smoothies for drinks with their favourite fruit and add either a plant based or whey protein powder, or silken tofu as a protein source
If there is no dairy allergy present I recommend Greek yogurt, the taste is deliciously creamy and packed full of protein
My kids love pan fried cubes of extra firm tofu topped on their favourite noodles (great for the non-meat eaters)

I can also say that I have him eating a meat based pasta sauce, I just make sure it is slow cooked and the ground beef is super broken up so there are no chunks if at all. He doesn't notice and we don't tell him and it freezes really great! I also am a HUGE fan of smoothies, so far we have him on a Wowbuter banana smoothie that he happily sucks back. I have yet to sell the hubby on tofu at this point but I am getting there. I was also glad to hear my Greek yogurt obsession was doing him some good as well, more excuses to get the luscious yummy stuff now!

Clearly Jen here knows what she is talking about, she loves what she does and she cares deeply about what she does. You know that by their "taste every batch" policy, if it doesn't pass their taste test then they literally dump it out and start all over. They literally say: "Because our bottom line is not 'the bottom line'. It's our commitment to making great tasting, nutritious food—the only kind we would feed our own children." Now that is a company I can stand behind, not to mention my kids are addicted to the Squoosh line they have. I send my eldest to school with one on and off throughout the week, think his fav is the "Bonango" but he will suck them all down in a second. Another great thing about this company is that they provide ALL information on their products and you can get all that info online as well as from their box. Oh yeah, another perk, it is a Calgary based company!! Horay Canada!

What are some of your tips for your picky eaters??

Have you ever tried a Squoosh??

I have not been compensated in anyway to do this post, I genuinely like this company, this lady and all that they stand for.

Pantech Flex Smartphone Mothers Day Giveaway!!

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to be bringing this to you today, cause the lovely people at PantechUSA are helping me put on a great giveaway here at Mumfection for Mothers Day! Isn't that sweet? One lucky winner will find out the morning of Mothers Day if they have won a phone! A great little touch screen that retails for $399.99 (with no service agreement) or $0.99 alongside a two year service agreement. Not to shabby in the price department but I know all of you want to know the stats, I know you bloggers we love our stats!

Well the Flex is Pantech's newest Andriod 4G LTE device for AT&T, which combines the premium smartphone features with an intuitive user experience of the proven popular simplicity Seeker line. In fact it is the first smart phone with AT&T to offer its customers the option of choice between both the traditional Android setup and their exclusive Pantech "easy experience".

Now I know: "what do you mean 'easy experience' "...

When they say "easy experience" it means they have one simplified home screen with a very streamlined menu. It has super fast access to contacts, features and apps which is ideal for the first time smartphone owner. It makes it really easy for her to call you all the time, especially when you don't want her to! She will love it is what I am getting at here, and waking up in the morning to discover she has won, or you have won for her, she will kiss you all over. Especially if it is paired with a lovely breakfast, fresh flowers, hand written cards, heck really impress her and throw in DIAMONDS!

The sleek and affordable smartphone actually features a 4.3” qHD Super AMOLED touch display, 8 MP rear and 2 MP front cameras (great for #selfies and #nomakeup shots!), SwiftKey predictive texting (cause lets face it us moms suck at texting... at least i do it takes me forever and it is all with one finger), a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and is powered by Android Ice Cream Sandwich for an abundance of customization options.

So get going, jump in and enter for yourself, your wife, your mom, your step mom, your grandmother and share SHARE SHARE people!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have not been compensated for my post, nor have I received product in anyway, all opinions are based on research.

Deer Lake And A Family

2013-05-07T10:48:00.003-07:00

Anyone that knows me knows that I love to take photos, I constantly have something that can take a picture on me at all times. So naturally when a girlfriend from my kids school asked me to take a few of her and her family I was more than happy to jump on the chance. Thankfully they made it super easy for me with our little shoot being pretty awesome the entire time. We headed off to Deer Lake and the Burnaby Village Museum and spent the day together with my camera. In the end we had an awesome little shoot and came out with some fantastic photos for them!

They were super great sports, super awesome little family and clearly completely in love with one another. I love doing things like this for other people, I know how hard it is as a parent to get some good pictures of EVERYONE without going to a professional. I just hang out with ya, I am like the person you always ask to take a photo of you when you're all out, I just stick around. It was such a lovely day at the lake they made it super easy for me!

What do you think?? These are done with just my Olympus SP-800UZ pretty awesome little camera if you ask me, although it is old to me now since we got it when it first came out from my in laws! I think I do the camera justice though, I wouldn't suggest it for anything indoors at all or anything in the dark in anyway and NO action shots cause this camera can't do that stuff, no matter the settings I have tried it all.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in anyway for this post, thoughts, feelings and opinions are completely my own as always.

#ManCandyMonday - Jason Sudeikis

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jason Sudeikis our hilarious wise cracking buddy from Saturday Night Live and many other sources of hilarity. He is the king of awkward and has a goofy smile that kills. So today I hope you enjoy this little piece of Man Candy!!

that smirk is a panty melter

boy does he ever look good in those nerdy glasses!

love!

SNL always has great shots

You can honestly see why I love this man, he is classic, has a smirk just the way I like it and is always making me laugh. A man after my own heart that is for sure! He is of course a very welcome distraction on this amazing Monday no jokes!

What do all of you have planned today??

all images are not my own, thank you google images and all the wonderfully talented people that took these!

Only 7 Days Till Mother's Day

2013-05-05T11:01:00.000-07:00

It is almost hear, I can feel your men sweating over what to get you as we sit here together.
Can you smell his fear??
Will he crash and burn like last year??
Or completely redeem himself as you hope?

So I thought it only right to help out in that department, I will help all of you drop your hubby's and baby daddy's a HUGE hint. Whether or not they catch it is a completely different story, I can't perform miracles. I can only nudge in the right direction should they choose to accept their missions!

For your bookworm mom, techie mom or blogger mom I have two great options for you. If you know she loves to laugh I would highly suggest the book "Parenting Illustrated in Crappy Pictures" by: Amber Dusick. Not only is it incredibly hilarious, it will speak to any and all parents BUT she is a fellow blogger. One of my favorites actually, always worth the read. It will have you in stitches honestly I couldn't stop laughing and I literally read it all in one night! I even read it out loud to my hubby and he loved it, I am working on spreading it around like the common cold! Then if you really want to take it up a notch why not throw in a Kobo, have you seen their heart string pulling ad?

For your completely nerdy, zombie loving and slightly comedic mom I can only suggest one thing for before summer. Funny t-shirts. I know not exactly what you had in mind but thought out correctly it can be executed to perfection. Especially for the new moms; Cafepress.com, hands down, has some of the best maternity shirts I have ever seen on the market. No jokes.

I can't wait to show you what I got hubby for fathers day and what he got me for mothers day!!! Here i'll tell you what he got me at least!

For the foodee mom I have compiled a list of amazing restaurants here in Vancouver, all of which have a little extra something something when it comes to what they do! But men please don't just do dinner and think you're off the hook, why not make it super special with a day at the spa JUST for her or getting some couples massages THEN go out to dinner.

Cotto Enoteca Pizzaria (this is my fav place to eat)
The Eatery
Storm Crows Tavern
Gorilla Food (great for gluten free, vegetarian, vegan or raw fooders!)
Kobe (for those who love dinner and some culinary theatre this is GREAT, also if you're in a large group you can usually close this place down and just drink the night away. They're happy to stay and close their doors to keep you drinking)

For your fashionista mom spoil her with a hot pair of Naot Footwear shoes! The comfort in these shoes is phenomenal, and the style classic!

They're the definition of comfortable, with their awesome cork insoles that literally form to the shape and contours of your feet. I don't normally wear any other shoe, especially having one for every season I have the least back pain I have ever had in my entire life. Fantastic shoes!

And this is only the beginning tune in during the rest of the week on my facebook page for more awesome gift round-ups and suggestions!!!

full disclosure: I have been compensated by SOME of the companies for this post, all opinions are strictly mine.

The Aquarium, Breakfast and the new HTC One OH MY!!

2013-05-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

The day following the conference was a gorgeous one and I certainly had an early start and really got to enjoy it to the fullest. I was invited to the Vancouver Aquarium again where I was to be treated to breakfast with the belugas, a lesson with the HTC One phone and a GREAT look into the awesome that is Telus once again!

Started off with a lovely walk from Burrard all the way to the Aquarium, in the sunshine, listening to the birds sing. Nothing really beats walking through the gorgeous Stanley Park on a sunny morning when everything is coming to life. Makes me want to run off to the country side and certainly started my day off on the best foot possible. Arriving there we were quickly greeted and taken to our breakfast area. To our surprise they had let us in before opening so we got a some completely one on one time with the beluga tank and our gourmet breakfast. They really do know how to make a group of bloggers feel super special, not to mention make us super happy by giving all of us the new, and incredible, HTC One phones!! The best part is this phone is so cool it turned all my days Zoe clips, and pictures into a photo montage for all of you to check out (talk about super cool phone feature!)

Truly a great phone with some amazing features that I can't get enough of. I mean this phone had me with its packaging alone, which was super nice and small AND it was made from sugar cane and completely eco-friendly! #HTCWinning is the deserving #hashtag for that in my opinion.

If you thought that all the excitement ended there you would be super wrong my friends cause they treated us to some super behind the scenes stuff! We got to meet some seals, see them do some tricks, learn about how they're cared for and the kinds of details that go into their training and the rescue of other animals. It was really amazing the great work that they do and it is amazing how Telus has been so keen to help them continue to do that. I mean it is a ripple effect I think for sure and it is definitely spreading here in Vancouver!

I can't wait to tell you more about this awesome phone too over the next couple of months, maybe I will even do a vlog about the phone, using the phone! I have done crazier things right??

Have you checked out the new HTC One??

WOW am I spinning!

2013-05-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been running since Monday night and I can't express to you how amazing it has been! Being apart of the Connecting Bloggers and Brands conference as an ambassador and a speaker was such an incredible experience I can't wait to do it again and we will ladies and gentlemen, we will!

The whole day was such a worldwind of learning and fun I am so excited to share some of those moments with you. Telus started off the event with the amazing Jill Schnarr who is the VP of Community Investment at Telus, who gave us an amazing look into all the amazing work that they do. How we can help and how we as bloggers can work with them to make some really magical things happen. It was truly inspirational.

My highlight from her talk would have to be all the amazing charity work that they do, they're numbers are amazing and far surpass every other company which is phenomenal! I mean just check out some of the work they have done for their past "Days of Giving" honestly awesome not gonna lie:

Isn't that just awe-inspiring?! And this doesn't even cover the stuff that they are doing here in my community, check it out see what they are doing in yours these days I bet you'll be super pleasantly surprised! I can't deny it I am a lover of Telus, especially after they gave $15,000 to the Vancouver Aquarium to help save the poor little sea otter pup up in Alaska. It made a huge difference in the care of that animal and helped lift a large burden off one of my most beloved places here in Vancouver.

After that super hard to follow session we all bombed her with so many questions and she did such a great job answering them all with care. It was truly great to get that kind of one on one with a big brand like that not to mention such an influential member! But it didn't stop there people, no.

The second session was with the amazing Janice Croze 1/2 of 5minutesformom. She gave us so much amazing information, showed us some great number comparisons with some price perspectives even which I know is a craving from all of the bloggers out there. We are always wondering who has what numbers and how much they charge, even I learned that I need to charge more apparently! So horay to that, also they are a great place to go if you are wanting a great place to guest post. They're even starting up an internship!

Telus and Canadian Beef

Session three was an amazing chance to get not one but two different brands perspectives on working with bloggers and what their perspective was as PR workers. It was really eye opening, sometimes I really do loose sight of the human behind the e-mail with some pitches. I think that deep down all of us bloggers do, but on the other hand I really think that a little more effort could be displayed in some of them. I mean they want us to sparkle, and we want them to sparkle. Two way street right?

Lastly was the blogger panel the awesome, and I like to think best, part mainly cause I am on it... maybe I am a little bit biased perhaps. I thought it went really well but only the reviews of others can really confirm that cause again I am biased...

I hope that all of you that came really enjoyed yourselves and I hope you all learned alot and are still living it up with all the events that just keep on happening! I am really excited to be heading off with Canadian Beef and Overwaite Foods for a full day tour and a whole bunch of awesome stuff... lets just say I am going to be chowing down on meat tomorrow I bet, I have been cheating more lately. With this running training I am doing seems veggies and the proteins I have been eating just don't seem to be cutting it but its only once in a while and usually at restaurants cause I am always eating full veggie at home thank goodness! lol

Connecting Bloggers and Brands Conference!

2013-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the big day, I will be attending the Bloggers and Brands conference here in Vancouver. Not only will I be attending but I will be an ambassador AND I will also be speaking about blog monetization! Sooo exciting and I am thrilled to be working with some amazing ladies on the same panel. So while all of you are probably reading this still in pjs I am probably up and trying to put on my face... the long grueling task of putting on my face...

If you see me with barely any makeup the day of the conference don't be surprised... it just means I was too tired to do something fancy lol.

Anyone who brings me a redbull will get a kiss I can promise you that though!! So feel free!

In the meantime lets look at some of the awesome companies helping us pull this conference off!

Thank you so much for helping us out and being such amazing sponsors!!!

Also a BIG thank you to Moda Hotel for letting all of us stay with you

Hope all of you are having a happy Tuesday!!

What do all of you love about blogging conferences??

#ManCandyMonday - Robin Dunne

2013-04-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

You're well aware of how much I just love Sanctuary, still super sad it is over, just like that channel to end something awesome before its time is up... like Firefly... like Terra Nova.... annoying. But I digress, let us remember one of the best male reasons to watch this show!

Oh yes he is a GREAT reason to watch the show if you ask me!! Can't go wrong and he is such a peacock in real life I love it!!

You can also catch him in the sci-fi comedy Space Milkshake!!

ALL images are NOT mine (thank you google images)

We Are All Supermoms!

2013-04-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

You're hair is a mess, you don't remember whether or not you have showered, you find out if you brushed your teeth by touching your toothbrush to see if it is wet... you're not feeling like much of a supermom are you??

Well you should.

No, no don't leave thinking that I have gone off my rocker. Listen to me.

When was the last time you got a full sick day?? I am not talking you got to stay home from work or had the luxury of cancelling ONE appointment in your day. I am talking your last high school, stay-in-bed-not-lift-a-finger-and-sleep-for-12-hours-straight kind of sick days.

I can see steam coming out your ears, face it you can't remember...

But you are still standing!!

When was the last time that you went a day without getting hoarse from trying to wrangle your hoard of children?

When was the last time you actually enjoyed going shopping, at all in anyway. Believe you me I can't remember, main reason I am an ebay junkie.

But face it... You ARE NOT ALONE! So why do you feel less super than the rest??

Do you honestly think that even the most perfect of perfect looking mothers is actually like that?? no we all make "face" to survive in this world.

But the point is here you should feel super, more super than the rest cause you are still standing, TRYING!! That makes you....

SUPERMOM!!!

You can do the impossible, you can tackle kids, clean toilets, handle vomit and still feed your entire family!! You are incredible!

That mess there in the kids room...BAM!!!! WHOOOSH!!! clean!

See every morning you wake up and throw on your cape, put on your big girl panties and tough it out thick and thin.... puke usually coming in the thick variety.

I know all of you deserve so many vacations filled with cabana boys fanning you and feeding you grapes while sipping a mimosa on a far off beach with NO CHILDREN.

So why not get up and shout to the world why YOU are a supermom, how you manage to survive each day I bet it will get you something!!

My Interview with Amanda Tapping

2013-04-25T08:59:00.002-07:00

My interview with Amanda Tapping was an interview I was the most nervous about. I love this woman, I have seen everything she has done, other than Space Milkshake which I am DYING to see as I am a HUGE Red Dwarf fan (you didn't think my nerd-dom went that far back did you??). I know that was one of their sources of inspiration for the movie. But I am a massive fan of her mainly for her strong characters and amazingly sweet demeanor. You can tell just by looking at her that she spreads happiness wherever she goes, she is someone who constantly finds and creates goodness. And if you can believe it she is more gorgeously perfect in person than she is on TV. No joke she is walking perfection. So when my time with her was slowly inching closer and closer I was becoming more and more nervous, my palms were sweaty and I was jittery.

Finally sitting down with Amanda right off the bat she was super welcoming, putting me at ease ever so slightly. But I had work to do, I couldn't just sit there staring at her so I needed to jump in and start asking my questions. We only had 3 minutes after all!

Me: "How has being a parent shaped who you are as an actor??

Amanda: "... after having a child I found that I wasn't just wearing my heart on my sleeve anymore, it was very much running around in the world and I find that does shape how I do everything. Especially when it comes to time, I really don't want to take my little girl out of her school and move her around so I do find that I have turned things down because of that fact. I am happy as I wouldn't want to take her from her friends and all that she has established."

Me: "What has been the most memorable thing a fan has done or given you?"

Amanda: "I am so blessed, my fans are some of the best they're so loyal and sweet and over the years I have seen a huge increase in moms and their kids at these conventions. But I have never had a fan give me something and me be turned away by it, I have gotten so many lovely gifts and all of them make me want to cry" (as she fake blubbers - yes she is that awesome)

Me: "What has been the hardest part about working more behind the camera than in front?"

Amanda: "Alot of it! I really love my roles behind the camera and it really makes the projects more mine. Sanctuary was very much a passion project; on a day-to-day basis, from being involved with pre-production I was mapping out the stories for the first season, and doing it again for the second season, white-boarding all the stories, putting together the crew and the cast and the financing.

That was a big part of my responsibilities -- getting that together. Because we didn't have the backing of a major studio, and we're actually doing something quite unorthodox -- creating a high-end product which we're then selling to a world marketplace, so that's been a huge job, but again it made it truly a passion project of mine. One I would love to do again."

Me: "Knowing all your strong female roles, and knowing you have a gorgeous daughter, what characteristics would you want her to adopt from you characters??"

Amanda: "oh that's a good one umm... loyalty, strength, courage, pride and a sense that she can achieve the impossible. Yeah... all of those things!"

my favorite picture EVER!!!!

At that wonderful point I shook her hand said soo many thank yous and asked for a picture and she was more than happy to do so!! Gosh I love this woman!

My Interview with Michael Benyear [Bob from Reboot]

2013-04-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

I have been a massive fan of both Amanda Tapping (SG series, Sanctuary, Space Milkshake, Supernatural) and Michael Benyaer (voice of Bob from Reboot) since I was... well... probably younger than I would like to admit. Getting the chance to actually say hello, tell them how much of a fan I was then get time to ask them both a couple of questions was an incredible experience. In fact typing this I am getting the shakes all over again. I also know that all of you are itching to hear about them so lets get into the tale of my awesome interview with Michael Benyaer aka Bob.

I arrived the Sunday of Fan Expo to immediately get a call from my media rep on the inside. She immediately asked me if I had arrived yet and informed me that Michael was open with some time for a quick interview. I, despite being really hungover and super nervous, jumped on the chance with a big bubbly YES! Of course. Then off I went running from one end to another through a massive sea of characters to arrive at the Reboot booth I was at the day prior getting a picture signed by him and the creator of the show. Michael right off the bat was super nice and instantly said "oh I remember you from yesterday!"... the eight year old in me was jumping for joy and screaming.

yes you read that right "stay frosty!"

Of course at this exact moment I also became almost incapable of thought or putting a sentence together but I managed to ask him a couple of questions in my given three minutes.

Me: "How was Reboot different or more rewarding than your other projects?"

Michael: "Well as the role progressed, they wrote more to what I was doing. I was able to help create the character. It was exciting to be able to help create a character and play a hero who was fallible; he was like Spider-Man/Peter Parker, someone who was thrust into his job and learning to cope with it."

Me: "What was it like to be apart of the first completely computer animated TV series?"

Michael: "Amazing and mainly cause I was able to help create the character of Bob."

Me: "What did you enjoy most about working here in Vancouver?"

Michael: "Growing up in Vancouver I really liked being able to stay close to home. Coming to these expos is also really amazing especially here in my hometown of Vancouver everyone is always saying 'oh i love you, this show was my childhood...' it is really touching"

It was so amazing to get this chance to talk to him and also; for those of you who have met him and don't think he "sounds" like Bob (apparently this happens a lot to him), you need to get your ears checked cause it is his normal voice it is amazing. Listening to him talk was uncanny and it was hard not to picture silver hair and blue skin on him lol!!!

Fan Expo Cosplay

2013-04-23T10:41:00.002-07:00

My weekend at Fan Expo was an incredible experience, it has been a super hard weekend to recover from too. The amazing crowds, the celebrity interviews I got a chance to do an just EVERYTHING it was epic. There is so much to cover to that I can't possibly do it in one post, I will have to split it up. Today I am focusing on JUST the cosplay, cause it was epic and I will be needing a little extra time putting together my interviews which I may put into one post as each interview was only 3 minutes long. It was perfect to me since I was so nervous.

On with the Cosplay!!!

Fear and loathing

Poison Ivy

The Hobbit family!

Rainbow Bright!!

Rouge and Gamebit

Ariel and Ursula (they had their costumes made by THIS LADY)

Penelope VonSweets

He-Man and Skeletor!!

Wreck it freaking Ralph!!

the prettiest Harley Quinn, Super Girl, Wonder Woman combo I have ever seen!!!!

The evil Queen from Once Upon a Time [Regina]

the name of this escapes me but this costume was EXACTLY like the character, even had the thong back!!! She was hardcore amazing

She Ra!!!

Rainbow Dash clearly Eldest's fav part!!

Dr. Who!!!

Epic Harley (same girl as above different costume) and Batman!! (he was super into his character i loved it!)

In a crowd of people having so much fun it is really really hard to not have an incredible time yourself. There were so many groups doing amazing themes I can't tell you enough how inspiring it was. I think life would be WAY more fun if we all got to do this a lot more often. In fact I am inspired to do some Cosplay myself next year!!! Lets face it the Cosplayers are like stars themselves!!

#ManCandyMonday - Keanu Reeves

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little mysterious today, clearly Keanu Reeves had to be the best choice for one of these moods, and I apparently haven't even done him yet!! Crazy right?? Thanks Rory for pointing that out to me, by the way you should really got check her out she is awesome! And this babe, this is for you!!

leather pants and motorcycles f yes!

why yes I am staring at you for and uncomfortable amount of time... no I wont be stopping anytime soon.

grumpy and cold I guess lol !!

Gosh he is sooo purdy don't you think??

What was your fav Keanu moment???

High Tea with Bloggies

2013-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to get together with some of the other awesome Vancouver mom bloggers to welcome a couple new additions to their families. We all decided on meeting at la petite cuillère a lovely little place for a whimsical high tea here in Vancouver! It was magical.

This was my very first high tea and I can honestly say that the sweet service and divine company really just made for the perfect time. It must have been cause all of us kept saying; "I should really be getting home...." but we all kept on chatting and chatting, it was super lovely. I can't wait to see all of you again, thankfully we'll have a couple of gorgeous excuses for another tea!

one of the lovely smaller tables in the sun, perfect for people watching!

I loved the ships and that green really grew on me by the time we left... if only my house could get away with it...

I love orchids

my tea pot, the amazing house blend chai was so amazing, spicy and creamy... just perfect

my lovely food and tea

the vegan option

our lovely table prior to eating

I have to say that is was really a lovely time, super affordable, not too hard to get to and to die for kind of delicious! I was supremely impressed, I am so happy this is where we chose to go I will be making this a regular spot to meet friends. Now to convince them to come with me....

I hope that all of you are having an amazing time this weekend, I will be living it up at Fan Expo Vancouver so be prepared to hear all about it!!

Lets make a royal mess and get decorating!

2013-04-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

This post brought to you by Royal Building Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

The seasons are changing, our windows are open, summer is around the corner, and everyone is out and about walking, cycling. Of course all of which are staring at your house. The signs of winter are all still clearly there with your deary looking exterior and well... the inside of your house... you need some changes... some royal changes. Thankfully the people atRoyal Building Products have just what you need to help bring your house back up to par in this world of constant competition. Those Jones's wont know what hit them!

Giving you gloriously royal options at reasonable prices you can feel those winter blues wash away as you give your wonderful home a face lift. Nothing like a little work around the edges and a new coat of paint to make anything and anyone looking and feeling brand new. A lovely way to add value to your home, make it more worth while in todays hard markets. For sure a consideration.

If you are looking to impressed the passersby with the outside of your lovely home their vinyl siding and lovely window options are great. In fact I really would love the window update in my apartment, I am still living with the horrors of 1960s single pane windows... sometimes they grow things... which I am sure is just lovely for our health. A small price we have to pay i guess here in Vancouver for more space and convience of living areas. Their ROYAL HAVEN™ INSULATED SIDING is actually a really awesome concept especially for our green living and housing initiatives here in Vancouver!

They even have a great "Dream Designer" and "virtual remodeler", that you can use to really get a good feel for their products and to really help you with all your renovating needs. Best part it is really easy to use and super efficient which is super key in todays rush rush world! Why not indulge a little?? Really love what you can come up with and enjoy the outcome, day dreaming never hurt anyone and it could be fuel for your own creativity. So get out your power washers, paint cans and neighborhood kids and lets start some awesome improvements. When you're done you can come over to my apartment and have a go! I know you want to!

My kitchen needs some help to just to give you a MASSIVE heads up!

Life these days

2013-04-19T10:27:00.004-07:00

It is spinning, this world of mine. I have so much to do, so many amazing people to see and I am just so excited about the direction life seems to be taking me in these days. It is really amazing how being cheerful and spreading happiness can really bring it all the way back around to you. To your family.

I am so thankful to all of you who have been here on my little journey, this blog has taken to new heights that I could only dream about. It is amazing to be able to be so happy doing what I am doing, this is honestly a dream job and I am just tickled pink about it. I am also so thankful to my sweet baboo who works so hard for us and really makes all my opportunities a possibility. I am also super thankful for my in laws who help us when we need it and watch the kids for us when we need some mommy daddy only time. Life is only as amazing as the people you have around you. Luckily for me all of you are so amazing!

I have to also thank all the wonderful companies I have worked for in the last year, all of you have been awesome and so generous. The people at Naot Footwear, Emu Australia, Cafepress.com, boogie wipes, Palladium boots, DIA Collections, Robert Rose, Kashi, Soft Soap, the SheBlogs community, Fan Expo Vancouver, Blogelina , and Vancouvermom.ca and all the #YVRmoms for you're continued support and constant love, and soo sooo soo many more!

With all of this I am taking it as an omen to better myself, in so many different amazing ways. How am I going to start doing this??? Well myself, along with a few other amazing Vancouver moms, are going to be joining together to run the color me rad 5K. I know.... I am nuts. I have until August to train and I am actually feeling really excited about it. Though horribly anxious all at once....

This world of ours is an exciting place. I once felt lost in it in this roll of mother, but I have finally learned that I need to embrace all the good, put out good and remove all the negatives in my life. The negatives that were apparently always sucking all the living out of my life.

So wake up moms, do something outside your zone and go for it!! Jump in and forget about the what ifs remember Mumfection and stop trying to be perfect! Get loose, enjoy it and if you fail, you fail. Who cares, get up and do it again!

Full Frontal Nerdity

2013-04-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

It is almost here, I can taste the nerd on the lips and I am finding it hard to sleep most nights. I am just thrilled to be going to the Vancouver Fan Expo this year, and with a media pass too!!! I am one lucky, lucky girl that's for sure.

And you know what?...

You should be to! Same with your kids cause there is a TON of stuff to do there. This isn't just all for us nerds you know, all kids love Star Wars and each day there is a whole "Star Wars Hour" that they can look forward to. Paired with that is the photo session with 501st Legion which will be epic in photos believe you me! Did I mention that David Prowse will be there, literally Darth Vadar. Perfect place to be with your little Sith master.

If you love Vancouver then you clearly have gotten into and have started to love the show Continuum. Well... guess what??

The entire cast will be there. That's right... you heard me. That will be fantastic, I am just super stoked and the lady from it was also in G.I. Joe if you didn't notice. Alongside Channing Tatum.

Sadly Norman Reedus and Tom Felton have cancelled. Breaking my heart... BUT both men who played Norman's brothers will be there. Micheal Rooker and Sean Patrick Flaterly.

I am just itching to go, I think I have some awesome reasons to be completely anxious about this whole thing. I have butterflies in my stomach to the max and I want to make sure that I am doing an awesome job.

The Saturday night will be extra epic as the after party will be going on and my hubby and I have every hope of going. Especially since every dime goes to the children's charity AND he has never been in a club AND it looks freaking awesome! Definitely a recipe for some full frontal nerdity!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

This will be just fantastic I know it will. When looking at some of the attractions what would you be most excited about??