Telling My Story- @TJZMommy

What BlissDom Has Taught Me About My Brand

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 22:04:00 +0000

This recent trip to Blue Mountain was different from other times our family has travelled there. I was feeling stronger and more fit and this time, I even climbed the "Straight Up" trail up the mountain with my hubby and the boys! Weight loss and my new commitment to weekly exercise at Orange Theory Fitness, gave me the courage, strength, stamina and even confidence to make the trek up the mountain. Even though I've figuratively climbed many mountains in my life, this was the first actual one and man, was I ever proud!

Having just returned from Blue Mountain and now booked my room for the conference weekend with my roomie Mara, I'm getting even more excited about heading to BlissDom Canada this October. I can't wait to ~~party~~ learn along side of some of the most amazing bloggers, writers and social influencers in Canada! These are women (and even a few guys) who continue to inspire me online and now we have a chance to be under the same roof to swap advice, share suggestions and even find new ways to share our brands!

I agree. It's a strange concept to think of yourself as a brand, but we are. We are all selling something to each other; selling advice, selling an idea, selling a story or selling a product.

My "brand" in the beginning, was a mom who had a child with special needs. It was the reason I started blogging and it was a way to connect with other parents, share our story of life with Zack and even build awareness about kids with disabilities. I admit that it took awhile to settle into that identity, but once I did, it fit me so well. In fact, when I went to my first BlissDom, I sat at the "Special Needs" table with the most amazing women; Tanis, Jennifer, Tara and Julie. We connected about our kids, our struggles and to this day, we remember that our table was the loudest in the room! I came away from that conference with a new understanding of blogging, how to cultivate my voice with great content, build my brand by being just ME and how to be true to the story I was trying to tell.

By the time I attended my second year of BlissDom, I was a different person. My life and my brand had changed. I had just lost my son, Zack and my online community followed my incredibly emotional journey saying goodbye to my son and had rallied around as we raised $50k in his honour. Seeing everyone was difficult, heartbreaking, and confusing and I was even a little bit lost in what the future of my writing might be. But an incredible thing happened to me at BlissDom. I was embraced and admired and I was even a finalist in the Canadian Family "Tales of Bliss" contest! I learned that my journey through grief was an important story to others and I left that conference knowing that I had to find my new brand, my new voice as a bereaved mother.

I attended the next two BlissDom conferences as someone else's brand, for work. It felt awkward and strange and I knew that while I was learning things to help me at work, I was also desperate to attend the workshops and microsessions that could help me find meaning in my own personal writing. It was at BlissDom that I realized that the work brand just didn't fit me anymore and I wanted to write on my own again. I had missed using my voice to share what I had learned since Zack's death and I felt like I had more to say.

I was excited that BlissDom 2014 would lead me back to my journey to develop my own brand, as well as learn how to evolve from where I had been before. It was amazing that while I was eager to learn about moving beyond my loss, I had the opportunity to make a profound and special connection with Jennifer who came to share her own story of grief and giving back. I loved being Zack's mom, and I always would, but I came to BlissDom last year with questions about how to tell the whole story of who I am and what matters to me. I wanted to learn more from the experts about how I could evolve my experience of losing my son, while also writing about lifestyle, parenting my two other boys and sharing my passion of giving back. I was also looking to monetize my blog, but how could I find the right balance and fit with brands that worked with who I was and what I wanted to say? I found so many workshops helped me find the right balance for me and for my story.

What does this year's BlissDom have instore for me?

I'm honoured to be an Ambassador this year! I'm hoping that this year's conference will help me find more ways to use my voice for the things that truly matter to me. I know that this conference full of experts I respect and admire can inspire me to find ways to weave my personal stories and my passions. I know that I will find new and innovative ways to build traffic by blending my journey with brand reviews that can help me make more money! This year is another opportunity to learn about my brand and what I can do to take my writing to a new level. Will I see you there?

Reaching our Goal for the #WalkforSickKids

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 22:28:00 +0000

We reached our fundraising goal of $1500 for the Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk for SickKids and now I want to go for $2000!

We are so blessed to have friends and family who have always been there to support our fundraising efforts, in Zack's honour and I have often marveled at how so many people continue to give and donate to Zack's Dream Team every single year!

For some, it's because they loved him and this is a way to remember him and celebrate how he touched their lives.

Others, never knew him, but have been inspired by our story and feel compelled to give back.

And then there was my sister, who really got me crying this week, with her reason for giving to SickKids and Zack's Dream Team, "Happy Birthday, Zackie" she said, as I thanked her for her generous donation. This was the gift she wasn't able to give to him for his 8th birthday this year.

It's not lost on me, that SickKids has their walk just a week after Jayden and Zack's birthday and this year...perfect timing! Jayden will have a party with his buddies and we will send balloons to heaven, but we will also celebrate Zack's 8th birthday and his life by walking with so many other brave families and kids on September 26th.

We were honoured to do 4 interviews at this year's SickKids Radiothon!

It's not too late to join a team, create your own team, volunteer or donate to a team raising money for SickKids! Maybe you don't have a connection to SickKids but you do have a house full of wonderfully healthy children. Making a donation is a lovely way to honour and celebrate that gift.

Wish us luck on the 26th!

Giving Back at Back to School Time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 15:21:00 +0000

Like many other kids, my boys are back to school this morning and back to the regular routine that I love! While I have mixed emotions of what lies ahead this year, the boys seemed eager to meet their new teachers and connect with old buddies. My guys walked out the door this morning with new school supplies in their full backpacks, new clothes and shoes and started the day with a very healthy breakfast. So many other families will be struggling to find the money to give even just the basics to their child to start the school year off right.

This is what Grade 7 and Grade 3 looks like!

Back to school time has many parents in a frenzy over buying new clothes, new shoes, and backpacks and lunch boxes that are just perfect for their little student. Imagine if you couldn't afford to provide your child with the necessities they need to go back to school this September.

I've found these 6 great ways to help families at back to school time! Get your family involved in giving back to help kids start off the school year right!

1. Did you know that the majority of low-income families do not have a single book for their children? First Book Canada provides new books to children in need. For only $10, you can provide 4 books for a child to help them succeed in school. To date, First Book has distributed more than 100 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout the United States and Canada.

2. Not only do children need to feed their minds, but also their bodies. Blessings in a Backpack was founded by Hillary Duff and is designed to support schoolchildren who simply do not have enough to eat on weekends. The program works like this: kids take home a backpack filled with food every Friday and return the backpack empty on Monday, ready to start their week. For $100, you can feed a family each weekend of the school year!

3. Adopting a school outside of Canada can bring a sense of global responsibility and help teach your children to look beyond our borders. Sandals Foundation in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos is an amazing organization that helps to ensure that as many children, youth and adults as possible have the educational opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Programs include community scholarships, adopting schools, book drives and literacy programs, and support of new libraries and computer facilities. 100% of your donation goes to the specific projects.

4. When shopping for back to school, think about buying some extras for students needing school supplies and backpacks. You can usually make your donation at any Salvation Army, YMCA or other local charity program, most of whom run school supply drives for local families in need of help.

5. The most important meal of the day is not always a choice for families in need. Thankfully, there are programs across Canada helping kids get a healthy breakfast before school. Donating is easy at Breakfast for Learning! You can feed a class, provide milk or snacks and for $25 you can provide fruit like bananas to help kids in need. In the last school years, Breakfast for Learning funded 4,431 breakfast, lunch and snack programs serving over 2,400 schools, supporting more than 430,000 children and youth and providing over 67 million nourishing meals and snacks.

6. Give back to SickKids so that kids in the hospital can continue to have access to great books and arts and crafts while they are healing. Honour your own healthy kids, by donating to the upcoming Walk for SickKids to keep kids healthy and in school for many more years to come. We'd love your support for Zack's Dream Team as we walk 20km this September!

We Can't Wait to Walk for SickKids again!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 19:19:00 +0000

Do you have a SickKids story? We do.

We've seen the miracles, first hand, that take place within those walls at SickKids.

We were been given the gift of 3 years with our child, when the odds were against him from the start.
Not nearly enough, but we may never have known how truly amazing he was and how much he would change us in such a short time.

We know the pain and struggles that parents feel when they are told that their child is fighting for their life.
We looked them in the eyes as they told us exactly what we were up against and they committed to doing their best.

We know the joys and victories as the weakest little miracles are transformed into strong and powerful survivors.
Our two week old Zack surprised the doctors when he survived an open chest after his heart surgery.

We know the comfort of knowing that the nurses and doctors are working hard to fight for your child's life.
The OR team continued to perform CPR for 40 minutes when Zack's heart stopped.

We know the sensitivity with which the entire hospital treats our little babies and the way in which they embrace them and cheer them on.
Nurse Sarah washed Zack's hair, read to him and played our lullabies, when we left the Cardiac Critical Care Unit to go home and see our other two boys.

We've seen the compassion with which the staff treat parents, like us, in their last moments with their sweet child.
Molds of our hands entwined, clippings of his hair and dim lights all provided comfort as we said goodbye.

There are no words to express how SickKids has impacted our lives and how, even though Zack is gone, they continue to embrace us as family.

We are honoured to walk with other families who have a story, on Saturday, September 26th. Zack's Dream Team will join more than 2,000 campers (participants), crew and volunteers on our THIRD Canaccord Genuity Great Camp Adventure Walk for SickKids!

Want to know more about this day you and your kids won't ever forget?

1. Inspiring: When you first arrive at "camp" early Saturday morning you get to meet the other families who will also be walking around Toronto. All of these parents and kids have a story, a connection to SickKids that is unique and special. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to talk to many of them and share what has inspired you to walk that day!

2. Fun: Collect your badges and bling your lanyard as campers are encouraged to visit campsites around the city for mural painting, relay races, dance lessons, water play, crafts, and more. Be active as a family, talk and laugh along the beautiful route around the streets of Toronto. I promise it will be an incredible day to make memories and have fun as a family, for an amazing cause.

3. Do it at your own pace: We've walked all 20km for 2 years, but the boys have stopped at 10km both times. There is no need to do it all, even 5km is a "win" when it comes to this unique walk. Once participants have walked as far as they can go, they can return to base camp for more activities and snacks!

Donate to Zack's Dream Team and help other families have one more hour, one more day, one more year or an entire lifetime with their child.

Want to create your own team? Use the code "social" to get $10 off all registrations and follow along on social media @WalkforSickKid.

Enter for your chance to win 1 of 5 $100 donations to a team of your choosing (Zack's Dream Team?) and an additional $100 for the winner themselves!

From the moment we met her

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:08:00 +0000

From the moment we met her, we knew she was meant to be ours.

From the moment we met her, she fit just right in our family.

From the moment we met her, she brought smiles and laughter back to our home.

From the moment we met her, we were ready to fall in love.

We had been waiting for a puppy since the fall before Zackie died. We really felt ready to welcome a new member into our family and actually thought that a puppy might be really good for Zack. When the first litter was born to my BFF's dog, the litter was all male! We had our heart set on a girl, and while we were all disappointed, part of me knew that maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

The circumstances were so clear and so right when our Roxy was finally born! Zack had been gone for over 6 months and our home was feeling empty, sad and lonely. We were so hopeful that our puppy would be born soon as we really all needed some good news. The boys were getting really excited and we even started to buy some pink stuff for her.

On August 27th (one year ago!), I sat on the phone with Jill as she counted the newly born puppies; one girl, then two, then three, then four! All FEMALES this time! It was a screaming sign that our puppy was in this litter! It just felt right, from the beginning. About 2 weeks after she was born, a medium even told me that Zack had sent a "black and white" dog to us (Roxy is a salt and pepper Schnauzer!). Jill took amazing care of the puppies and we finally got to take ours home in November. While our Roxy was meant to be a show dog in the beginning, her crazy teeth ruined her career (yikes). We can't really ever thank the Bermans for giving us the greatest gift at the time we needed it most.

We often discussed as a family about silly things Roxy does, that remind us of Zackie. She used to wait at the top of the stairs and get upset until someone would carry her down- just as Zackie did. She has the deepest brown eyes that seem to have a sweet spirit, a deep soul that reminds us of our amazing son's spirit. She loves us unconditionally and adores us in ways that require no talking at all- just like our Zack. She follows the boys around, thrives on their craziness, she is so excited to see them when they arrive home from school and can't wait to snuggle with them, just like their little brother did. The boys are always quick to say to people that she is NOT the 5th member of our family, she is the 6th, since Zack is still very much in our family....I love hearing them say that. They even mention that she has not replaced him in any way...however we all believe that she was sent to us from Zack to bring a smile to our sad faces.

Roxy just fit so perfectly in our family. She was an amazing puppy with a sweet spirit, playful and affectionate! While the boys are at school, I once again have company while I work from home. I had been missing the companionship, since Zack's death, but now I once again have someone to care for, someone who needs me and someone who loves me unconditionally. Roxy has filled a part of the void that was left after Zack died. She is "mommy's girl". While she might not love the pink tshirts and sweaters I buy for her, she does love to follow me everywhere! If I have a shower, she lays outside of the glass door. She sleeps under my desk when I work or on the carpet when I'm in the kitchen. She is truly "my dog"- maybe because I need her most? She's been a light in our lives and continues to bless us by being an amazing puppy. Whether it's coming when we call, being off leash at the lake, enjoying the family boat rides or just falling asleep on our laps, she has brought life back into our home.

Loving the boat

Off leash and loving it!

Jayden asleep with Roxy on her couch

Mixed Feelings About Going Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 23:47:00 +0000

It's back to school season and this time of year is met with mixed reviews in our house.

Part of me is excited to get back to less time doing drop off and pick ups from camps and getting back to a regular routine. But part of me is also nervous about what this upcoming year will mean to both my boys. Ty entering grade 7 is a HUGE change with the new rotary system and he can get anxious and worried about work and doing his best all the time. I also know that this is the year I will work with the school to find more ways to help Jayden be successful in grade 3.

When it comes to my kids, I will stop at nothing to get them the help that they need and deserve. Whether it's with me or an expert, I will get support, just like I did with Zack since the day he was born. Cheerleader and advocate was a role that both challenged me and fit like a glove. I learned so much being a mom to my little boy who needed so much help and support, so when Jayden began having challenges at school last year, my "Warrior Mama" got a nudge and I started to talk to the teacher, principal and special ed teacher to find ways to help Jayden learn and thrive.

"Why do I need to have extra help? It's not fair!" Jayden cried.

"When Zackie couldn't hear or walk, what did mommy do?" I asked.

"You got him help", he answered.

"And when you are having a tough time at school, don't you think mommy should get you some help too? I love you so much and I'd do anything for you to just make school a bit easier and even more fun. Would that make you feel better?" I explained.

"Yes, mommy, it would" was all the answer I needed to know that I was doing the right thing for my sweet boy, even if it was challenging for both of us.

It's hard to be singled out and need help at school, when so many of your friends around you don't. It's hard to be different and Jayden already feels different because he lost his brother. I worry a lot about his self-awareness, his struggles and it's impact on his developing self esteem. How do I protect my sweet boy from teasing or from feeling stupid or less than his older brother or friends? I do know that our family is one that demonstrates that all kids are different and special in their own way, that we all learn differently and that everyone has things that are tough in their lives. I also know that Paul and I will do our best to make sure Jayden feels loved, supported and celebrated every single day.

After being turned down at school for some more advanced testing that I felt was needed, I listened to my mommy's instinct and took matters into our own hands. We just completed comprehensive private testing to really identify the way Jayden learns, how his brain works and also to provide several suggestions for ways the school can best support him. Now we are ready to hit grade 3 armed with tools, strategies and a positive attitude that this will be his year to shine!

There's really nothing like a great show to help kids through the struggles of life. For lessons about friendship, teamwork and to celebrate difference and acceptance, try the new Netflix Exclusive- DinoTrux.

We really enjoy watching this together and talking about the important and timely messages throughout the show!

Summer Family Fun at Centreville

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:20:00 +0000

Don't you love exploring your own city as a tourist? We sure do! Every summer we pick a few key spots around the GTA to have some family fun. Part of the adventure, of course, is travelling on the subway from the suburbs. We laugh all the way, remembering Jayden's first subway ride at 4. When we rode the subway downtown to meet Paul, we listened to the announcer calling out the stations. Jayden stopped in his tracks as they announced Spadina station...he looked at me and said "Mommy, he said Bagina!"

This summer, we decided to take the ferry across to Centre Island, to go to Centreville. I had never been (shocking, I know), but the boys had gone two years ago and raved about it ever since. I was so excited to share this experience with the boys this year and we planned to go on all the rides and also to explore the beautiful island! There is really nothing like the breathtaking view of our Toronto skyline from the water.

Now open 7 days a week until September (then weekends for the month), here is what you must do with your family when you visit Centreville this summer;

1. Visit the animals. Far Enough Farm is run by Centreville and is free to visit! It was our favourite part! Getting up close and personal with the animals is something our boys have always loved...and you just have to see the new baby Llama named, Prince! Too cute!

2. Pack a yummy picnic! It's a great way to save some money and slow down after a busy morning on the rides. Find a bench, eat on the beach or even just a grassy spot that you can watch all the action as it goes by! Don't forget to pack a soccer ball or baseball gloves for after you eat! If you don't pack your lunch, you can always enjoy a burger, poutine (yum), fish tacos or a gluten-free meal at the Carousel Cafe's outdoor patio.

3. Grab a delicious summer treat from the over 16 vendors on the island! Ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cake (Paul's pick every time), popcorn or enjoy the incredible view with a grown-up drink at the Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Co (right at the ferry docks).

4. Ride the roller coasters with the kids! If you have little ones, this is a great place to try out some simple rides for all ages. Take a leisurely car or boat ride, take a tour on a swan or be a little more daring on the NEW Toronto Island Mine Coaster (this one is totally MY speed!).

5. Get a little bit wet! Hit the beach (to bury your brother in the sand) or just get splashed with the Saugreen Lumber Mill Log Flume or ride the bumper boats (my kids' favourite)!

There is still time to plan your family day at Centre Island! Purchasing ride passes online before you go, will even help you save! There is no admission fee to walk around Centreville or the Far Enough Farm and you can easily spend the whole day exploring all that the island has to offer and making more family memories!

Follow them on Twitter and Facebook to learn about daily updates from the Island (helpful if you are travelling in from out of the city).

We love exploring all that Toronto has to offer, as a family! This post was generously sponsored by Centreville, but the opinions and images are my own.
For more information, visit www.centreisland.ca

Win 1 of 2 Nerf Super Soakers to Celebrate the End of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 12:56:00 +0000

The plan was to have our 4th annual water fight on the last day of school. The invitation was made and distributed in class, just as it had been the three years before. The kids at school and even on the street always looked forward to the infamous water fight that was set to funky beats, followed by a fabulous bbq and it even gave them the chance to win their own Nerf Super Soakers!

After hearing that several of his buddies weren't able to attend, Ty decided to postpone the fabulously popular event until the end of summer. We were all a little bummed but we had already received the Nerf Super Soakers and just had to break a couple out of the boxes to enjoy this summer!

We've packed them in the trunk and started to test the two newest Nerf Super Soakers during our days at the beach, poolside and even at the lake. Ty and Jayden really loved the Flashflood Blaster...how easy it was to control and how far the water could shoot! I really loved the Tri Threat Blaster to hit three kids in one shot!

"Say hello to my little friend!"

Want to hear more about our past water fights so you can host your own? Check out these links;

How our Water Fight Tradition Started

How Nerf Sponsored our Annual Water Fight

Tips to Host the Best Water Fight Party Ever

We want YOU to join in on the fun by winning your own Nerf Super Soaker! Enter to win 1 of 2 below!

One lucky winner will WIN a Nerf Super Soaker Flashflood Blaster!*
Your water battles will never be the same with the FlashFlood blaster! This high-capacity power soaker holds 23 ounces of water for an outstanding mobile attack, and it can hit targets up to 38 feet away. It’s also got 2 separate nozzles...one for a Flood Strike and one for a Flash Strike! Dominate the competition – and get them soaking wet – with the FlashFlood blaster!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One lucky winner will WIN a Nerf Rebelle Super Soaker Tri Threat Blaster!*
Unleash your inner warrior and blast your opponents with 3 streams of water from the Nerf Rebelle Tri Threat soaker! Surprise the competition by delivering triple stream soakage. Water shoots from each end of the blaster's crossbow arms and a third stream blasts from the centre barrel. Pump the blaster and deliver a deluge of water as you battle with your friends. For 3-stream blasting up to 35 feet, take along the 25-ounce capacity Nerf Rebelle Tri Threat soaker!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

*Contest open to Canadians and closes August 31st, 2015. Winners will be shipped their prize within 2-4 weeks.

Demon Baby on 4D ultrasound got me remembering

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 19:53:00 +0000

Working online today and every time I've opened Yahoo, I see this article about a couple who saw their unborn baby on a 4D ultrasound and called her a "demon baby".

“Wife and I went to get a ‘4D’ ultrasound of our unborn child. Saw this picture. Changed our minds,” said his post originally posted on Imgur. The ultrasound image showed a photo of their unborn baby girl with strange eyes, odd teeth and a skeletal nose, looking directly at the camera with a sinister grin.

Photo from Imgur

I get it. It definitely looks strange and 3D and 4D ultrasounds can look hilarious and creepy at the same time. But what if this unborn baby actually has a genetic issue or disorder? What if when she is born, their world will stop and they will have an ache in their bellies about what lies ahead for their child. What if this image isn't creepy or funny at all, but alerting them to an issue that may lie ahead?

I'm not a doctor or technician, but I've been there.

I saw the couple's ultrasound and immediately remembered seeing the 3D ultrasounds of our twin boys. Jayden had been so easy to see on the screen, clearly a sign that he would always love attention! His beautiful face was adorable and so clear on the screen that we just couldn't wait to meet him.

Our Gorgeous Jayden

Zack was harder to see during that first visit. He was squished in there and we actually had to schedule a SECOND appointment to see his gender and get a look at our second twin. We were excited when we saw him on the screen but made excuses for why he may look so different from his brother. Bad lighting, a shadow, these aren't accurate, they're fraternal twins, he's squished, he's still developing, it went on and on. In my gut, I knew there was something wrong. I was his mother and something was warning me, but I chose to ignore it and not share my worries with anyone. I was really anxious to meet Zack and confirm that this was just in my head. I shared their photos around my work, continuing to make excuses for why they looked so different from each other.

When Jayden was born, he looked just like the amazing image we had seen on the screen. He had a full face and the sweetest nose ever. When Zack was born 4 minutes later, I remember thinking yes...he's my beautiful boy and also looks exactly like the 3D image that we saw only a few weeks ago. That aching feeling I had was right. My sweet boy was born with a body that was badly bruised and had very little tone. His eyes were droopy, his delicate ears surrounded by the bumps of skin that we saw on the screen were skintags. His head was larger that it should be, due to fluid build up and his chin and neck were much smaller than the norm. He was gorgeous, he was a miracle and he was mine. He was different, very sick and exactly what we had seen on that screen.

It wasn't shadows. He wasn't squished. It wasn't because they were fraternal twins or even that he was a "demon" baby that caused his differences. He had facial anomalies... "dysmorphia" the pediatrian said. He likely had a genetic syndrome, she told us as my feet were still in stirrups.

Yes, he was our precious miracle, Zack. Our son from the 3D photo was exactly as he was meant to be.

Our Beautiful Zackie

Planning the Perfect Day at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:40:00 +0000

There is nothing like a family picnic at the beach, is there?

One of our best days this summer was an impromptu day at the Allenwood Beach near Wasaga, with our wonderful friends. One of the best things for me was that there was a bathroom near by! LOL. It was the perfect way to relax, enjoy some family time, cool off in the lake and let the kids have some unplugged fun! We brought a bunch of fun activities for the kids to enjoy, while the grown ups sat in comfy chairs, listened to wicked tunes and caught up on each other's news.

Our fridge was pretty bare and I didn't have time to really prepare for our picnic in the way I normally would, so I was grateful to walk into Loblaws and see their #LetsDoPicnic signs around the store! It really helped to plan some healthy foods and snacks for a long day at the beach!

Our picnic cooler was jam packed to keep us fed and hydrated all day! Maple Leaf deli meats, tons of cut up veggies and PC spicy hummus, Tostitos Cantina chips with salsa, Lay's chips and lots of fruit!

If you are planning to have your own family day and picnic at the beach, here are some tips on what to pack for the kids for the perfect beach day;

sunscreen
bug spray
nets or bug catchers
hats
towels and blankets
umbrella or sunshade
sand toys
water balloons
baseball gloves
soccer ball
blow up pool noodle, raft or ring (great choices at the dollar stores)
a full cooler or two of SNACKS (the kids literally ate all day!)

Plus don't forget the adult supplies;

lounge chairs
phone to take photos and share on social media
bluetooth speaker for beach tunes (make your own playlist or use a music app!)
plastic glasses
adult drinks (wink, wink)

If you have more time to create some picnic recipes, check out the site Let's Do Picnic for recipes, tips, and ideas.

For more inspiration follow the #LetsDoPicnic hashtag on social media and these picnic-experts;

@LaysCanada

@TostitosCanada

@PresChoice

Still a few more weeks of summer...so get out and enjoy a perfect beach picnic!

The Best Bra Fitting Tips from the Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 15:24:00 +0000

One of the benefits of losing weight has been that I have needed to go shopping and replace many of the items in my drawers and closet! From my skinny jeans and black blazers to yoga pants and coats, all of my essential items have had to be replaced!

It wasn't until we went on a little romantic getaway to do some shopping, that I realized that my undies and bra were just too loose! I had been so focused on shopping for the outer garments that I hadn't even considered that the undergarments would have to be replaced too! I knew that I needed a bra fitting to really determine my new size, so I happily made the appointment at my local Hudson's Bay, for a REAL bra fitting with a Wacoal consultant.

My Wacoal consultant, Maggie, was amazing! I was blown away when she told me that instead of my 40DD, I should be wearing a 36D! I will never buy a bra again, without her to help me find the best size. She brought me several choices and sizes and checked the fit every time. There was NOTHING embarrassing about getting fitted for a bra. Maggie left the room each time I had to change and was a wealth of information!

I'm so thrilled with my Embrace Lace Underwire Tshirt Bra.

My new "bosom buddy", Maggie.

Tips From the Bra-fitting Experts;
1. Get an expert to fit you so that you can stop wearing bras that don't fit! Over 80% of women are wearing the wrong size (I'm looking at you with the band that's too loose and the cup that's too small). Call ahead and book a proper fitting. All sales associates in The Bay lingerie department are trained to help you find the right size, or you can call ahead to be sure a particular expert is scheduled during your visit.
2. Check your bra size about once a year or after every major body change; weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, etc.
3. Handwash your bras or wash them on the delicate cycle in a lingerie bag. Your bras will last much longer, if you care for them properly!
4. Never put your bras in the dryer! I admit I do this and will stop after I've learned that the dryer breaks down the fibres and can change the fit completely!
5. Replace your bra after about 90 wearings. You will notice that they just don't offer the same support and should be thrown out.
6. Always try on your bras before you buy them. Even if you are shopping the discount stores, realize that each mass produced bra can fit differently. Take a few minutes to try them on first.
7. Young girls picking a bra for the first time, should be fitted by a professional, to make sure that they have the right size. Having the right size from the start, helps to prevent back pain, stretch marks and sagging overtime.
8. Don't insist you are a particular size without going for a proper fitting. You may have "always" been a 36C but you might not be now. See an expert to be sure you have the right support.
9. If your straps keep falling down, you likely have the wrong cup size. Chances are you are wearing a larger cup than you need.
10. Women need multiple bras for multiple uses. Wacoal recommends you have a about 6 main styles; sports, seamless (also called tshirt), cut and sew (2 part), strapless, minimizer or push up (depending on size), and sexy bras in your wardrobe.

Wacoal uses modern fabrics, innovative technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and unique designs to meet the evolving needs of today’s women. My favourite feature is that Wacoal consultants at The Bay help women like me find the right bras with the proper band and cup sizes! To learn more about Wacoal and their 30 years of experience in fitting women properly, supporting breast cancer awareness and providing quality bras for women around the world, listen to Maggie.

Do you really know your bra size?

Have you ever had a consultant fit you in the right one?

Our Love Story: The Night We Met

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 11:00:00 +0000

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary. This is how our love story began.

It was July 22nd, 1995. I was single and had recently graduated from Western. I was living back at home which was a huge adjustment, but I was enjoying life back in the big city working at Town Shoes in the TD Centre. I was lonely and ready to find someone special as a new chapter of my life was just beginning and I planned to stay in Toronto to go to York in the fall for a Bachelor of Social Work. This particular night, a bunch of my sorority sisters from Kappa Alpha Theta had organized an Alumni boat cruise around the Toronto harbour. A friend was house-sitting in the city, so I begged her to go without her new boyfriend so that we could have a girl's night!

We pulled up and parked the car, excited to see all of our "sisters" again. A few of us gathered outside the boat and we were introduced to the new faces and dates. One of the girls had brought her friend, Paul, as her date and I was instantly attracted to him. He was dressed to the nines and looked like he walked out of a magazine ad or Boys II Men video. It wasn't until we started talking that I fell completely head over heels. Hot AND nice? Not possible! Paul and I finally made an instant connection when we saw a man dressed in a yacht club crested jacket with knee socks...we both laughed at the same time.

I wanted to be close to him all night and it seemed that the feeling was very mutual! As the night began, we couldn't take our eyes off of each other from across the boat. I had never felt my heart pound like it did that night. A thousand butterflies took up space in my stomach and I gave into the feelings that were making me feel so amazing, but I was guarded too. The chemistry was electric from the start and even my other 'sisters' asked if we were together because of the way we looked at each other and seemed so comfortable together.

We sneaked a visit on the lower level, had a glass of wine together and got to know each other better, away from the distractions of the other ladies. It turned out that we had lots in common; teaching Sunday school, recent graduations (he from Seneca Radio and Television Arts), a huge connection with kids and we both really loved music, including Boyz II Men (it was the 90s, who didn't?). When it came time to have dinner, "I'll make love to you" came over the speaker as a secret dedication. I knew it was just for me, as we locked eyes across the room and in that moment, he had me completely hooked. Was he incredibly romantic or just another smooth operator (to quote another 90s song)? I was so worried that I may never hear from him again and I would be heart broken, like so many other times in the past. But this felt different. I trusted him with my heart. I not only hoped, but believed that he would call me and that we would have more nights as magical as this one.

The night had to come to an end, so Paul and I secretly exchanged numbers and we all said our goodbyes in the parking lot.We drove away and I was full of emotion from total euphoria to panic and worry. It was the best night of my life and I just wanted more time with this incredible man of my dreams.

Later that night, while I was sleeping over with my girlfriend's house, my sister woke up to a late night phone call back at home. It was Paul checking to make sure I got home okay.

20 years ago, on July 22, 1995, was the beginning of us.

15 years ago today, July 22nd, 2000, I married the man of my dreams.

And this is us now...

We've learned to cherish and truly appreciate each other. We love harder, better and more completely.

We've changed for each other, grown together, accepted each other and built a beautiful life.

We've been challenged at every turn. We've struggled and cried together, celebrated and laughed together and even picked each other up when we were at our deepest lows.

The odds have been against us from the start but today, we are stronger and better than we have ever been. We find time for our marriage, dance on the deck and kiss in the kitchen to embarrass the boys.

We look at each other with the same passion and love that we felt from the beginning, only now it's filled with 20 years of incredible memories.

Our love story continues....

Quick and Easy Summer Family Dinner Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 13:32:00 +0000

Is it just me or are you eating dinner on the run these days?

The rush after camp and work seems crazy with the doorbell ringing just as we walk in the door! The kids play outside with friends while I open the fridge and find something to feed my two boys and anyone else who joins us for dinner!

This past week we had a full house of kids and I thought it was my golden opportunity to have a sit down dinner at the table on our new deck. Preparing a meal is hard enough for my own guys but now I had to consider the discerning tastes of 3 of their buddies. I knew that pasta was the best way to go for this hungry crew!

I had a box of Barilla PLUS pasta, with added protein and fibre so I was excited to make stovetop mac and cheese that was GOOD for the kids! I know, not as gourmet as the amazing summer recipes on the Barilla website, but a family favourite in my house!

Ingredients:
1 box Barilla PLUS pasta (we love the penne)
3 Lite Kraft cheese singles (optional, but my kids love how cheesy this can get!)
1/2 cup of skim milk
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups shredded cheese (I used the already shredded cheddar and mozzarella mix)
salt

Directions:
1. Cook the pasta al dente, in salted water. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter, milk and cheese singles in the pot on a low setting.
3. Add back in the pasta and mix.
4. Add the shredded cheese and mix well.
5. Serve to hungry kids quickly....they usually can't wait to eat it!

Busy life makes connecting together, challenging. So even though my husband was at work, I seized the chance to 'share the table' with my boys and their friends. It was the perfect chance to check in with what everyone did during the day, ask about anything bothering them and of course to share some jokes over a delicious meal al fresco.

Give and Win:
Win 1 of 3 Trips to Italy when you enter at Barilla Share the Table. For every entry in the contest, Barilla^® will donate a meal to Food Banks Canada, so enter once a day to help!

Follow @BarillaCanada on Twitter and join the #SharetheTable discussion with other families.

Family Fun at the RBC Canadian Open

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 17:44:00 +0000

Two years ago, the four of us went to the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville and we are STILL talking about all the fun we had! From Golf Digest "cover shots" to chipping and putting competitions, the kids had a blast while Paul was all about action on the course! We had such a great family day and learned a lot about golf too!

As this year's Canadian Open is fast approaching and running Monday July 20- Sunday July 26, families should be looking at this as a perfect way to spend a summer weekday or weekend with the kids! Ticket prices are reasonable for a day of fun in the sun, and kids with a Junior Pass are free!

Advanced Price (Before July 19) $20 – Early Week Grounds (Mon – Wed)
$59.95 – AnyDay Grounds (One Day)

Gate Price (July 20-26) $26 – Early Week Grounds (Mon – Wed)
$79.95 – AnyDay Grounds (One Day)

Want to let the golf fanatics watch the stars while you explore? Here is a list of just SOME of the off-course activities:

SHAW Global News Desk: experience what it’s like to be a news anchor by interviewing Canadian PGA Tour stars Graham DeLaet and Adam Hadwin
SHAW Food Network: join celebrity chef Lynn Crawford in the kitchen by preparing a gourmet dish
HGTV Lounge: sit back and relax on the custom built HGTV patio overlooking the 7th green
CN Future Links Challenge: open to all ages, driving, putting and chipping skills challenge
TaylorMade Performance Lab: book a time to get custom fit in the simulator
Molson Canadian 67 19th Hole: sampling, Muskoka chairs & video screens to enjoy the Open
Wine sampling from Santa Carolina Wines
Scotch whisky sampling from Ballantine’s
Prizing & giveaways from Golf Town, PepsiCo, WestJet Airlines, Globe & Mail and more

Just a few added tips;

Bring your refillable water bottles
With water stations to refill during the hot, long days, you can be eco-friendly and support the RBC Canadian Open charity of choice- Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Don't forget to get social!
Share your photos from the event and you could have the chance to help your favourite charity! SHARE #RBCGolf4Kids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram until July 20th to help Team RBC win up to $500,000 towards their children’s charities of choice. It’s simple - the more you share it, the more money goes to charity. Follow and support your favorite golfers as they compete in a series of challenges and join the conversation for a chance to win great prizes!

Check out all the family fun waiting at this year's RBC Canadian Open.

How Tim Riggins and Friday Night Lights Changed Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 21:19:00 +0000

Friday Night Lights is on my mind...I'm not sure whether it's the fact that the news came out that Tim Riggins, I mean Taylor Kitsch, is dating his latest co-star or that I learned that our nephew is #33 on the Saskatchewan Roughriders or that I finished all my binge-worthy shows on Netflix this week.

Let me be more specific. Tim Riggins is on my mind because Taylor Kitsch as Tim Riggins in Friday Night Lights changed my whole perspective on guys with long hair, small town U.S.A. and mostly, football.

I know, I can't hardly believe it myself, but just look at him..... Riggins. He's the bad boy with heart. The guy who loves hard but can't keep it in his pants. He's dirty, his hair is a mess and he never showers, but he's been with all the girls (and cougars) in Dillon. (I'll pause, while you admire the photo.....).

When did I fall in love with Tim and the show? It all happened during a deep conversation on Facebook after Parenthood ended on NBC. Loving that show, I was looking for the next big thing to fall in love with on the small screen. Some very cool chicks that I adore, convinced me to give Parenthood writer Jason Katim's show Friday Night Lights a try on Netflix Canada and ever since, we have been talking about the impact that the show has had on us.

This is a show that will stay with you. From the first glimpse of Jason Street and Coach Taylor, I knew that I was hooked. Having always gone for the pretty boy, I thought Jason was the one I'd watch (boy was I wrong). The Taylors became the couple you wanted your marriage to be like. They talked about everything, always supported each other and even when they didn't agree, it was so sweet! From her first, "y'all", I also knew that I just wanted to go for a drink with Tami. I loved her no-nonsense and realistic approach to counselling the kids of Dillon and all their crazy problems. Tara, Lyla and even Julie explored all sides of my personality...playful and flirty, serious and loyal and lost and trying to find her way. I had BEEN all of these girls at various times in my teens and 20s.

And what about football? Why would I want to watch a show about football when I've never understood or liked it? Because it was the thread that kept the town together and I actually started to "get" it. The short Friday snips of the game actually HELPED me understand what football is about and of course, the "Clear Eyes, Full Heart, Can't Lose" attitude is as relevant on the field as it is off.

Summer tv stinks, so start watching Friday Night Lights on Netflix and I promise some great eye candy, stories that touch your heart and characters who stay in your mind forever. Just writing this post makes me sad. I miss it. I miss the characters, the stories, the urgency to get the kids to bed so I could watch an episode and of course, I miss Tim.

Until I find my next binge (maybe Tami Taylor in Nashville?), I'll be watching football, sharing Friday Night Lights memes and reminiscing with the other fans on Facebook.

Brownie and Fruit Pizza Dessert Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:09:00 +0000

Now that we have our new deck, it will mean more summer entertaining, parties and BBQs, yippee! We have our regular go-to dishes and desserts but I also wanted to add some new meal and dessert recipes to choose from! This is truly one of our most favourite, simple and delicious desserts and will absolutely be serving this during the summer!

This brownie and fruit pizza dessert is not only simple, but fun to make with the kids! Jayden and Zack's Godmother came over with the ingredients to make this delicious kid- and adult-friendly summer treat! The kids loved to help cut the fruit and ultimately decorate the brownie "pizza" any way they wanted to! The best part will be enjoying this together on our new deck on a warm summer night or taking it to a pot luck bbq!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
Brownie Mix (we chose a low fat mix)
Cream Cheese brick (we chose light variety, keep at room temperature before baking)
3/4 cup of sugar (or Splenda to keep it low sugar)
Fruit- strawberries, grapes, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, etc.

Directions:
1. Make the brownie according to directions on the box and bake in a round pizza baking sheet. Bake and let it cool before creating your pizza.
2. Mix 3/4 of a brick of cream cheese with 3/4 cup of sugar until creamy. Set aside.
3. Get the kids to wash and help cut the fruit. Leave blueberries and raspberries whole. Cut strawberries, kiwis and bananas into thin slices and grapes in half.
4. When brownie has cooled, gently spread the cream cheese and sugar mixture across the top for a thin layer.
5. Let the kids decorate the top of the pizza by making shapes, strawberry flowers, writing their initials in blueberries or any abstract design (you can add in some summer math practice too)!

Be prepared for some "quality assurance" when you kids eat the fruits while they decorate!

Incredible Summer Pineapple Dessert Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 21:57:00 +0000

Okay, this one is totally NOT on my diet, but I had to share my mom's recipe for this incredible summer pineapple dessert.

Some people might call this Pineapple "Delight" but in all seriousness, it is worthy of a much better name, so I call it Pineapple Orgasm. My mom makes this dessert throughout the summer for her guests, and they keep coming back for more and more!!

Ingredients:
1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
1 cup of butter
2 eggs
1½ cups of icing sugar
250 ml whipping cream
1 can drained crushed pineapple

Directions:
1. Make a crust of 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs and just a bit less than ½ cup of butter.
2. Put it in a springform pan, so it is easy to serve. (A square or rectangular pan would work too.) Chill.
3. Cream ½ cup of softened butter. Then mix with 2 unbeaten eggs and 1½ cups of icing sugar. Spread on top of the crust and chill again until firm.
4. Whip 250ml of whipping cream and fold in 1 can of drained crushed pineapple.
5. Add to the top and chill.

Enjoy...I promise you'll want multiple pieces :-)

Finding the Right Look and the Right Prescription at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 24 Jun 2015 12:32:00 +0000

I've been struggling with my eyes since I turned 40.

Wearing contacts my whole life, I really didn't want to even consider the fact that I'd have to give them up for glasses everyday, when I started having headaches working on the computer. I've been really struggling with finding the right prescription that helps me with distance but also allows me to work comfortably at the computer. Don't even get me started on the number of people who suggested bifocals and reader glasses...I'm not going there (yet)!

I have a mad crush on my contact lenses and will never break up with them, but I have to admit that I do really like to switch up my look and wear my glasses out in the world. Most days, I only wear my glasses in bed at night to binge-watch my favourite shows on Netflix.

Living with squinting while I drive and headaches on the computer led me to jump at the chance to visit Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry in Markham and have my eyes checked by Dr. Kevin. Not only is he hilarious, but he was understanding when I shared my concerns and he helped me find the balance I was looking for! Best of all, he gave me a week of daily contacts in my new prescription to try out!

Having designer obsession with sunglasses (I have my Tom Ford and Marc Jacob faves), I'm becoming quite the snob when it comes to eyewear, so I was thrilled to see the selection AND the expertise on staff to help me decide. And just like many things I do, I took to social media to see if my friends had any opinions and boy did they ever! Luckily, the majority agreed on A and those are the Prada glasses I went with!

Difficulty in making decisions is just one more side effect of turning 40...I can't seem to decide on anything alone! Luckily my bestie and my boys were at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry too and helped me decide. I was so interested to hear the "science" behind picking a frame and buying glasses that you love. Here are the tips from the frame stylists at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry;

1. Face shape- frames that contrast the natural shape of your face is quite completing. For example, square shaped faces would best be suited with oval or round rectangles and rounder faces- best suited with rectangular frames. That's why it's great to be helped with an experienced frame stylist to help guide in your selection.

2. Eyes should be well centered in the frame- frames too wide may make the eyes seem too close together.

3. Don't be afraid to have fun- glasses are such an important accessory worn on a daily basis for many, so having 1-2 pairs to change up the mood or feel for the day is great. Glasses are an investment and since they are worn on your face, it should also reflect your personality. Don't be afraid of colour, bold looks and trying something out of your comfort zone.

4. Sunglasses- these are just as important as your regular glasses. Just like suncreen protects your skin, sunglasses protect your eyes! Have fun with the beautiful bold colours and oversized styles.

5. Glasses are a great accessory to put a finishing touch on any outfit- you can run out of the house without make up and in sweatshirts and transform the look with a gorgeous pair of glasses.

6. You need more than one pair- we don't own just 1 purse, 1 pair of shoes etc., so why just 1 pair of glasses. Take the chance to switch it up by having a couple of pairs you love or try one simple frame and one more trendy frame to alternate or reflect your mood.

7. You get what you pay for- so good quality lenses and good quality glasses will last you a long time and you will enjoy the comfort and vision.

The boys want glasses now!

Keep connected to hear the latest trends from the experts. Follow Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry on Facebook and Instagram.

Since you are my friends and family, they’ll give you a 20% discount (valid until July 15th) when you mention my blog.

Don't forget about the man in your life! Enter their fabulous Father's Day contest to win a round of golf at Angus Glen and a pair of Oakley shades. Value of the prize is $600. Click here for more info. Contest ends June 27th, 2015.

I received my fabulous new glasses in exchange for a review of the amazing service and selection at Shoppes of Angus Glen Optometry.

Tips to Help Stay on Budget This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Jun 2015 17:31:00 +0000

Do you talk to your kids about money? We do.

We've had times where money was tight, especially during summer months when expenses are through the roof. We’ve taking the opportunity to be honest with our kids about how much things cost and allowed them to be part of the decision-making process. Sometimes it means that they can’t go to the $500 a week camp that their friends are going to but it’s all a chance to help them learn the tough choices we all have to make, when it comes to money. Staying on budget in the summer is very challenging!

Another way we engage the kids in our money-making decisions is by giving them an allowance to start to make their own choices about money decisions. We often remind them to bring their wallets to family outings, on vacation in the summer or even to their camp “tuck shop” to buy a treat. I love watching both boys as they process the pros and cons of taking a crisp bill out of their wallets to pay for something they want or the seeing the agony of deciding to save for something else bigger.

A recent study done by TD Bank, found that 55% of Canadian parents with children under the age of 18 take on additional costs during the summer; in fact, 71% of them spend up to $999 per child. Our family has already booked and paid for the summer camps to keep the kids entertained and busy while Paul and I go to work every day. This study inspired me to calculate our own summer expenses and I was blown away to realize that we had over $2500 in summer costs including; summer camp, summer hockey leagues and tutoring. This is not even considering a family vacation or getaway or the fact that we have to pay for rep hockey this summer and fall! When you consider that our summer is only 2 months in Canada, that’s a tremendous expense!

Tips from TD for Budgeting for Summer Activities:

Half (51%) of surveyed parents found budgeting for these additional summer costs stressful, so after speaking with Linda MacKay, Senior Vice President, Retail Savings and Investing and Shirley Malloy Associate Vice President, Acquisition & Sales Management from TD Canada Trust I have compiled some tips on how to avoid the financial heat wave summer can bring:

Get a season's pass for your favourite family experience in the city - our family LOVES our Canada's Wonderland pass. For $70 each, your family can enjoy the park and waterslides all summer! Be sure to eat before you go and you won't have to open your wallet once! Other ideas are the AGO, ROM or the Toronto Zoo.
It's never too late to save! Even if you haven't prepared for this summer's expenses, start saving early for next year by putting a little money away each month into your TFSA (Tax Free Savings Account).
Shop around for camps that are run through the city or the school board. They are often less money and just as much fun!
Check your rewards balance – redeem some of your loyalty rewards, such as points from your First Class Travel Credit Card, to help fund family activities and travel.
Don’t schedule the kids to death! Kids just love the FREE fun they can have at the park and with their friends in the neighbourhood, so our boys have chosen ONE summer activity, 3-on-3 hockey, to keep them busy one night a week and stick to our budget.
Try some online budgeting tools, like the ones at tdcanadatrust.com, to determine how much you can save at the end of the year, with just a few dollars a week, you could have your summer paid for with savings!
File your receipts – some summer costs could be tax deductible as a child care expense or under the child fitness tax credit on your tax return.
Investigate the newly increased and expanded UCCB (Universal Child Care Benefit). The new enhancements include kids age 7-18 (it used to stop at age 6). All families will receive a cheque this summer - a nice bonus to cover summer costs or save for the fall programs for the kids!

How do YOU stay on budget during the summer? Any tips to share?

This post has been sponsored by TD Canada Trust, but the opinions are my own. For more information, please visit http://www.tdcanadatrust.com.

Making the Perfect Gift for a Special Teacher

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 20:48:00 +0000

Is anyone else like me and struggling to find a unique and thoughtful gift for a teacher who has made a difference in your child's life?

I've thought of just about every kind of gift card, walked the aisles of HomeSense and thought of making a donation but they just don't seem right for Jayden's teacher. This year has been challenging, but positive. Slow but steady. While the progress hasn't moved quite as quickly as we'd like, Mrs. M has really helped him this year to try his best, focus more in class and help him find success at school. She's completed paperwork that we've needed for referrals, met with me several times and even made several accommodations in class that she knew would help Jayden do well. She took Jayden under her wing and even spoke to me "mom-to-mom" in a way that let me know that she cared for our amazing and creative little boy.

Even though we've decided to move forward with private testing to see if he may be struggling with a learning difference (after academic tests show he is average or above in his knowledge), we know that without her support and open dialogue, he would not be ending off the year feeling like he was successful. We are really proud of the process he's made with the help of a special teacher.

See why this gift means so much to us?

So on the way home from the first 3 hours of private testing, it hit me...Jayden and I need to create a word cloud and frame it like we did for another special teacher. Handing Jayden the pad and pen, we started to write down the words that came to mind when we thought of Mrs. M.

Armed with the words that represent Mrs. M, we hit my favourite word cloud site, Tagxedo. You must first download the software, but then the instructions are simple to follow.

Tips:
1. When you choose CREATE, you can enter the words that you'd like to use to describe the person you are honouring. What are things they love to do with that person? What silly stories or words describe them? What are their favourite things? One hint is to not use spaces between phrases (ie. type "bestteacher" not "best teacher") so that they words stay together in the cloud.

3. Choose a SHAPE that represents the person or the holiday- we used an apple for a favourite teacher and a heart for Valentine's Day. There are tons of shapes to use, so be creative!
3. Have fun with themes and colours! If you will be framing the final image, think of what colour frame you will be using.
4. Once you create your cloud, remember to save it as a "jpeg" so that you can use it for printing or even photos gifts. Use editing software, like PicMonkey.com to edit and crop the image for 8x10 and upload to any photo printing site (we love to use Costco).

What do you think of our homemade gift for our very special teacher?

We even made one for Ty's amazing teacher!

Grief is like wearing a new pair of glasses

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:50:00 +0000

Grief is like wearing a new pair of glasses that I wear everyday. That's how I explained it to someone the other day.

It's a lens through which I now see all aspects of my life. It's the experience that I can't escape and that has become a part of who I am.

I'm often reminded of my glasses when I'm on a date with Paul, as we're driving to our destination. Our time together inevitably weaves its way into a discussion about Zack, how much we miss him, the impact of his death on our boys and our own lives. We try to change the subject back to work, our dreams and try desperately to have fun on our date night.

During a discussion about "risky play" outdoors and letting our kids have fun alone at the local creek or park, it's very clear to me that my parenting choices are impacted by my grief. I'm fiercely protective of the boys. The lens through which I make important decisions for my sons is forever tinted because I've lost a child.

I wore my grief glasses last week, during a comedy show about parenting. I was laughing out loud until the comedian mentioned her son's days at SickKids. In that moment, grief hit me again, like a wave. I wasn't the only one in the room who remembered that I had my grief glasses on, as I saw supportive messages come through my phone.

Planning Father's Day for Paul makes me acutely aware that while we continue to celebrate, it's not the same. As I order some family photos as a gift, I'm reminded that now we are four and that our day will include time at the driving range, some homemade gifts and a visit to the cemetery.

There are fleeting moments when my grief might be forgotten, but then in an instant, there is a reminder that it's there and that he's gone.

Family Dinner Time: Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 14:38:00 +0000

Tonight we are excited to have a special dinner with all of us sitting around the table, having our meal together. But this is definitely not the norm during the week. For us, it's Paul's crazy work and travel schedule plus his daily commute downtown that makes it next to impossible to eat more than one meal a week together. We also know that when we DO have a chance to sit together as a family, we engage more, laugh more and even hear stories we otherwise wouldn't have heard. We stay connected to the boys with undivided attention and we really enjoy the time together to go around the table and hear the best and worst parts of each of our days.
For tonight's family dinner, I decided to make the ultimate comfort food; mac and cheese. I've never tried to make it from scratch, but the boys and I wanted to do something together in the kitchen. We looked around online for some inspiration and really created our own version, below. Now that I'm eating gluten free and low carb, I've been avoiding pasta, but Barilla has a gluten free option made with corn and rice flour for me to try (in small portions of course!), plus one with high protein or even high fibre whole wheat pasta.

Here's our favourite family dinner recipe- homemade baked mac and cheese;

Ingredients:
1 package pasta (I used Barilla Gluten Free Fusilli)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 cups low fat milk
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
3 cups of any type of shredded cheese (I used what I had in the fridge; mozzarella, marble and old cheddar)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large pot of salted water, half-cook the macaroni noodles.
3. Whisk the egg and milk together then add melted butter or margarine. Stir well.
4. Add 2 1/2 cups of cheese (saving the remaining 1/2 cup) and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Mix well.
5. Place the lightly cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg, crumbs, milk and cheese liquid over the macaroni and stir well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix again.
6. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
7. Bake uncovered, for about 30 or until the top is brown and crispy (if you like it softer, cover for half of the cooking time).

Tip: You can't go wrong by mixing and matching up the cheeses. Find what you have in the fridge and don't be afraid to mix a few together! You can add some kick with a tex mex blend of cheese or stick to just medium cheddar. It's up to you!

What about you?

Do you eat dinner together every night? What gets in the way of your ability to have regular family dinners through the week?
A new study hosted on the Angus Reid Forum for Barilla Canada reveals that although nearly all (96 per cent) Canadian parents surveyed feel sharing meals is important to connecting with their children, less than half (46 per cent) have family meals every day. These stats prove that we are not the only ones that struggle to share the table during the week. Eighty-seven percent of parents also feel that they're more connected to their children's lives when they eat dinner together, so Barilla has launched a new initiative to encourage more families to Share the Table™ (#SharetheTable on Twitter and Instagram). With games to have some fun while you eat, family placemats to create together, and recipes the kids will love.

Here's to more family dinners together!

Don't forget to enter to win one of three trips to Italy! Families are asked to visit Barilla.ca and submit photos or text demonstrating how they are making dinner a more significant, fun and meaningful occasion. Share your photos with #SharetheTable and submissions will be entered to win a trip for four to Italy until July 31, 2015.

Family Fun and Adventure at Blue Mountain in the Summer!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:30:00 +0000

As we plan our summer vacation for this year, we are dreaming about our trip to Blue Mountain two years ago. The last time we traveled to Blue Mountain together was with our son Zack, who passed away, so this trip was extra special to us. Not only were we treated to a beautiful two bedroom suite at the Westin, we were given passes to explore all that Blue has to do. My husband even made up a song "too much to do at Blue" because we just couldn't seem to fit it all into our three days! From gondolas to mini golf and every adventure in between, we did things we had never done as a family and instantly fell in love with the active side of a #SummeratBlue.

Here is my family's top 3 Reasons to Love Blue Mountain in the Summer;

1. Facing your fears, together-
Ty and I are the cautious ones in the family and we were really nervous about the adventures set out for us over our three days at Blue Mountain. Once we were there, we both realized that we should face our fear of heights and truly experience the trip! Walking across the suspension bridge at the Scenic Caves, mastering the low ropes course in the Blue Mountain Village, enjoying a night time gondola ride with a breathtaking view and even braving the Ridge Runner, Ontario's first mountain roller coaster...we did it all with pride and pushed ourselves to face our fears with shear exhilaration.

2. Wining and Dining Choices for everyone and every budget-
There is something for all tastes at Blue Mountain. Fine dining by candlelight, beer and wings on a patio, the BEST pizza at Firehall Pizza Co. or even a quick pita while you explore, there are literally tons of choices for grown ups and the kids! Don't want to spend a fortune on meals? It's easy to keep to a budget with the kitchenettes available in most accommodations in the Village, so that you can cook your own food.

3. Keeping active as a family-
Keep the electronics at home and pack your running shoes, because this is an outdoor trip that will keep you active and fit as a family. Whether it was climbing the mountain together along the beautiful paths, paddling a kayak in the Blue Mountain pond or even sliding down the slide at Plunge! Aquatic Centre, we stayed active and had a blast doing it!

Our amazingly memorable getaway truly showcased all that Blue Mountain has to offer in the "green season". Not only is Blue Mountain Resort the perfect place for a quick summer escape with the family, it is also ideal for back-to-school weekend breaks for the upcoming fall season or even last-minute end-of-summer retreats with the family. Check out the Blue Mountain Family Packages and don't forget to include the Base Camp Active Pack for your family to take advantage of the activities at the base of the mountain (an $80 value!).

We can't wait to book our next stay!

My Favourite Crunchy Asian Slaw Salad Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 22:17:00 +0000

Who every said salads were boring? Definitely no one that tried this crunchy Asian slaw salad! It's become a staple in our house, especially for summer backyard entertaining! Now that I'm on a great weight loss plan and eating healthy everyday, I want to share some of my favourite salad recipes and go-to meals that keep me on track and don't make me feel like I'm missing out at all!

My girlfriend is famous for making this incredible salad. It's perfect for healthy dinners at home (my kids LOVE it) or an easy and quick option for a "potluck" event. While I can't totally make it as well as she does, I've tried with her recipe below! You will love the Asian flavour and especially the crunch! A great healthy meal choice that keeps you on track!

Ingredients:
For the Dressing
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 large garlic clove, minced
For the Salad
4 cups prepared shredded coleslaw (I use the pre-shredded bags in the grocery store with added veggies)
2 cups prepared shredded carrots (or match size in bags)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 cup chilled, cooked and shelled edamame
2 medium scallions, finely sliced (optional)
1/2 cup chopped or whole salted peanuts (optional)

1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro
handful of crunchy Chinese noodles for topping (the best part!)

Instructions:
1. Combine the ingredients to make the dressing. If adding peanut butter, it takes a while to dissolve. Set aside.
2. Combine the salad ingredients to make the "slaw".
3. Add the dressing and toss well. Let sit at least ten minutes so vegetables have a chance to soak up the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. This salad actually tastes really good the next day. Just add in fresh peanuts and crunchy noodles! Perfect to take to work!

Showing the 90s some love and feeling young again

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 May 2015 14:34:00 +0000

Last week's Prince HitnRun concert in Toronto just reinforced that music was just incredible in the 90s. We knew all the words, they didn't swear (much), the innuendo was subtle, the artists had more than one hit and we all kinda liked the same stuff. When Prince played only his hits from the 80s and 90s the entire audience was on their feet for the full two hours (and two encores) and to be honest, I was totally taken back to the club dance clubs in the 90s!

I'm not sure if there has always been a coolness about things in the past, but there is a resurgence to all things "throwback" or "retro", with the invention of Throwback Thursdays (#TBT) on social media and even in tv and movies. Never before has it been cool to find a photo from the past and share it with friends...

Baggy sweatshirts and shoulder pads, yup, been there and done that...

Big hair and earring from the prom, yup...

Drunk at a frat party.....maybe....

If you're like me and totally love all things that remind you that you were once YOUNGER than 40, then you must love the new retro #Newstalgia shows on Netflix Canada.

They have my fave 90s TV shows and movies like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Full House and Friends, American Pie, Basic Instinct, A Different World, Buffy, Dawson's Creek and so many more you will remember! Or you can even see your favourite 90s stars now in these films and series on Netflix; Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey before House of Cards and Laura Prepon when she was stuck in That 70s Show.

Trust me....it's guaranteed to make you feel young again!

Disclosure: Yay! I am part of the Netflix stream team (#StreamTeam) and have received product and a subscription to Netflix in exchange for writing monthly posts. Already a huge Netflix fan, this is a pretty sweet deal!