Here’s a sampling what the Grade 3 class was up to in April: Art Beautiful Easter crosses, using chalk pastels and paint. Here’s the original Pinterest pin: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/175288610471090221/ (I used to be able to embed pins into my posts to give clearer credit to the original pinner, but it doesn’t seem to work properly anymore. Any […] Read more…
When To Let Kids Solve Their Own Problems -and- Does Your Child Have Performance Anxiety?
A quick writing update: In the May issue of Today’s Parent (or at the link below) you can find my latest article, “Problem Solvers”, on when (and how) to let kids solve their own problems, whether it’s an issue with a peer or an adult. As a teacher, I certainly have strong feelings about this, and […] Read more…
Confessions of a Celebrity Ageist
I’m 36 years old, and I am a celebrity ageist. But not in the way that plagues most of Hollywood. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say I’m more of a “reverse” celebrity ageist. I’m not interested in the teeny-boppers and the twenty-somethings. I’m mere months younger than Justin Bieber’s mother, for heaven’s sake, […] Read more…
About Time…Alarm Clock Time
We have reached a milestone phase in our family. I have officially changed the time of my weekday alarm clock. When I first went back to work after my mat leave with Maggie, almost five years ago, it was necessary for my alarm to go off at 6:00 a.m. I would enjoy one lazy snooze, […] Read more…
Easter Hunt Tips and Tricks (and cute kid photo alert!)
I want to make it clear how aware I am of the religious importance of Easter. I’m a Catholic schoolteacher after all (I was going to use the phrase “for heaven’s sake” but thought perhaps it would be inappropriate) and our yearly remembrance of Jesus’ death and celebration of His resurrection is paramount to our […] Read more…
Pregnancy Skin Conditions and Tween Celeb Crushes: My New Parents Canada Articles
I’m thrilled to say that I have two articles in the April issue of Parents Canada. The first is all about skin conditions that affect women who are expecting (e.g. stretch marks, acne, melasma), and what safe solutions they can turn to while they’re pregnant (with thanks to dermatologist Dr. Shannon Humphrey for her expertise!) […] Read more…
A Dress Intervention from my Personal Stylist, Lisa McLatchie
My personal stylist, Lisa McLatchie, is back for another critique of my closet! Two summers ago, she came to the house for a wardrobe makeover, and last year she took a look at photos of all of my coats and gave me her feedback. This time around, she’s tackling my dress collection! Here are the […] Read more…
Family Fun at Courtyard by Marriott, Niagara Falls
Last weekend, our family hit the road to experience the newly renovated Courtyard by Marriott in Niagara Falls, just minutes from the main attraction itself. We headed out on Saturday morning, and with a bit of a bathroom-break detour, arrived just before 1 p.m. Parking is right onsite, and the lobby was warm and inviting, […] Read more…
Kids’ Party Roundup – Themes Galore!
Over the years, I’ve shared several party themes here at This Mom Loves (with LOTS of help from my themed-party-planning friend, Krista!) For some reason it seems like the birthday party season ramps up in spring, so I thought it would be the perfect time to share a roundup of different party ideas. My First […] Read more…
Spring 2014 (Yes, it’s here) From Hallmark – With Giveaway!
My latest Hallmark “Press Pause Panel” box has arrived, with all sorts of selections for spring celebrations like Easter and Mother’s Day. Some of my favourites: “Cheery Chick” with light (special $14.95, MSRP $29.95) This one is going to be a hot-ticket item in my classroom raffle this month! There’s a miniature scene inside this […] Read more…