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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
It may have been a shorter month because of the March Break, but we still had lots happening. A few highlights: Language (Grammar) Teaching parts of speech has never been easier. I’ve been using “Shrek Forever After” Mad Libs, and the kids love it. We sit at the carpet, and I ask for whatever parts […] Read more…
For the month of April, author Gretchen Rubin’s “Happiness Project” goals had a theme of “Lighten Up: Parenthood”. When it comes to life in general, in some ways “lighten up” SO applies to me, but in other ways it really doesn’t. I’m a serious person, but that doesn’t mean I’m not joyful. I think of […] Read more…
Just the other day I was thinking about how Frannie is lacking in fancy clothing, and has worn the same dress for the last two Christmas and Irish concerts, as well as public speaking competitions. So the timing was perfect when I was contacted about a Walmart Spring Shopping Challenge – put together a new […] Read more…