I know a fair bit about the Ontario College of Teachers, probably because I’ve been a proud card-carrying member since 2000. I was surprised to learn, however, that a lot of Ontario parents don’t know that not only are their children’s teachers regulated by the College, but that there is also a range of parent resources available […] Read more…
Truly “Heart”felt Valentine’s Day Gifts from SickKids
Incredible work happens at SickKids in Toronto. I have several friends and family members whose children’s lives were changed and even saved by the wonderful work done by the SickKids team, so when I was asked to help share this original Valentine’s Day gift idea, I just couldn’t turn down the opportunity. Before I pass […] Read more…
It’s Report Card Time!
Term 1 report cards go home this month for elementary students in Ontario, which made it the perfect topic for my latest visit to CHEX Daily. What’s covered on the report card? How is it different from the progress report that was sent home earlier in the year? And how can you use it to […] Read more…
My Olay Regenerist Experiment: Six Week Update
Right before Christmas, I was thrilled to receive several products from the Olay Regenerist line to try out (my first reactions can be found here: My Olay Regenerist Experiment Begins). I’ve been using the line for six weeks now, so I figured it was time to give you an update. Please remember that this is […] Read more…
Valentine’s Day from Hallmark – With Giveaway Preview!
My girls now recognize the Hallmark boxes that arrive on our doorstep, and are always excited for me to open them right up. This time was no exception, and we were all eager to see what Hallmark has in store for Valentine’s Day this year – but mommy always gets to look through the box […] Read more…
Chantal Kreviazuk: The Momterview
We all know Canadian star Chantal Kreviazuk from hit songs like Surrounded, Before You and In This Life, as well as her covers of Feels Like Home and Leaving On a Jet Plane (part of the movie soundtracks of How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Armageddon, respectively). She is also a musical […] Read more…
Growth Mindset: Your Kids Need This (So Do You!)
In my latest CHEX Daily segment, I chat with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson about fostering a growth mindset in your children – it’s so important! We talk about: What do “growth mindset” – and its opposite, “fixed mindset” – mean anyway? What are some specific ways parents can help? (Hint: saying “You take […] Read more…
Ease Morning Stress With a Breakfast Schedule
If there’s anything worse than the “What’s for dinner?” question it’s “What’s for breakfast?” It’s worse because it’s often asked in an angry, you-just-woke-me-up voice, because the response is usually followed with “I don’t want (insert reasonable breakfast food here)” and because, well, it’s asked in the morning. In recent months, foods that I know […] Read more…
My $1 Dining Room Hutch Makeover
When we built our house almost 12 years ago, I was in love with natural oak. When you walk into my home, you can tell. Kitchen cabinetry, buffet and hutch, dining room table and chairs, coffee table, end tables, bench, TV stand…oh, and the entire living room/dining room floor. All in an open-concept area. It […] Read more…
Purses + Poetry = Great New Giveaway and Discount Code!
I am so excited to share something new with you today! The company is called Purses + Poetry, founded by Canadian entrepreneur Karen Ward. I first met Karen when she invited me to participate in a great research project about Gen X and Gen Y moms through her company Curiosity Inc. (It was because of this project that […] Read more…