Urban Suburban Mommy

Monthly Archives: August 2017

Going-back-to-school-shopping

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

I’m not ready to start thinking about back-to-school yet.

My kids don’t have to start class until September 5th, and I always think of Labour Day as the official end of summer fun – even though I haven’t had a summer school break myself in over 20 years.

(Holy moly, did I just say it’s been over 20 years since I finished school!?!?!?)

But we’re moving, and since the boys are going into Grades 2 and 4, it’s the perfect time for me to say “Hey, they need a dedicated space for school work now.” I’ve been shopping for pieces to create the perfect study niche in each of their rooms, and I though I’d share.

I love what I’m seeing, and I think they will too. With a laptop for each kid, this *may* (or not) keep them organized, give them a place to do some work and store library books so we don’t have to do the crazy wild goose hunt every other Monday when their library books are due!

I’d also like to add that I’m focussing on back-to-school supplies that give back. I’ve discovered the ME to WE program (and that makes me resent thinking about ‘back-to-school’ a whole lot less).

“Every ME to WE product makes a positive impact in a developing community. With the Track Your Impact promise, you are able to see where and how your purchase makes a difference! Your kids start the school year with cool supplies and accessories that give school supplies to children in developing communities.”

(ME to WE X Staples back-to-school program)

Back to School Study Setups We Love:

Kids love stuff that is scaled to them. And I love the pop of green! ikea.ca

 

Encourage your little Padawan with the Star Wars Writing Desk wayfair.ca

The Red Label Two Drawer Desk has simple lines and great lines. On trend and on budget! walmart.ca

There’s no sacrificing style or your love of ‘industrial chic’ with this study set-up! rhbabyandchild.com

Love this. It’s like starting your little business mogul off on the right foot! potterybarnkids.com

I’m a self-confessed Land of Nod addict. Wall hung and totally on trend, it’s so much simple and sweet! landofnod.com

Small space? No problem. This desk folds up into a lean profile. It can be dressed up and grow with the little 10 o’clock scholar. amazon.ca

Not everyone loves colour like I do. The colour blocking is fun and I see a fuzzy chair being rolled up to this set for some study glam! allmodern.com

 

Back to school – the nanny can help!

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

Some of us stay at home with our kids. Some of us choose daycare. But for those of us mamas that choose to employ a nanny, it’s a special dynamic.

The nanny isn’t a friend, the nanny is there because it’s a paid job.

The nanny isn’t family, but many times the nanny is much like family.

We trust the nanny alone with our kids.

The nanny does so much more than just monitoring the little charges while parents are out of the house. The nanny is kind, caring, and will often develop a bond with the children – and the parents too – which goes far beyond the employee/employer relationship.

The Windy City Nanny, Florence Ann Romano of Nanny Magic and author of Nanny and Me, is a seasoned pro. She was, after all, a nanny for the Kardashians among other. Florence offers these 5 tips for having the nanny help with getting the kids ready for going back to school.

Skill Sets

Prepare the kids for whatever skill sets they will be required to abide by in school. For example, if potty training is a skill children are required to have before entering the classroom, this is a great place for a nanny to be involved in the preparation.

Healthy eating

Nannies can assist children in getting children’s nutrition on track, which will ultimately help their attention and energy levels in school.

Picking out outfits

Kids love to be involved in back to school shopping! With the parents consent, nannies can plan a fun day with the kids for back to school shopping and school supplies. This gives them a chance to individualize their look, and also find control in a situation that can be a sometimes challenge or anxiety-inducing transition.

Homework preparation

The nanny can help prepare children for the upcoming curriculum in the classroom by developing fun, interactive games that will start stimulating their minds.

Last hoorah!

Have a final, summer day with the kids – pool, ice cream, playground, zoo – all things they will soon miss, but can enjoy one last time before the school year begins. Make it exciting and special. Also use the opportunity to get the kids pumped up for the memories to follow in the coming year.

Florene Romano PhotoThe Windy City Nanny, Florence Ann Romano of Nanny Magic and author of Nanny and Me, is a dedicated philanthropist and former nanny who has always had a special place in her heart for children. Romano worked for over 15 years as a nanny, beginning as a ‘Mommy’s helper’ at the age of 11. She shares her experiences in Nanny and Me (Mascot Books, May 2015), her beautifully illustrated debut book for children making the transition from being cared for solely by their parents to having a nanny in their home.

WindyCityNanny.com

Florence Ann Romano – The Windy City Nanny

7 best beauty tips for moms returning to work

Posted on by Posted in The Best You .

Since August is the month with the highest birth rate (I am an August baby – are all you mamas trying to stay warm in November?!?!?), it’s also the month for the most Canadian mommies going back to work after their one year maternity leave. Yes, we Canadians are lucky in that respect! But moms everywhere can use this advice, so we caught up with the woman behind the fashion label Peachymama, Merril Bainbridge for some top beauty tips to take you back to the bread-winning world.

Merril offers:

Gone are the days when you would spend hours fixing your hair and making yourself beautiful before going out, either for pleasure or work. You now have a baby to attend to! You will surely have less time for your beauty routines.

However, this should not prevent you from looking your best, most especially when you have already decided to go back to work. There are easy shortcuts that new moms like you can try to achieve glowing skin, shiny hair, and well-applied makeup.

How new moms can look fresh and rejuvenated

1. Shower before bedtime

When your baby is down for the night, you will definitely have more time to shampoo your hair and soak in the tub. The warm water will also help you feel relaxed and prepare you for several hours of uninterrupted sleep (fingers crossed!).

2. Cut your makeup routine

The sheer glow you have throughout your pregnancy often vanishes right after giving birth. Get that sheer glow back by using a high quality concealer or a cream-to-powder formula foundation. If you want to add some color, keep it simple by opting for a cream blush, which can also serve as an eye and lip tint. Allot another 10 seconds for curling your eyelashes as this can help make those sleepy eyes appear brighter and bigger.

3. Keep your nails short and neat

Right after giving birth, you may not have enough time for a manicure; still, you need to keep your nails short and smoothly filed. Aside from making your hands pretty, having short and clean nails will also prevent you from scratching your baby’s tender skin, most especially when changing diapers.

4. Use functional yet fashionable clothing

From leggings to tees to shoes, consider wearing black because this color can slim you down in minutes. Most importantly, it can take care of all those body issues you are currently dealing with.

Aside from that, choose fantastic clothing that will make your legs look longer. These include garments with vertical stripes, maxi skirts, high-waist jeans, and straight-cut pants.

As for your shoes, block heels can be the best option for you. Apart from giving you height, these are also all about comfort.

5. Accessorize

With the expenses associated with having a new baby, you probably cannot afford an entirely new wardrobe. Still, you can show off the latest trends as well as give your wardrobe a lift by picking up handbags and other accessories you own. You can make use of a diaper bag that can also transform into a laptop bag. Also, headbands or beanies are some great choices for hair accessories if you do not feel like styling your hair.

6. Make your hair shiny and beautiful

If you do not have time to wash those locks, consider using a dry shampoo. On the greasy spots, apply baby powder and brush them out. Don’t forget to apply a shine spray to make sure that whenever your hair falls, it won’t look all frizzy out in public.

If you’re feeling down, opt for a new hair color because this will surely lift your spirits. This will also introduce some welcome changes to your style for several months.

7. Nourish your skin

Keep your skin free of dirt, sweat and oil to prevent a dull appearance and clogged pores. Always wash your face every morning and night and after activities like cleaning the house, exercising or any physical activity. But if you do not have time to wash your face, use an astringent instead.

Each time you go out, do not forget to protect your skin by applying sunscreen. And after sun exposure, soothe your skin with fragrance-free cream to prevent skin irritations.

Keeping your skin moisturized is also very important. Apply hypoallergenic moisturizer after every cleansing. Be aware of the skincare products to avoid while breastfeeding.

If possible, pamper your skin at least once a week to make it feel and look fantastic. For five minutes, you can actually give yourself a home spa treatment. Gently cleanse your face, and then steam it over a bowl of hot water with rose or lavender leaves. After that, splash with cold water. Lastly, apply some moisturizer. By doing so, the pores will be deep-down clean. And most importantly, you will feel and look relaxed.

Most of all, try to embrace the return to work – it’s a big change, but you’ve got this!

About Merril:

At 16, Merril Bainbridge began her career in the Australian fashion industry. In her early 20’s she left to launch a successful Pop Music career which saw her at the top of the US Music Charts. Retiring to start a family, she found a new purpose helping breastfeeding women with her fashion label, Peachymama.

 

Best – and worst – states to have a baby

Posted on by Posted in Urban Suburban Mommy .

State of joy! State of exhaustion! State of emergency!

All those states come into play. But recently, WalletHub undertook a pretty cool study to see which American states are the best – and the worst – for having a baby.

Having a baby is expensive. Of course, no price tag can be put on the happiness and lifelong joy of having a family, but a price tag sure can be put on the actual expenses incurred in having said baby.

Between the front-end investments like the stroller, the nursery, the car seat and the rest of the gear, plus the daily expenses of diapers, clothes, food, shampoos, lotions, colic potions, teething toys (I’m looking at you, Sophie!) and the cute-but-expensive must-haves from diaper bags to baby-wipe warmers, the bill for baby can really bust a budget!

But let’s not forget the hospital bills…

According to the International Federation of Health Plans, Americans pay the highest birthing costs in the world, with the price tag of normal delivery averaging $10,808.

Oh, you can’t have that all-natural vaginal delivery you were expecting? A C-section goes up by another $5,298. Without maternity health coverage, including Medicaid, you can expect those prices to double or even triple.

Birthing costs, however, can vary significantly from state to state, you know, the huge differences in cost of living. They also differ from one pregnancy to another, given that some women experience delivery complications that could bump up the bill.

But there’s quality of health care service to consider as well, and no two maternity wards are created equal.

To determine the most ideal places in the U.S. to have a baby, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 20 key measures of cost, health care accessibility, as well as baby- and family-friendliness. The data ranges from hospital conventional-delivery charges to annual average infant-care costs to pediatricians per capita.

Top 10 & Bottom 10:

Best States to Have a Baby Worst States to Have a Baby
1 Vermont 42 Arkansas
2 Minnesota 43 New Mexico
3 New Hampshire 44 Georgia
4 Connecticut 45 Florida
5 North Dakota 46 South Carolina
6 Massachusetts 47 Alabama
7 Maine 48 West Virginia
8 Utah 49 Nevada
9 Iowa 50 Louisiana
10 Nebraska 51 Mississippi

Best vs. Worst

  • Mississippi has the lowest average annual cost for early child care, $3,034, which is 4.9 times lower than in the District of Columbia, registering the highest at $14,855.
  • Wyoming has the most center-based child-care centers (per 100,000 residents), 125, which is 12.5 times more than in Indiana, registering the fewest at 10.
  • Alaska has the lowest share of childbirths with low birth weight, 5.79 percent, which is two times lower than in Mississippi, registering the highest at 11.43 percent.
  • Vermont has the most obstetricians and gynecologists (per 100,000 residents), 22, which is 11 times more than in Oklahoma, registering the fewest at two.
  • The District of Columbia has the most pediatricians (per 100,000 residents), 53, which is 26.5 times more than in Idaho, registering the fewest at two.
  • California has the highest parental-leave policy score, 155, while 12 states, such as Arizona, Michigan and South Carolina, tied for the lowest at 0.

Wishing you a happy, healthy nine months, and full coverage for the cost! For the full analysis, visit WalletHub and read the entire report, review the methodology and find ways to start saving up!

*In order to determine the best and worst states to have a baby, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across four key dimensions: 1) Cost, 2) Health Care, 3) Baby-Friendliness and 4) Family-Friendliness.

WalletHub evaluated those dimensions using 20 relevant metrics, and devised their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for expectant parents and newborns.

Finally, WalletHub determined each state and the District’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its total score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.

Please visit WalletHub for the full analysis here

I stole my grandchildren –– from myself

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

I’ve been struggling with this thought for the last few days. It was a really painful epiphany when I realized that I’d stolen my grandchildren from myself.

I had my first son two weeks before my 37th birthday, my second son just shy of my 39th.

“PHEW!” I thought – got in just under the line, done before 40.

I was told I would have trouble conceiving both times. The words “Late Maternal Age” were thrown around at some of all of my doctor visits. The usual scare of possible chromosomal anomalies and age-related pregnancy issues grated my nerves on the reg.

But I was happy to have my kids. I had my cake and would get to eat it too. I enjoyed my 20’s, traveled, lived like a rock star (partied with a few!), established a career, waited for Mr. Right, avoided unplanned pregnancies, and now I was getting to enjoy the spoils of my well-managed life.

It is my happy ending.

It is… but I’ve only just unearthed the consequence I never realized would come with late maternal age –– I don’t get to be Nana Elisa.

I grew up with wonderful grandparents. My Nana Sophie and Gramps Mike spent a lot of time with me. My Nana Helen and Grampsy Leo made me feel like the sun shone for me and me alone. They doted. They pleased. They loved and enjoyed without reservation. I couldn’t spend enough time at their house and I could never get enough of my grandmother’s bottomless pot of chicken soup or the never-empty bowl of apple sauce, which she knew I adored.

My grandkids won’t get this.

But that I won’t get to do this for them is more of my concern. I see my kids missing out on the time with grandparents, mine have both passed away long ago.

I waited until I was ready for kids, I pushed baby-making to the limits, and I thought I’d gotten away with it, scott free.

Yes, I’m a little tired and probably would have kept up with my wild boys a bit better a decade ago, but what I lack in stamina, I make up for in patience, wisdom and a decent salary.

However, while I may see a grandchild in my lifetime if I take care of myself, if my kids wait like I waited, I won’t be Nana Elisa. I won’t be able to run around the city with them, travel with them, take them places.

In my late 70s I can’t see myself being the able-bodied woman doting over children for sleepovers and days of shopping. I won’t be taking them to the farm or on adventures the way my grandparents did for me.

Oh sure, I know that 70 is the new 60 (and 46 is the new 29, I know, I know) but the truth is, I can see where my energy level is right now, and I’m not imagining I’ll have more energy at 76 than I have at 46. My memory isn’t what it used to be. My patience, video game skills and basic acceptance of mermaid hair, unicorn glitter and words like “turnt” are starting to date me.

Even if I see little babes in my 60s and early 70s, by the time they’re teens and capable of doing the fun stuff, I’ll be needing a day pass just to go to their school plays.

I may be fine and full of energy by then – but I may not.

Some of my friends have grown children, some are grandparents. In fact, my mother-in-law has great grandchildren that are older than our kids. My husband’s sister was a grandmother before we even got started.

I didn’t realize I’d love having kids so much. I didn’t realize it would be my most favourite part of life. I put off a family because I “wasn’t ready,” and “I needed ‘me’ time” before settling down. I still think I made the right decision, and that my life has rolled out perfectly, but I lament that one thing…

The grandchildren.

The thing I never thought of as I was figuring it all out and putting off having kids.

Share this for your chance to Win tickets for A Day Out With Thomas the Train!

Posted on by Posted in Mommy Approved .

Oh how my kids loved this last year! They are obsessed with Thomas and Friends, obsessed with trains and this fulfilled their dreaming of being in every episode.

A Day Out With Thomas has become something of a Southern Ontario tradition with little conductors, and so we’d like to make your child’s dreams come true!

Win a 4-pack of tickets for A Day Out With Thomas and take the family for a ride!

You’ll be heading to Sodor (Uxbridge, Ontario) on August 18th, 2017 to take a ride on Thomas the Tank Engine (York-Durham Heritage Railway) and enjoy the day meeting Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway. It’s a small funfair with activities and characters, a day that any young conductor will always remember.

How to enter:

Get social with Urban Suburban Mommy

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

Make sure you like us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and then share on your social media channels. You will receive one entry for each share, so feel free to share as many times as you want. You must use the hashtag #USMThomas so that we can track your shares. A comment on this blog post is worth 5 entries.

Winner must use tickets for the Friday August 18th tour. There is no cash value, no date alternative. Prize is awarded randomly. No purchase involved. Contest closes August 4th at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be announced on August 5th and will be contacted via method of entry. Transportation to and from the event is not included. 

For more details or to book your own tickets visit: A Day out With Thomas.

10 Questions with a coder

Posted on by Posted in 10 Questions With .

A coder?

Yes. A coder.

Us 40-something parents who grew up with manual typewriters didn’t learn to use a computer until our 20s, may recall the hundreds (lol) of web pages that were online in the early 90s.

It still blows my mind that there is a language to talk to computers (and really blows my mind that two computers learned to speak to each other last week and then created their own language –– hello SkyNet from Terminator Genisys) so it’s starting to become more clear why coding is important to know.

We caught up with Jen Chiou, founder of CodeSpeak Labs to find out about coding for kids. She has created computer programming classes for students from PreK to Grade 12. Most recently she created CodeSpeak Books, just launched on Kickstarter, geared toward children 2 to 6+ years of age. The first book, How to Turn Your Grownup into a Robot, is the perfect way to engage children at such a young age. And Jen’s not just a teacher – she has two small boys, 3 and 1, and is already teaching them the basics.

We asked Jen the questions you know you want to know about getting your kids to learn how to code.

1. What is coding?

Coding is giving instructions to a computer so it knows what you want it to do. In order to create and control technology, you have to speak computer languages.

2. How does coding apply to my child’s life?

If your child is anything like my kids, they already gravitate toward wanting to use technology. Unfortunately, most of that is passive, like watching YouTube videos.

We want kids to be creators of technology, so that they can help shape the future. In order to do that, they have to be code literate.

3. How young can you teach coding to a child?

CodeSpeak Books is one of the age appropriate ways you can start teaching children computational thinking, the foundation of coding. We say the book is for kids as young as 2, though similar to any picture book you have, you could start reading it with your child even earlier!

4. What keeps their interest about coding, it seems intense?

Keeping it fun is key. CodeSpeak Books are entertaining and interactive – kids laugh and delight at seeing how the code changes the course of the story.

5. Is coding going to be integral for future success?

For our kids’ generation, coding is as important as reading and writing.

No matter what field they decide to pursue, technology is going to play an important part. Coding early in life not only gives them technical knowledge, it actually broadens how they think about problem solving.

6. Does coding language change? How can I keep my child up-to-date?

There are many programming languages. Professional software engineers are constantly learning.

What’s most important is teaching kids the fundamental logic, which applies across languages, and helping them develop a growth mindset so that they are eager to tackle new problems and continuously improve.

7. I’m practically computer illiterate since I grew up without computers. I didn’t have an email address until the 90’s, and started with the World Wide Web Worm.

I can’t code – how can I help my child?

You’re not alone! Most parents don’t know how to code.

What’s great about CodeSpeak Books is parents AND kids learn at the same time! Any who can read can learn from CodeSpeak Books, no prior knowledge necessary.

8. Will my child need sophisticated equipment and expensive computers to be a successful coder?

Definitely not. When you learn from a book you can read it without any other technology. When your child is ready to use a device, you can use the code on any laptop/tablet that has an Internet connection.

9. Does coding lead to too much screen time?

We leave it to parents to decide how much screen time their children have. Learning code involves both screen and non-screen activities.

And if your child is ready, you can use a device alongside the story and code together.

10. What is the demand for code?

Jobs in computer programming are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying opportunities in the world today. Even if your child doesn’t become a computer programmer as a career, the ability to understand how technology works will benefit them in any field.

Jen Chiou:
Jen Chiou, founder of CodeSpeak Labs, established computer programming classes for students from PreK-12 in classrooms in NYC and CA. Prior to founding CodeSpeak Labs, Ms. Chiou worked in tech – where she was shocked at how difficult it was to recruit a diverse tech team.

“I’m the mom of two, Maxwell, 3 and Alexander, 1 and a half,” Jen shared. “I’ve found stories to be one of the most powerful ways to engage my kids in big ideas – from potty training to being kind to others. So I hit upon the idea to experiment with different coding stories with my 3 year old. He’s hooked and loves the stories and the accompanied learning.”

BBQ’d nachos, grilled and loaded

Posted on by Posted in Delicious Dishes .

Looking a new twist to the old classic, the well-loved and always enjoyed nacho platter?

Whether you’re entertaining this upcoming long weekend this is deliciously Tex-Mex, and the perfect dish for around the poolside, dock or deck.

Grilled Loaded Nachos

 

By grilling the nachos, the flavours are enhanced by the smokiness of the barbecue – sooooo good.

You will need a barbecue-friendly tray that can take direct heat. I suggest the Rockcrok Grill Stone. It can be used in your oven, microwave, barbecue and stove top. It’s very versatile and presentable (it can be used as your serving dish), and can it withstand direct heat. A stone is useful because is distributes heat evenly, preventing burning.

If you don’t use a grill stone, ensure that your middle burner is off (treat your barbecue like an oven) and use a cookie sheet. You want to make sure, that sheet does not receive direct heat to prevent burning.

What you need:

– 2 cups corn kernels (1 can)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– ½ cup red onion, coarsely chopped
– 2  jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeded if wanting to reduce heat)
– 1 tbsp oil
– 1 package tortilla chips
– 16 oz/450 grams shredded Colby, 4 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
– 1 can (15 oz/540 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro

Garnish: Sour cream, diced avocado, black olives, green onions, salsa and/or chopped fresh tomatoes (optional)

Check out the video here:  Grilled Loaded Nachos

What you do:

  1. Preheat grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat.
  2. Combine the vegetables and oil in a large bowl and toss to coat. Spread the vegetable mixture onto the Rockcrok Grill Stone. Grill, covered, for 14 to 16 minutes without stirring, until lightly browned.
  3. Remove the stone from the grill. Transfer the vegetables to the same mixing bowl and set aside.
  4. Layer half of the chips, cheese, black beans, and vegetable mixture on Grill Stone; repeat layering. Grill nachos, covered, 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese is melted; remove Grill Stone from grill.
  5. Sprinkle with Cilantro, add additional toppings if using.

Serve and enjoy!

What else do you add to your nachos? Leave suggestions in comments.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Have a “GRATE” week

Danielle Reid

Independant Consultant of The Pampered Chef

Danielle’s Pampered Kitchen..Healthy Meals in Minutes