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Three things my children make fun of me for

Posted on by Posted in The Struggle is Real .

I don’t know about you, but my boys have gotten to the age where they’re starting to tease me. They’ve got wit, they’ve got a sense of humour and they’ve got some nerve…

I remember saying these types of things to my mom when I was a kid.

I also remember the look on her face. It was probably the same look I had on my face when my kids asked me about my experience growing up with dinosaurs. And my mom had me young – she was 23 and a mom, barely 25 with her second. Having kids at 37 and 39, I have some serious years on her! I’m not sure though, if my kids perceive me as old because I’m a 40-something mom, or if all kids are just brutes when it comes to comprehending their parents’ generation. Regardless, my kids love teasing me about being old (because they know they’ve hit a nerve/have some material to work with) and they’re merciless. My husband has a blast joining in.

1. Mom, your hair is so grey.

Just the other day, my younger son told us that when he grows up he’s going to be rich so that he can buy dad a solid gold mansion. “What’s he going to buy for mom?” you ask? HAIR DYE. Dad gets a solid gold mansion and I get hair dye so that I won’t have to look old.

2. Mom isn’t cool enough to speak the lingo.

Last week my son told me they were watching Yubes.

Yah, I asked.

Turns out that’s what kids are calling YouTube. I’m so old I don’t know the lingo. I keep catching myself saying I taped that – I tape nothing. I record. I’m having problems moving on from VHS in my own mind, apparently. My kids think it’s funny – not in that “laughing with you” funny. They’re definitely laughing at me.

3. Mom, did you ever have a pet dinosaur?

This one cuts deep, since I remember asking my mom questions along the same line – I also asked my mom if she wore ball gowns (you know, because she was old enough to grow up in the Victorian era); if they had suits of armour when she was small (because she must have been around in the middle ages); and if the world was in black and white when she was a kid (I didn’t quite understand that colour TV was because of technology developments, I thought actual colour was a recent invention in the early 70s.). My poor mom. I was a mean kid – however unintentionally.

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

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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.”

Where can I put all of those toys????

Posted on by Posted in Domestic Goodness .

see below for storage product info

It’s amazing that, for such small people, kids need so much stuff.

Actually, *need* may not be the right word. When they were babies, sure, they needed all kinds of gear and specialty items like soothers and sippy cups and head thermometers and mesh teether bags. But now that they’re out of diapers and are full fledged walking-talking-playing miniature human beings, the toys just seem to get out of control!

I remember clearing out the baby gear and thinking I had it all under control. I was selling and donating and passing on the best of my stuff. I’d researched the ba-jeezers out of everything I bought for my babes, and it was all such good quality that it all had tons of life after my two little boys were done.

I wanted to reclaim my home and storage spaces. I wanted order. I wanted a place for everything and everything in its place. I wanted to use all that I’d learned from every organizing reality show I’d ever watched.

I had bins and I was never going to let the toys get out of control.

And then, boys.

This is my shame:

I don’t know how it happened. One minute I was all over those bins and racks and bookshelves. The next thing I know, they’ve figured out how to empty each and every one of those bins and racks and bookshelves, dragging in the crib mattress so that they can launch themselves off of the bed in what I can only imagine is an attempt and finding and destroying my very last shred of sanity!

I’m happy to say that my house is back under control. Temporarily. It goes off and on the rails quite fluidly, but I’m happy to say I’ve discovered three things that make getting back onto the rails much easier and more efficient:

  1. PURGE

  2. TAME

  3. STORAGE

1. Purge

I don’t know what I was saving things for, but there is no point in hanging onto toys they’ve outgrown. There’s also no point in saving broken pieces, toys with missing parts or things they never play with. Add to that, the crap that slipped through – think Happy Meal toys and loot bag trinkets – and you’ve got at least half a toy chest gone!

My kids love everything at the toys tore. Any toy. They’ve got stuffies, LEGOS, trains, action figures, board games, educational toys, dress-up costumes and sports equipment. They’re always begging for another new toy and they’re always bringing home something.

I remove the unwanted and unusable from circulation. Not quite the “One in, One out” mantra that my organizing shows emphasize, but it’s not a bad system.

2. Tame

The boys had everything mashed together. They had pieces of LEGO mixed with pieces of puzzles and pieces of week-old lunch.

That isn’t helpful for anyone.

The other organizing show mantra is to play with only one thing at a time. Put back your toy before you take down another.

Bwahahahaha. Yah, right.

That doesn’t work unless you have time to police your kids constantly. I don’t have that kind of time. But I did start telling my kids that their toys would need to go back at the end of the day, and that they needed to go back in the right spots. There is an area for board games, an area for stuffies and an area for toys with a million pieces that hurt like the devil himself is setting fire to your foot when you step on them (I’m looking right at you, LEGO).

3. Storage

Purge and tame all you want, but if you don’t have the right storage, you got nuthin’.

Storage doesn’t have to mean expensive closet organizers or wall-to-wall built-ins – unless you want it to. There are a lot of flexible storage solutions for every budget, and lots that can be added into a room with flexibility. Whether you want to focus on style, function – or, gasp! both – you have lots of options.

I use a wire shelf for board games. It’s easy to see the games and easy to take them out. It tucks neatly between the armoire and the wall. I love how board games are in boxes and are easily stored! If only everything in life came in an easy-to-manage rectangular container.

I love the open storage bins. They have such amazing compartments. Each can be for a specific genre of toy. You can colour code them to each child’s ownership or just stick to toy types. You can label them. My hubs loves his Brother P Touch labeler.

I’m honestly shocked there’s no label on the cat.

If you just need utility, go to the hardware store and get a few storage totes. The see-through ones are the best, you can quickly see the contents and find that special something you’re looking for. They’re not super stylish, but they’re functional, stackable, have lids and do the job. Get a tablecloth to cover them or stack them in the closet if you don’t want to leave them out. I organized our garage with these, too.

Baskets, hampers and caddies are also cute ways to hide and store stuff in plain sight. You can find really adorable baskets in any theme. These are perfect for stuffies and also for large and awkward shaped toys. You can use one for costumes too.  They’re also great for things like sticks and rackets and wands.

If you need help, give in and call a professional organizer to come in and sort it all out. Honestly, most people say it’s the best money they ever spent. We just went for it. We were so afraid of taking away things the kids love – but honestly? They don’t have an emotional attachment to most of their toys.

You get rid of something they don’t play with and they *may* notice it at some point, but not likely. And even if they do, they don’t dwell on it. Just don’t get rid of any current favourites – and we all know the stuff they’re truly attached to and know better than to toss those special things. If in doubt, keep a box and set a date for permanently tossing stuff. That’s another of my organizing show tips. Put it in the box and put a date and time to donate. Give it a month or two. If they haven’t noticed it missing within that time then you’re in the clear and they really didn’t need that item cluttering your home.

Need more suggestions? I have quite a few of these pieces – and a few other pieces I’m currently drooling over, but I’m good for now.

Kidkraft Espresso Sort It and Store It Bin Unit Walmart

Level Up 2-Bin Stackable Charcoal Toy Box Land of Nod

Mouse Storage Caddy Chapters Indigo

Cameron 2 Market Bin Cubby & 2 Drawer Base Set Pottery Barn

Bright Pink Sort ‘n Store Toy Chest Toys ‘R’ Us

60L Storage Tote with Latching Lid in White Home Depot

Pehr Designs Pom Pom Hamper Lusso Baby

TROFAST Storage combination IKEA

 

Viamede, cottage country’s answer to cottaging for parents that need a break

Posted on by Posted in Bon Voyage, Mommy Approved .

City kid caught his first frog

When I was a kid I desperately wanted to go cottaging. My friends all had cottages. They were in mountains, on lakes, they were “somewhere up north” – which seemed magical and inviting and exclusive. Campers, RVs, tents, trailers, bunkies, chalets, farms – give me any of those and I’d have been a happy girl.

Arriving at Viamede

But my mom wasn’t into it. Not at all. She’s always say:

“So you want to take a vacation where I have NONE of my modern appliances, where I have to cook and clean and look after you while you run from the house to the beach and back, covering the place with dirt for a week. Tell me, how is this a ‘vacation’ for ME?”

I get her point now.

Hiking

She referred to the Holiday Inn in Grand Island, New York, as her cottage. It had a pool, room service, house-keeping and plenty for us to do with – and without – my parents. I now know what the “without” was… but the fact is, we did have a lot of fun there.

However, as an adult, I now see the beauty and benefits of getting out of the city and into cottage country for some downtime. I completely side with my mom that it’s no vacation if I have to be on call for the needs of my family without the benefits of modern appliances, but I think I’ve found my happy place.

Viamede.

It’s a brilliant concept, and for Southern Ontarians, if you’re close to the Kawarthas, go! If there’s not a resort like this near you, it may just be your next big business idea!

Magic hour

The Kawarthas is cottaging country within 200 kilometres of Toronto. Set around Stoney Lake, the area is breath-taking. Viamede is a cross between a cottage and a resort. They’ve got it all, and they’ve got the perfect mix for the city slicker that needs a slice of country now and again.

Let’s start with the cooking – they’ve got the answer for that. Restaurants onsite take care of all your needs. Farm-to-table, food is local and fresh – and phenomenal. There are a couple of choices for dining – including a fine dining spot, Mount Julien, with an exceptional tasting menu. Ditch the kids and dine!

Decadent dessert

Or get a barbecue basket and relax on your cottage deck while you or the hubs fires up the grill. There is also a full kitchenette in the cottages so you can put provisions in the fridge and fix up a quick, no fuss snack. We brought frozen pizzas and lots of fruit and ready-to-eat snacks and drinks, even made Jiffy Pop. When was the last time you made popcorn on the stove?

Midnight snacks? An evening tea? Slip up to the main house and grab what you need. Treats? No problem. My jaw dropped when I mentioned I wanted to make a fire – cottages have wood burning fireplaces – and they handed my son a s’mores kit: A basket with chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and pokers to toast them on. (I’m a s’mores aficionado, for my best recipes look here).

They were delish. The main house also has board games and lots of VHS movies, we kicked it old school with the kids with a board game night and a movie night in our cottage.

My mom didn’t want to be chasing us, cleaning up after us, creating activities for us. Viamede also had the answers. Get cleaning service and leave the work to their capable pros. Activities a-plenty, we stayed beside the playground and the kids could wander over while we didn’t! There is an outdoor pool, a lake and an indoor pool with a swim-out to outside. Loved the bubble volcano in the indoor pool – but the best part is the sunsets. From any vantage point the sunsets are a spectacle. Magic hour is truly… magic!

The pool

But with other choices, from a gym to a relaxation centre to hiking trails, a farm and the dog – yes a cottage dog, my kids enjoyed borrowing her for an evening – the kids are entertained without TV. It’s cottaging without the effort, and more.

Sunning himself while getting ready to go paddling

Resort cottages have been around for a long time, and they’re a great way for people like my mom to get the cottage experience without having to bear the brunt of the work, it was actually just as relaxing for me as it was for the rest of the family.

(Well, a little bit stressful when my son decided to call 911 from the phone booth. Leave it to a 6 year old city kid to be a bit bewildered by an actual phone booth. I don’t know if he’s ever really experienced one, but I can tell you that the emergency response time was impressively fast!)

That view

The other nice thing about making memories at a resort cottage is that  you can do it in groups. Another couple, your whole family, extended family, organized trips – you have room to do it all, without having to host! My husband’s family used to rent a resort cottage for Thanksgiving and 50+ family members would gather for the holiday as the leaves changed colour and the resort would do turkey dinner for this little army – Canadian Thanksgiving is early October, it  works at a resort cottage quite nicely.

I’d always wanted a cottage – until now. I think I’ve found the place where our family can make memories. Hopefully not all of them will involve first responders, though now that I think about it, we did have the fire department crash our wedding as my husband and I exchanged vows. (We have the best wedding pictures), so I’m starting to see a theme. As far as cottage resorts go, Viamede stole my heart. There is so much to do and I think the kids will enjoy each return trip as we get to know Stoney Lake and The Kawarthas better – and don’t have to do any work or upkeep to our summer getaway spot, least of all, clean the pool, fix a roof or have someone pump the septic.

My mom would approve.

Family fun

A Day Out With Thomas Contest

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:

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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.