• family - Health - homes

    The Oreck Venture is Literally a Cleaning Machine

    I recently got my hands on an Oreck Venture Bagged Canister Vacuum, and I’m enjoying giving it a whirl. I’ve already vacuumed my office a few times, and the house has had a good once over, as well. My Oreck Venture is getting a workout, and my home is getting cleaner which is increasingly important as spring brings allergens and dust in the door. Oreck Venture – Powerful and Practical When I got this vacuum, I was eager to start using it, but I wasn’t eager to put it together. I’m not a “some assembly required” kind of girl. BUT I put my…

  • family - Food - Health

    Philips Viva Collection Digital Airfryer

    The Viva Collection Digital Airfryer from Philips is taking frying to a new level. With this healthy alternative to traditional frying, my family can enjoy the crispy deliciousness of fried food without all the health concerns that go with all the oil associated with frying. Viva Collection Digital Airfryer – Healthy and Tasty Here’s how air fryers work. Instead of dipping our food in a vat of super hot, boiling oil, air fryers use circulating heated air to give that fried texture and taste without all the health impacts that go with submerging our food in oil – namely heart disease, arterial…

  • family - Technology

    Creative Teaching – Seven Inspiring Educators Using Microsoft Technology

    Educators who model Creative teaching with technology in the classroom are inspiring to their peers, and their students. They set an example of what is possible and they nurture an engaged and inclusive classroom. When teachers take an approach to learning that’s outside of the box, it sparks a great love of discovery and learning in our children, especially those with unique or special needs. Instead of staring at a page in a text book, children can explore in new, interactive ways. Creative teaching can help nurture all children’s strengths, and Microsoft is front and centre building inclusive programs and classrooms. Last week…

  • family - homes

    Metal Roofs – The Merits of Metal

    Metal roofs have been around for a long time, but they’ve seen a marked increase in popularity over the last couple of years. This popularity is spurred by the growing awareness of the longevity, energy efficiency, and durability of metal roofs. As more and more people discover the benefits of these types of roof, their popularity continues to grow. Metal Roofs – What Makes Them Better Metal roofs are experiencing a surge in popularity. Even builders and contractors are beginning to promote metal roofing for its benefits. This roofing material is resilient, durable, cost effective, and lasts. We are in…

  • family - Giveaways - parenting

    My Top Six Mother’s Day Gifts From Hallmark #Giveaways

      Mother’s Day is a hard time of year when you are missing your Mom. Three years ago I lost my Mom. I miss her every day and this time of year I miss her so much my heart hurts. We did things together on Mother’s Day most years, but there are many moments now I wish I had hugged her tighter, and called her more frequently, and brought her flowers every time I saw her. That’s why I want to remind you that it’s a special time of year and you need to take time to spend it with your…

  • family - parenting

    The History of Mother’s Day

    The History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day is quite long. Most people think it began in the early 1900’s, and while the move towards an official holiday began around the time, the actual history of Mother’s Day dates back much, much further. It’s roots can be traced all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman culture. Ancient History of Mother’s Day The history of Mother’s Day has its beginnings in an ancient annual spring festival of the Greeks which was dedicated to their maternal goddesses. At that time, the day was used to honor Rhea, the…

  • family - Health - parenting - Parenting

    Seven Ways to Carve Out Time With Siblings of Special Needs Children

    Having a child with special needs impacts family life in many ways. There can be extra financial and emotional stress. A Canadian study called PALS notes clearly that the mother in a family with a child who has a disability most often is required to adjust her work schedule to care for the special needs child. Finances and health are impacted, and so is marriage. But what about the siblings in families with special needs on deck? There are many rewards to parenting children with special needs, but there are also undeniable challenges, emotionally, financially and physically. Where there are other children in…

  • Health

    World Vision Canada Water Challenge Twitter Party REMINDER Tuesday May 3 #worldvisionwater

    Join us this week as we discuss World Vision and their amazing work bringing clean water to areas of the world that struggle without access to this basic resource. On Tuesday, May 3rd we will be talking about some of the incredible work World Vision Canada does around the globe. We will talk about the World Vision Clean Water challenge and we’ll take a few minutes to chat about some of the ways we plan to have fun with water this summer too. We have 3 Visa Gift Cards to give away with World Vision Water bottles. $25 Visa Gift…

  • family

    DIY Darth Vader Wall Hanging Printable

    May the Fourth Be With YOU! It’s May the Fourth and this year I was determined not to miss all the Star Wars hijinks and puns. This year I have the cutest, UH I mean fiercest DIY Darth Vader Wall Hanging printable for you to make. Tee hee. I kind of love this myself. I will print it and give to my nephew next time I see him. He is so totally into Darth Vader right now. Do you have a Star Wars fan in your house? If so, you could surprise them with this fun art for their room.…

  • beauty products - family

    EcoTools ECOfriendly Makeup Brushes #Giveaway

    My makeup kit is a beautiful mess. Up until recently, my makeup brushes were too. I’m a pretty thrifty gal and I tend to use everything up until every last bit is gone. Sometimes that means things are falling apart before I replace them. Take my blush for instance. It’s a classic Estee Lauder compact that I love and bought two years ago now. It was a splurge and it’s lasted, but now it’s falling apart and there’s coral blush powder everywhere. Not unlike my makeup brushes. I figured spring was a good time to give my makeup bag an eco-makeover. EcoTools,…