• Travel

    Holidays and Good Investments

    March 10, 2010 - By 

    Over on my travel blog http://www.thriftymommagogo.blogspot.com/ I have posted a review of the great family resort we recently had the chance to stay at. But what I wanted to say here today was a little along the lines of sometimes a tiny splurge or a family vacation can be a great investment. These days, in light of our recent break from Canada and the stresses of Canadian winter/ Mommy taxi/ regular routine of running the kids back and forth to doctors, therapists, schools and extracurriculars, I am refreshed and to me that’s worth all the money in the world. Not…

  • family - family travel

    Cancun

    March 10, 2010 - By 

    The quest for affordable family fun this year led us to Cancun, Mexico and a great new resort called Great Parnassus Resort and Spa. This one stunned us with the service, staff, family activities, food and great price. Everything exceeded our expectations from start to finish. The Parnassus is a 12-storey sprawling family destination on one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The food was remarkable and the flavour very cosmospolitan. Many tourists here hailed from all over the globe and spoke a variety of languages, which was lovely exposure to numerous cultures for our children –…

  • Health

    Sex Squad

    February 16, 2010 - By 

    I spent part of my morning today playing Adventures in Sex City, The Sex Squad, a new on line game approved for use by Thames Valley District School Board. Say what?! There has been much written on line and many Mommybloggers are fetching blistering comments regarding this new sex ed tool. I can see why after spending even just a few moments playing the game. In this graphic novel style game a bad guy The Sperminator tries to shoot sperm at other characters who answer trivia questions. I chose the virginal Wonder Vag as my character and immediately could see…

  • Back To School - FASD - special needs

    Grade One and Registration Day

    February 11, 2010 - By 

    Today I registered my fiver for grade one. It’s a monumental occasion for many. It’s a big deal for me and for her. Everyone who has a child with special needs will get what I mean when I say that my heart is in my throat and my fingers are crossed as I tentatively prepare to ship her off to public school. I have had a big knot in my stomach since I left the school this morning. And to think there’s another six months before she starts. It’s not that I don’t have faith in our public schools –…

  • Back To School

    Valentine’s Ideas

    February 8, 2010 - By 

    As we rapidly approach Valentine’s Day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the need to orchestrate your child’s Valentine’s card exchange or bake sale or various other important crafts that seem to take over this time of year. I find this time of year challenging – two kids with two class lists, various goodies and cards to buy, multiplied by lists that also come from various extracurriculars (Brownies, for instance and Original Kids). When it comes right down to it this means chaos this week as my children write Valentine’s for at least five different groups of kids while also juggling homework.…

  • Parenting

    Lemon – a review

    February 3, 2010 - By 

    (this is a sample of thriftymommasbrainfood my other blog http://www.thriftymommasbrainfood.blogspot.com/) I have been a great fan of Cordelia Strube from the time she first drew attention for her novel Alex and Zee. Strube’s first novel was nominated for the W.H. Smith Books In Canada first novel award and it garnered a fair bit of praise roughly 15 years ago, back when young Canadian authors were being discovered and celebrated regularly, in both this country, and on the world stage. Strube’s various other novels Milton’s Elements and Teaching Pigs To Sing are firmly tucked away in my own personal home library…

  • Parenting

    Haiti and adoption

    January 27, 2010 - By 

    I have been asked in the last couple of weeks many times, both personally and professionally, to weigh in on Haiti and the international adoptions occurring in light of the earthquakes there. There has been much talk locally in the adoption community and in the community at large about what is best practice. At times the talk has been slanted towards the ‘let’s all swoop in and rescue the orphans and bring them to other countries.’ I wholeheartedly support the transportation of those children whose adoptions were approved and in process prior to the earthquake. They should all be moved, and…

  • family - family travel

    London Regional Children’s Museum

    January 18, 2010 - By 

    Still one of my favourite places to take the children, London Regional Children’s Museum, has a new exhibit that’s an homage to our coming Olympics. Starting last week and running until March 28th this exhibit lets little ones take a turn at bobsledding and skiing, skating and, well so on..So if you are looking for some relatively warm indoor fun this winter drive to our museum and test your athletic prowess. While there don’t forget to visit The Street Where You Live, a replica city that’s just the right size for children under 10. Jellyfish Junction, caves and Discover Dinosaurs…

  • family

    Weekend Roundup – January 15th

    January 15, 2010 - By 

    Well as promised here it is just in time for the weekend. My weekend roundup of all the excellent sales. (If you live in London get to Cherryhill Village Mall this week. Sidewalk sales are superb. Ellen’s Children Shoes. Huge selection of running shoes, cute walking shoes and sandals $30.00.) Gymbucks are currently being redeemed ay Gymboree. If you’ve got them use them. Many new spring styles in store now and on line. Old Navy has a deal where you can save an additional 50 % off all clearance items until Jan. 18th (Monday). Children’s Place: amazing selection of $5.99…

  • parenting

    Just Say No!

    January 11, 2010 - By 

    As it is January and I am clearly not capable of saying No to my many obligations, commitments and passions, I felt this guest post from Blogenergizer might be a lovely little tip sheet for all of us. Subject: Learning to say no – Moms Secret Weapon Are you suffering from mom burn out? Do you struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down because they are too chicken to say, “No”. “No” may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it can be your secret weapon. And you can say it. Here are some ways…