• what is a time share
    active family travel - family - Travel

    What is a Timeshare? Mini-Series – Part 3 – The Best Properties #travel

    May 27, 2015 - By 

    What is a Timeshare – Where to Look for Properties In previous articles, I answered the question, “What is a timeshare” I’ve also covered the pros and cons of owning a timeshare. I have been interested in timeshare properties as travel options for busy families. This series has let me explore some of the research and details about timeshare travel options and investments. This is my final instalment of the series. Now that you know what a timeshare is and the pros and cons of owning one, let’s look at some of the best places to own a timeshare. Look…

  • fiesta_dishes_slate
    family - Food - Giveaways - homes

    My New Fiesta Dinnerware in Slate and a #Giveaway ARV $150

    May 26, 2015 - By 

    Fiesta Dishes are the sexiest dishes I have ever owned. Not exaggerating. Not one little bit. Take a look at that rich colour! Slate is one of the newest shades in the Fiesta Dinnerware lineup this year and I love it. It’s sophisticated and attractive and these dishes are hard working too. Remember when I moved into my new house and I grumbled last year many times over that I couldn’t find the right dinnerware? I shared my frustrating search on Instagram. We hunted high and low. I frequented all kinds of stores looking for something that was safe for…

  • sensory play with gelatin
    family - Health - parenting

    10 Sensory Play Ideas with Gelatin

    May 25, 2015 - By 

    My kids are a curious combination of sensory seeking and sensory avoiding. That’s not uncommon for children with sensory processing difficulties. My older daughter avoids anything that feels scratchy. My younger daughter seeks out deep pressure often and also avoids any fabrics that are not soft and comfortable. Both have some sensory issues. I have written about that often here. Remember this post about 5 easy and free sensory play activities for kids with sensory processing disorder. [tweetthis]Five Easy and Free activities for kids who love sensory play https://www.thriftymommastips.com/easy-and-free-sensory-play-activities-for-kids/[/tweetthis] Both of my girls indulge in and seek out messy play.…

  • hair_care_products
    family

    Mastey Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair

    May 24, 2015 - By 

    Post may contain affiliate links as a service to my readers.   Let’s talk Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair? Do you specifically need hair care products for colored hair if you highlight or dye your hair? Does it matter? Can dry hair also benefit from products specifically made for colored hair? Read on and you will find out. Mastey Natural Hair Care Products for Colored Hair are formulated for color protection. I highlight and color my hair from time to time. I also have dry hair that responds best to products that are super moisturizing. I once read…

  • perfect_tumblers_for_pool_and_patio
    family - Food - parenting

    Tervis Tumblers for the Pool and Patio

    May 23, 2015 - By 

    I’ve been waiting months to crack these open. We have a house with a pool and while that is lovely, it also means we are learning as we go. We enjoy spending summer days reading and entertaining and playing in the pool. The deck is where I spend a lot of my time. But our nice glasses are not really great for around a pool. Glass breaks near the pool and you can end up with a torn pool liner or a cut. That’s no good. We have plastic cups like every other parent of children, but they are a…

  • graduation gifts
    family - Giveaways - parenting

    Dads and Grads Gifts from Hallmark #HallmarkCA #Giveaway

    May 23, 2015 - By 

    The school year is winding down and many students are getting ready for graduation. My oldest daughter is finishing grade eight and graduating to high school. That is a very big deal around here. Next year she’s off to high school and that marks a dramatic change. Luckily Hallmark has everything you need to help celebrate your graduate’s accomplishment. There are several unique gifts for graduates, and some fun gifts for Dads too. Don’t forget about Father’s Day, which is right around the corner on Sunday, June 21st.   Gifts for Graduates: This year the Autograph Graduation Bear has my…

  • adoption and end of school year
    adoption and tweens - family - Health - parenting - Parenting

    Adoption and End of School Year – Buckle Up, It’s Going to Be a Bumpy Ride #adoption

    May 22, 2015 - By 

    OH MAN! I have been sitting on this one for a bit so it’s likely to all come out in a big incoherent mess. But here it is. Life as an adoptee, or an adoptive parent at the end of the school year can be a mess of conflicting emotions. I get it. I do. It is hard and sloppy and somehow this is usually where I find my zen because when the kids come completely unhinged I shove aside most things and retreat to inner calm with purpose because they require it. I am not quite there yet this…

  • Handmade Gift Ideas
    family - parenting

    5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life

    May 20, 2015 - By 

    5 Handmade Gift Ideas for the Preschool Teacher in Your Life Preschool teachers do so much to help our children grow and learn. They are the educational force that helps prepare our kids for grade school, high school, and beyond. In the context of my younger daughter’s entire education so far, the preschool teachers might have had the greatest impact. My younger daughter, as some of you know, has some special needs. I talk about that here from time to time. When my daughter was very small she had a lot of trouble with socializing, so all of her helpers,…

  • hairy-eyeball
    family - parenting

    Hairy Eyeball #WordlessWednesday #tweens

    May 20, 2015 - By 

    This is my tween giving me the look. You know the look….this one….Really? After being away at a conference you come back and want to take my picture and hang out with me. Really? Oh Mom. She’s been working on this hairy eyeball look for months. And for the record this is my Wordless Wednesday post. This is my daughter and I only noticed the wacky necklace when I edited the photo. Do you have tweens? What is their favourite phrase or look?

  • Gluten free muffins
    family - Food - parenting

    20 Great Gluten Free Muffin Recipes (Roundup)

    May 19, 2015 - By 

    20 Great Gluten Free Muffin Recipes: Gluten free is a way of life for an increasing number of adults and children. Luckily gluten free diets and recipes have grown up a lot over the past 10 to 15 years. There was a time when I was gluten free in my twenties when my Crohn’s Disease was really acute and dietary restrictions were helping me stay out of hospital. I tried many gluten free recipes and very few made me happy back then. But now, because of an increasingly large proportion of people who need to eat gluten free, and because…