Parenting Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Why The Kuru Quest 2 Hiking Boots Are an Instant Classic

Paula — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:25:00 +0000

For years, Noah clung to the same battered pair of hiking boots. You know the type—the ones held together by sheer willpower, memories of past summits or camping trips, and soles worn down so smooth they hardly create a barrier between you and the dirt trail anymore. The Emotional Weight of Footwear My youngest was always that kid, the one who wore boots out. The cutesy rain boots as a child were done to death and falling apart before Noah would move on to the new pair. The winter boots, well those would be falling apart with holes and leaking in the snow before this one would ever say I need new boots. In truth, I would discover wet socks and realize something was not working. As a young adult it is a little different but I swear to you the kid has an emotional attachment to clothing, shoes and boots even still. I mean it is hard to let go of the hiking boots that have carried us through 5-6 years of family camping trips. My kids are both on the shorter side, so I know they purchase and outwear shoes and boots that seem to make them appear taller, and this was also the case with the old pair of boots. Putting Old Shoes and Boots to Rest Retiring a reliable piece of gear isn’t easy, but when a boot’s time is up, hanging on only leads to sore arches, blisters and compromised traction Enter the KURU Quest 2 in Walnut Brown / Jet Black. We received product for consideration. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. Out with the Worn-Out, In with the New Upgrading wasn’t just about replacing a worn tread; it was about elevating the everyday look without sacrificing trail-ready performance. The Quest 2 immediately bridged that gap. KURUSOLE’s heel-hugging design protects your heel and arch on trails and pavement, which is why it’s great for plantar fasciitis and heel pain relief. It pairs a rugged nubuck/suede upper and trail-ready rubber outsole with an 8mm heel-to-toe drop and ~17 oz men’s weight, so you get protection from rocks and roots but also don’t feel these are overly heavy to wear. The look of these is to stylish and we love Kuru for several reasons. I first discovered these in the summer when Kuru sent me some gorgeous comfortable sandals. After spraining my ankle a year ago, I needed more support from my shoes for months and this brand is a big part of the solution. My husband has also been using these Kuru sneakers for workouts and getting around town. The Guarantee Kuru’s guarantee is another reason I love this brand. KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru footwear can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. We’ve discovered that they also have some wide shoes and boots for sale now too. The Verdict After making the official switch, Noah hasn’t looked back. The Quest 2 delivers the rare combination of high-end durability, genuine ergonomic support, and a sleek silhouette that effortlessly replaces the old well-loved boots of yesterday. If your outdoor footwear is overdue for an upgrade, this pair proves you don’t have to choose between trail performance and modern style. This brand is so worth the cost. It is high quality and pain free plus it looks great. After a week of wearing these Noah reported they are a 10 out of 10 for fit, style and comfort. You can’t ask for more than that.

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The Ultimate Camping Gear Guide: Things We Can’t Live Without

Paula — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:57:24 +0000

We just wrapped our fourth camping trip of the season. And while I also love Fall camping and have an entire post about the merits of camping through September, we are not likely to do that this year. At the end of the season we clean and put all of our camping gear away. It’s a good time for us to assess what we have and what we want or need next year. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me so that I can keep the lights on. Our fourth trip of the season was a fun weekend despite the rainy weather. Our final Labour Day visit was a three night trip to MacGregor Point Provincial Park. MacGregor is one of our all time favourite spots to go. Love their hiking trails and the private little beaches at the park itself. I am not a lifelong camper. In fact, I thought I hated camping and resisted entirely until the pandemic and then because we needed activities we could drive to and I was trying so hard to keep everyone here from losing their minds, we decided to try tent camping. Camping Kids Prevailed The kids, after all, had done years of overnight camps and day camps and on one outback trip to Camp Queen Elizabeth Payton did portaging and much more. So, they had the skills and they asked often if I’d take them camping. The answer was typically along the lines of: “Afraid that’s not the life for me, I would rather stay in a cabin, a cottage or a hotel room.” Until it wasn’t a good answer anymore. At that time, the list of places that people could visit dwindled to within driving range. So I figured what the heck, we all needed something. The chirping crickets, the screeching loud Blue Jays and even the crazy 3 a.m. scavenging of racoons scrabbling down the trees and chasing each other through the park, can’t keep us away. Falling asleep to the sounds of crickets and sometimes the waves of our gorgeous Ontario lakes lapping the shore is healing and restful and glorious. Nothing quite like that. Our Beginner Tent In 2020 I bought an inexpensive Walmart tent which was basically a popup ( as in easy five minute set up ). After we borrowed some camping gear from a friend and off we went. I mean a few years before that my family had worked with Ontario Parks and we had their adorable RV that we drove around the province to five different Ontario Parks locations. The whole family had so much fun documenting the experience. That one sponsored adventure set us up, showed us that we actually love the outdoors in all seasons. And frankly with the right camping gear we realized we could extend our season. Feeling well protected from the elements meant being able to camp into the fall and early in June. So, we’ve been doing this ever since with a tent and a van that’s loaded to the teeth. And with good quality reliable camping gear we have enjoyed a lot of days and a lot of our provincial parks. We have learned a few things about camping gear we love and can’t live without. Since people often ask me on TikTok what I recommend I thought I’d share that post here too. Most of these things are items we own or have borrowed and use all the time. Where there are some recommended items I have noted that they are products we don’t yet have or would recommend if our kids were younger. Main Camping Gear We Travel With These Two Tents Our food tent is used maybe 75% of the time we camp. It is super easy to set up and take down. It collapses into a small carrier bag and fits easily into the van. Our Food Tent Our Coleman food tent above is vital especially in July and sometimes August to keep the bugs out when we hang out or when we are cooking and eating. We actually bought this at Canadian Tire but this Coleman food/ bug tent is available on Amazon if you prefer. It’s actually much cheaper on Amazon. While this tent has been a dream, it just recently started to feel like maybe we have graduated and perhaps we need a bigger sized food and bug tent. I’d suggest this is the beginner level/ intermediate camping food or bug tent. It is excellent but it’s not that big. There are times when you might want a bit more shelter from rainy weather. This Coleman is sturdy and I love the ease of use but it is starting to show its age. Our Coleman Dark Sky Eight Person Tent We started with a basic tent from Walmart as I mentioned. Honestly if it is ever just me and Noah camping then we grab it and go. It sets up in five minutes locks into place and is so easy. But while it says 6 people can fit into it, that’s a stretch. That might be two kids under 8 sleeping with feet to head while parents are the opposite direction. So, when Payton decided to spring for this eight person Coleman tent which has a small vestibule that is covered to keep the bugs out when popping in and out throughout the day, we were thrilled. I mean when she moves out she will take it with her as she always reminds us. But until then it works wonders for all of us. I love the extra space. Frankly, we all like that we can stand up in it and we have a covered entry space for shoes. Your shoes will be fragrant when camping and you do not want those inside where you sleep. Trust me on that one. Why This One? We love this tent. It is HUGE and perfect. There are some organized pockets where you can place your keys or wallets at night and it has a great rainfly. It worked perfectly this past week when we had significant rainfall overnight on night one. Other tents might be water repellant which is not the same. For instance, our old beginner tent will let rain in if it pools on the campsite. The Coleman Dark Sky doesn’t let rain in. Inflatable Mattresses These have come a long way! Inflatable mattresses will probably be the first thing that you have to replace so keep that in mind. These need to be strong enough but easy to set up and take down. They also have to be simple to store over the winter. Last year, Payton bought me a new mattress for Christmas. It is this one right here and I love it. The price is great and it inflates and deflates with a USB charger. That’s easier than using your car chargers/ outlets and dragging it back and forth to the tent from the car. Sleeping Bags The sleeping bags we have are all different. Mine is a cheap old one that I bought at Costco years ago. It does the job. Noah and Payton both have exceptional sleeping bags built for sub zero temperatures. As mentioned they both did sleep away camps and had some outback trips where they needed really good sleeping bags. This Marmot sleeping bag is Noah’s which is excellent. What’s so good about it? It is sturdy and will keep you warm even in -11Celsius weather. The Marmot is high quality and we got in on sale for half off at the end of the season one year. This sleeping bag has been back and forth to Muskoka many times and it has weathered a lot of inclement weather. Camping Stove Can’t believe I almost forgot to include this. It is our good old standby and it was leant to us by Margarita Ibbott whose family used to camp. So, it is well seasoned and it is compact and it works like a dream even still. So reliable and great quality. Of course it is a Coleman cooktop stove. Camping Games and Activities Having a few nature-focused games and activities handy is a lifesaver to keep everyone happy. One of our favourite games on the beach is Bocce Ball. It is so portable and easy to play together. Along with bocce ball, we also have a corn hole game that disassembles. We also have a few easy card games. You can also print out any of my camping printables and take them with you. Camping Roll a Story for instance. BUGS NAT PAT bug patches and bracelets are a staple for us now. Love the gentle patches that we can slap on everything and the citronella scent repels bugs. There might still be some on the tent actually. Will see next season I guess. We often take citronella candles with us too. Pick up a few of the citronella bracelets for each of your companions on the trip too. You will 100% still need Bug Spray regardless of where you are camping. Just buy one now because it will cost you later. And never leave home without After Bite. Bites will still happen. Pack this in the car or the camping first aid box as soon as you can. New Favourite Card Game for Older Kids Last year we bought Cards Against Humanity and it is a hoot. We haven’t laughed so hard in years. We also have an add on the 90s pack. There are many great add on packs. You think you have enough cards but after playing just one season, we found we enjoyed having the variety of the add on packs. Devices You want a couple of these but pick and choose. To me a huge part of the joy of camping is being off tech and unreachable for the most part. Having no service in the park about a week or two ago made me happy actually. Nobody can call and ask me for anything. Wahoo. Chargers are SO Helpful Listen if your phones all die a slow death and there’s an emergency then you are not in a good or healthy space. So chargers are vital. We carry multiple with us as a family. But as long as one person has a rechargeable, reliable charger it’s all good. Also frankly if you travel with teens, they are going to want to connect when you drive to town or anywhere with wifi. Not my priority when camping but just know that you avoid a lot of fights if you pack and carry a charger always. Walkie Talkies? Motorola rechargeable long range and waterproof walkie talkies. Best walkie talkies around at a decent price. You can find cheaper ones but they won’t last and I assure you that they will lose or break one of the cheaper ones at some point so pay for these ones instead. Worth it. I don’t use these because our kids have phones obviously. They are over 20 now. For little people though walkie talkies are perfect. Let them be independent and hop on a bike and explore with their siblings then if they get separated they can connect via these. Protection from the Sun and Rain An Umbrella or Two For in the car, near the RV and by the tent. Prop it outside your tent or in the corner of the tent if it is dry. Why? So you can run to the restrooms or the vault toilets in the night when your kiddo or your bladder wakes you up. A Beach Umbrella I’ll be honest we cheated here and still have one teeny beach umbrella that we got in Port Stanley years ago for $30. But honestly nobody uses these anymore. People bring the big umbrellas for a day at the beach and a family to fit under and be safe when the sun is overly hot. Wagon Listen I didn’t even realize I needed one of these until my family gave it to me for one of my birthdays about 5 years ago. Now, this wagon goes everywhere with us. It collapses, so that is invaluable. The camping wagon also can sit on top of most of the other items in the gate of the van. So functional. Often we walk from the campsite to the beach and set up for the day. WE try to minimize the number of times we need to race back to the site. I mean you will always have bathroom trips too so you don’t want to spend the entire time running back and forth fetching things and visiting restrooms. With the wagon, we can drop our cooler bag, chairs, towels, sunscreen, umbrella and snacks into the wagon and make one organized trip to the beach. Our wagon was a gift but I am certain it came from Costco not Amazon. So keep an eye out next spring for a good Costco version. You can use these for so many purposes. Comfort You cannot simply sit at a picnic table all week or even all weekend long. So, you need to have a few reliable portable pieces for your regular camping gear setup. Camping Couch and Chairs Our chairs are ancient. In fact, we inherited our four family camping chairs from Jim’s Mom and from my Mom. To this day, we still use them all the time. My green chair is slightly nostalgic and the kids love that these are reminiscent of the days when we could camp together or stay at the cottage with grandma. So, buy something sturdy and light. You will carry them everywhere. They don’t need to be fancy. These 20-year-old chairs that we have lasted insanely well. Pretty sure the original price was under $20. One thing I did invest in a few years ago when it was on sale at Costco was this love seat. We call it the camping couch. Easy set up and take down and the cushions are so comfortable. It is my favourite way to wake up. I grab a coffee and sit on the couch with a library book or a birthday novel while the rest of my travel buddies sleep in. Bliss. My Camping Wishlist Every year as the season wraps, I hunt for sales. There are a few products left in the camping section of Walmart and other stores you frequent. But don’t just buy it because it is on sale. You will almost always need any least one reliable camping tarp in the event there’s rain. You will often need more portable propane canisters and sturdy rope. Sometimes you might want to upgrade the camping dishes. But generally you don’t want to overspend on any of this stuff. All of these dishes and pots and pans get dirty and sit all winter in boxes waiting to be sprung out again, so choose reliable and sturdy. This year we scooped up another heavy duty tarp and some twine so we can set up a fast A frame over the love seat and the chairs. Truthfully, I wanted to see if there was a big food tent on sale at all. But no luck this time. The Portable Kitchen This Coleman Kitchen camping setup has been on my radar for a couple of years now. Typically we do the dishes lowkey with a washing bin, soap and a dish drying rack on the picnic table but the height is completely wrong for our backs so that ends up doing Payton and I both in over the course of a couple of days. So my dream is to own this super functional portable and parkway kitchen set. A Portable Change room A Popup change room could be helpful when camping and it doesn’t take up much space. That said, it isn’t 100% necessary. We take turns changing in the tent and there are many discreet ways to change when you are travelling. Not crucial but a nice to have maybe if the price is right. You Don’t Need a Lot to Get Started Really and truly you don’t need that much to get started. If you are new a solid tent and dishes and something to cook on should suffice. Of course sleeping bags and mattresses are essential too. Add on as you go. Be sure that you also get rid of the old broken things but buy quality products first. Like our chairs that we inherited, if you find or inherit old camping gear that lasts it can be a staple and it will also enhance your adventure. Happy Camping! Is there anything we missed?

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Going The Distance with KURU’s New Wide Runners

Paula — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 12:22:14 +0000

My husband Jim is gearing up for a massive martial arts grading later this year. After years of practice and competitions and trying to eat right, this last stretch is near, but it is also the hardest. Now he needs to level up, start running occasionally and continue with a minimum of three big workouts a week. We were gifted KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers for consideration here. I genuinely love this brand so much that I wanted to share our experience as a service to readers. My opinion is my own and it is honest. So, we’ve been looking for new running shoes. His old runners are ancient and frankly stained from life, that time we zip lined and celebrated the finish with ice cream which promptly landed on his shoe, plus the million times he has mowed the lawn in them or pulled out a dead Boxwood. It was time for a new and improved pair of everyday running shoes. The Wide Foot Conundrum But with wide feet the options are limited at best. In the past, we have hunted locally for weeks on end. We had a reliable family run specialty shoe store we used for a few years near our old house but it closed a couple of years ago. That left a big gap. Shopping for wide shoes or extra wide shoes has been hit and miss entirely in the past few years. Thinking of an old pair of work boots my husband bought that still sits in the garage collecting dust. Price and fit seemed okay in the big chain store when he left with them, but comfort for all day working and standing on his feet, was an entirely different story. Enter KURU. In the spring I got a gorgeous pair of Kuru sandals. They are high quality, stylish and so comfortable. I love them. This past week I found out that KURU has a brand new extra wide style of running shoe in their lineup. It’s called the Atom 2 and is available in women’s and men’s styles and sizes. Not only does my husband have wide feet but my eldest does too. So the struggle is real and both of them find they really need comfort to alleviate pain or other foot and joint related kinds of aches and pains. Luckily, this is what KURU does best. For us KURU extra wide shoes are extremely helpful and so worth the price tag. If you also have wide or extra wide feet then you know what I am talking about. The right fit means all day comfort and being able to work out or even just go about your daily activity without pain. KURU shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. KURU’s Guarantee Loving KURU this year because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees your feet feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. A Few Facts About KURU and the ATOM 2: Running through the rest of the year with KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers because this is one more thing that impacts how smoothly we get to the finish line which is a black belt by end of 2026. Staying injury free and pain free at this age and stage of life is like harm prevention and reduction. We don’t play around anymore. Easy on and easy off matters. Price matters, but fit even more so than that. New and improved KURUCloud+ gives better rebound and softer landings. The ATOM is already an excellent shoe and the ATOM 2 sneakers just built on that. Overall Impressions Jim is loving these KURU ATOM 2 extra wide sneakers and the confidence and comfort they provide as he works towards his black belt. But Paula don’t people who do martial arts wear bare feet or special padded shoes when sparring? Yes, they do. But you don’t get to be a black belt without actually working out on a regular basis, meaning you need to do more walking, running, weights, yoga and activity in general. These are the shoes that get that part of the training. They are just as able to give you the support you need when walking to and from the gym or the park as they are when running laps on the nights you haven’t got a scheduled class. A New Favourite I highly recommend these KURU Atom 2 extra wide sneakers. KURU is one of my new favourite shoe brands. Check them out yourself. For those of you who wonder about how accurate sizing and width is, these are in my opinion a really solid choice and size feels accurate. I know ordering shoes on line can be scary, but these fit as they indicate on the site.

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Summer Survival Activity Pack

Paula — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:06:00 +0000

Summer vacation is right around the corner for many of you and might have already started for some depending on where you live. Boredom Busters Now that summer has officially arrived, it won’t be long before the kids are bellowing for something to do. I’m bored. Amuse me. I mean I am paraphrasing here but you know exactly what I mean. While we all cherish those long, sunny days and the break from the school-day hustle, every parent knows the boredom bug usually makes its appearance within the first week. So what’s a mom or dad to do? Well, maybe you have them booked in solid summer camps and activities all season long. Nothing wrong with that. (Other than the cost actually.) What Does Summer Survival Look Like for You? And maybe on a few of those days you pop by online resources like this site to print out some activity pages. Road Trips? Whether you are prepping for a long road trip, looking for quiet activities to balance out the high-energy outdoor play, or simply need a sanity-saving tool for those unpredictable rainy afternoons, I have exactly what you need. Summer Activity Pack to the Rescue I am thrilled to introduce the Ultimate Summer Survival Activity Pack—a substantial, 25-page treasure trove designed to keep little hands busy and creative minds engaged. This is a thoughtfully curated collection packed with everything kids love. From brain-teasing word searches that sharpen those observation skills to intricate colouring pages perfect for mindful downtime, and open-ended drawing prompts that spark the imagination, this pack is designed to be your go-to resource for the summer or even just for a couple of weeks. Survive and Thrive I know how hard it is to balance keeping kids entertained while managing your own busy schedule. That’s why we’ve taken the guesswork out of “What can I do now?”—just print, play, and watch the boredom melt away. Summer survival should also be enjoyable and maybe even creative and fun. In fact, I bet years from now if you ask your kids what they remember from the summers of their childhood, at least one of them will say that road trip to the cottage up north. Or maybe it’s do you all remember that time we were rained out camping and we sat in the tent or trailer and played cards and did word games all weekend? After all, summer doesn’t need to be perfect and you shouldn’t just need to survive it. Have some fun and hit pause and turn the negatives into positives when able. Grab Your Activity Book Are you ready to grab your copy and make this summer the most creative one yet? By now I think you know exactly what to do here. Click on the link above and save it then print it out. These are for your personal use only. You may not republish. Thanks for reading! Believe me I know that the start of the summer especially for working parents can be rough. The transition is chaos and trying to work with kids underfoot is challenging. BUT that said, summer also tends to fly by and it is the best season to get outside chasing long sunny days at the beach or building core memories with a camping trip that will warm your hearts well into February when the snow and ice feels embedded deep in your bones. I have so many other summer printable activities to try and a few ideas of things you might want to do this year as well. Here’s a tool that can help you get started. Summer Bucket List Use this summer bucket list to prioritize the best summer activities that you plan to do and want to ensure you do not miss a moment of the fun. Check out my Road Trip Activity Book for those days when you are in the car or the van for hours on end Happy Summer!

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My New KURU Summer Sandals

Paula — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:10:04 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and that means after a brief spring cleaning stint, I am now fishing out all of my summer attire. And taking stock of my shoes too. I am a firm believer that good shoes matter. I wasn’t always that way and couldn’t always afford good quality footwear. This season, summer 2026, is all about these pain free Kuru summer sandals. I received product for consideration on Thrifty Mommas Tips. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. When I was younger there was nothing I loved more than high heels with a matching outfit. But the shoes I wore then were far from comfortable. Functional, meh? Not so much. They were all about finishing a curated look. In high school I had a part time job at the mall in a clothing store and I ran with the cute looks then which completely spilled over into the school hallways. Oh, I still have a few pairs of gorgeous colourful stunning pumps and wedges, but at this age and stage of life I am much less inclined to suffer for fashion. I’d much rather have something cute and fashionable that doesn’t hurt my back, my legs, my hips, my feet, my calves. This season my Kuru summer sandals are going the distance with me and supporting health and wellness as well as fashion. What I Love About Kuru Summer Sandals This year my style is easygoing but functional for summer events and the interviews I have going on. Last year, I sprained my ankle while in Boston helping my brother out, watching my niece. Not going to lie that ankle took a long time to heal. Summer swimming helped with rehab. Then during ski season in February a snowboarder collided with me and I hit my shoulder and hurt my lower back and that somehow also became an ongoing ache in my left hip. But it was also winter boot season so there are limits to what you can do with that really. As long as your feet are warm and dry when there’s 3 feet of snow on the front lawn, that’s about the best you can hope for in an Ontario winter. Treat Your Feet My ankle, well that’s pretty much 95% better one year later. Swimming and at home physio helped. Finally, my shoulder has returned to its normal range of motion. My hip and back still have a little bit of residual aching and stiffness at times. So, here’s the thing. I am trusting Kuru this season because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. Any remaining leftover pain or occasional stiffness will definitely be better than it was last year with these summer sandals. A Summer Standout The Kuru Loma Jarvi is a standout in the summer collection in my opinion, blending a classic fisherman-style platform with advanced comfort technology. I chose a versatile toffee sand colour that pairs effortlessly with everything from casual jeans to vacation dresses. The design is elevated by a 56mm lift, making me look way taller than I am (don’t dislike that at all) while providing a stylish silhouette without sacrificing the stability needed for all-day wear. These sandals cradle your foot and your arch perfectly. The cushioned cork footbed is more comfortable than anything I’ve worn in years. Pairing these with cute sundresses and my denim jacket for cool days. Kurosole Technology What sets these sandals apart is the patented KURUSOLE technology, which is engineered to dynamically to flex and hug your heel with every step. The responsive design helps protect the natural cushioning of the feet, which makes them perfect for anyone who needs relief from foot or back pain. The cork footbed and adjustable multi-straps ensures a secure, ergonomic fit that adapts to the movement of the foot. Whether heading to a summer brunch, taking a summer vacation to Europe or hitting an out of town event these are perfect. Finally cute shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Kurosole KURU Shoe Features KURUSOLE Heel Protection: The patented tech hugs and cushions your heels to absorb shock and ease joint strain. (I know this is true. You can feel it the second you put these on.) These are my new Kuru summer sandals: Shoes with Benefits Since receiving these and integrating them recently into my day to day, I see benefits. My hip doesn’t hurt and my foot is so comfortable in these. Kuru has a range of women’s and men’s shoes, runners and sandals. There are some boots too but I have no interest in anything wintery at the moment. The Range of Styles The new arrivals and slip ons have my full attention now as well because if these Loma Jarvi sandals are this comfortable imagine how great it would be to wear these slip ons daily. Also how cute is the regular Loma as well. The colours are FAB. Basically I have a running Wishlist of Kuru footwear that I want to try next. (Hello, Pineapple Coda? SO cute.) I suspect you will have the same issue once you start trying them and wearing them on a regular basis.

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Why Dream Pairs Boots Are My New Obsession

Paula — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:03:00 +0000

Is there anything more “Canadian” than the eternal struggle of finding shoes or boots that actually look cute but won’t leave you sliding across a frozen Tim Horton’s parking lot? I’ve spent years cycling through boots that are either “industrial-tundra-chic” or “fashionable-but-frozen.” Product was provided for consideration and affiliate links are included as a service to readers. I make a small commission via qualifying purchases. The last pair I had were great and a well known brand, don’t get me wrong, but sexy they were not. Fashionable, NO. Functional only and I feel like there’s space for both function and fashion in the winter. So, discovering Dream Pairs boots this month was magical for me. My Favourite Boots But this season, I finally hit the jackpot with Dream Pairs boots. Honestly, I’m a bit late to the party, but now that I’m here, I’m not leaving. I received four different styles—boots, runners, some mid calf boots and indoor, outdoor slippers—and they have all become my daily winter uniform. In fact, I loved some of these so much that I already grabbed a second pair of indoor outdoor slippers as a gift for my daughter who was already a big fan of the brand. “I trust that Dream Pairs are good quality.” 1. The Suede Boots: A Winter Game-Changer Let’s talk about the Suede Winter Boots first, because they were the biggest surprise. Usually, I’m wary of suede in our slushy winters, but these have been incredible. They are lined with the softest fur that honestly feels like a hug for your feet. Even on those mornings where the wind chill makes you want to stay in bed, these keep my toes genuinely toasty. The best part? They don’t have that “heavy” feel of traditional snow boots. They are stylish enough to wear with leggings and a cute oversized sweater for a coffee date, but sturdy enough to handle a trek through the snow to get the mail. These are my new apres-ski boots. Perfect for the run from the van to the lodge or the run down the street to the mailbox or the mall. Pro Tip: If you’re in Canada, I recommend a quick spray of suede protector just to keep them looking pristine against the salt, but they are treated prior to purchase. The quality of these for the price is unbeatable! 2. The Runners: From the Gym to the Grocery Store Next up are the Nortiv 8 women’s walking shoes. We are all picky about sneakers—they need to be supportive, not overly expensive but also extremely comfortable. My feet, knees and back demand good support. These are so sleek and lightweight. I’ve been wearing them for my indoor workouts, but I can see these transitioning into my favourite “running errands” or walking shoes. They have a cushioned sole that makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds, which is a lifesaver when you’re navigating the gym or any errands you need to do. Plus, the breathable mesh means my feet don’t overheat when I’m dashing around and working out. 3. The Slippers: The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Hybrid Finally, the Dream Pairs Fuzzy Indoor-Outdoor Slippers. These are the MVP of my house winning the winter right now. We have hardwood floors on the main level of our house that get freezing in the winter, so slippers are a non-negotiable. What I love about this pair is the durable rubber sole. I can wear them while I’m making breakfast, and then walk right outside to take the recycling to the curb without having to swap shoes. They have a plush, luxurious feel that reminds me of high-end brands, but at a fraction of the cost. These are actually the warmest indoor outdoor shoes or slippers that I have ever had. 4: The Knee High Pull On Full Boots In numerous colours, these knee high pull on full boots are actually mind blowing. Love the style and the height. Love that there are several pairs of boots with wide calf fit options too if that’s what you need. And when these arrived and I spied the soft inner lining plus the pockets in the boots, I squealed for joy. I mean pockets in boots? Life altering fashion meets function. My Fave Features of These The Hidden Pocket: Perfect for stashing cash, key, or card, these women’s dress boots come with an inner pocket. These knee-high boots offer both style and function. Comfortable Height: With a 0.5-inch heel, these cute boots are ideal for long walks, shopping trips, or all-day wear. Sizing and Shipping Shopping on Amazon Canada can occasionally feel like a gamble and buying shoes, boots or clothing can be hit or miss for sizes. That’s my biggest issue sometimes, but the shipping was fast and the sizing was spot on for all of these. When I saw how much I was wearing my indoor outdoor slippers, I knew I had to get a pair for my daughter. It was either that or she was going to end up owning my pair. Just as an aside, my daughter, Payton says these are everywhere on campus and frankly the ease getting them on and off is a big deal for her due to arthritis. Why I’m Gifting Them Too It’s rare to find a brand that hits that sweet spot of: If you’re looking to treat yourself or need some trendy fashionable boots that you know will actually get used, check out the Dream Pairs storefront. Your feet (and your wallet) will thank you!

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So Where’ve I Been for the Last Year?

Paula — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:50:00 +0000

So Where’ve I Been this last year? Two years ago this week we were practically standing at the door ready to roll on our trip to Vermont I was writing here 3-4 times a week, a regular contributor to CBC Parents and Content Coordinator at Neighbours of Sunningdale. But the pandemic upended a lot of that. Travel ground to a standstill two years ago this week and that was that. What is a travel writer without the ability to travel? I pivoted fast to writing about pandemic parenting and that worked for several months. Frankly, that first year just being able to keep paying the mortgage was a big accomplishment. So, what about the last year though? For sure several of you have most likely noticed me writing less frequently. That’s because I took a new job as Digital media account manager at a digital media and marketing agency close to London, Ontario. (Side note: reach out of you need any marketing, communications or digital media/ social media marketing needs.) You can find me at 31st Line Strategic Communications. My New Occasional Office While a large portion of the last year has been remote work still, there was a chunk of summer and fall where I was in the office a couple days a week. That was actually pretty enjoyable and as you can see here some of my office colleagues are a whole lot of fun. None of us know what next year brings, but as lockdowns and the travel forecast clears I hope to share many more adventures with you again soon. And I hope to be able to return physically to the office again soon as well. To New Adventures I am still writing, but mostly I do that at work in the context of the campaigns that I manage. This year we have traveled in Canada and I am enjoying that of course too. Quebec is always a hit for us as a family in any season and ski season this year was no exception. Recently we returned from Mt Tremblant, which is the spot where we learned to ski many years ago, so it holds a special spot in our hearts always. The trails and the snow were both exceptional this season. Here’s to being able to share a bit more travel here this spring and summer. What Have You Been Up to? Are you planning any adventures? Did you make a career change during the pandemic?

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Why I am Celebrating Finishing the Pandemic School Year

Paula — Sun, 25 Jul 2021 19:15:45 +0000

Kudos to all the university, college and high school kids who finished this challenging pandemic school year. Here’s why I am celebrating that achievement. Pandemic learning was a huge challenge this year as was school in general. Socially, I feel like we haven’t given our kids enough credit for getting through the volatile and discombobulating pandemic school year they just had. Imagine being a teen or even an elementary child adapting to all of the stress and change that’s been thrown at them this year. If anything, I am surprised so many kept going to the very end of June. What I am Celebrating Last month, my oldest daughter finished her first year of university done during a pandemic and my youngest finished grade eleven. I know many of you parents know what I mean when I say well that was a year like no other. This past school year was chaos to say the least. Many high school students went back and forth all year. Two to three months in class and then boom back to at home remote learning through no fault of their own. Then when Covid-19 numbers dipped again some slid right back into the classrooms where smaller numbers of kids had been in cohorts. Finally, back to school and whoops suddenly Wave 3 of the pandemic hit in Ontario. The Only Constant Was Disruption The pandemic school year was nothing if not disruptive. At times, we nearly gave up here on high school because the pandemic school year was more than uphill especially since all supports vanished and suddenly I was basically doing the IEP here while juggling a full time job too. Ontario students of all ages had a year like no other. Parents did too. I know how hard that was and think it’s worth noting. Parents and students made the greatest sacrifices this academic year. But it’s over. Now let’s stay safe this summer, wear masks and get your second vaccines so school can return to some version of normal in September. We all owe that to kids and families in Ontario. For my University Student What a first year it was! She was literally on campus three times, two of those times were in the fall of 2020 for a social distancing paint night with masks on, to pick up something from the campus bookstore and join a study session. She hasn’t physically been on campus at all in 2021. Learning from home started as a huge adjustment and it was lonely at first but over time and by second semester it was clear she found a rhythm. Our University Year While people often took jabs at college and university students for spreading the virus, and there were numerous outbreaks in residences at Western University, this was not our experience. I don’t think a lot of students actually fell into the partying irresponsible group. The actual lived experience of many university and college students was pretty hobbit like and anxiety provoking. A lot, like Payton, were home learning all of their subjects from a corner of their bedrooms all year. Some students made it physically on campus two to three times to buy books or get their student activity card printed. Anxious Moments Anxiety impacted sleeping. My oldest worried often. So working on school all day in her bedroom was not conducive to restful sleep at night. And Yet They Adapted While it took several months for Payton to find her footing, she eventually did. Pandemic learning was less than ideal, but still she did it. By semester two I noticed a change mentally. She was reluctant and a bit depressed in September. As in, this is not what I signed up for but by January she was in the groove. Honestly, I was proud that she was making the best of it. Meanwhile in High School Here in our school district and province they segmented students into cohorts for consistency and size of classes. My youngest went to school some weeks for a whole two days, four hours each day. Ridiculous. For the rest of the week, classes occurred on Microsoft Teams or via Zoom style remote learning. By the end of the year they had given up. So, I decided we could drop the last course entirely. For a kid who loves sports, conducting all the sports at home online was a huge hurdle. It just wasn’t going to end well. My kiddo with FASD is a black and white thinker, and that’s part of the disability. So, doing sports without the team portion of it in person was a non starter. But We Did It So ultimately while both experiences were very different, we did it. We made it through the school year. Some of us emerged a little stronger and wiser and maybe more resilient. Some parents lost jobs as a result of the need to teach. Believe me, this is nothing I would wish on any parent or student. But here’s to making it through! ONWARDS to the Fall I am hopeful September is an entirely different and consistent school experience. Our kids deserve it and need it. Frankly, we do too.

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Eight Ways to Teach Gratitude and a Gratitude Jar Craft

Paula — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Gratitude is a funny thing. It’s hard to teach at times, but such an important value to hold close for life. Without gratitude life can ring hollow. For me, gratitude ties in closely with mindfulness. That’s why I like this gratitude jar kids’ craft idea for families. I’ve talked about self esteem before and self esteem crafts that help kids to grow more self esteem, but what about gratitude? How do you build a sense of gratitude from a young age that permeates a lifespan? Eight Ways to Show Gratitude Here are several ways to help build gratitude in kids as they grow. Model Gratitude Talk about the things YOU are grateful for as a parent. This can be a simple way for kids to understand that there are many things to be grateful for daily. I find that this works in conjunction with mental health. It is also a bonding activity in some ways. When my kids were tiny I would often state: I am so grateful we adopted you and that would support positive adoption language as well. All good things. Share Something Sweet Giving helps kids and adults feel good about themselves and also it can help to show and make gratitude concrete. So bake those cookies, cupcakes or brownies and deliver them to a neighbour. Watch them light up. You get the distinct feeling of baking something nice and sharing something sweet with a neighbour. Share Your Time Volunteer together. Look for chances to give back to your community. You can also model this by volunteering yourself as an adult. When you communicate to kids that this is just part of being a member of a community they are more inclined to understand that over the lifespan and find ways to give back as well. List Five Things You Are Grateful For Each Night One of my daughters does this thing before bed sometimes where she comes in to see me and gives me a hug and then recounts five special things about the day. I enjoyed taking a walk with you. I’m grateful for seeing the neighbour’s dog and having the chance to pet it on our walk, etc. You get the idea. This small thing helps lift us up before bed. Some people do this daily at dinner as a family. It is also a trick the kids learned at camp one year. We love it. Start a Gratitude Journal Remember your childhood diaries? Well, a gratitude journal is a little like that, but by stating the positive things every day in the morning or at night and creating your own positive little journal, you can help to create and explore positive grateful sentiment. I like this idea because it is a positive space for everyone. Obviously kids and teens have their own version of this and it is simple to do. Mine is sometimes on my phone and occasionally I use this space to explore gratitude as I did here – 85 Things I am Grateful For. These are often very simple daily details but they make me smile. Scooter Kid for instance and Mindy the dog. Draw, Create, Make Something Beautiful Art has many therapeutic benefits. One of my kids is very much tiny making art as a therapy tool, so you can also help elevate someone else with this. Draw something and post it in your window to brighten the neighbourhood or paint a picture and deliver it by mail to a relative you haven’t seen recently. Pay a Compliment Show gratitude and share some joy by simply eating a kindness forward and paying someone a compliment. My youngest daughter is excellent at this. They tell random strangers how much they love their nails or hair or simply say have a great day. It all helps and the positive smile is rewarding. Make a Gratitude Jar Craft This gratitude jar craft is a great craft for families. Here’s how to make yours. Gratitude Jar for Kids You can do this gratitude jar craft a couple of different ways. Print these two sheets out and make it a fun little two dimensional drawing activity. Or, go get a mason jar and make it a fully hands on gratitude activity that resonates. I veer towards hands on here because that’s the kind of thing that’s always spoken to my kids. We’re a hands on kind of family. It’s how the kids learn. Finding Gratitude How do you find gratitude or how do you show gratitude? Sometimes I write down things I am grateful for. When things seem overwhelming I give that a lot of work. There are many days when it’s hard to find any reason to be grateful for anything especially during the pandemic, but doing these every week or even periodically can help to shift your mindset. That helps everyone in my family and I hope it helps yours too. Don’t Miss These Other Craft Ideas

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Getting Kids Inspired to Help with Earth Friendly Cleaning Products

Paula — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 12:18:00 +0000

This Earth Friendly Cleaning products post has been sponsored by Earth Brand which means I have been compensated. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. My kids are inspired to clean again. That’s a rare thing typically, but during the pandemic, cleaning has taken on even greater importance first of all because everyone has been trying to up their sanitation game. Second of all cleaning is actually fulfilling because we have found a fun and effective new lineup of earth friendly cleaning products. Cleaning with Good Conscience Obviously, during this past 15 months, and the many many lock downs here in Ontario, we’ve all had more time in our homes which means more messes. My typically tidy home seems to explode into disorder overnight. So, more cleaning is necessary. But it’s not all bad news. My teens, like many kids, have found the pandemic to be anxiety provoking, emotional and downright terrifying at times. WE have all coped with some of that uncertainty and emotional turmoil by doing a lot of different things. I have done a lot of walking and exercising. Sometimes the kids join me and sometimes they don’t. My one daughter spends way too much time getting lost on TikTok. My oldest does a lot of baking and cooking which is all well and good and yummy too. But that can be messy too, so more cleaning is involved after that mess. Payton, 19, has also been cleaning compulsively. There are definitely worse habits to have. In fact, a year ago my daughter launched into the pandemic with some manic Marie Kondo-ing of all her things, and over the months she has revisited that many times over. I’m not complaining at all. In fact, it has been helpful in some ways. Why Earth Brand? Earth Friendly Cleaning products from Earth Brand speak to all of us in my home. Earth Brand, a brand that clearly combines a little bit of science experiment, with pods that dissolve in the reusable bottles makes tidying up better for everyone. When Earth Brand arrived here, my kids were a little bit curious. The pods are separate from the bottles and they contain everything you need to get started. EARTH BRAND has a mission to remove single-use plastics from the cleaning routines of Canadians. That’s something we can all get behind. But interestingly it really resonated with my teens. I’ve been saying this for awhile now. Generation Z is committed to the environment and they are kind of fascinating to watch grow. They don’t back down on the causes that matter to them. They are passionate about brands that do better and they expect that. So, Earth Brand is a great fit for our family and for their future. Over 90% of plastic is not recycled – ending up in landfills, the environment and waterways. Each pouch of Earth Brand Pods can save three single-use plastic bottles from a landfill. They products are easy to use and fun with a fresh scent. Water represents over 95% of the weight of most cleaning products – and associated pollution as well. Did You Know? Canadians produce a lot of plastic waste; an estimated 3.3 million tonnes per year – with about 85%, or 2.8 million tonnes, ending up in Canadian landfills every year. Because of this, the Government of Canada has recently passed legislation that bans single-use plastics by the end of 2021. So, it’s time for all of us to start doing better. The Earth Brand pods and bottles are Green Seal Certified for sustainability, and are ensured 100% recyclable. What are Earth Brand Pods? Each Earth Brand Pod is a dose of concentrated cleaning solution in a fully-dissolvable, earth-friendly film. Once the pod completely dissolves in water, it provides 1 litre of safe but powerful and ready-to-spray household cleaner. It might sound silly but dissolving the pods in the bottles felt like a bit of a science experiment and we all enjoyed that. How are Earth Brand Pods different? Unlike some of Earth Brand’s competitors, these pods leave behind very little packaging waste so they are better for the environment. The pods completely dissolve in water, and the minimalist packaging is 100% recyclable. Further, you can use any bottle you have. There are no proprietary systems, just earth friendly cleaning. Where can I buy Earth Brand Pods? You can buy Earth Brand Pods on Amazon.ca and in retail locations across Canada. Have fun cleaning again and get the kids involved too.

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