parenting Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Summer Lessons 2026: You Don’t Need to Earn Rest

Paula — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:05:03 +0000

This summer I was driving to the beach to go camping when one of my young adult kids hit me with a life update that sent me reeling and made me incredibly angry. Like cartoon plumes of smoke coming out my ears mad. Parenting Young Adults is Also Hard When your kids are newborns you think this is the hardest stage, the most enjoyable but also the hardest. Then they turn one and you think wow I did it and the next hard thing occurs and the toddler stage is a challenge but the threes will be simple, right? AND ON AND ON it goes….we trick ourselves to keep going. Everyone knows teens will be hard. But nobody fully had a pattern for parenting through a pandemic or a book for managing neurodivergent teens with a brain injury or FASD or chronic illness. Anyways back to the car and the drive… Processing Funny how kids remember to drop big ticket emotional drama on you when you are driving and unable to glare at them or fully provide facial reactions. If I had a dollar for every time my teen or 20 something told me something life altering as I was driving I’d be a millionaire by now. For a good 15 minutes I drove on auto pilot processing a lot of emotions and asking myself: Should I just turn around, unpack the van? Did anyone actually need to be camping? Did anyone deserve to go camping? Shouldn’t we just be working on problem-solving this latest situation all weekend long for the rest of the summer? Onward But in the end, I kept driving. Why? For the first night and part of the next day I questioned being there at all. What was I doing, camping, setting up a tent, going to the beach, cooking on the stove outdoors? Was it worth the effort? Was the weather and the experience worth the gas money and the time? What was I rewarding and why? But you see the issue with that thinking too, don’t you? Rest as a reward? Outdoor adventure, reading in a hammock, hiking as a reward? 🤔 Questioning On the final day, as I was hiking on my own on a self guided meditation trail, I had completely stopped questioning if I made the right choice by continuing the drive to the beach to go camping. ⛺️ This summer I came to the actual realization in my body and my mind that I don’t need to earn rest. It is my prerogative when and where I take it. It’s just one of the summer lessons 2026 that I am carrying forward in life and throughout the rest of the year. Camping is always a factory reset for each of the people in my family. So here’s to taking rest, listening to the waves and the crickets and touching grass when I need to and not scheduling camping in as a reward. And here’s hoping I commit this to memory moving forward. 2027 I am looking at you already. Resetting Resetting or touching grass is important for everyone. In fact there are many studies showing that nature has a dramatic impact on anxiety and mental health. So, next time you think about turning around or if you are sitting on the fence not sure if you should hop in the car and take that road trip for the weekend, remember this: you don’t need to earn rest. It is as essential as taking in air and water and food. So maybe the trip isn’t perfect. I mean is it ever perfect? Someone always forgets something. This year racoons were active at the last two provincial parks we stayed in and they jarred us awake in Sauble Provincial Park and at MacGregor Point when they scrounged a neighbouring campsite at 3 a.m. But camping is so worth it to me and to my family and the reset is valuable even when things go sideways or when the rain and thunder hit. Summer Lessons 2026 Life is messy. It is never ever perfect. Parenting is as far from perfect as it can get, like ever. Polar opposites. I have so many messy parenting experiences that I could easily feel like a huge fail. But here’s the thing. My kids say I love you every day and we my husband and I both say it back. They should never question that I love them with my entire heart. One just graduated from university. One is still stuck a bit as we work through what and how the end of school looks like for them. We are not the same, any of us. What a silly world it would be if we were. Maybe you hate camping. Maybe you don’t. I mean perhaps you find your peace some other place outdoors hiking or skiing. Perhaps it’s inside crafting quietly that resets or allows you to turn off the inner critic. I think the vital thing here for me at least is that we keep going, putting one foot in front of the other and moving on. Discover something new. Explore a different trail. Keep driving and always turn left. Leave Room for You Leave Room for Whimsy Keep Pressing the Gas You don’t need to earn rest or a break or time away. But I am very sure that you need it regardless of who you are and where you are in the parenting journey. I know we all thought COVID was our hard thing, our biggest challenge, but the hits keep coming. So take the rest and set the phone down and wander the trails. Drive the side roads. Explore, rest, repeat. Who Knows – maybe you learn something about yourself along the way.

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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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All Canadian Games to Play on a Rainy Day

Paula — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:06:00 +0000

This August and September so far has seen its fair share of rainy days. You know where it is not fun to be when it is rainy? The cottage! Generally speaking a cottage is a smallish space where you share bedrooms. Unless you are super wealthy and have one of those McMansion cottages that celebrities are always renting in Muskoka, your space is at a premium. The goal is to be outside. Unless you are sleeping, you are outside enjoying the gorgeous beaches, trails and forests. So what do you do if it rains for hours or even days at the cottage? Well, it helps to have these All Canadian games on hand, or you might just buy them and drop them at the cottage if you own one or even if you rent one out. It is a simple amenity that adds value and implies a highly personal touch to a rental. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Any purchases made via qualifying links mean a small commission for me. Plan Ahead I am a cottage girl through and through. By now, you must all know that. I grew up visiting a rented cottage with my family every single summer of my childhood. From Guelph Ontario, the drive to the Bruce Peninsula and Southampton, Port Elgin, or Sauble Beach is a manageable 2.5 to 3 hours. Basically, an afternoon driving and you are there. We typically brought many outdoor games along for the week. Most cottages have a stash of board games or something to keep you occupied in all sorts of weather conditions. Canadians just know weather is unpredictable and we want you to all feel welcome and engaged at the cottage. It’s in our nature. I find it helpful to have a range of ideas planned for most ages and stages, from groups of two or three to a family of four or a group of teens. There are dozens of word games and activities on this site that you can print and take with you whether camping or spending time at a cottage. Obviously this all applies to rental AirBnBs too. This year my Rainy Days at the cottage post has outdone itself for traffic which means a lot of you are finding it and using that as a guide. I mean over the years as a lifelong cottage renter I have seen my fair share of rainy weather days and I have a few tricks. This year, with ELBOWS all the way UP, I thought I’d share a few of our favourite all Canadian games to play at the cottage on a rainy day. Canadian Games for Rainy Days at the Cottage Crokinole If you ask me, every single cottage and home should have one of these crokinole boards. Canadian through and through. Did you know that? If you don’t want to pay this much for one of these Canadian classic games that will be passed down from generation to generation, hit up a few garage sales. I assure you that you will eventually find one on sale for under $25 Canadian. Ours is wooden and in gorgeous condition and was given to us by Jim’s dad or grandfather, I think. We have had this for many years. I also had one growing up and my own kids, especially my youngest, often ask to play this together. Somehow the flicking of the wooden disks is great feedback for a sensory seeking child. Origin and Details: Trivial Pursuit If you don’t have this already in your cottage and in your home, then how can you call yourself a Canadian? LOL. Kidding. Anyways, this is the biggest thing to hit the 80s, and a staple of my youth. For those who love trivia and have an entire afternoon to spend exercising your grey matter with long forgotten facts and dates and history. Canadian Trivia: Family Edition More trivia but this one is a bit simpler and really rooted in Canadian facts. Trivial Pursuit is a higher age level than this one and demands patience. This is a bit more Cascadia To be super clear I have never played this one. But it is Canadian and looks fun and family friendly. Balderdash Unlike standard trivia games that reward pure memorization, Balderdash is a creativity and psychology game. The goal isn’t just to be smart; it’s to write in a convincing, dry style that mimics the official card, or to craft something so delightfully believable that your friends fall for the trick. Canadian creative teams have played a major role in party game history, including Toronto-invented classics like Balderdash. Fast-paced, Canadian-invented party games like Trivial Pursuit keep large family groups engaged when outdoor plans get rained out. Canadian Trivia: Family Edition Created by Victoria, BC-based publisher Outset Media, Canadian Trivia: Family Edition features double-sided cards with junior and expert questions across geography, history, and pop culture. It allows kids, teens, and adults to play together on a rainy day without tricky handicap rules. A-Maze-ing Canada / Great Canadian Board Games: Educational geography and travel games published locally offer lighthearted family rivalry while testing everyone’s knowledge of provinces, territories, and landmarks. More All-Canadian Classics for Rainy Days Right now, when elbows up is literally a lifestyle that demands to be implemented across the board, it seems like we can all provide solutions to support buying Canadian. That’s why I thought this might help. Anyways, happy camping and leave a few of these at the cottage or scout them out at the next neighbourhood garage sale.

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Comfortable Lightweight Shoes for Everyday Moments

Paula — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:39:58 +0000

We are loving all of the new lightweight shoes in stores lately. Why is that? Well summer and fall are active seasons for our shoes. These days, we are out walking, hiking and camping and in fact we generally just live outside as much as possible. Lightweight shoes that are easy on and easy off make a difference to how fast we get outside and they are just so much easier in general. I received product for consideration here. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. Post may contain affiliate links as well. I mean we are also on our feet a LOT in the winter months but to be clear I think everyone knows we are in winter boots exploring or ski boots just skiing our buns off because why wouldn’t we also live for winter? Our family is active between skiing, hiking, camping, walking, swimming and martial arts. There are down period and seasons and even stages. For instance right now I cannot motivate my youngest at all unless it is camping and then they literally only walk to get wood or snacks. But that’s their journey and at some point maybe in the winter Noah will come back around again. Meanwhile the rest of us are trying to close all of the rings literally every day. My husband, Jim, is on a quest to finish his black belt this year so he’s walking and going to classes and working out. These new lightweight Bruno Marc slip on lightweight shoes are perfect for walks and basically days that end in Y. My husband loves these when racing to a workout at the gym or dojo and for walks after dinner or on the weekend. They have lightweight knit upper and are easy to pack, as well as easy to throw on. These are the kind of shoes that end up by the front door because they’re somehow right for airport days, walks, coffee runs, and casual weekends. These shoes are perfect for travel and Jim is thrilled with the navy version. A Lot to Love About Bruno Marc The breathable knitted upper offers a smooth feel and enhanced ventilation, keeping your feet cool and fresh throughout the day, whether you’re commuting, taking a stroll, or exploring the city. At just about 300 g (10.6 oz, size 9) per shoe thanks to the light, non-slip outsole, these mens slip on shoes help reduce fatigue while maintaining excellent wear resistance for everyday walks. With a convenient slip-on design, these mens lightweight shoes make getting ready effortless. Set the laces once, step in, and go anywhere in an instant. Catch a flight, walk around the block, walk the dog. These are the shoes for that. Flexible Comfort: With a roomy toe box (more space than traditional sneakers) and flexible EVA midsole, these walking shoes for men allow your feet to move naturally and comfortably, reducing fatigue. Nortiv 8 shoes were such a hit with me. Literally I wore my Nortiv 8 runners all over the UK and have been wearing them out canvassing for a former colleague who is running for city council this fall. So when we found out there was a hiking version of the Nortiv 8 we were all kind of arguing over who needed them the most. These Nortiv 8 Hiking shoes are waterproof and lightweight shoes as well. LOVE that. Also great traction and durability. I adore all of these shoes and have had no issues at all. The hikers are perfect for hikes in or around the city and will keep your feet dry. Would I wear them hiking serious mountains? Not sure. I need lightweight and crazy supportive if I am doing really long intense heights but the traction on these is great. The Specs: 4-In-1 Rebound Tech: Featuring innovative 4-in-1 rebound tech, NORTIV 8 hiking shoes for women are engineered with a supercritical foam insole for step-in softness, a Strobel insole for sustained cushioning, and a dual-density EVA midsole that enhances shock absorption, providing energy return and lasting support for hikes. The Weight: These weigh only 11.4 oz per shoe and are crafted with a mixed upper of leather, Oxford fabric, and supportive TPU that strikes the balance between comfort and durability for outdoor activities. Enjoy your outdoor adventures without worry in most weather. These women’s hiking shoes feature a built-in waterproof membrane that seals water out, ensuring your feet stay comfortably dry when you trek through muddy trails on rainy days. All-Terrain Traction: Stay grounded from the first mile to the last. These outdoor waterproof hiking shoes for women boast a lugged rubber outsole with function zones that ensure a solid grip on slippery or rocky trails. Indoors and Outdoors: Let’s be clear these are mostly for outside in our family anyways. I like indoor slippers for the house. These Dream Pairs slippers are our favourites. The reinforced toe cap and heel counter enhance support and protection, while the gusseted tongue blocks out sand and debris. Sleek and stylish, NORTIV 8 hiking sneakers are comfortable and reliable for hiking, trekking, camping, traveling, and everyday wear. For Everyday Moments Whatever the adventure and wherever life takes you this summer and fall, you can rely on both of these sets of lightweight shoes. Outfit the whole family for a relatively affordable price. The men’s shoes on Amazon are currently $49.99. You cannot beat that actually. The women’s Nortiv 8 shoes vary but are around $100.

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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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Pause the Panic Card Deck to Help with Anxiety

Paula — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Watching your child navigate the world with a heavy heart can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. Eventually they all hit an age where life stops being all about playgrounds and starts being about performance. That shift can be jarring. For many families often, and indeed for ours, age nine seems to be a significant turning point. This is the point often when little kid worries transform into something more complex, often peaking during those high-pressure teenage years. This was definitely the case in our family. I’ve written about our struggle with childhood anxiety before here several times. Our story was published in Today’s Parent several years ago. Over the years, we spent many hours working through cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, play therapy, talk therapy and more. With medications, therapy and physical tools, we are finally in a much better space. But it took time. Pause the Panic Card Deck Our kids struggle with separation anxiety and general anxiety disorder. Panic and anxiety attacks were a thing we dealt with on the regular. School was frequently where the panic manifested itself and where the anxiety spilled over. Relationships, grades, future planning all made my daughter’s panic and anxiety worse. Thankfully for a bit of time she could rely on a resource social worker (high school) who seemed to understand anxiety. Tests and Exams Performance starts to be a huge part of daily living for almost every high school student. Sure some sail through without a whole lot of worry, but few escape completely unbothered by grades, post secondary planning and even choosing a career. One of the most intense arenas for the anxiety/ panic struggle is testing and the school exam. While a little bit of “healthy stress” can sharpen focus, for a child with anxiety, an exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it feels like a threat. Why Exam Season is a Perfect Storm Exam anxiety is a unique beast because it combines several “triggers” into one high-stakes week. The buildup is a lot and around here there are also several periods of standardized tests for EQAO. The what if I fail worry is often a near constant thought. There is the fear of the unknown: What if the questions are impossible? What if I study the wrong thing? Then, there is the physical toll. Anxiety doesn’t just live in the head; it lives in the body. By the time a teen sits down at a desk, they might already be dealing with a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a stomach in knots. When the body is in “fight or flight” mode, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for memory and logic—effectively goes offline. This is why a child can study for hours and then feel like their mind is a total blank the moment the paper is turned over. But What If? Exam anxiety makes everything feel urgent. Your brain shifts into “what if I fail?” mode. Your body reacts like it’s danger – even though it’s a test. These cards help you: Finally, there’s the weight of perceived expectations. Even if we tell kids that “grades don’t define you,” they are living in a culture that often suggests otherwise. For a teenager, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. What Actually Helps? Moving through these years requires a toolbox that focuses on regulation rather than just “studying harder.” Here are a few strategies that can shift the energy: A Thing We Do Here One regular thing that helps my older daughter is a grounding technique that involves the senses. There are many ways to do this one but basically it requires the person to pause and find something you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. You can 5,4,3,2,1 it or do 3 of each or we’ve even done a single one for each of the senses. (Five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one that you can taste or do three of each see, touch, and then deep breaths.) Both of my kids are constantly working on anxiety and the tools that help them both manage symptoms are always evolving. Anxiety over a lifespan changes as you grow. Lately, with some support from medication and the constant toolkit that we have always had since 6-8 years old, we have a better grip on symptoms. I mean this current timeline is actually a hard one for every single person at every age. Introducing: The Pause the Panic Card Deck We know that in the middle of a “brain fog” moment, a child isn’t going to remember a 20-minute lecture on mindfulness. They need something tactile, quick, and easy to follow. That is why I am sharing the Pause the Panic Card Deck. It’s a printable resource designed specifically for those “red zone” moments. Each card features a simple, science-backed grounding exercise or a cognitive reframe a student can keep in their pocket, pencil case, or taped to the front of a notebook. Give them back a sense of agency when they feel like they’re losing control. While you can’t take the exams away, you can give them the tools to walk into that room feeling a little more steady.

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Still Life: Ten Crime Stories

Paula — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:51:51 +0000

I received gifted product for consideration here. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Listen, I am a fan of escapist fiction. Thrillers, romance, mystery, psychological thrillers – these are my go to. It has been a while since I picked up a book of short stories. So, when Still Life: Ten Crime Stories arrived for consideration, I was excited to pick up this collection of stories. After all, short stories are the perfect length before bed or for a quick read in the middle of the day. And who doesn’t love crime stories? There’s an art to a good short story no matter what the genre. The magic is in the right combination of stories woven together to make a collection that transports you somewhere else, or one that makes you think. The arrangement matters. ANDERS, Criminal Code 3:7 There is a solid start here with a crazy but super current take on life as a rookie cop. ANDERS, Criminal Code 3:7 is a police officer fresh out of the academy. He is overly keen and volunteers to support in a fast moving investigation with seemingly good intentions. Thinking that this will further his career, he neglects to examine whether he is truly ready for the challenge. Very quickly Anders learns first hand the deadly consequences of prejudice and how biases colour your actions. Imagine being a law enforcement official right now in any city where people are 24/7 armed with cell phones. Amateur live streamers and videographers are around every corner and on each street. Anders tanks his career immediately which kind of caught me off guard as was no doubt the author’s intention. IDA Criminal Code 12:1 and Lillan Criminal Code 15:7 If the first story catches the reader off guard and grabs your attention then the second IDA Criminal Code 12:1 and third story Lillan Criminal Code 15:7 tugs at your heart. IDA and Lillan are both slightly heartbreaking stories about young women. One has a serious issue with aggression and the other is trapped in a dysfunctional family with her addict mother. In time, a catalyst forces her into foster care. Anne of Penal Law on Narcotics Section 1 Anne of Penal Law on Narcotics Section 1 is a powerful story about a mother who refuses to believe the truth about her son’s drug addiction. Similarly, Anne refuses advice and even ignores her husband’s stance on when enough is enough. Her marriage dissolves when she chooses her son above all else defending him and advocating for house release. Eventually, when that house arrest arrangement deteriorates, she commits the same crime her son is being prosecuted for basically. In the final story that’s part of this collection, a man extends a helping hand in defiance of state restrictions, keeping a refugee safe from the harsh Swedish winter and deportation. From the press release: STILL LIFE: Ten Crime Stories (Other Press Trade Paperback Original; released 3/31/2026), offers ten sharp, deeply human stories exploring how people from all walks of life can end up on the wrong side of the law, regardless of their intentions. Internationally bestselling author Malin Persson Giolito is celebrated for her knack of bringing readers nuanced explorations of law and order, crime, and morality. With her unique voice in Swedish literature, Malin Persson Giolito sheds light on the lives of people through ten thought-provoking emotionally charged stories. She delivers a poignant portrayal of 2025/2026 society and life in general. When Good Intentions Fail Even actions driven by good intentions may still be considered criminal in the eyes of the law. This collection underscores the reality that the legal system doesn’t always get it right. About The Author Malin Persson Giolito is a power-house of Swedish crime fiction, best known globally for her 2016 breakout novel Quicksand. Quicksand was adapted into a hit Netflix series. I’m currently reading this one because it kicks off with a bang and I love that kind of attention-grabbing start. Malin Persson Giolito uses legal realism in her writing to shine a light on morality and societal failures. With her background as a lawyer and her experience at the European Commission, she writes with authority and expertise. Why It Resonates Malin Persson Giolito uses her singular voice to bridge the gaps between different tiers of society. She masterfully illustrates a haunting truth: good intentions can still be criminal. By highlighting how the legal system often fails to protect the vulnerable, Still Life: Ten Crime Stories serves as a compelling thriller and a social critique. This is a collection that asks the reader to examine the concept of justice. I received this advance copy for consideration here. My content is truthful. The post contains affiliate links as a service to readers.

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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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