• Parenting

    A Child’s Separation Anxiety Story

    June 21, 2019 - By 

    By Ainsley Schuck My daughter wrote this recently for a school project. I asked for her permission to share it here. This was her reflection for art about separation anxiety and how starting school felt when she was 6. That girl right there is trapped. She’s trapped in her own feelings. She’s stuck inside that bottle and can’t break free. That bottle is so full and it is ready to explode. This is how most kids feel. Did you know 12% of kids experience separation anxiety once, or many times, before reaching the age of 18? This is what the…

  • family

    Capture Time Now – Easy to Use Nixplay Smart Photo Frame

    June 19, 2019 - By 

    This post was sponsored by Nixplay. I received product for consideration here. My opinion is my own. Years ago I bought my Mom a digital photo frame. I still remember the novelty of the product and how fun it was having our family photos on display digitally in her condominium. That was at least a decade ago now when digital photo frames were really not what I’d call smart photo frames. Smart Photo Frames are the Smart Way to Display Your Photos But times change and electronics are getting smarter every day. When I had the chance to check out…

  • family - Travel

    Cruise Etiquette No-No’s to Avoid

    June 18, 2019 - By 

    Cruise etiquette is crucial to an enjoyable cruising experience. When everyone on the ship is on their best behaviour, all of the cruise guests have the best time. However, there are always a few cruisers who either disregard some major cruise etiquette infractions, or just don’t know them. Don’t be that girl, or that guy. There are some things on a cruise that you just shouldn’t ever do. I’ve seen many of these play out and honestly you are not making any friends by hogging all the loungers on the deck and then disappearing for the day to eat or…

  • family - Printables

    16 Easy, Fun, Dinosaur Crafts for Kids

    June 14, 2019 - By 

    WE are huge dinosaur nuts here. We can’t get enough of them actually. Ever since we watched the first Jurassic Park movie the kids have been mesmerized. Well, to be honest they were both super into dinosaurs when they were small. But then they kind of lost interest for a bit. In between all of our Marvel movie marathons and the Harry Potter phase too (which frankly is still ongoing), we rediscovered a love of dinosaurs. My youngest daughter’s latest obsession with dinosaurs is drawing them and she’s getting pretty good. Of course dinosaur crafts are a huge hit too.…

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    family

    Evolve at This Canadian Summer Skateboarding Camp

    June 3, 2019 - By 

    I have partnered with Evolve Camps, a Canadian action sports and skateboarding camp, to bring you information about these exciting summer camps. I received compensation for this post. My opinion is all my own. Hard to believe there’s only a month left of school. Then comes the chaos at home all summer, unless you have some tricks in the form of summer camps up your sleeve! Evolve Camps summer action sports day camp is a great way to keep kids active and busy! Picture your child dropping into a halfpipe confidently at skateboarding camp or discovering new tricks at scooter…

  • family

    Practicing Gratitude – 85 Things I am Grateful for Today

    May 27, 2019 - By 

    Lately I’ve been having a hard time with a few things. It’s been a challenging year so far and there are a lot of moments when it’s easy to slide into a funk. A BIG ONE. The kind you can’t slip out of easily. When everything black and white that was pink, or red or blue yesterday is now grey and grossly misshapen. Parenting teenagers is NO fun some days. Sometimes they suck the air out of a room with borrowed drama, angst and mood swings. Occasionally you look at them and wonder where the cute kid went. There are…

  • family

    Useful and Fantastic Gifts to Get for Hikers

    May 15, 2019 - By 

    This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers.  Are you a hiker? Know someone who loves hiking and exploring? Wondering what presents make the best gifts for hikers? Well I have a few ideas for you to give your outdoor fitness junkie any time of the year. Here’s some extra motivation: Extra 30% Off Outlet Orders $100+ Code: MAY30 If you are considering a gift for a loved one who likes to be outside, or enjoys hiking and camping, here are a few ideas that any hiker will enjoy any time of year for any occasion. They are…

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    family

    Five Easy Ways to Reduce Water Use in the Garden Now!

    May 9, 2019 - By 

    A hot, dry, summer can turn watering the garden into a daily chore. How many drought like summer seasons have you endured already? Are you forever out there soaking your plants while sweating like mad? Well, first of all stop. Second of all – gardening doesn’t need to be a chore, especially in the scorching hot summer months. Good water use practices can reduce the work and the water bill too. Here are a few ideas on ways to reduce water use in the garden this year. Five Easy Ways to Save Water and Grow Gorgeous Gardens This Season Use…

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    family

    Stylish Sunglasses for Women from SmartBuyGlasses

    April 29, 2019 - By 

    Stylish sunglasses are a must for both looking good and keeping your eyes healthy. Two things that matter all year round actually. Recently I needed a high resolution business headshot to accompany a magazine feature. Simple enough, right? Wrong. I gave up on this endeavour because when I sat down to look for a high resolution headshot I realized all my photos featured me wearing ski goggles skiing or sunglasses hiking, walking, riding. Silver lining – I guess it’s good that I clearly protect my eyes all year round. Just not so great when hunting down a professional headshot. Start…

  • family

    What are the Best Flowers for Kid’s Gardens?

    April 26, 2019 - By 

    Cultivating a love of gardening in kids can be a lot of fun! Any child can learn to enjoy planting and growing things. I mean what’s not to love – planting, playing in the dirt and watching your plants bloom. Making the garden an interesting and fun place will pique kid’s curiosity about growing things. Kids are notorious for being impatient, they don’t have the patience to remain interested in gardening while waiting a week to 10 days for seeds to germinate, they want results now. These flower choices are fast to sprout and will help hold a kid’s interest…