• Parenting - special needs

    I’ve Misplaced My Joy – On Holiday Grief

    December 24, 2013 - By 

    I knew the holidays would be hard, but I didn’t expect this. I’ve been crying for days on and off and I am trying my damnedest not to ruin the holidays for my kids. But I miss my Mom. And I’ve clearly misplaced my joy. Holiday grief is challenging this season.     Christmas Eve Day and Holiday Grief It’s Christmas Eve Day, the culmination of a season weighty with emotion. A time for joy and celebration and yet the closer we get to Christmas, the more I seem to be crying. In quiet moments, my heart replays a continuous…

  • family

    DK Canada Gift Books #TMMGG2013

    December 24, 2013 - By 

    This will be the final entry in my 2013 Gift Guide. Looking for the perfect last minute gift for the reader on your list? Or maybe you want a lasting gift for a birthday coming up soon. Look one of these three DK Canada books up fast. Hint: you can click on the linked title below and order immediately from Amazon.   James Bond: 50 Years of Movie Postersfor the fan boy in your life. This one goes to my darling husband and I can’t think of a more perfect book frankly. Husband has read, seen and purchased every 007 thing…

  • family

    Magic Jinn #TMMGG2013

    December 19, 2013 - By 

    As soon as I spied this Magic Jinn toy by Hasbro way back in the summer I knew my tweens had to give it a whirl.  Magic Jinn is super comical and perfect for tweens. Take it out of the box and it’s a tiny little thing, but a super cute funny interactive party game. How perfect for sleepovers! Magic Jinn is a contemporary crystal ball, reminiscent of the Magic Eight Ball we used to have as kids. We played that for hours at my friend’s house asking the ball if a certain boy liked us, or if a certain…

  • family

    Handmade Snowy #DIY Simple Christmas Ornament

    December 17, 2013 - By 

    Are you a fan of simple DIY Christmas ornaments the kids can make with you using inexpensive materials? Well, here’s one of the easiest ornaments I have found yet. It requires paint, an ornament and your child’s handprint. Trust me this will become a cherished Christmas ornament from here on in.   Looking for a few Simple DIY Christmas Ornament ideas? Then I have a Do it Yourself ornament idea for you. DIY Easy Christmas Ornament Normally this time of year we have a big beautiful real tree, decorated to match our living room, spreading pine scented love throughout the…

  • family

    Five Great Toys for Toddlers

    December 16, 2013 - By 

    Hunting for the perfect toy for your niece or nephew? One of my favourite things to do as an aunt is toy shop for the most current, educational and affordable toys. With two toddlers on my list this year I have some fun shopping to do and I already have some toddler toys picked out. Classic Brands I enjoy buying some classics like the Fisher Price corn popper – which has been around forever. (In fact I had one as a child) and Fisher Price Little People toys too. These are classic toddler toys on my books and they are…

  • parenting

    First Dance #WordlessWednesday Linky

    December 11, 2013 - By 

    Posting this picture super fast because when she gets in from martial arts and sees I posted this on my blog she’ll kick my butt. (totally kidding, sort of) This past week my oldest daughter had her first ever boy-girl dance at school. Sigh. I remember when it was us two dancing around the living room to Raffi. Blink. There goes your heart dancing out the door with some boy.

  • family - Food - Health

    Cuisinart Sparkling Beverage Maker Review

    December 9, 2013 - By 

    This past mont, I have been cataloguing my recommendations in Thriftymommastips Gift Guide. Many have been toys and a great number of the gifts have been specifically for girls and tween girls. Today’s idea is a beverage maker for adults. The Cuisinart Sparkling Beverage Maker is a toy for adults. And it is perfect for this season. The New Beverage Maker Makes a Great Gift The Cuisinart Sparkling Beverage Maker is a gift that begs to be opened early. Entertaining at all this year? Then this Cuisinart gem will add the sparkle and fizz to any occasion. Shop.CA sent this…

  • family

    Amazing Superhero Gifts for Boys #TMMGG2013

    December 9, 2013 - By 

    Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) Marvel Iron Man and Hulk Heroes United special edition DVD and Blu-Ray arrived here last week from Disney. Actually, although this movie is listed here under superhero gifts for boys and is the latest edition in my gift guide, my daughter has always been a massive superhero fan. She has a cool Iron Man costume and mask and frequently wears them with a dress. She’s quirky like that. So, I was excited to see what she thought of the Hulk portion of this new animated video. It’s been…

  • family

    My Top Five Family Christmas Movies

    December 5, 2013 - By 

    This time of year we love to take the afternoon or evening and watch Family Christmas movies together. Are you the same way? There’s something super festive about watching Christmas movies together as a family. If your family is at all like mine, then Christmas is a great opportunity to snuggle, take a break, pop some popcorn, and plan a movie night. Who wants to go out after eating all that turkey? I’d much rather cuddle and watch something fun before Christmas too. Wrapping presents and decorating the tree is always a good time to share a special movie. In…