• dinosaur_toys_in_grass
    family

    Hottest Dinosaur Toys to Give as Gifts This Year

    November 4, 2020 - By 

    It’s no secret that the holidays are right around the corner. My kids have always been fascinated by dinosaurs and dinosaur toys always made impressive gifts for them every year. Just a Few Great Dinosaur Toys Jurassic Park was just the latest of the series of movies to get my youngest daughter reinvested in dinosaurs. She currently has dozens of dinosaur books, mostly from DK Canada. But, this season she’s asking for both Jurassic Park and Harry Potter themed Lego or books. That means dinosaurs are high priority again. A few of these are super young for little people but these…

  • cherish_your_family
    Parenting

    10 Ways You Can Cherish Your Children While They Are Still Growing Up

    November 3, 2020 - By 

    The relationship between a child and parent is priceless. Children mean the world to their parents and time is short when they are small. I don’t know any parents who don’t worry about about their child, at every age and stage. Parents worry endlessly about the day to day activities and whether kids are getting enough attention, nutrition and stimulation. There are so many things that you want to teach your children while they are growing up. Sometimes it feels like a race against the clock. But often you need to remind yourself that there are numerous chances to teach…

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    family

    Six Netflix Series to Watch with Your Teen Now

    October 19, 2020 - By 

    These days we are spending so much more time in our homes that it’s inevitable at some points we resort to curling up on a sofa to watch Netflix. I have teens, so over the last seven months we have often looked at each other and said Netflix? So, we thought we’d share some recommendations for Netflix Series to Watch with Your Teen Now. Sometimes we all feel like binge watching something…and off we go often to the family room in the basement to queue up the next in a series. It’s actually something I enjoy on cold days when…

  • reading_teens_outside_masks
    Parenting

    Blended Learning – How is In Person High School Right Now?

    October 5, 2020 - By 

    From Paula – Here’s what blended learning looks like to my high school student. We made the choice to send Ainsley back to school in person this Fall. She has been back for a bit more than two weeks and is in grade eleven. Here’s how it’s going so far. These are her words. On Blended Learning and High School Fall 2020 By Ainsley Schuck So, here’s the thing. I am going to school during Covid-19 in person. My days go like this: two days in school and three days at home, and the next week is three days in…

  • family

    What It’s Really Like Getting a Coronavirus Test

    September 28, 2020 - By 

    This is our story of what it feels like getting a Coronavirus test. Here’s my disclaimer. We live in London, Ontario and we went for Covid tests the week before Labour Day when one of us showed 1-2 symptoms. Waits for testing and actual local case numbers were low then. Now, they have changed. This was our experience getting a Coronavirus test. Why Were We Getting A Coronavirus Test? Three weeks ago, my older daughter, who was just about to start university went to sleep with extreme stomach upset. After a night spent running to the bathroom, we were a…

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    family

    Virtual Conference Tips – How to Make the Most as an Attendee Now

    September 21, 2020 - By 

    Recently, I attended my first virtual travel conference. It was a whirlwind experience, and I could have used a primer, virtual conference tips, that would have helped me maximize my time while there. So, since I couldn’t find any content or tips on getting the most out of attending a virtual conference, I decided to write a post about it instead. These days, more conferences are moving online, so it’s time to adjust and get used to this. At my first ever virtual travel conference, I learned a few things that I wanted to pass on to you. With everything…

  • halloween_skeleton_kid
    family

    Sensory Friendly Halloween Costumes for Children with Sensory Sensitivities

    September 16, 2020 - By 

    If you have a child with sensory sensitivities then you know how important it is to find them sensory friendly Halloween costumes. Halloween Should Be Scary, Not Scratchy Both of my girls have always had different levels of sensory sensitivities. In fact, it was the sensory reactions that first alerted us to Ainsley’s sensory processing disorder. Over time, that evolved into a couple of other diagnoses. But, the sensory processing was a huge factor for many years. It still is, even long after my daughters have outgrown trick or treating. Over a course of several Halloweens we learned a few…

  • kindness_game
    family

    Kindness Game – Teaching Kids How to Be Kind

    September 9, 2020 - By 

    “Be Kind Whenever Possible. It is Always Possible,” – Dalai Lama Kindness is my life philosophy and one of the highest aspirations for me as a parent. International Kindness Day is right around the corner. That’s why I thought it would be a great time to share this Kindness game with you. Make Kindness Fun I am not one to believe that kindness should ever be confined to a single day. Kindness, especially these days, is like sunshine, sprinkle that stuff everywhere. Now, more than ever, the world needs kindness. Sharing that philosophy with my kids and hoping they evolve…

  • road-trip-travel-games
    family

    Easy Road Trip Travel Activity Book for Kids

    August 30, 2020 - By 

    Have you got a road trip travel activity book for your next road trip? All the EPIC road trips in the world cannot make up for this year. But, that said, I am thrilled to be able to take even small adventures close to home these days. Right now, t’s all about the road trips. If you are road tripping with teens or kids any time soon, then this travel activity book may come in handy. This travel activity book post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. Purchases made via qualifying links equal a small commission for…

  • family

    Comforting Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread Topped with Streusel

    August 19, 2020 - By 

    I am a huge fan of cranberry and pumpkin separately, but throwing them both together? Sure, why not? Together with walnuts they make a rich earthy kind of comfort food in this Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread. Soothing and heart and earthy all at once. No other way to describe it really. The Season For This Recipe Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Bread is the recipe you want to make for your next in person or virtual book club gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving too of course. This time of year it definitely seems like pumpkin is in everything. Frankly, I love it. The…