Hey gals and guys who link up, I have a special favour to ask of you. My story Detour, by Paula Schuck has been nominated for a reader’s choice award Tales of Bliss at Canadian Family.ca. The prize is a mystery basket of goodies. I would love for you to read the story and vote for me please. The link is here: http://www.canadianfamily.ca/2012/01/tales-of-bliss-story-competition-vote-for-readers-choice/

Last week we were inspired by the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.So we tried to replicate their Kid Clusters with M and M’s Welcome to my new feature. I am so excited to be running a new linkup called Cooking with Kids. I hope you will all take part and grow some new friends while having fun in the kitchen with your children. Children don’t need a whole lot of complicated ingredients, or big epic turkey dinner recipes from Epicurious. They love to keep it simple and if, yours are at all like mine, they love cracking eggs, beating up a…

This is our favourite restaurant in London. It’s a little Japanese restaurant called Tanakaya at Covent Garden Market. This is my daughter who uses chopsticks better than I do. (My skills are improving and at least I am willing to try) And although my beautiful sister in law is Japanese I can never for the life of me remember what the heck these are called in Japanese. I think it might be Hashi.

How happy is this girl? My daughter wanted a bubblegum machine for Christmas. It was the top of her list. And it was the one thing that she jumped for joy over when opening. See, it combines two of her favourite things – money and gum. It cost Santa about $12 from Sears and it has brought her more joy than a toy that might have cost me $200. Sometimes simple things are so worth it. (Side fact – did you know that gum and the act of chewing is an organizing activity for your brain. True – it helps…

Our family has always been into playing games together. My kids love to play Rush Hour and Road Block and other Think Fun games on their own. Together we often get Jenga out and enjoy challenging each other and connecting with each other one on one. I know a lot of friends and family members have dedicated Game Nights for that very reason. Connecting without the need to check a TV, a Nintendo, or a cell phone. There’s a lot to be said for that. My youngest child has always loved this time, especially. She asks all the time to…

Well here is the headliner today – if you love Monster Jam race over to the John Labatt Centre any time after 12 pm today to get a select number of tickets remaining for $1. Yes. $1. We got ours free because my daughter won some from the London Public Library reading contest we do every year at this time. See you there!  Also Cats is on by OKTC at the Spriet Family Theatre in Covent Garden Market. Oh and The Food and Wine Show at the Western Fair. So much to do, so little time! Now for the deals…

Kids can be extremely expensive, so when I come across a deal that helps you save money, I like to share. I`m nice that way. Totsy offers busy Moms and Dads access to brands at great prices. The market is geared to children upto age seven and you can save upto 80 % off regular prices. But there`s more than clothing. Prenatal care products, baby gear, travel accessories, bedding and bath, toys, DVDs, and educational materials are just a sampling of a selection that promises only the best in quality and designer brands. Totsy is 100% eco-friendly: Totsy is the…