My little dancers have been lucky here lately, landing a few fun CDs. When Kidz Bop 22 arrived well, I barely got to see the envelope it came in, because it was slapped into the eight-year-old’s CD player faster than I could say, “Hey, no running in the house.” Kidz Bop is the same fun series you may recall from years ago. Kidz Bop kids debuted in 2001 by Razor & Tie. Kidz Bop 22 has some great selections on it – all Top 50 tunes right now – and it is extremely dance-able. These are 16 great kid friendly tracks…

Remember not so long ago – about four months now – when we got new baby GIRL guinea pigs?? The kids were so excited and each wanted one. They had a guinea pig named Cottonball for about three and a half years and then their pet died. We waited a suitable few months and then got Buttercup and Hope. Girls. Two girl guinea pigs. One for each of our girls. Let me say it one more time. Girls. Well, I went away for the weekend with my kids and then came back to notice Sunday – yes, literally that fast…

This is my daughter enjoying Sunfest. When we moved to London 12 years ago I had no idea the city had so many amazing festivals. At the time, I had little love for this new city we had moved to, but the city grew on me, slowly through summer festivals like Sunfest and Ribfest and all the other incredible events that make the city unique. In Guelph, when I was growing up I remember fondly visiting the multi-cultural festival every summer. It was an event and a tradition that defined the city of Guelph. It is also one of those…

Where children are concerned I am always conscious of the opportunities to teach empathy and differences. Kids are sponges after all and there are so many chances to teach them acceptance and tolerance and compassion. Books and experiences in real life can be most effective, but occasionally I like to supplement their learning with screen time. Computers and TV and DVDs that build on diversity, different cultures and languages have alsways been great tools in our home. So when I heard about the Nelly & Caesar Kids Collection and Castle Farm and Happy Valley, well I was excited to get…

Hi again! Every Thursday here at thriftymommastips.com, we are in the kitchen spending time with the kids. So visit one of my older Cooking With Kids posts to see what you can make with the children. It’s a great way to learn so many things. Building a recipe together gives children a sense of pride in their food and their nutrition habits. As well it helps teach math, reading, mneasurement…oh so many skills. My youngest, with special needs, loves the physical input of cracking, mixing and blending. Then we get to eat. What could be better? Ainsley asks me almost…