Thrifty Mommas Tips

Free Summer I Spy Printable

Paula — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:29:00 +0000

The sun is shining, the days are long, and let’s be honest—the quest to keep everyone entertained during the warmer months can be a full-time job. Whether you’re lounging in the backyard or packing for a weekend getaway, having a few tricks up your sleeve for those “I need a distraction” moments is key. That’s where this Summer I Spy printable comes in. Word and Picture Games I’m a huge fan of I Spy games and word searches because they are the ultimate quiet time hero. They don’t require batteries, they don’t make noise, and they actually get kids focusing on the little details. This version is themed with all the classic icons of the season. From ice cream cones to sunshine and hummingbirds (my favourites this time of year) These games are a fantastic way for younger kids to work on their counting and observation skills, but it’s honestly just as satisfying for older kids who love the challenge of clearing the whole page. A Few Fun Ways to Use These Ready to get started? You can find the download link below. Grab some crayons, find a nice spot in the shade, and enjoy a few minutes of seasonal fun! Don’t forget the paper and supplies Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Other Activities Bald Eagle Life Cycle Learning Games Booklet Horse Life Cycle Frog Life Cycle Educational Booklet Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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Join Me on the Trip of a Lifetime: Christmas Market River Cruise

Paula — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:17:00 +0000

Cat’s out of the bag. I have been working on a most amazing once in a lifetime itinerary for a Christmas market river cruise down the Danube River. This collaboration is with Indus Travels, providing exceptional experiences for group travel since 2001. We leave November 30th on an epic 9 day, 8 night River Cruise with Christmas markets down the Danube! Read on for all the details. Partnering with Indus on this adventure is a dream come true! A Little About Indus Travels Navigating global travel can often be complex, requiring meticulous planning. Indus Travels and their team of expert Travel Planners design each itinerary in close collaboration with a trusted network of local partners. Thanks to buying power and long-standing relationships with airlines and suppliers, they are able to negotiate the best possible rates and pass the savings directly to you. Indus Travels delivers exceptional value, maximizing your budget without ever compromising on quality or cutting corners. Option 1 pricing is available with flight included above and the lower price is with flight not included in the event you want to book the flight yourself. Check out the Market Itinerary Now We will sleep on the cruise ship. Many meals on board included. Please check the link below for all the details. All rooms are based on double occupancy. The Christmas market river cruise is one of a kind and a truly memorable trip that often sells out fast. Drop a deposit of $500 to commit to attending and pay the remainder by the end of the month. The Amazing Christmas Market Cruise Itinerary: Christmas Markets are magical and I am so looking forward to this trip more than you know. The cruise leaves from Munich and then goes on to Passau, Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava and Wachau and Melk. I mean these ports and markets are brilliant. Imagine This Picture this: November 30th arriving in Munich, Germany, settle in on board and relax before we sail away down the Danube. Wake up to breakfast on board and a tour of some of the most well known and memorable Christmas markets in Europe. I imagine it feels like being dropped into a Hallmark movie! Contact Sabine for more information. sabine@indus.travel. Of course, you can always reach out to me if you want any other details. You deserve this adventure and the price is reasonable for the content and the inclusions. Join us for this one of a kind Christmas market cruise. The Christmas market river cruise often sell out. Indus Christmas Market trips are extremely well done and always a joy! This is your sign to book the trip now. See this link for more information and to book the trip now.

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Canada Day Word Games Packet

Paula — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:44:00 +0000

You know by now that I love word games. Paper, printable, digital or apps: it’s all the same to me. And Canada Day is one of my favourite summer events, kicking off the summer season for many of us. So, combine Canada Day word games into a bundle or a packet and that is a recipe to share! Canada Day History Initially known as “Dominion Day,” Canada Day became Canada Day on October 27, 1982. The change reflected a growing sense of a distinct Canadian identity, separate from its colonial ties. Canada adopted the iconic maple leaf flag in 1965. Seventeen years later, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution took place (1982.) This event transferred the country’s highest law from British to Canadian authority. A Day of Festivities Across the country, Canada Day is a vibrant public holiday featuring a wide array of celebrations. Communities large and small host parades, concerts, festivals, and family-friendly activities. Barbecues and picnics are a common tradition, bringing together friends and families to enjoy the summer weather. Over the years we have caught numerous spectacular fireworks displays, a hallmark of the national celebration. Don’t miss my Canada Day Maze printable, a popular download here. Where to Go Most major city parks have a fireworks celebration. In London, Ontario, Canada Day often coincides with Sunfest, a multicultural celebration at Victoria Park downtown. In Ottawa, Parliament Hill in the nation’s capital holds thew official ceremony annually and it is well worth the trip. The event typically features musical performances by Canadian artists, speeches from dignitaries, and a ceremonial flag-raising. No matter where you live in the country, if you want a celebration, you can probably find one, but Ottawa’s celebrations are a highlight. I mean, if there’s one thing the nation’s capital does well, it is throwing a party. Culture, History and Reconciliation Of course, I’d be negligent if I didn’t note that Canada Day celebrations need to be tempered with this reality. We live on land stolen from people that were here before we were. Here are Some Ways to Educate Yourself Re: Reconciliation and How We Can Do Better Make time to read about the true history of the country. Attend a traditional pow wow and amplify indigenous voices. Read the 94 recommendations out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Make your own commitment to doing better and acknowledging the painful truth about Canada’s history. Read books by indigenous peoples and learn. Interesting Facts About Canada’s National Day: Remember to check out my Free Printable Pinterest Board where I have some other popular word games. How to Use these Games: To Print these word games out this month, you can right click on any of the images above and save and print off of your computer. Please do not reprint on your own site without attribution. Or download the entire lot of word games here: The answer key is included at the end of the word games package so use that if you are stuck. No matter how you celebrate, I wish you a happy Canada Day!

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Spend A Day in the Scottish Highlands

Paula — Tue, 05 May 2026 06:51:00 +0000

What exactly is a Highland Coo? And is Nessie every bit the legend you’ve heard? Spend a day in the Scottish Highlands and you will learn all of this and so much more. You might come for the coos and the gorgeous movie screen views but you’ll leave with a heart full and the overwhelming desire to book a return trip. A Visit to the Highlands After exploring the historic heart of Edinburgh, strolling the Royal Mile many times over, raising a dram in a lowland distillery and making the rounds to all the Harry Potter inspired city locations on our bucket list, it was time to head north. Believe me when I tell you we were not leaving Scotland without visiting the Scottish Highlands. We needed to experience a few of those epic views we’d heard about and we were very interested in seeing some Highland cows too. Where Movie Magic Meets Nessie and Coos So on one of our last full days staying in Edinburgh, we booked a bus tour of the Scottish Highlands, where movie magic meets Nessie and Coos. That was literally one of the tag lines. I mean how can you resist? If Edinburgh is the country’s polished, regal face, the Highlands is its wild, untamed soul. Spending a day touring the Highlands with a guide was indeed a dream come true. Recently my daughter Payton and I took a 12-hour bus tour of the Highlands with Highland Explorer Tours and Haggis Adventures. What started as a rainy, misty Thursday cleared up the closer we got to the Three Sisters, one of Glencoe’s most photographed landscape features. In the week we spent in Scotland, that weather was pretty typical. Rainy mornings followed by clearer afternoons. Book it Yourself Before You Go Get Your Guide Highlands Tour has a similar tour if interested. Click the link to check it out. Post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. I receive a small commission via qualifying links. The Tour With 2-3 surprise stops, a constant charming educational narrative from our local bus driver and highlights in Glencoe, the Highlands and Loch Ness, this trip was so much more than expected. We paid roughly $65 each for a full day of sights, folklore and memories. Buckle up, queue up your best Scottish folk music, or one of your favourite movie soundtracks (set against this backdrop of course) and dive into a day where myth and shaggy cows are the main characters and the setting is timeless. On the Road: Winding Through the Scenery Driving here is an experience that puts every other scenic route to shame. The roads wind and weave dramatically through valleys carved out by glaciers millennia ago. Listen, if you are a person who gets motion sickness this might be a bit rough at times for you. I had no issues but there was one younger child on the bus who had a few moments that were close calls. (Tip: Maybe not a tour for anyone under 12.) What You See You’ll pass through iconic areas like Glencoe, a dramatic hauntingly beautiful glen that gives Outlander and BraveHeart sort of vibes. The mountains here, the Three Sisters, tower above, cloaked in mist and breathing history. Every bend reveals a new breathtaking panorama. Know that you can also rent a car and do this drive on your own, but if you do that budget extra time, because you will want to stop every five minutes for a photo. This is the ultimate road trip territory. Honestly, we were grateful to leave the driving to someone else and the continuous educational, historical updates from our guide Torvah added so much value to the adventure. In Search of Legends: The Mystery of Loch Ness No trip to the Highlands is complete without a pilgrimage to the world-famous Loch Ness. This is no ordinary body of water; it’s one of the largest and deepest lochs in Scotland, holding more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined! The atmosphere here is truly special. Whether you’re a total sceptic or a believer, there’s a palpable sense of mystery hanging over the deep, dark, peaty waters. Hire a boat tour from the village of Drumnadrochitor and simply gaze out from the shores near Urquhart Castle. These magnificent ruins sit right on the loch’s edge, providing the perfect vantage point (and a suitably atmospheric backdrop) for your Nessie-spotting efforts. Even if the famous monster remains elusive, the sheer scale and beauty of Loch Ness is worth the trip. Stand by a loch steeped in legend, take a short cruise to absorb the scenery or spend an hour or two browsing the shops and restaurants nearby. Tip: There aren’t a lot of restrooms here. When we went there was one small public restroom and a LONG line. If there’s no line, go quickly before everyone gets off the cruise, the boats or the buses. Say “Heeellloooo!” to a Highland Coo! After all that driving (which someone else does so no complaints really) and Loch Ness monster hunting, it was time for some pure, unadulterated charm. Time to meet some more Highland Cows (or Coos, as the locals call them). On this adventure I was warned there were no guarantees of spotting the cows. So, when we stopped not once but twice as a surprise part of the trip we were over the moon. These shaggy-haired, gentle giants are iconic worldwide now. But in the Highlands where they are native, seeing them up close is an absolute joy. With their long horns and sweeping, often ginger, fringes covering their eyes, they are the super photogenic and memorable. Fun Highland Cow Facts: Highland Cows are from Scotland but now are found worldwide. They can live to about 13 years old. Queen Elizabeth II bred and established her own herd of Highland cattle at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in 1953. There is a Highland Coo map should you be on your own trying to spot these beauties in the Highlands or in the Inverness/ Loch Ness area. Wildlife Look for them grazing in the fields along the winding roads. Many local farms or roadside spots allow visitors to safely get near them for a photo opportunity. Just remember to be respectful. They are huge animals and while docile, should be treated with respect. You will probably also see reindeer grazing throughout the Highlands on the drive. Keep your eyes open. Getting close to a Highland Coo is one of those quintessential Scottish moments that will instantly put a huge smile on your face. This is also one of the classic souvenirs you will need to take home with you. Coos in any form – key chain, plushy, cute little figurine make ideal gifts for people back home. My stuffed cow sits on my office chair so I can see it every day. On the Trail of Screen Magic: Outlander and Harry Potter For many of us, the decision to visit Scotland is often cemented by what we have seen on screen. And luckily, the Highlands are a treasure trove of filming locations for some of the biggest cinematic and TV hits! The Outlander Effect If you’re a fan of Jamie and Claire, the Highlands are your spiritual home. While many indoor scenes are shot elsewhere, the rolling hills, misty forests, and dramatic backdrops you see in Outlander are all here. Keep your eyes peeled for places that remind you of the dramatic landscapes of the Ridge or the areas surrounding Lallybroch. If driving on your own take a slight detour to locations like Glenfinnan Viaduct. A Spot of Wizardry And speaking of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, if you’re chasing the Harry Potter magic, this is where you need to be. This incredible railway structure, curving through a stunning green valley, is famously seen carrying the Hogwarts Express. Timing your visit to coincide with the passing of the Jacobite Steam Train (a seasonal service) is truly magical. Seeing that iconic black and red engine puffing smoke across the landscape is a moment of pure cinematic wonder. Note: this only runs during certain seasons and not the winter. So if it is a priority to see the train, time your visit accordingly. Braveheart A lot of Braveheart’s action scenes were filmed in the Highlands. Many took place in Ireland. The village of Lanark where William Wallace grows up filmed near Loch Levin and Glen Coe. You will also learn more Braveheart lore. On this trip our guide had a lot of views about the movie and what it got right and what historically was wrong. Most of us know that Hollywood movie magic takes liberties with facts to build stories that get people into theatres so we weren’t surprised. Game of Thrones Finally, as huge Game of Thrones fans we were on the lookout for GOT film locations. While I did not get any great shots of Doune Castle, we drove by Stirling and could see it from a distance. Doune Castle in Stirling is the only Game of Thrones filming location in Scotland. It was used to shoot the Feast of Winterfell in the pilot episode. Northern Ireland was the main location of filming. Finding Your True North A day in the Highlands is a must do when you visit Scotland. It will itch all of the right spots in your brain and leave you with some lasting core memories. Hands On Sensory Experience The sound of the wind across the lochs, the incomparable sight of the Three Sisters and the quick glimpse of the viaduct and a castle most definitely used for multiple movies. These are the sights and sounds that make the trip multi-dimensional. Scotland in general strips away the noise of modern life and replaces it with the rhythm of nature and the grounding effect of history around every corner. Final Thoughts Pack some proper walking shoes, a big water bottle, a rain jacket or windbreaker with a hood. Don’t forget your iPhone and some wet wipes (cows are messy eaters). Prepare to be captivated. The winding roads, scenery and occasional Highland cow sightings make this an unforgettable journey.

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Happy Birthday Colouring Pages Package

Paula — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:48:23 +0000

Birthdays are unique marker in our lives. And I mean generally speaking there are two camps around birthday celebrations. Love them or hate them and try to ignore. Either way, this year I am sharing a birthday printable package because I love to share and I adore word games and birthday colouring pages as many of you do too. My Hot Take I am not a massive birthday celebrator. It is often one more day of the year. For a time I worked at a spot where it was your job to bring in treats for everyone else on your birthday. So baking something the night before your birthday was an expectation. And it better be good. Typically, a lot of years I have worked on my birthday driving into the office because there are no great exceptions or built in acknowledgements of the day when you are an adult. If your workplace has a birthday PTO day then kudos for working at a place that gets it and appreciates you. Kid’s Birthdays are Events For kids, the anticipation is the best part. It is all about the party planning, the excitement of who is coming, and that feeling of being the centre of the universe for a few hours. But as we get older, I think the focus shifts a little. It becomes less about the noise and the guest list and more about those quiet moments of reflection. Maybe it is a special meal with your partner or just hearing from your kids, but it becomes a time to look back at the lessons learned over the last year and look forward to whatever is next. Comforting Rituals No matter the age, there is a certain comfort in the rituals we build around these days. Whether you are someone who needs a full weekend of festivities or you prefer a low-key dinner with good food and great company, those little traditions are what make the years feel distinct. Your birthday can be a wonderful excuse to hit the pause button, celebrate the people you love, and enjoy the simple fact that there is one more year of memories awaiting. Birthday Colouring Pages Package Ready to colour? Click on the above link to download your free high-resolution printable colouring pages today! For other colouring pages check out my Free Printables board on Pinterest. Please note this is a 6 page colouring book basically. It is for you to use and feel free to share with your family. But you may not republish or take these sheets and post as your own. Thanks and help me to keep these items free and accessible for all. Don’t forget these: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Don’t forget to pin this for later. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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The Art of the Fresh Start: Free Butterfly Chic Planner

Paula — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:07:00 +0000

There is something inherently restorative about a blank page. Whether it’s the first of January, the start of a new school year, or just a particularly chaotic Tuesday morning, the act of sitting down with a pen and a plan feels like taking a deep, centering breath. For me, staying organized isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting deadlines—it’s about reclaiming mental space. When the schedule is swirling around in my head, it feels like heavy static; once it’s on paper, it’s a list of manageable steps. Intentional Planning We all have those seasons where life feels like it’s moving at a hundred miles per hour. Between managing work commitments, navigating family schedules, and trying to squeeze in a bit of “me time,” the days can easily become a blur. I’ve found that the best way to combat that overwhelmed feeling is to embrace a daily ritual of intentionality. It’s that quiet ten minutes with a cup of coffee before the rest of the house wakes up, where I can look at the day ahead and decide exactly where my energy is going to go. Why Aesthetics Matter in Productivity I’ve tried every digital app and minimalist spreadsheet under the sun, but I always find myself returning to paper. There is a tactile connection between the hand and the brain that digital alerts just can’t replicate. However, I’ve also realized that if a planner looks like a clinical chore, I’m less likely to stick with it. I wanted something that felt light, airy, and—dare I say—a little bit whimsical. That’s where the Butterfly Chic planner aesthetic comes in. Butterflies are the ultimate symbol of transformation and grace. They remind us that even if things feel a bit messy right now, there is a process unfolding. Adding a touch of beauty to the mundane task of scheduling makes the whole process feel less like a to-do or a chore and more like a want. Designing Your Daily Flow This butterfly chic planner printable isn’t just about writing down appointments. It’s about organizing your life in a way that prioritizes your well-being alongside your productivity. In this daily planner, I’ve focused on: Whether you are planning a busy week of meetings, mapping out your next travel adventure, or just trying to keep on top of the grocery list, this planner is designed to be your flexible companion. Get This Cute Planner Now I am so excited to share this Free Butterfly Chic Daily Planner with you. It’s a little gift from my desk to yours, intended to help you find your wings and navigate your busiest days with a bit more ease and a lot more style. Ready to get organized? Click on the above link to download your free high-resolution printable and start your transformation today! Don’t forget these: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Post contains affiliate links. I receive a small commission when a purchase is made.

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My New KURU Summer Sandals

Paula — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:10:04 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and that means after a brief spring cleaning stint, I am now fishing out all of my summer attire. And taking stock of my shoes too. I am a firm believer that good shoes matter. I wasn’t always that way and couldn’t always afford good quality footwear. This season, summer 2026, is all about these pain free Kuru summer sandals. I received product for consideration on Thrifty Mommas Tips. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. When I was younger there was nothing I loved more than high heels with a matching outfit. But the shoes I wore then were far from comfortable. Functional, meh? Not so much. They were all about finishing a curated look. In high school I had a part time job at the mall in a clothing store and I ran with the cute looks then which completely spilled over into the school hallways. Oh, I still have a few pairs of gorgeous colourful stunning pumps and wedges, but at this age and stage of life I am much less inclined to suffer for fashion. I’d much rather have something cute and fashionable that doesn’t hurt my back, my legs, my hips, my feet, my calves. This season my Kuru summer sandals are going the distance with me and supporting health and wellness as well as fashion. What I Love About Kuru Summer Sandals This year my style is easygoing but functional for summer events and the interviews I have going on. Last year, I sprained my ankle while in Boston helping my brother out, watching my niece. Not going to lie that ankle took a long time to heal. Summer swimming helped with rehab. Then during ski season in February a snowboarder collided with me and I hit my shoulder and hurt my lower back and that somehow also became an ongoing ache in my left hip. But it was also winter boot season so there are limits to what you can do with that really. As long as your feet are warm and dry when there’s 3 feet of snow on the front lawn, that’s about the best you can hope for in an Ontario winter. Treat Your Feet My ankle, well that’s pretty much 95% better one year later. Swimming and at home physio helped. Finally, my shoulder has returned to its normal range of motion. My hip and back still have a little bit of residual aching and stiffness at times. So, here’s the thing. I am trusting Kuru this season because they are just that comfortable and their KURU Feel Better Promise™ guarantees that my feet (and yours) feel better in 91 days or you get your money back. Kuru shoes are actually shoes that can 100% claim to improve some common foot and pain issues. So basically, if you have back pain, bunions, flat feet, heel pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis or a host of other conditions, these will help make you feel better. Any remaining leftover pain or occasional stiffness will definitely be better than it was last year with these summer sandals. A Summer Standout The Kuru Loma Jarvi is a standout in the summer collection in my opinion, blending a classic fisherman-style platform with advanced comfort technology. I chose a versatile toffee sand colour that pairs effortlessly with everything from casual jeans to vacation dresses. The design is elevated by a 56mm lift, making me look way taller than I am (don’t dislike that at all) while providing a stylish silhouette without sacrificing the stability needed for all-day wear. These sandals cradle your foot and your arch perfectly. The cushioned cork footbed is more comfortable than anything I’ve worn in years. Pairing these with cute sundresses and my denim jacket for cool days. Kurosole Technology What sets these sandals apart is the patented KURUSOLE technology, which is engineered to dynamically to flex and hug your heel with every step. The responsive design helps protect the natural cushioning of the feet, which makes them perfect for anyone who needs relief from foot or back pain. The cork footbed and adjustable multi-straps ensures a secure, ergonomic fit that adapts to the movement of the foot. Whether heading to a summer brunch, taking a summer vacation to Europe or hitting an out of town event these are perfect. Finally cute shoes that don’t hurt your feet. Kurosole KURU Shoe Features KURUSOLE Heel Protection: The patented tech hugs and cushions your heels to absorb shock and ease joint strain. (I know this is true. You can feel it the second you put these on.) These are my new Kuru summer sandals: Shoes with Benefits Since receiving these and integrating them recently into my day to day, I see benefits. My hip doesn’t hurt and my foot is so comfortable in these. Kuru has a range of women’s and men’s shoes, runners and sandals. There are some boots too but I have no interest in anything wintery at the moment. The Range of Styles The new arrivals and slip ons have my full attention now as well because if these Loma Jarvi sandals are this comfortable imagine how great it would be to wear these slip ons daily. Also how cute is the regular Loma as well. The colours are FAB. Basically I have a running Wishlist of Kuru footwear that I want to try next. (Hello, Pineapple Coda? SO cute.) I suspect you will have the same issue once you start trying them and wearing them on a regular basis.

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Pause the Panic Card Deck to Help with Anxiety

Paula — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Watching your child navigate the world with a heavy heart can be one of the toughest parts of parenting. Eventually they all hit an age where life stops being all about playgrounds and starts being about performance. That shift can be jarring. For many families often, and indeed for ours, age nine seems to be a significant turning point. This is the point often when little kid worries transform into something more complex, often peaking during those high-pressure teenage years. This was definitely the case in our family. I’ve written about our struggle with childhood anxiety before here several times. Our story was published in Today’s Parent several years ago. Over the years, we spent many hours working through cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, play therapy, talk therapy and more. With medications, therapy and physical tools, we are finally in a much better space. But it took time. Pause the Panic Card Deck Our kids struggle with separation anxiety and general anxiety disorder. Panic and anxiety attacks were a thing we dealt with on the regular. School was frequently where the panic manifested itself and where the anxiety spilled over. Relationships, grades, future planning all made my daughter’s panic and anxiety worse. Thankfully for a bit of time she could rely on a resource social worker (high school) who seemed to understand anxiety. Tests and Exams Performance starts to be a huge part of daily living for almost every high school student. Sure some sail through without a whole lot of worry, but few escape completely unbothered by grades, post secondary planning and even choosing a career. One of the most intense arenas for the anxiety/ panic struggle is testing and the school exam. While a little bit of “healthy stress” can sharpen focus, for a child with anxiety, an exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it feels like a threat. Why Exam Season is a Perfect Storm Exam anxiety is a unique beast because it combines several “triggers” into one high-stakes week. The buildup is a lot and around here there are also several periods of standardized tests for EQAO. The what if I fail worry is often a near constant thought. There is the fear of the unknown: What if the questions are impossible? What if I study the wrong thing? Then, there is the physical toll. Anxiety doesn’t just live in the head; it lives in the body. By the time a teen sits down at a desk, they might already be dealing with a racing heart, shallow breathing, or a stomach in knots. When the body is in “fight or flight” mode, the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for memory and logic—effectively goes offline. This is why a child can study for hours and then feel like their mind is a total blank the moment the paper is turned over. But What If? Exam anxiety makes everything feel urgent. Your brain shifts into “what if I fail?” mode. Your body reacts like it’s danger – even though it’s a test. These cards help you: Finally, there’s the weight of perceived expectations. Even if we tell kids that “grades don’t define you,” they are living in a culture that often suggests otherwise. For a teenager, the pressure to succeed can feel overwhelming. What Actually Helps? Moving through these years requires a toolbox that focuses on regulation rather than just “studying harder.” Here are a few strategies that can shift the energy: A Thing We Do Here One regular thing that helps my older daughter is a grounding technique that involves the senses. There are many ways to do this one but basically it requires the person to pause and find something you can see, touch, hear, smell and taste. You can 5,4,3,2,1 it or do 3 of each or we’ve even done a single one for each of the senses. (Five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell and one that you can taste or do three of each see, touch, and then deep breaths.) Both of my kids are constantly working on anxiety and the tools that help them both manage symptoms are always evolving. Anxiety over a lifespan changes as you grow. Lately, with some support from medication and the constant toolkit that we have always had since 6-8 years old, we have a better grip on symptoms. I mean this current timeline is actually a hard one for every single person at every age. Introducing: The Pause the Panic Card Deck We know that in the middle of a “brain fog” moment, a child isn’t going to remember a 20-minute lecture on mindfulness. They need something tactile, quick, and easy to follow. That is why I am sharing the Pause the Panic Card Deck. It’s a printable resource designed specifically for those “red zone” moments. Each card features a simple, science-backed grounding exercise or a cognitive reframe a student can keep in their pocket, pencil case, or taped to the front of a notebook. Give them back a sense of agency when they feel like they’re losing control. While you can’t take the exams away, you can give them the tools to walk into that room feeling a little more steady.

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Earth Day Word Search

Paula — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:44:00 +0000

Earth Day is an annual reminder that our planet’s health is a shared responsibility. But it is also a celebration of the incredible natural beauty surrounding us. From the rugged coastlines of our favourite travel destinations to the crisp air on a mountain peak, nature is the ultimate backdrop for our lives. Which is exactly why we need to care and take care of the planet. As we look toward more sustainable ways to live and explore, Earth Day serves as the perfect moment to pause, appreciate the environment, and recommit to protecting the ecosystems that sustain us. To celebrate this day this year, I have put together a little challenge. Sharpen your focus and see how many eco-friendly earth related terms you can find in the word search below. Whether you are a sustainability enthusiast or just looking for a fun way to engage with the day, this word game is for you. See if you can spot all the hidden words that define earth day in this Earth Day word search. Earth Day Word Game Earth Day Vibes Every Earth Day April 22 I recognize the value of the planet we live on. In fact, that’s a goal for every single day not just April 22. But at this time of year it helps to have a reminder that we can all do better. We can all recycle a bit more or upcycle/ renew what we have. It’s not hard to choose products and brands that are better for the environment. Maybe this is the year to take a moment to coordinate something active and outdoors. Perhaps that’s a neighbourhood cleanup or just you and your family going out to clean up your corner of the world. Around the world, over 190 countries recognize and celebrate Earth Day. Check your city or your local news to see what is planned in your area. Tree plantings, free trees, neighbourhood cleanups and events are often scheduled around here. Don’t Miss the free tree giveaway in London, Ontario. One year we got two gorgeous trees for the yard. One was ruined by an animal over the winter but the second is thriving in my front yard. Earth Day Facts The first ever Earth Day took place April 22, 1970 in the US. That event is often thought to have launched the modern environmental activism movement. To print this one out just click on the clean link above and save it. Print a copy or share with family. Don’t Get Caught Without Paper Test Drive this new printer if you want to print it out and have some fun. This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Products Needed: Don’t forget to order paper – HP Printer Paper and also be sure to use a good printer. This Epson Eco Tank Printer is amazing. It saves ink like nobody’s business. Don’t miss this Earth Day crack the code printable while you are at it! This Earth Day crossword printable for kids is also a simple and fun thing to do.

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To a Stellar Ski Season 2026

Paula — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:06:00 +0000

Two weekends ago marked the end of ski season and what a season it was. Ski season 2026. The snow started flying in December and all of January was perfection, as was February. March might have been a little rockier weather-wise but wow the snow was peak almost the entire season with the exception of about a week of rain. To be clear, I was laid off in late November and that was terrible and a big hit financially. But ski season started maybe 3 weeks into the layoff. THANK GOD. Before mid December the doors were open at our local ski club and I was at the lodge and happy to have a space to carve. I mean this year many ski resorts like this one on the east coast got record snow. Post may contain affiliate links as a service to readers. I make a small commission off of qualifying links. This year, after a super quick pause to process, connect with unemployment and engage a career support agency, I looked at networking in different ways. Despite being an introvert, I challenged myself to make new connections and to tell people my story. Sometimes that was chitchat on a chairlift or connecting with board members and skiers at events like Ladies Day. And I made a lot of new contacts on bus trips to Blue Mountain with local skiers. Networking Differently Honestly, I’d rather not be sitting in a room talking to other people looking for jobs or on a Zoom meeting hosted by a career guru. This worked way better for me and my mental health. So, outside it was. Even on those -20C mornings. If I could get out in my favourite cold weather ski gear dressed for the conditions, then I was out on the hill skiing or practicing until everything else fell away. This is the year I learned javelin turns, balancing on one leg, fixing my balance and leaning hard into the ice. If you ski on the east coast then you know the conditions are always a mix of wild weather and the positive thing about that is you generally learn to ski almost anything (but for heavy powder.) Typically we go to Vermont for that. No place better on the east. But this was the season we got the heavy powder too. On the days when I went with the bus trip to Blue Mountain we worked hard for those turns and loved the heavy powder at Blue, along with the views of course. Meeting new people and making connections was a true bonus. Sundays are for the Girls Of course, there were my Sunday girl days. Just me and Payton. Followed by a T&T trip or a sushi lunch date. Sometimes date night Thursday, Friday or Saturdays with Jim and occasionally the entire family made it out together. The busier and older my kids get, the harder it is to make that happen. Payton is currently finishing her last year of her undergraduate degree and Noah is in school again as well. So times are busy and school takes priority. Unfortunately one of those Sundays in February I was hit by a snowboarder and I injured my shoulder and lower back which took me out for a few days. Back pain persisted for weeks but seems to finally be vanishing. New Patterns This year, I skied by myself often in the morning because it kept me moving and was a brilliant way to start my day. I enjoyed Ladies Day at Boler yet again which I highly recommend every February and I managed to stay active every week with a record number of hours spent skiing. For the first time ever I did the double black diamond at Boler (Wayne’s) which is honestly not a double black but is labelled as such so I am taking the win. I got over a lot of my fear of tackling new runs and channeled my inner athlete to work on turns, steeper slopes and more challenging terrain. Black diamond runs were less daunting than before as practice and muscle memory kicked in. Ski Season 2026 At least on the east coast, ski season 2026 was one of a kind. My only regret this year is that we couldn’t get to Tremblant or Vermont. At this time, nobody in my family is travelling to the United States due to the politics involved. Sadly, we miss Vermont and Maine and Upstate New York. And as for Tremblant, this year it would have been ideal as I had the time but the money was another matter. Every single year as the ski season comes to an end I do not go lightly or easily. I am on my skis skiing until the very last moment even as the mud starts poking through making slopes insanely narrow and ugly. Until the Summer It makes me insanely sad when the season ends, like fall into a depressed state sad, but this is my attempt to remember what a great year it was for snowboarders and skiers. During the spring months which are not my favourite, I will fight to be as physically active as possible for my mental and physical health. Too much rain and too many grey days before camping and swimming season gives me a reason again. For now I will engage in walks and hikes and anything else that I can find. Of course, a small part of me will be counting the days until December when the snow flies again.

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