If ever there was a year when we all needed a relaxing hobby, this was the one. I have spent many mornings in the past six months working out and we all have been crafting, doing puzzles and colouring occasionally too. That’s why I thought this Halloween Mandala Pumpkin Colouring Page might be just right for you. Colouring isn’t just for kids after all. Colouring as Both a Craft and Relaxation Technique As everyone knows, we have all been through the ringer this year with the pandemic, but even so, we have found many ways to adjust and be resourceful.…
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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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It’s time for a Halloween Scavenger Hunt. This year, Halloween might be a lot different than usual. Who even knows at this point? Whatever happens, I’m committed to making the best of the season here as I’m sure you are too. Halloween brings out the child in everyone. Am I right? I love the chance to decorate on Halloween because it allows me the chance to be playful. My street often goes all in. I hope this year that people remember to make their homes fun too. Halloween goes by pretty fast, just like many other childhood stages and events,…
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Not surprisingly, this entire year we have spent more time close to home in Southwestern Ontario. Small adventures in a controlled manner close to home are the name of the game. On a recent day off, my daughter Payton and I drove to Port Stanley after visiting a park in Aylmer. That got us talking about what the iconic tourist attractions are in each city nearby us in Southwestern Ontario. Why Southwestern Ontario? Southwestern Ontario is where I have lived my entire life to date. While I have considered moving to B.C. or the USA, I am so glad we…
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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…
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This season, I am hunting down easy activities that remind us to find gratitude and give thanks. This Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to find some gratitude and involve the entire family in the process. What are Your Thankful For? Finding Gratitude in the every day and celebrating that can be hard work. I have been working on this during the year and I can tell you some days I succeed and others not so much. This year has tested most of us, I think. Typically, I start my day with a gratitude exercise, but to be very…
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What do you know about the turkey life cycle? If you are at all like me, then it stands to reason that you know very little about our feathered friends. I have always taken turkey for granted as a tasty staple of the Thanksgiving season. But, there’s actually quite a lot to know about turkey. It’s an interesting bird. Since the Thanksgiving and Fall season is fast approaching I thought that perhaps we could share some turkey facts and provide a cute little turkey life cycle booklet and activity for kids. Keep this reference for later. I have other life…
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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…
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No churn strawberry ice cream is easy, fresh and wholesome. There’s nothing quite so rewarding as knowing you made it yourself and can count the ingredients on one hand! That’s exactly why you will love this ice cream recipe as much as we did. Start with the Local Fruit Back in the early summer we went berry picking and we landed two giant baskets full of fresh local strawberries. Hello! We were more than ready for berry season! My oldest daughter had several strawberry recipes in mind. We intended to try making strawberry jam in the bread machine and also…
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“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…