sports Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Evolve at This Canadian Summer Skateboarding Camp

Paula — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:07:29 +0000

I have partnered with Evolve Camps, a Canadian action sports and skateboarding camp, to bring you information about these exciting summer camps. I received compensation for this post. My opinion is all my own. Hard to believe there’s only a month left of school. Then comes the chaos at home all summer, unless you have some tricks in the form of summer camps up your sleeve! Evolve Camps summer action sports day camp is a great way to keep kids active and busy! Picture your child dropping into a halfpipe confidently at skateboarding camp or discovering new tricks at scooter camp in London. Is There a Skateboarding Camp in London? I have active kids. That fact has been more than well documented here. It’s not uncommon for us to have to run our kids from one activity to the next all week long during the school year. They are busy and active and athletic kids too. Trouble ensues when they are left with too much unstructured time. So, why would summer be any different? As a parent, I always book numerous great camps for my kids. Summer should be a time for them to shine and learn and meet new friends. Maybe your kids are a bit like mine. Maybe they just want to try something new this year. Whatever the case may be, Evolve Camps scooter and skateboarding camp is a fun and exciting way to spend some of the summer. In fact, Evolve Camps have been around since 2006. Looking for fun sporty camps this summer? Evolve Camps scooter and skateboarding camp are exciting and, with an emphasis on skill building and safety you know your kids are going to get something special. Summer slide can be an issue for many kids and it’s not just a brain thing. Tweens can easily slip into that Netflix and junk food pattern and do very little all summer long. Head that off with a plan to keep them active and engaged. Where is Evolve Camps in London? The Drop-off location for Evolve Camps skateboard camp, active sports and scooter camp in London is Wolseley Barracks on Elizabeth Street. Evolve Camps focus on safety and progression. Their camps feature fun and professional instructors and counsellors. The drop off summer program is geared to ages 6-14 from beginner to advanced skill levels. Participate in fun camp activities throughout the day: swimming, basketball, slack line for balance practice and more. The day begins with gear checks and yoga stretching before the active portion gets underway. Evolve Camps is the Canadian epi-centre of action sports camps for boys and girls ages 6-14. For more than 10 years, Evolve Camps have provided the ultimate in skateboarding, scootering and bmx for kids in London. Evolve believes in the importance of physical fitness and vitality as much as any traditional sports league – they just find cooler ways to get your sweat on. Free Day to Learn to Skate or Scooter: FYI they are also hosting a free day to learn to skate or scooter in London: https://www.evolvecamps.com/skateboard-scooter-fun-day/ Sign up today. Space is limited. And Don’t Miss This.. There are Evolve Camps like this one all over Canada in several cities in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia. Also, Evolve offers more than summer day camps. Look for Evolve Camps: If you live in Ottawa don’t miss Sandy’s Canadian Blog House Evolve Camps post too! Get This Exclusive Discount for Skateboarding Camp Now! Right now you can save $25 off a session in London! Use Code EVOLVEThriftyMom. I am all about saving money! Save $25 off this amazing local London camp!

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Useful and Fantastic Gifts to Get for Hikers

Paula — Wed, 15 May 2019 10:42:10 +0000

This post contains affiliate links as a service to readers. Are you a hiker? Know someone who loves hiking and exploring? Wondering what presents make the best gifts for hikers? Well I have a few ideas for you to give your outdoor fitness junkie any time of the year. Here’s some extra motivation: Extra 30% Off Outlet Orders $100+ Code: MAY30 If you are considering a gift for a loved one who likes to be outside, or enjoys hiking and camping, here are a few ideas that any hiker will enjoy any time of year for any occasion. They are basic items that are appropriate for someone who likes to day-hike or go on overnight camping trips. Great Gifts Every Hiker Can Use Frankly, I am always a bit relieved when I have friends or family with serious hobbies. Their hobbies make it so much easier to shop for them when you need to find gifts. My older girl is pretty easy to buy for because she loves art and drama and reading. So anything artistic is welcome. My younger girl is super athletic, so if it gets her outside and moving then she’s happy. We all enjoy hiking and being outside walking or exploring. This year, after last Fall’s RV trip through Ontario’s Parks, my younger girl is asking for a fishing pole. I am still hoping to make that happen. Last year I embraced some epic hikes which challenged me physically and mentally. One was at Lake Lewis in Wyoming and I learned then that hiking in October demands a different set of equipment entirely. It is cold out there climbing rocky paths in the Fall in Wyoming. Talk about a great spot to hike. Wyoming has a lot to offer. Read more about my trip to Wyoming in this post: What’s There to Do In Wyoming? Fantastic Gifts to Get for Hikers Hiking Essential Gift #1: A New Pack Every hiker likes to have a backpack, so why not get a new one? For those who prefer day-hikes instead of overnight camping, a pack with a 1,000-2,000 cubic-inch capacity is fine. Backpackers who are going out for weekend trips or longer will need larger packs. When in doubt, look at the pack that is being used now and consider getting the newer version of that pack. Amazon has some exceptional hiking backpacks. Essential Gift #2: A New Pair of Boots Footwear is another item that every hiker needs for getting out on the trails, whether they are lightweight trail running shoes or heavy-duty hiking boots. Because boots can be difficult to buy, consider using this as an excuse for an early Christmas gift by taking a trip to the store and having them fitted. Also walk around in the boots in the house for a few days to get the feel for them before going outside. I have a pair of Blundstones that work but that being said my oldest also loves these and uses them so I need to invest this year in a great pair just for myself. Essential Gift #3: A New Water Bottle Everyone needs to stay hydrated when hiking, so why not get a new water bottle? Consider buying a bottle that is made of stainless steel, such as from Kleen Kanteen, or from plastic that is BPA-free. Bottles don’t have to be wrapped always when giving these as a gift. Instead, place a bow on the top cap or on the side of the bottle. I actually need a small collapsible one of these bottles too because I ski in the winter often and we take a lot of trips obviously as a family travel blogger and travel writer. When I am packing I need things that take up a minimum amount of space and also frankly when I am skiing I’d like to have a collapsible bottle I could squeeze into the pocket of a ski jacket too. Essential Gift #4 – Hiking Skirt Honestly didn’t even know these hiking skirts were a thing until I went on an organized hike in Wyoming with Hike Like a Girl and then I was extremely grateful that Rebecca, the owner of Hike Like a Girl had a container full of extra clothing. The skirt, although it looked kind of kooky, kept me super warm and that was the goal. Plus it moved well on the hike. PERFECT. Essential Gift #5 – Good Hiking Socks Keep your feet warm and dry and you will be so much better off. Plus let’s be real the socks that I buy at Winners or Shoppers Drug Mart have pretty much no elastic and when inside a boot will quickly end up slipping and getting wedged into the toe of my boots or shoes. That is some discomfort right there. Spring for the good socks and keep them for hiking only. If you like hiking crew socks these ones by Merrell are great. Merrell makes high quality products. And these Merino wool socks make great gifts to give for hikers Hiking Essential Gift #6: A New Sleeping Bag The last two on my list are related to getting a good night sleep. Nobody can argue with that as a good gift. The last two however are for overnight hikes obviously. I have not done many of those, but we have camped nearby the hiking trails and needed these in our trailer. A good sleeping bag is a perfect gift for someone who is thinking of doing more overnight camping. You will have to choose between down or synthetic insulation, and how low of a temperature rating you will want to get. Temperature rating is important for sleeping bags, especially in Fall or Winter and especially in Canada, where the temperature often gets well below zero. Essential Gift #7: A New Sleeping Pad To go along with a new sleeping bag, consider buying a new sleeping pad as a companion gift. Most likely that loved one will not have a sleeping pad, and it is an important part of an overall sleep system to help a camper be more comfortable and to also insulate the body from the ground. Gift #8: A Camping/ Hiking Blanket Still stuck wondering what gifts to get for hikers on any of your gifting lists? Well, how about a super warm lightweight camping blanket. We love this Montem camping blanket. This weather resistant Montem sneaky snuggler is too bulky for a backpack but you might consider it for camping anyways. Here’s a super thin version of a camping and hiking blanket that’s good just for squishing into your backpack and using as ground cover if needed at the beach or in the forest. It is not for warmth but is great size wise and works well for ground cover. This is one of my new favourite gifts to get for hikers because of how compact it is. Throw one into your pack, or clip it onto your waist when you set out for the day. Gift #9: Books About Hiking Books About Hiking. Particularly Photography books. Hiking Books and books with gorgeous travel photos make fantastic gifts any time, any occasion. Awesome Gifts to Keep Your Hiking Friends Happy These pieces of gear make great gift ideas for the hiker or camper on your list. Where are you hiking next?

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The Harmony of the Seas – Epic Fun Cruising

Paula — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 10:50:03 +0000

Updated with more details in April 2019 This year, we took a family cruise on the Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. The biggest cruise ship on the water at the time. As most cruisers know the biggest is only the biggest for a season, if that. But we didn’t choose The Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas for its size. We bought in this time for the laundry list of amazing activities on board and the ports of call. Cruising with teens needs to be fun, which means you need to opt for a cruise ship with a lot of activity. The Harmony of the Seas is non stop epic fun. Recently it was named one of the 8 Most Popular Cruise Ships by Cruise Critic. Here’s why. An Amusement Park at Sea Harmony of the Seas is like an amusement park at sea. There’s everything you could want, or ask for, including activities and shows for all ages. From teens, to tots and seniors too, there’s something entertaining for all ages on the Harmony of the Seas. NON stop fun. If you plan it right you can have the time of your life on Harmony of the Seas. So start planning early. As soon as you book the cruise, go into your Royal Caribbean app ( Royal IQ ) and get scheduling. There are Broadway style shows that are very family friendly most nights of the week, but you can’t see them if you don’t get a time scheduled. Some fill up fast so don’t take your chances. Cruise Ship Entertainment When we took a family cruise with Royal Caribbean cruise line in January 2017 Grease was winding down. Wish I had realized that and booked the show in advance. We missed out on that one. But we did get to see several others, including a spectacular ice show. Skating Show That’s right, Harmony of the Seas even has a full sized skating rink on one level. The skating show was like watching Stars on Ice or any other extremely high level ice skating production. All of the entertainment is included, which shocked me. There’s also an incredible water show on this ship. Some shows are kind of late for kids, but not for teens, and in fact you are on holidays so you can stretch the bedtime a bit. Family Friendly Activities There’s a zipline on the top deck and you and your family can zip across the deck 18 floors below. That was a rush, even if I did almost chicken out. But I did it, and it was fast. Wish I had done that one a couple of times. The Carousel Merry Go Round on The Boardwalk is just a unique experience on a cruise ship. Meanwhile the rock wall is a challenge and a great way to spend an hour. In fact, you may want to do this daily. We signed up one of the first days so we could rock climb at our leisure. The shoes and harnesses are of course provided. This is one you need to work at for a bit if you don’t climb routinely. Flow-Rider sits on two sides of the zipline area and is not far from the mini golf too. That’s one heck of a fun activity to try at least once. You can do it standing as if you are surfing, or body boarding. Just ask. Sometimes one of the Flow-Riders is for body boards and the other is for surfing. Skilled instructors will help you surf the waves 200 feet above sea level. This climbing area outside Johnny Rocket’s was one of the first things the kids found after we checked in. Spend a few hours exploring and getting the lay of the land so to speak – board early. Don’t wait. I much prefer that to boarding during the big rush of cruisers later in the afternoon. We aimed for 11 a.m. or shortly after the itinerary indicated it was time to start boarding. That way we had a full day the first day on board Harmony of the Seas. You have to be completely dry to do the zip line. Also no bathing suits allowed. There are a few other rules. For instance you can’t have any loose clothing on either. From the moment we boarded to the minute we left (sad panda) we were busy in a good way. This is the kind of cruise we love, because every family can have a boatload of fun family activities day and night. The waterslides on the Harmony of the Seas are not the fastest ever, but they are fun. There is a racing pair of waterslides and a kid’s play area with smaller waterslides for the young ones. They call the waterslides The Perfect Storm trio. There’s Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell, one is a fun bowl slide that spits you out at the bottom. We loved that one the most. MY Favourite Slide The Abyss drops 10 stories and you ride through it leaning back with feet inside a burlap sack. Don’t wait. Do this one early on and repeat. The slides are so much fun and they are not scary at all. Just good clean fun with a little hit of adrenaline. It’s 45.72 meters above sea level. Teen Club The teen club has numerous scheduled events and activities late into the night for youth. My daughter joined several kids who went ice skating the last night we were there. Typically the Harmony of the Seas teen program is open until 1 a.m. For more information on the kid’s club hours visit the Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas info centre. Cruising with Teens or Tweens is a Lot of Fun on the Harmony of the Seas We enjoy cruising with several cruise lines. Each cruise line and each cruise boat has distinctive merits and personality too. This most recent cruise on Harmony of the Seas was epic. If you are an active family that loves rock climbing, zip lining, theatrical shows and thrilling waterslides this is the cruise ship for you.

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Sports All About Me Book for Young Child

Paula — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 13:23:45 +0000

There are many ways to get kids involved in learning. An All About Me Book can be a great way to get them to work through some early identity issues. Things like who is in my family and how old am I are very important, especially when starting preschool or kindergarten. This Sports All About Me Book is intended to help. With my kids sometimes when they are struggling I ask them – “Hey who is on your team? ” “Mom is.” And then they list the people on their team. Sometimes it’s grudgingly, but often by the end of the conversation they’re reminded there are people that will always have their back. Or to beat a metaphor to death – go to bat for them in life. And when they are being really abrasive and challenging and prickly I also say the same thing and use the same metaphor. Just remember who is on your team. As in, don’t alienate the people who are on that team. My kids haven’t been young enough to use a book like this in awhile, but I know that these types of tools were super useful when they were small. I hope this Sports All About Me book is a great opportunity for them to grow and explore their family and their identity while learning and having fun too. If your child is clearly ready to start printing and doing a bit of reflection on figuring out who is this Sports All About Me book will be perfect. Sports All About Me Book To get this activity and printable just click the PDF below and print. Reminder – please do not republish these. That is against copyright law. I am happy to provide free printables here always but I hate finding them republished without permission. Don’t forget to check out all the other printables I have available on my Pinterest Printables Board. Sports All About Me

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My Word of The Year Check in – March Progress

Paula — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:29:46 +0000

Time for my March Progress Word of the Year checkin. Every year I pick a word or phrase to help guide my personal goals. I find this activity helpful for my own health and wellness throughout the year. This year you might recall my word of the year is MOVE. I am working on monthly checkins here to keep myself accountable to all of you. It’s technically three months into the year. Quarter one is done. So how did March progress? Am I making my personal goals this year? Have my fitness goals evolved or changed or slipped by the wayside? What have the challenges been? Have I been sticking to my fitness routines and did I choose the right word? Let’s take a look. This year I am on the move even more than usual and I am super proud of that actually. I have been growing in that regard for a decade now. In fact in my 40s and closing in on 50 I am more fit than I ever have been before. So that deserves a moment of celebration and reflection. I work hard to make fit happen. It is a huge priority. Why? Well, because I need to show my kids that fitness is tied to health and it is important at every stage of life. BUT mostly, because I FEEL better when I am on the move often. I am healthier and I have more energy and that gives me strength to tackle life and run my social media consulting business too. My mental health benefits when I am active. That is true for everyone, but I parent two teenagers and I run a business so it’s easy to let self care slide. However, not an option. So how did March progress? In March we skied a lot as a family and we headed to Vermont again to have this amazing adventure together at Bromley. We skied sometimes 3-4 days a week. Vermont was three solid days of skiing (7 hours plus) through very deep snow, down long trails and boy did my legs burn at the end of each day. But by the end of that trip they started to get used to the challenge. Hardest thing for me is leaving Vermont every year. Skiing is amazing exercise. Back home here after we returned, some days I would ski in the evening or afternoon locally after working out that morning at the YMCA. And on days when it was rainy I headed to the YMCA. I am super conscious of this philosophy that keeps coming up – sitting is the new smoking. And writing and consulting can be super sedentary so I take all the movement breaks I can squeeze in. However, for me as a person that means getting out of my home and my office. It’s the only way moving and healthy living work for me. If you can work out in your living room or basement then all the power to you. That’s not how I am built. Anyways, so far this week I have been to the YMCA every single day. There will be at least one day without any fitness classes. And that’s okay. It’s equally important to have some breaks built in. Even on those days though, I make time to take a quick walk and try to my steps in. So on average I am doing minimum 5 days of physical activity that is at least an hour a day. The cardio portion of my routine is strong and so is strength building, core building and balance. This month I definitely have noticed more strength in my legs and the definition in my shoulders is getting better too. Shoulders are my weakest spot. They are stiff and rotation is not as good as it should be. I blame typing on a computer all day for that one. How Does April Look? With ski season done (tears) I will have to come up with a lot more chances to go do all the group fitness classes. Of course walking more is always an option too. My challenge is sometimes staying interested. Sometimes fitness routines get redundant. When your muscles are no longer feeling a really good workout the next day then it’s time to reevaluate. What Have I Learnt? Last week I got the time wrong for my usual Saturday morning class and ended up in Group Groove. There were 3 rounds of cardio that morning. I did not eat enough protein before class so it was a BIG challenge. Live and learn – next time More food before going to class. Keeping those shoes handy now that the snow is going away gives me flexibility in joining whatever class I want to. SO, my shoes are my passport to getting fit right now. Oh, and now that ski season is over it’s time for self care in the form of a pedicure. Yogis will know exactly what I mean by that. March Progress on Movement Goals So far I am really happy with my March progress on this word of the year. Move was the right choice for me in 2018. Do you have a fitness goal or a word of the year? How is your progress going?

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Ziptrek EcoTours – My Favourite Birthday Trip Yet

Paula — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 19:50:49 +0000

This is the birthday trip I will look back on when I am 90 and GRIN from ear to ear. Ziplining down Mont Tremblant with Ziptrek Ecotours was a brilliant adventure I will not soon forget. Ziptrek is a zipline tour with a difference and it is one of the most thrilling courses I have done so far. If you have ever been to Tremblant you know it is spectacular. Quebec is simply one of my favourite destinations and the Laurentians are a Canadian treasure. In fact, if you have not yet been, then what are you waiting for? In the winter months there are a zillion wonderful ways to enjoy the outdoors, or even cuddle inside by a fire after skiing downhill or cross country. But what’s to do in the summer when you visit Mont Tremblant? Quite a lot actually. From luge to hiking, a day at the Scandinave Spa or one of the amazing outdoor music festivals like Bluesfest on site, there are many reasons to pick Tremblant for your stay. But Ziptrek for me is high near the top of that list of reasons to visit. If you are one of those people with a Bucket list full of adventures you have to do and a birthday coming up, then here you go. This is my birthday story at Ziptrek Ecotours at Tremblant. It is a thrill ride and an awesome adventure with a small hint of terrifying mixed in. And it’s also something completely unique and invigorating you have to do at least once. Together our group of media and travel influencers start the day by checking in to Holiday Inn Express at the foot of the mountain. We meet with the communications representatives and have lunch at La Diable Microbrewery with a watchful eye on the weather reports. The Ziptrek EcoTours adventure is slated for the afternoon. In the summer, spring and Fall months, before the slopes are covered in snow, they are green and gorgeous at Tremblant. The pitches and curves of the mountain, are tall and always elegantly decked out with all the Canadian pine trees they can hold. Mt Tremblant can be magnetic on a sunny summer afternoon, or completely magical in February, but today it is overcast threatening rain. The treed mountainscape is mysterious on a cold and foggy day like this one. Wisps of clouds whip by the trees and the cables when we wait on the first platform receiving instructions. Tremblant holds a special place in my heart because it is the spot where my family learned to ski together in 2015. At the base of the mountain where Ziptrek has their equipment we borrowed jackets. Go Pros can be signed out too, then simply purchase the disk after the trek if you wish to keep a record of your adventure. At first I almost reject the jacket, but when standing at the summit chilled by the wind I am grateful to have it on. The first platform is the hardest for me. The distance is huge! Hard to compare to anything else I have ever done. And you know how sometimes when you zip you feel the trees hitting your feet. Not so here. We are much higher even than the tops of the trees. And the angles seem steep. Instantly intimidated. But I hear” Don’t look down.” And “You can flip upside down if you wish.” Then “1, 2, 3” and my partner France Gaignard launches. The guides are amazing and knowledgeable. Be warned this is not for kids under seven due to the weight required to make the zip work. It is rare that I find myself traveling right over my birthday. But this year, I had the chance to visit The Laurentians and do the most challenging zipline course yet! Although I was not with my family, which is usually how I spend my day, tackling the Ziptrek at Mont Tremblant made for a birthday I will never forget. Ziptrek Ecotours is open every year in May and this year until October 15. There are 4 kilometres of thrills and 5 ziplines. You will go side by side with someone else which makes it a bit different than where we were in Arbraska last year. There are no obstacles here, as here are in Arbraska. When your group finishes a couple of the ziplines there is a bit of hiking. Along the way the guides talk about the local ecology and the the green initiatives that make this a zipline tour with a difference. For instance the structures are made with cedar because that wood doesn’t need any chemical sealants. The chemical treatments would create run off in rain. This is a well thought out excursion and most definitely worth the money. Be prepared for an entire afternoon of this activity. It took easily 3 hours. Once you commit you are in for the adventure. Enjoy! A Few More Things About Ziptrek EcoTours: Guides are present at all times Located in the pedestrian village at the base of the mountain Ride to Mont Tremblant summit aboard the panoramic gondola 4 km and 5 ziplines, the longest in Quebec Side-by-side ziplines so you can zip two by two with friends and family 6 viewing decks An eco-adventure experience when you receive information on the ecology, the region and sustainability (‘’The natural step’’) Want to book this tour – > Here you go Ziptrek Ecotours. Need a place to stay at Tremblant? I have stayed at Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites and Ermitage du Lac and recommend either. Ermitage was PERFECT for our whole family in winter months. There are no bad spots at Tremblant. Many thanks to Ziptrek EcoTours, Quebec Tourism, Tremblant Tourism, and Tourism Laurentides for this incredible experience. I was hosted while here and my opinion, you should know by now, is all my own and truthful. Shout out to my press trip companions – Gregory George of Follow Summer, Ryan Thomas Woods of Out With Ryan, Rossana Wyatt of Life is Full of Adventures and Stephanie Granada of her Instagram channel and much more. This post contains affiliate links to help readers share my adventures. I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you when you make a purchase via the affiliate links.

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New Playtex® Sport® Compact Tampons – Discreet Options for Girls on the Go

Paula — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 08:59:24 +0000

I am a spokesperson for Playtex Sport and as such I have been compensated. This is my experience and it is truthful. WHEW! I am home for a few days. This summer has been crammed with travel, road trips, camping and camps. My teens have lucked out being able to go camping, hiking, canoeing and visiting their cousins. They’re still active in martial arts and swimming in July and August. BUT, travel and camp, has taken a big role for us this season. My girls are 13 and 16. Together we travel often, because that’s a major part of my blog and business here. They need to be ready to run or pack at the drop of a hat. I just drove one to camp for two weeks in Muskoka region of Ontario. On the way to camp I dropped my older girl off at her aunt’s house. Two days before that we went camping. In June we spent a weekend exploring Sherkston Shores. WATERSLIDES!! And we are expecting to stay in a yurt for fun right before school starts. Last week I bought a box of Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons because I trust Playtex brand feminine hygiene products. I had heard good things already about the discrete tiny compact nature of the new Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons. My older daughter cracked the box open and stocked her backpack with these before we headed to meet my brother and his family to camp in the Kawarthas. My daughter and I were both astonished at the size of these tampons. TINY and discreet matters, as much as being prepared when traveling. When you need to run to the bathroom and your tiny cousin wants to follow you the last thing you want is an interrogation about what you are carrying. And if you want to jump in the lake to cool off, or swim, worry free options during your period are vital. Fishing for hours off a dock? No problem. Canoeing? Riding horses? Sailing, playing baseball or basketball? Worry free. Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons are the newest compact from the #1 athletic tampon brand. They are 30 % smaller than Playtex® Sport® full sized tampons (based on length before extended). Oh, and they offer the same great 360 degree sport level protection. Also crucial, because my kids aren’t slowing down. As a Mom of teen girls I am in charge of all sorts of new shopping decisions. If one needs face wipes, or facial cleanser that’s up to me. Hair conditioner and product. Me. New bras. Me. Neither one of the girls drives yet and any money they earn they often save. But sometimes this Mom feels like a taxi and an ATM. Bank of Mom occasionally feels drained, even exploited at the checkout. But this is a product I feel great about buying. Playtex Sport supports girl’s sports through their Play On Canada sports initiative. And they get the importance of discreet products for girls on the go. I can easily recall being a teenage girl in high school. That trip down the hall to the washroom in the middle of class could make you feel self conscious. The struggle to hide tampons in your hand or purse as you walk down the hall…it’s real. When we opened this box of this newest Playtex product – Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons – we were blown away by the size first of all. SO TINY. You can easily conceal in your palm, pencil case, makeup bag or gym bag. Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons are perfect for active athletic girls, providing great protection no matter what sport you play. Here we do horseback riding, acting, skiing, basketball and martial arts. In fact just a couple of months ago both my girls graded to probationary black belt. That was a big deal and it means heading to lessons at least 3 times a week. Periods can’t slow you down. The size also makes these ideal for traveling. When you travel a lot, or camp, you know every square inch of backpack, or suitcase is crucial. Small things that take up less space are brilliant when they allow you more freedom. That’s what these do. We are super impressed with this latest Playtex product. Oh and by the way Playtex Sport web site is my GO TO RESOURCE for moms and daughters. There’s so much information that can help if your daughter is about to start her period, or already has her period. The PERIOD FAQ page is he best, with reliable and useful facts that help. Playtex® Sport® Compact tampons are available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart! I am a spokesperson for Playtex Sport Compact and as such I have been compensated. This is my opinion and my story and it is truthful.

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Water Safety – Keeping Kids Safe While They Have Fun

Paula — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 11:26:35 +0000

Water safety is something that should be in the forefront of every parent’s mind. Whether you have a pool, love the water park, visit the beach, or go swimming in your local lake or river, being safe on and near the water is crucial. All it takes is a few seconds for a tragedy to happen. Parents and caregivers can keep kids safe by making sure we practice proper water safety at all times. Why Water Safety is so Important Our kids were babies when we began swimming lessons through the Red Cross Canada program. Swimming is a lifeskill that is not negotiable for me. I was a late swimmer and I missed a lot of fun as a kid, but eventually I learned to love swimming and respect the water too. As a parent I loved that Red Cross also taught my kids first aid and rescue related to swimming pools. We have a pool, and I am vigilant about water safety. Even though both of my daughters are older and both know how to swim well, I don’t allow pool time without adult supervision. Ever. I know all it takes is one accident to change our lives, or our daughter’s friends lives, forever. They may know how to swim, but what if they fall? What if they trip? Half of my job is watching them and reminding them, even as teens, that we walk on the deck. And I remind them often what is safe and what is not. Both my husband and I are often nearby reminding kids please jump safely. Jump into the deep end. No diving unless in the deep end. And don’t horse around like that in the deep end please. One person at a time on the diving board and there’s no clowning around on the diving board either. Sometimes I sounds like a broken record but water safety is extremely important. Having a backyard in ground pool is amazing. It is my favourite place to be in the summer months. It is also a magnet for kids, both friends, family members and neighbours. That makes me happy, but when the kid’s friends are over I feel even more responsibility to supervise. There are a million potential chances to be hurt near water, and being there to supervise is the only real way to be sure I’m prepared for any of them. Unfortunately, too many water incidents and drownings happen every year here in Canada. Did you know that of all the drowning deaths in pools and natural bodies of water here in Canada, 1 in 5 of them are children? Sadly, according to drowning statistics from 2009 to 2014, an average of 35 children aged 1 to 14 died by drowning each year while playing in or around water. That’s 35 young lives cut short. How to Practice Proper Water Safety There are a number of ways that we as parents and caregivers can help protect our children while they play in or around water. By taking these steps, we can drastically reduce the likelihood that our children will become one of those 35 children who die from drowning each year. Always supervise all water play Know how to perform a safe water rescue Enroll children in Red Cross swimming lessons Enroll yourself in Red Cross swimming lessons if you can’t swim or are a weak swimmer Properly fence in and secure backyard pools Use self-latching gates on fences and keep pool decks clear of toys and debris Don’t drink alcohol while enjoying the water Actively monitor children Have young children and those who can’t swim or are weak swimmers wear life jackets Take the kids with you if you have to step away for even a few seconds Drain kiddie pools when not supervised Our family loves the water and we travel a fair bit too. So the water safety rules apply just as much when we travel. Waterslides, and beaches can be a load of fun. But safety first. Proper Water Safety Prevents Tragedy All it takes is a few seconds to lose a child to drowning. Small children can drown in wading pools. 10 cms of water can be fatal for an infant. It’s imperative that we do everything we can to proactively prevent these types of deaths, and we can. By following the tips above, we can ensure that we practice proper water safety and keep our children safe while they enjoy the water. For more information on water safety, visit redcross.ca today. This post has been sponsored by Red Cross Canada, and as such I have been compensated. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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Personal Training – Huge Help or Waste of Money?

Paula — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 10:55:36 +0000

Personal training – when do you need it and why? Is it necessary? If you hang out here often then you know I spend a fair bit of time at the gym. I do a wide variety of group fitness classes to stay interested and challenged. When I first joined years ago I often saw people of all ages working with a personal trainer. Initially I thought it was for people who were hard core gym rats, but I tried it myself and I was surprised, so thought I would share what I learned. The fact is, personal training has some major benefits. Personal Training and You The thing about having sessions with a personal trainer is that they can help those new to working out and seasoned pros. Their knowledge can be applied to everything from the obvious physical part of training to some nutritional advice in some cases. Let’s take a look at how personal trainers are more than just a way to upsell gyms. Beginners How often should I work out? Is cardio enough? Should I lift weights? How much weight should I lift? What kind of exercises should I do? These questions and about 5 billion others are what circle through the beginner’s mind when they set out on a quest for fitness. Of course, you can Google all day long, but a personal trainer can explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. Personal training is more than just movements. It’s imparting knowledge to you that you can use long after your sessions are over or after you’ve outgrown the need for a personal trainer. Intermediate and Advanced Individuals Personal training can also be quite beneficial for intermediate and advanced level folks, as well. Having someone there with you allows you to push yourself hard and still stay safe. It also allows you to try new things to get your body even more in shape. The body gets used to movements over time, and a personal trainer can help you keep your body guessing. Their advanced knowledge of anatomy and various exercises means that you’ll always be getting 100% out of your workout. My experience with a personal trainer was positive. It didn’t cost much extra and it helped me to map out the number of repetitions and the weight level I could handle. The trainer I used even wrote down the settings for certain machines so that I knew where to adjust each one. Seems simple, but he noted small flaws in my technique such as keeping your elbows bent at a ninety degree angle for one of the chest weight machines. Personal Training Helps Not at all. Personal training is by no means the only way to get in shape. While it can be beneficial, not having a trainer is by no means a fast track to failure. Think of personal training as a bit of a cheat sheet or like one of the video game guides your kids use. You can get through it on your own, but a guide can make things so much easier. Personal training allows you to learn as you go, drawing on the knowledge of your trainer and absorbing it in a way that’s hard to do through the written word. That being said, don’t feel like a lack of a personal trainer is going to derail you, it won’t. If nothing else, just do your thing until you feel like you’ve hit a wall and then sign up for a few personal training sessions to get yourself moving in the right direction. After that, go back to flying solo for a while. Remember, you can sign up for personal training at any time, and many times, you can sign up for individual sessions. If you’ve wondered about personal training sessions, do what I did. Sign up for one or two and see how they work for you. I’ve found that they can be a great help. Give it a try. But don’t think that they are required for success.

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Handling Disappointment – Seven Ways to Help Children Feel Okay About Losing

Paula — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 12:43:43 +0000

No trophies today? That’s okay. This past weekend our kids were in a massive martial arts tournament. They came away with a good attitude, great memories and no trophies. Why am I talking about that then? Well, I was super proud at how grownup the girls were after losing. Handling disappointment is a part of growing up and it’s a skill I feel like they are finally doing well. So, I am celebrating losing. Past Examples of Not Handling Disappointment Well Trust me, this has not always been the case. In the past, my youngest would have cried or had a full meltdown in exhaustion and frustration. And my older daughter, a perfectionist, with anxiety disorder, now 15, would have been down on herself. She is sensitive, really hard on herself and expects perfection. My younger girl, Ainsley, 13, excels at sports, and she also has sensory processing disorder, and FASD. On Friday night she was looking forward to attending a dance with friends, but when we arrived it was full and we had to go back home. In previous years she would have had a massive meltdown over a disappointing weekend and leaving without a trophy. Essentially the weekend was a recipe for disaster. A Weekend Recipe for Potential Disaster Disappointment is hard and failing at something doesn’t feel good. But this weekend my kids both proved how grownup they are and they made me proud. Up until this year I literally would have said my younger child doesn’t handle disappointment well. BUT proved me wrong this weekend. That got me thinking I am as proud of them for handling disappointment well, as I would be if they’d won trophies this year. In fact I might actually be more proud. Why? Because handling disappointment is hard but it’s also part of life. Handling Disappointment When You are a Child Seven Ways to Help Them Lose. Give them Chances To Succeed and Fail: This was a lesson we learned early on with Payton. She is a first born overachiever at times. If she lost a board game, or a card game, she would freak out. We were once in an article in the Globe and Mail about perfectionism. Provide safe opportunities and an environment in which to succeed and fail sometimes too. Handling disappointment and those big emotions is every bit as hard as mustering up the confidence to compete in the first place. So let them fail. FEEL all the Feels: Let them Feel all the Feels. Good, bad and in between. My anxious girl is also an avoider. So if it feels like a big, negative feeling she will avoid feeling it or replace it with anger. Ignoring feelings doesn’t make them go away. If I had a dollar for every time I sat with her and tried to help her figure out what the actual feeling was I’d be a millionaire. This girl is gentle and smart and sensitive. If she explodes or implodes then there are some very big feelings hiding…often sadness is there. Sad is one of the hardest feelings for kids to handle. Most children will replace sad with anger to drive people away. What I do … I get really calm and sit nearby. Like Time In (opposite of time out) but for older kids. Sometimes I can just say – What’s really going on here and eventually it will come out. See this post about Triggers and Adoption. With my younger daughter it takes hours. With my older girl sometimes less than a half an hour. Model Handling Disappointment and Show Them You Fail Too: In my early 20s, I started selling poetry, then articles and posts and I handled a lot of rejection slips. Did it stop me from doing what I love? No. Every night when my oldest gets in from school she asks: How was your day? Sometimes I say: “NOT GREAT. I pitched brand X and told them my rates and they told me they didn’t have budget. And when I land a great project or Family Travel Opportunity that I pitched I celebrate. When we were learning to ski I fell the most. I skidded off trail and I got back up, over and over. Give Specific Praise “I love that you charged in there even when your opponent kicked hard.” “I know you really didn’t want to enter this category, but you did because your Sensei suggested you are good at it. Proud of you for following through and not letting him down.” “I love that you committed to this and did your best.” “You looked really confident doing Cali One. How did it feel?” Do Not Give Them The World Of course you want the best for your child. Most of us do. BUT when they were little we made a choice if they asked for ten things they wanted from Santa, they might get five, or four or three. There’s nowhere to go and no room for motivation if everything you want is given to you always. Even small children can start handling disappointment. Find The Silver Lining Recently my one girl applied for a volunteer camp counsellor position she REALLY wanted. REJECTION email arrived when she was away in NYC and she was upset. So was I. The interview had gone well, but she still didn’t get it. I reminded her to thank the person who interviewed her and ask for feedback. Silver Lining. It freed her up to apply for a paying job which she asked for on her own and got. That one worked out for the best. Think about what the silver lining is in this situation and show them. Have a Plan B Don’t bank everything on one outcome. If Plan A doesn’t work out what is our Plan B? I talk about this with my older daughter all the time. We had a Plan B going into the camp counsellor interview. It worked out beautifully. Sometimes Plan B is the one that was meant to happen. [tweetthis]Help Your Child Deal with Disappointment. Seven Ways to Help Them Cope[/tweetthis] Handling Disappointment Is No Fun But It’s Also a Life Skill For years I stressed over my kids being super sensitive and emotional. Worrying that they were not ever going to be resilient creatures was my pastime. This weekend I see resiliency growing strong, even when faced with disappointment and that’s why I am celebrating losing.

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