With Mother’s Day fast approaching, my kids and I put on our crafty hats and spent an afternoon working on some fun handmade gifts. You see, we have two wonderful Grandmas that are part of our village that deserve to be spoiled. While a spa gift certificate is in their future, a little keepsake from their grandchildren will sure to go over well too.
Last Spring, I went on a whim and flew to Toronto to take part in course to learn about teaching yoga to kids through Rainbow Kids Yoga. Over three days, we learned about introducing children to yoga poses, enriching movement and of course, meditation and breathing techniques. Not only was what I learned the perfect addition to my repertoire as a classroom teacher, but it was extremely beneficial to my work as a parent of two young kids.
Hands down Fall is my favorite season. As a child, it was probably Summer, but in adulthood Fall represents much more. Perhaps it is partially because my birthday falls in September and with school starting, it feels like a new beginning. Plus how could you not love the beauty of the season with its cooler temperatures and vibrant colors with the leaves changing.
As a parent who recently started teaching again after having kids, I thought it may be of interest to know what goes on behind the school doors. You probably have a pretty good idea what your child is like after parenting them day in and day out, but what may surprise you, is that your little student acts a bit different in the classroom or around their peers. Read on to see what I observed as a mom, who also happens to be a Primary Teacher Librarian, that made me feel more content and validated as a parent.
As the summer break comes to an end, there was one item on my bucket list that I wanted to check off before the routine of September hits. While we don’t have a huge backyard at our Vancouver rental property, the size and layout bodes well for a movie night. And not surprisingly, when I told the kids that we were going to stay up late and eat popcorn and candy, while watching a movie outside, their minds were blown.
Recently, I was looking for another summer dessert option to offer guests at our Wedding Renewal Party (details on that monumental event to come). Since I already had chocolate and cookies covered, I figured a fresh fruit choice would be a necessary addition. And really, you can’t go wrong with whipped cream. But in true fashion, I ran out of time and wasn’t able to bake a cake to use. Enter a dessert hack I created unexpectedly, my one-Minute Strawberry Shortcake. You know I had to share when it turned out to be the most eaten dessert at the event.
One of our favorite summer traditions starts this weekend. Each August, the Fair at the PNE returns to Vancouver complete with entertaining shows, carnival rides and of course, yummy fair food. As a family we visit annually, as it coincides with my son’s birthday week. For the past several years, we have made a day of it and take in all the fun it has to offer. Read on to find out our Top 5 Fair moments and enter to win a 4-Pack of tickets for your family.
I consider myself lucky when my close friends allow me to help with their child’s birthday party. As lady Oprah once said, “the more you celebrate your life, there more there is in life to celebrate”. For me growing up and still to this day, I love a good celebration, especially when it is for a special kid. For a second year in a row, my close friend gave me free range on putting together a celebration for her daughter, who also happens to be my daughter’s BFF. Our girls have grown up together in the last couple years despite a 2 year age gap, they simply love being in each other’s company.
The heat index is rising here on the Westcoast and what a better time to share a fun little party I threw earlier this month to welcome the official start of Summer. The kids were finally off of school and it was time to celebrate the season of fun with a little get together with friends. With help from some fellow moms and party lovers, Hello Hoopla and Teeny Wish, the gathering was actually pretty easy to pull off (which was especially important, as I too, was coming off a hectic last month at school).