Well for a family of four, $100 is $100 and since we go through a lot of groceries, every bit counts. And now that we’re eating more organic, I’m always scoping stores for their organic products and produce.

So I took the #WalmartFrugalHeroes challenge with Walmart Canada providing me with a $100 gift card to see how far I could go.

I chose to see how many organic products we could find and buy…

Good-size gluten-free aisle, prices on certain items are less expensive than elsewhere:

My favourite – Greek dried figs which are imported from Greece:

Feeling nutty? Nuts are a part of our daily diet, rich in monounsaturated fat (good fat). Always buy unsalted though.

Apples and pears, along with other fruits and vegetables on the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen list, we always buy organic:

Victory!

How far does $100 go? Pretty far at Walmart!

Disclosure: I received a $100 gift card from Walmart to complete the #WalmartFrugalHeroes challenge.

by Alexandria Durrell

I’ve been a parent for almost seven years now, which means I’ve experienced the following wonderful moments:

1. Had vomit run a chunky river down my cleavage
2. Wondered whether a brown stain on my jeans was chocolate or poop
3. Been given the gift of a picked-off scab
4. Been peed on while wiping the child who says, “I’m do-oooone!”
5. Been peed on in the middle of the night by the child who says, “I don’t have to go one more time before sleep!”
6. Seen more pus than one person should ever have to see
7. Had boogers wiped on my cheeks, hands, shirt
8. Worn clothes with spit-up all day (and night, who’m I kidding?)
9. Wiped snotty noses with my bare hands
10. Picked squiggling lice and sticky nits out of my kids’ hair for four hours
11. Picked eye boogers out of my kids’ eyes

Let’s just face it: kids are gross.

For every aww-moment, there are thirteen disgusting ones waiting around the corner. But for all these gag-worthy things we endure, the one thing that truly turns my stomach is this: The Booger.

I can’t handle this, people. The mucus in a nose shouldn’t be snorted back into your throat for swallowing, expelled onto the street, or picked out, rolled into a ball and flicked or, gah, eaten. There are tissues for good reason, and every parent should own shares.

When recently discussing with my kids why the snot they find so hilarious is so very, very dirty, I discovered some interesting things. Now, I’ve lived almost 40 years believing that the dirt, germs and grime that a nose filters out are fit only for the garbage, and are certainly not something to snack on. (Oh man, the thought alone makes me queasy.) But apparently, I’m wrong.

According to recent studies, eating a booger is snot so bad. A body needs to build immunity to germs, and in order to do so, must be exposed to them. Ergo, if you eat the mucous that contains these germs, you build a tolerance to them and in the end be a healthier person. Following?

I didn’t even know where to go with this information. How do I tell my three-year-old that shoving his finger knuckle-deep into his nasal cavity and tasting his treasures isn’t as bad as I want to believe it is? What will this do to society if this kind of information gets out? Havoc, my friends, havoc.

Maybe this one stays in the vault along with the Tooth Fairy, Santa and the Easter Bunny for now.

Alexandria Durrell digs her humour like she likes her wine…dry. With a bite. She knows the lyrics to pretty much every song ever written, has a weakness for plaid and for all her complaining, she always finds the silver lining.  Her two kids and one husband (for now…she’s evaluating the benefits of Brother Husbands) are the things that make her happiest and most frustrated in life, and there’s not a thing she’d change about that.  Despite the name, she blogs here but is usually found in her pajamas on Twitter.

We started off the event with a low-impact workout … now when I think low-impact, I think yoga, maybe Tai Chi. Nope!  Lyzabeth Lopez, owner of the Hourglass Workout & Sexy Pilates, led us on a butt-burning session where I got to get up close and personal with @vivimaria, Health & Beauty editor of @urbanebloc. My glutes are still store!

We then enjoyed a super-healthy lunch and learned all about the new Samsung GALAXY S4 device and received one to keep! What’s so new about the Samsung GALAXY S4 from TELUS?

• With the world’s first-ever Full HD Super AMOLED display, the GALAXY S4’s five-inch screen showcases images in stunning resolution.
• It boasts the Dual Camera mode including a 13-megapixel rear camera.
• With the S-Translator, you can say or text what you need translated and the GALAXY S4 will read or text the translation back to you.
• Features like Smart Pause, Air View, Air Gesture and Optical Reader detect your motions, face and voice to enable screen control with no need for finger touch activation – and you can use the screen with gloves too!
• Simply plug in your phone to your TV with HDMI and view on the big screen!

The Samsung GALAXY S4 is so feature-packed that TELUS is offering Learning Centre Sessions where device specialists can help explain the various devices.

We also learned about UP by Jawbone, a wristband and app that aids in tracking how you sleep, move and eat, ultimately helping you use this information to make healthy life changes. Up by Jawbone will be available online and in select TELUS stores across Canada starting this summer.

TELUS has partnered with Rethink Breast Cancer to encourage Canadians to “raise their paws to support the cause” and will donate $300,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer (and QBCF in Quebec).

Starting in May and while quantities last, TELUS will include this free, uniquely designed case with each purchase of a white Samsung GALAXY S4. To show its continued support to breast cancer prevention efforts, TELUS will also donate $25 to Rethink Breast Cancer (or QBCF in Quebec) for each purchase of a white Samsung GALAXY S4. Join the conversation on Twitter by tweeting using the hashtag #raiseyourpaws.

To top off the organized and informative event, TELUS donated $50 to Rethink Breast Cancer in my name.

Since 2008, TELUS has given $5.4 million towards research, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in Canada which is very impressive. Definitely a brand that is using their power to do good.

Really dislike it… but not enough to hire a cleaning lady. I’d much rather turn up Metallica, Rise Against, 30 Seconds to Mars or Alexisonfire and turn a cleaning into a good ole workout, take the money I’d spend on a cleaning lady and buy myself a new item of clothing or shoes.

I just need to stop making excuses of getting some spring cleaning done!

I’ve been keen on organic and chemical-free living so of course, I’ve become a fan of Seventh Generation. Their cleaning and personal care formulas are biodegradable, comprised of a high level of plant and mineral-based materials, and free of harsh solvents, dyes and synthetic fragrances. Instead, the brand uses essential oils and botanical extracts in their fragrances to create a fresh and pleasant aroma.

If every household in the U.S. and Canada replaced just one bottle of 32 oz. solvent-containing all-purpose cleaner with Seventh Generation’s 32 oz. solvent-free product, we could prevent 624,000 kg of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from polluting our air.

Seventh Generation makes dishwashing detergents, surface cleaners for the kitchen and bathroom, laundry detergents, stain removers and fabric softeners, hand soap, bar soap and body wash, body lotions and facial cloths and diapers, wipes and baby personal care.

We’re giving away a cleaning pack of Natural All Purpose Cleaner, Natural Glass & Surface Cleaner and Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner to help you with your spring cleaning!

Use the Rafflecopter form to enter this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNFvvx6wMFs

A Mighty Girl started the petition which garnered 200,000 signatures:

Merida was the princess that countless girls and their parents were waiting for — a strong, confident, self-rescuing princess ready to set off on her next adventure with her bow at the ready. She was a princess who looked like a real girl, complete with the ‘imperfections’ that all people have.

The redesign of Merida in advance of her official induction to the Disney Princess collection does a tremendous disservice to the millions of children for whom Merida is an empowering role model who speaks to girls’ capacity to be change agents in the world rather than just trophies to be admired. Moreover, by making her skinnier, sexier and more mature in appearance, you are sending a message to girls that the original, realistic, teenage-appearing version of Merida is inferior; that for girls and women to have value — to be recognized as true princesses — they must conform to a narrow definition of beauty.

Thanks to the power of the internet, Disney has quietly responded by returning Merida to her original character design on their official princess website.

A Mighty Girl is using the hashtag #KeepMeridaBrave on Twitter and tweeted: “Still no statement from Disney confirming madeover Merida not on merchandise. Keep spreading the word!”.

What do you think about Disney’s actions?

The first six months of food introduction (usually from six to 12 months of age) are intended more as a sensory experience than to replace the nutrition provided by breastmilk and/or formula. Complementary foods teach your child about new textures, tastes, and colours so it’s important to offer a variety of different finger foods in addition to the purees or solids you may have already introduced.

Babies and children love flavour (just like adults!), so don’t be afraid to add seasonings and spices including garlic, onion, cinnamon, nutmeg, tumeric, etc. Taste your child’s food and chances are, if you like it, so will they.

There are many packaged convenience foods marketed to the parents of babies and toddlers like yourself, however know that most of these convenience ‘first foods’ are not necessary for your child. Most of these packaged foods are high in sugar (disguised in rice crackers and teething biscuits), salt, and synthetic ingredients and colours that do nothing to enhance your child’s health. Some commonly marketed and advertised finger foods have the same sugar content as a can of pop!

To read more, http://www.ohbabymagazine.com/food/finger-food-ideas/

Tears for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ stunning loss against the Boston Bruins in overtime after a 4-1 lead;

and tears because my son didn’t make the minor rep hockey team.

He was devastated. Of course I was saddened for him and very disappointed.

I swear it felt like the game on TV last night mirrored what happened to us – a strong journey and then it all just fell apart.

The rep hockey tryout process is gruelling emotionally and physically. There are levels of rep teams – from AAA to AE – and there are three tryouts for every level and cuts after each tryout. For example, my son made it through one cut of A level hockey but then got cut; he then made it through two tryouts for AE only to be cut last night.

Seven other hopefuls were also very disappointed last night. That’s eight little hearts broken in one evening – my heart goes out to all of them!

It’s very difficult for the coaches to select players for the teams – but more difficult for the players who are still only 8 and 9 years old. Players can be cut from a higher level also, getting beat out by lower level players who have improved over the past year. Players who were on the team the year before are automatically guaranteed to make it through to the third tryout.

If your child doesn’t start out young in rep hockey (Tyke), it just gets more difficult to make the team. The coaches already have their teams set up and dozens of kids are fighting for just a few spots. In most cases the coaches have 90% of their rosters already filled. If the coach has a child playing on the team, they’re in. Doesn’t seem fair but that’s the way it goes.

To make the team, your child will need to perform exceptionally well – he has to perform even better than those already on the team. Kids have to fight for a spot – that’s a ton of pressure! Like anybody, kids can have an amazing tryout (like my son did up to last night), and can have “off” days too.

Now what?

We pick up and move forward.

He tries out for the Select team again this year, which is kind of like an all-star House League (he was on the Select team last year).

If he really wants to play rep hockey, he’ll have to work even harder this year, improve his skills tremendously, and try out again next year.

He’s already bounced back, the tryout already a distant memory. Love how kids are so resilient. It might take me a bit longer.

No matter what, I’m proud of my son and all that he’s accomplished so far.

“Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.”  ~ Terry Evanshan

Great article on Minor Hockey – “Is Minor Hockey Worth it?”

by Rebecca Wilson

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! I love receiving gifts that my child has made but who would not also want a morning off from cooking?

I started digging for recipes that children could make for their mothers for Mother’s Day. A lot of them were things that my five year old just would not be able to handle. Things like French toast and Cheesy Eggs.

Yes, I am a fan of both of those things, but would I want to wake up to a royal mess in my kitchen on Mother’s Day with him trying to make this for me? NO.

I found a really easy Mother’s Day breakfast recipe for kids to make on their own. Now, granted my son is five years old and should probably not be operating the toaster or even a knife alone. There are safety hazards to something like this. Enlistment from Dad or other adult supervision besides Mom would be required.

Here is the best recipe for non-disaster in the kitchen that I could find for a little man or woman to make for their mother on Mother’s Day:

I Heart You Toast

The directions for this are pretty simple. These are the items that you will need:

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• About 1/4 cup fresh blueberries or other berries
• 2 tbsp cup light strawberry or raspberry jam

Seems pretty easy and basic right? Here are the directions:

1. Toast bread slices – young kids will need a grown-up to watch the toaster. Spread about 1 tablespoon of light cream cheese over the entire top of each piece of toast using a plastic knife.
2. Make a heart in the center of the toast using about 1/8 cup of fresh blueberries for the outside of the heart, on each piece of toast.
3. Spoon jam into the middle of the heart.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Inspired by this recipe.

Rebecca Wilson is mom of two and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. She loves reading, blogging and cooking. She is a college grad and very proud of being able to do it all online with holding down jobs, a household and children with the help of her wonderful husband.

by Franki Arnold

While my husband and I were sitting and attempting to make a list of things that we will definitely be needing for this baby (we got rid of most of Tatum’s stuff since we weren’t sure when we’d be bringing another little one into the world!), we kept drawing blanks about what was really necessary. Now that I’m in my third trimester, I’m trying to get everything prepared and somewhat ready for baby’s arrival, so it was imperative that I get a move on organizing everything.

When I was expecting Tatum, I was told that we would need SO many items besides the obvious diapers, wipes and onesies. We were gifted with a swing, a bottle warmer, wipes warmer, and several other “necessary” items that ultimately ended up collecting dust and were given away or donated. The gifts were very well intentioned, but we had a lot of things cluttering up our space that we never used.

With this baby, we want to make sure that we only have what we REALLY need. I’m not a big fan of waste, and any ways we can keep the baby necessities to a minimum is ideal for me. Now that we’ve experienced becoming parents to a baby and what they really entail, we knew what was important for us to have and what wasn’t.

Here are 5 baby items a new mom can’t live without:

1. Baby Carrier/Wrap

A baby carrier or wrap is a lifesaver. Whether you are becoming parents for the first time and will need it to soothe your baby to sleep (babies love being near their mamas!), or to get some dishes done while your little one wants to be held, or if you are been-there-done-that parents who will need it mostly to be able to chase after your other children, you will not regret this purchase. There are so many benefits to baby-wearing (helps babies to cry less, to keep postpartum depression at bay, and great for baby’s mental development, to name a few!), and being able to have the use of your arms and hands is a priceless gift when you have a newborn who likes to be held! This is number one on our list of must-haves.

2. Bouncy Chair

For the times when baby-wearing was not possible, such as shower time or while cooking supper, a bouncy chair was one of our most-used items. It came with me in the bathroom while I got cleaned up, while I was in the kitchen, or when Tatum was old enough to eat solids, she sat in it while we fed her. It was comfortable enough for her to nap in and didn’t take up too much space. Another really great item to add to the “must-have” list!

Franki at 27 weeks

3.  Comfortable Glider/Rocking Chair

We didn’t have a glider when Tatum was a baby, and I do not know how my back survived the many hours of sitting up in bed nursing Tatum or rocking and swaying her to sleep. Our very first purchase for this baby was a glider, and I can already tell it is going to be used a lot. Babies love movement, and having a glider in your bedroom/nursery to rock to sleep or to sit comfortable in while you nurse your baby will be well worth the investment.

4. Big, Roomy Diaper Bag

Right now I have a huge Timi & Leslie diaper bag waiting to be filled with all of our new baby’s items. It has several little comparmtents as well as a handy little clutch that comes with it for mom’s essentials. Having a diaper bag that’s big enough to fit an extra change of clothes, our fluffy bum Genius cloth diapers, wipes, perhaps a few pumped bottles of breast milk if my husband is with the baby, a change pad, plus toys, receiving blankets, and our necessities is crucial. Make sure you have one that is wipe-able on the inside and outside in case of spills or other mishaps!

5. Food Processor

When Tatum first started solids, I went out and bought a bunch of baby food in jars for her. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw how expensive those teeny jars of food are, and I also remember feeling a bit wary about feeding her food that has been sitting on a shelf for so long. David and I did some searching around on the internet and found some great and easy baby food recipes, and we set to work making our own baby food. Not only was it super easy and much cheaper than the pre-made kind, we also knew exactly what our child was eating. To make baby food, all you need is a good processor and you are on your way. We currently use a Cuisinart 12-cup processor, but you can get them in several different sizes to fit your needs. Spend a couple of hours (maximum) on the weekend prepping and processing food, and your baby has fresh, wholesome and budget-friendly baby food!

What were the baby items you couldn’t live without?

Franki Arnold, owner/operator and blogger of Those Young Moms is a 26-year-old mother to 4 1/2 year old Tatum and expecting baby number two in July 2013. Franki is passionate about natural and empowering birth for women, organic and healthy eating for families, easy chic fashion for moms and big cups of coffee. She hopes to inspire women through blogging about her journey towards a VBAC with her second pregnancy. Find her also on Facebook and Twitter.

Cooper’s son, actor Corbin Bernsen shared the sad news on Twitter:

Mom passed this morning. She was in peace and without fear. U all have been incredible in your love. In her name share it 2 day with others.

Cooper was in and out of hospital recently to be treated for undisclosed illness.

My mom watched the Y&R ever since I can remember. Every day after school at 4:30pm on Global, we’d watch together – it was a ritual. Even after getting married, I still couldn’t stop watching the lives of the Newmans and Abbotts – with Katherine Chancellor as the Queen Bee.

I still watch the show and ironically, Cooper’s character was also in hospital getting brain surgery.

Cooper was a daytime drama legend. A television icon.

May she rest in piece.

Who can forget the best cat fight Katherine had with Jill?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A04g0mXF8Eg