amw | amotherworld

Fashion

Nella Bella Handbags Spring 2013 Collection

February 6, 2013

If you know me, you know I’m a rocker girl at heart. I do love pretty things but give me black, chains and studs and I’m a happy girl.

I love this purse and wallet from Nella Bella:

The best thing about this London purse is you can wear it a few ways – as a cross-body. Detach, add the chain link for a small purse (which I used to bring to a concert). Undo the chain and use it as a clutch. The Tulsa wallet is part of the Spring 2013 collection and is a perfect match to the London bag.

I love the functionality of the bags – I can switch it up depending in the occasion.

Nella Bella has a brand new spring collection of fun and colourful handbags featuring timeless design and modern functionality, inspired by the exciting springtime carnival.

The Spring 2013 collection is all about the JOY of colours, textures and functionality! The bags are vibrant, yet classic and most importantly, super easy to use. Did I mention affordable too?

This Vienna bag has caught my eye… need to have it!

And this adorable, chic Nella Bella wristlet:

The Nella Bella Spring 2013 Collection looks fabulous! Here is a list of stores in Ontario.

Motherhood

Bloggers: Be Proud of Your Voice and Own It

February 5, 2013

The other day, I wrote about the fact that I haven’t been blogging much lately.

It seems when you’re a blogger and heavily involved in social media, you can’t help but see what other bloggers and social media influencers are doing. After all we’re inundated with it – as digital writers, editors and bloggers, we spend most of our daily lives online.

With that often comes self-inflicted pressure – to do more, to do better. My guess is that many others can relate to the inner conflict that most of us in the digital space (or in any industry for that matter) naturally battle with – the belief that there are better writers, better blogs, better websites, better bloggers.

Blogs that have more traffic, websites that have more readers, blog posts that receive more comments. Questions like, “Why is she invited to everything?” “How does her/his site get so much traffic?” “What does her blog have that mine doesn’t?”

STOP right there.

Look away.

You are not doing yourself any service by getting caught up in following what others are doing, and dare I say, being envious of your peers. It’s good to have knowledge of your competition but keep it short and quickly move on.

We often are our own worst critics and let’s face it – we all have characteristics and traits that we don’t often admit, accept or even like to see in ourselves. No one wants to say that they are feeling insecure, having doubts or questioning themselves.

After all, we’re in the digital space – we’re confident, successful bloggers! We’re rock stars on Facebook and Twitter and we get some pretty awesome perks! What we put out to our audience is the only truth they perceive, just a smidge of who we truly are as individuals.

But we ALL have our moments of self-doubt and insecurity – it’s completely normal and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. We can’t be super stars ALL the time you know and we’ll all have our moment to shine.

Stop worrying about what others are doing in the blogosphere/social media space and remember what YOU have to offer – a unique voice that is YOURS.

Own it.

Take a step back and remember how awesome YOU are. Be confident in yourself first and the rest will follow. Whether you’re in social media or publish a blog, the best, most empowering feeling is OWNING your space.

I love that I possess a little corner of the internet, one that is completely mine. It’s a place where I share my voice and my opinions. Not everyone will like my voice or even read my opinions but they can choose to read or not. You are awesome in your own right. You don’t have to be doing what everyone else is doing – that’s what makes you and your voice yours.

Turn it into fuel.

When you do catch yourself starting to turn green, use that energy to motivate yourself to push through to reach your goals. Re-evaluate what you want, reassess where you’re going and have a plan for how you’re going to get there.

Be Proud of Your Voice and Own It!

lifestyle

Men Who Do Housework Have Less Sex?

February 5, 2013

Couples who have more of a traditional household tend to have more sex, according to a new study.

Men who do more housework have less sex than those who don’t do the dishes and laundry as much, the study in the American Sociological Review says.

So you mean to tell me that couples where women do more chores around the house and men do the yard work have more sex? The results of the study are interesting but I wonder how accurate this could be on a larger scale (3,500 couples were involved in the research).

The chores traditionally associated with women are laundry, cooking, cleaning, dishes and shopping while the traditional male jobs are yard work, auto maintenance, driving and paying bills.

The study concluded that couples in which the husband did all the “women’s work” had one-third less sex than those in which the man did none of it. Couples in which the husband did all of the traditionally male jobs had 18 percent more sex than couples in which the man did none.

I think this study was created for men to use as another excuse to shirk out of doing chores around the house! I find it interesting to compare the results of the study to my own situation – you know you are too.

Just look at the comments on this post by an anonymous mom about husbands who don’t help out around the house – I don’t think they’re having much sex either!

What do you think about this study?

activities

What to do in Quebec in February

February 4, 2013

by Julia Gabriel

This year February in Quebec is all about the Quebec Winter Carnival and all the fun events that surround this annual festival.

From Feb 1 to 17, 2013, head down to the Plains of Abraham and enjoy the games and shows at Mr. Christie/KRAFT Village, check out the the TELUS Technologique Zone and International Snow Sculpture Competition or take a dip in the Arctic spas (bring your bathing suit).

Don’t forget to fill your need for speed on the Carnival Snow Slides. Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel and get some extra energy with some famous Beaver Tails too. If you get too cold, warm up at Espace Hydro-Québec with a hot dog, pizza or Hot Chocolate under a heated tent or on their outdoor heated terrace.

If nightlife is your thing then make sure to check out the parties at the Loto-Québec Outdoor Dance Parties under the glow of the ice palace. Try amazing food at the SAQ bistro or head off to one of the many off site restaurants and bars on the Grande Allée. For brave souls check out snow rafting, ice slides or night camping. I am cold just thinking about it.

La Brassée du Carnaval is a new addition to the Québec Winter Carnival. Enjoy the winter atmosphere and the microbreweries and try some beer and local drinks. La Brassée du Carnaval runs from February 7th to 10^th. Information and presale at information can be found at www.festibieredequebec.com.

Photos: Julia Gabriel

Food

Super Bowl Sunday 2013 Food Ideas

January 31, 2013

Super Bowl XLVII is on Sunday, February 3, 2013 between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens.

Okay truth be told, I don’t even watch football. In fact, I don’t even like football! BUT I do like the idea of gathering around the television and one of my favourite pastimes – eating!

Forget the chips and chicken wings – I’m talking about some delicious yummies to have on hand — no I’m not talking about the football players, getchur head outta the gutter!

Here are a few Super Bowl Sunday food ideas and recipes that would be fabulous to serve on Super Bowl Sunday!

Guacamole

Bean Burritos

Mac & Cheese

Barbecue Baked Ribs

Zucchini Cakes

Restaurant-Style Burgers

Garlic Herb Pizza

Peanut Sesame Noodles

Will you be watching and/or eating?

Entertainment

Oz the Great and Powerful Superbowl Commercial Sneak Peek!

January 30, 2013

Here’s a sneak peek at Walt Disney Studios’ OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL commercial which is set to air during this Sunday’s Superbowl game.

Disney’s upcoming fantastical adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful,” directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved wizard character.

When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting.

Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great wizard but into a better man as well.

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL will be released in theaters on March 8, 2013. Follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyOz.

Appetizers & Soups

Fasolada: Greek White Bean Soup

January 30, 2013

As you may or may not know, my background is Greek. I grew up with my mom’s amazing Greek dishes, although I didn’t appreciate them at the time. Of course now that I’m a mom myself, I’ve grown to adore Greek cooking.

Fasolada (φασολάδα) is a traditional Greek soup made with navy beans. Every Greek family was raised eating this much loved soup that eats like a meal. Healthy and tasty, this soup is one that can simmer on your stove top all day long – the more it cooks, the better it tastes.

Ingredients

2 cups dried navy beans
1 cup water
2 cups chicken broth (my mom doesn’t use any but I find it tastier with some broth)
4 carrots, chopped
2 white onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup tomato puree
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Soak beans overnight in cold water. In the morning, boil the beans in a pot of fresh water. As soon as the water begins to boil, turn heat off and let sit for one hour. Rinse the beans.

Pour fresh water in pot with beans and broth and bring to a boil. Boil for a half hour on medium heat. Add the carrots, onions, garlic, celery, salt, pepper and olive oil. Cook on low heat for another hour. Add tomatoes and boil for another 1/2 hour to an hour.

Kαλή όρεξη!

Health

Move over Flu – The Stomach Bug is Here

January 29, 2013

While everyone is thinking about the flu this winter, there is a new strain of norovirus is on the rise. The new strain which was detected last year in Australia, has reached the United States and Canada.

This may have been the terrible bug that hit my household recently – first my eldest, then a few days later, my youngest and then me. It was the most awful, horrid stomach bug I’d ever experienced.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pains. Norovirus is often referred to the stomach flu but it’s unrelated to influenza – I just call it the nasty stomach bug. We also had medium to high fevers along with the vomiting – lovely, I know.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the norovirus causes about 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year, mostly in young children and the elderly.

This virus is extremely contagious so if you have it, stay home. People are most contagious when they experience symptoms and during the first three days after recovery, reports the CDC.

This highly contagious virus is one of the few that you can actually catch from the toilet seat or even from the air in the bathroom if someone ill has just used it!

There is no treatment or vaccine against norovirus so prevention is key. To help prevent contamination, the CDC recommends the following tips:

Wash your hands
Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly
When you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others
Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces
Wash laundry thoroughly.

Stay healthy!

amw in the city

Winterlicious: Toronto’s Culinary Celebration

January 29, 2013

I’m not a food expert but I consider myself to be a foodie or simply – a good eater. A devourer of delicious foods. And living in Toronto, such a multi-cultural city with diverse neighbourhoods, we have abundant choices of cuisines and amazing restaurants.

Winterlicious, presented by American Express Canada and produced by the City of Toronto, is Toronto’s winter celebration of dining out, where food lovers can discover unique culinary events and 191 exciting local restaurants offering prix fixe menus. Amex Canada has a huge love affair with the dining industry, and loves bringing dining experiences to life. With 38 different cuisines in 13 neighbourhoods as well as 14 culinary events, there really is something for everyone.

There are too many amazing restaurants to choose from – I for one would love to visit Bangkok Garden, Wish, The Fifth Grill, Spacco, and Cantine Bistro just to name a few. I’d also want to revisit Pan, La Bruschetta, Jump, La Maquette and Splendido. If you decide to dine on the Danforth, be sure to visit my friends over at 7 Numbers, Lolita’s Lust and Local.

For this year’s Winterlicious festival, I’m excited to be acting as an Amex Canada “roving reporter”; I’ll be having dinner at North 44 on January 31st and sharing my experience by live-tweeting and sharing my photos on Twitter and Instagram (@amotherworld). See what the other roving reporters and I will be doing by following along with the #DineWithAmex and #LiciousTO hashtags.

Prix Fixe menus

Prices listed are per person. Beverages, taxes and gratuity additional. Lunch and dinner menus
include starter, entrée and dessert. Some restrictions apply

If you’re attending any Winterlicious restaurants, be sure to share photos of your meals on Instagram using the hashtag #DineWithAmexand enter at www.dinewithamex.ca by February 7 for a chance to win 1 of 10 $100 American Express gift cards.

Don’t forget to follow the Winterlicious conversations on Twitter by following @LiciousTO, @AmexCanada #DineWithAmex and #LiciousTO! And don’t forget to follow my tweets and Instagram posts on January 31 at North 44!

Winterlicious 2013 runs January 25 to February 7, 2013.

Disclosure: I’m thrilled to be a part of the American Express Winterlicious campaign and am being compensated for my involvement. Opinions are always my own.

Social Media

Top 10 Must-Have WordPress Plugins

January 28, 2013

by Ariane Griffiths

Hopefully your blog has seen a few posts since the beginning of the new year, and you are settling into your editorial routine quite nicely. Being a WordPress Developer, I have redone quite a few blogs already and one of the most asked question is, “What plugin should I use?”

I usually answer with “It depends on your blog’s function” or something technical of hat sort. Plugins are not made for EVERY blog and every blog does not need to use plugins.

With that said, here is the list that I use more often than not – my top 10 must-have WordPress Plugins:

1. Comment Luv

Comment Luv is a great plugin to not only accept and encourage comment on your posts, but also adds a little element of “Thanks” to those commenting by linking back to their last post.

2. Contact Form 7

Contact Form 7 is a fairly easy to use form plugin. You do need to build your forms, but the settings area of the plugin explains hw to do that with ease. You can build forms for anything; contact, reader questionnaires and pretty much anything else your imagination comes up with.

3. Easy Favicons

The Easy Favicons plugin allows you to put a little branded (or a generic) icon into the browser address bar, so that when someone bookmarks your website, it is easily located in their list of favourites.

4. Link Within

This plugin is the only plugin not directly found on the official WP Plugin Database. The Link Within plugin was recommended to us by a Client of ours (Spaghetti & Spanx) and suggests other posts that your readers may be interested in. It sits at the bottom of your post and features three small pictures to entice your readers to read the recommended posts.

5. Sexy Bookmarks

Sexy Bookmarks has a strange name but it really is quite sexy in that it allows your readers to share your content on pretty much every social media platform there is. It features rollover icon capability and gives you complete control over which platform your readers can share your content on. It even includes the options to print out or email your content.

6. Smart YouTube

This plugin makes embedding video into your posts / pages really, really easy! You simply take the embed code directly from your YouTube video and plunk it into your post/page where you want it and BAM! Your video is in your content!

7. Jetpack

Stats, Twitter Widgets, Gravatar add-ons, oh my! This plugin does a myriad of fun stuff and enhances your site with details that you never would have thought of. It also has a really great statistics component that allows you to see where your readers are coming from and where they went on your site (plus many more features!)

8. Akismet

Spam be gone! You have to sign up for this plugin only because it requires a special API key in order to work properly. Aksimet filters out the spam-bots and even non-bots and removes all of the spammy comments so that you don’t have to login to your control panel every time a junk comment comes along – it’s great!

9. Headspace2

Super easy SEO; HeadSpace2 is an all-in-one meta-data manager that allows you to fine-tune the SEO potential of your site. You can define tags/keywords, with suggested keywords, descriptions, page titles, custom ‘more text’, site name and site description and so much more!

10. WP Touch

Mobile compatibility at the touch of a button. This plugin lets you turn your stylized theme into a smart-phone compatible mobile site.

Special Mention – Widget Logic

Extreme control over your plugins – This plugin lets you control what pages your widgets show up on. You can even tailor the widgets to show up based on specific categories and tags that you specify. This plugin is extremely useful but requires knowledge of php coding language (syntax) in order for it to work. Usually when I set this up, I train our clients on how to best utilize this plugin.

So there you have it! My top 10 must-have WordPress plugins. Do you have any that you trust and use all the time? Share with me in the comment section (You’ll get some “Comment Luv” ).

Ariane Griffiths is the Principal of Ariane Griffiths ~ Web | Media | Design, a small design firm that specialises in Brand Development for small to medium sized businesses. For more information check out her website at www.arianegriffiths.com