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Fashion

What’s in Style this Fall 2012?

September 5, 2012

Ah fall, when we can bust out the sweaters and jeans!

But let’s not forget moms, we can still look stylish when taking the kiddies to school, right?

So leave the Lulus at home and throw on some of the fabulous trends this fall 2012.

Not sure if legwarmers and acid wash jeans are still in style? Not sure what’s in style this fall for women?

This fall 2012 is very chic and simple – some of this fall’s trends are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Black and navy blue is the “it” color combination of the season. Pair a black top with a navy blue pair of pants and voila. Leather and metallic gold are also making bold statements this fall.

Burgundy is the new black this season. Deep, spiced wine colours are everywhere from leather jackets to sweaters. Reds are also hot hot hot!

Who says you can’t wear white after Labour Day? Pfft! Winter white is also “in” this season from coats to warm knit sweaters.

Drop the animal prints this fall 2012 and opt for a more subtle print – like python or reptile prints.

Here are some of my favourite picks for this fall:

Leather: Jacket, Danier $399

Burgundy: Puff Sleeve Dress, Zara $79.90

Leather: Faux Leather Jacket, H&M $59.95

Burgundy Marled Sweater Dress, Joe Fresh $39

Lauren Moffatt Cardinal Games Coat, ModCloth $549

Double-breasted jacket, H&M $49.95

Military: At Attention Vest, ModCloth $44.99

Winter White: Knitted T Stitch Jumper, TOPSHOP

Crepe One-Shoulder Dress, Jacob $199

Coat with Leather Sleeves, Zara $219

Metallics: Lela Sequined Strapless Evening Dress, BCBG Max Azria

Trya Hi-Lo Pleated Maxi Dress, Bebe $159

Python Print: ython Print Dress, Joe Fresh $39

Big Kids

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Cell Phone Shopping for Your Teenager

September 4, 2012

It’s back to school time which means homework, extra-curricular activities and your teenager’s social life (yes, this is true whether you like it or not!)

Your teenager will undoubtedly want a smartphone. Teenagers love to surf the internet, check emails, instant message, and of course talk and text.

But where do you begin? Here are some things to keep in mind when cell phone shopping for your teenager.

1. How much will your teen talk?

Depending on your teen’s needs, you’ll need to predict whether you will be able to cap the minutes per month or allow for unlimited calls. Some carriers will allow you to set a limit on minutes, or limit phone use to certain times of the day. Last thing you want is your chatty teen to go over the limits of the plan and be left with a hefty bill. An unlimited plan will likely save you money in the long run.

Most cell phone companies have a family-plan package that allows for another phone to the current plan. If you have enough minutes that you don’t use on your own phone, you can add your teenager to a family plan. Again, you’ll likely save money in the long term if the whole family is on a family plan.

2. How much will your teen text?

Your teen will undoubtedly want to text. Teens tend to text a lot more than adults! You may want to go with an unlimited package otherwise the costs will add up. Certain carriers charge extra for text messaging, which is why unlimited texts might be the best option. Some cellular providers attach larger fees for data as well.

3. How much data will your teen need?

If your teenager will surf the internet, check emails and instant message, you will need to get a good data plan. If you don’t give enough data, your child can easily rack up the bill. Make sure you decide how much data you will allow.

Remember that downloading videos and music will use a lot of data. You’ll be able to get a smartphone for $0 with a contract with some providers, or even no contract by other providers with a data plan.

4. How much control over your teen’s cell phone do you want?

Although your teenager won’t be impressed with you, for the sake of their privacy and safety you will likely want to consider setting some restrictions on internet and texting. The last thing you want is for your teenager to share locations of where he/she is or private photos.

There are several ways to use restrictions. One way is to ask the carrier to cap the number of minutes, messages and entertainment downloads on the phone. The last thing you’d want is to discover that your child has downloaded expensive apps! You can also request that the carrier block content or prevent a child from texting photos. There is also parental control software that can be purchased to allow the ability to filter, block and monitor how your child uses the phone.

Remember, you’re the parent! Having a cell phone is a privilege!

Relationships

What Are Online Dating Sites Really Like?

September 4, 2012

by Stacey Farrant

I recently embarked on a little dating social experiment. I have written in the past about not knocking something until you try it and I have been in complete support of online dating. After spending endless hours listening to some very detailed experiences from friends, I decided that I needed to find out for myself what it was all about. What are online dating sites really like?

Not everyone will be happy to read of my experiment. I’m sure that I will have a few people unfollow me on Twitter and Facebook after they read this article, however I did not feel that I could call myself a writer if I didn’t do a little hard core investigating for myself.

I recently signed onto a dating site as a woman and yes, as a man! I wanted to see what it was like from both perspectives.

I have to say just from the profile photos alone, there was a complete distinction.

The guys are forever posting pictures without their shirts on. Some good some not so bad, and of course a few that made me glad I had digested my lunch! The men also had no clue as to how to stage their photos, most of them would take their own pic in the bathroom with the toilet in the background.

The ladies on the other hand, you could tell that most of them took the picture in just the right lighting immediately after applying fresh makeup. For the most part, the ladies all know their best angles as well.

After checking out the profile pics, it was time to put all that Criminal Mind watching I do to good use, and read the profiles. Wow…there are a lot of really deep people out there. That is until you get to the part about what they are looking for. That’s when the search is narrowed.

There must be a lot of athletic and toned gals out there to match up with all of the beer bellied guys on these sites! If your profile’s been on the site for more than six months, I suggest you broaden your search to at least an “average” or “curvy” gal. Most of the women I find to be a bit more generous with their “wish list”, maybe we feel it makes us appear open minded.

Then there is the dreaded emailing back and forth. To keep my anonymity, I did not include a profile picture, so of course I was completely passed by except for a few guys and gals that I think “winked” at everyone. I would spend my time scanning the profiles, sending winks, and tossing out a few emails just to see what kinds of responses I would get.

A few guys emailed me back and I managed to get a bit of conversation back and forth before they would request a photo, and same with the gals. I never did send a photo. That’s when I replied that I didn’t “feel the connection”.

The part that I loved the most about my little experiment was watching specific “connections” and the amount of time that they spent online, and knowing how long they had actually been participating in this way of cyber dating. Some had been on for months while I could barely handle a couple of weeks. I wonder if many of these people actually get up the courage to meet up for coffee or they just find themselves to be playing some form of a dating video game.

Is it just a challenge to get to the next level and then its game over? I know people that have chatted on line for months never advancing to text or even a phone call, let alone having to actually give their thumbs a rest and meet for a coffee. Is this just a way to keep our egos in check until we actually meet a human at a club or the supermarket? Is this how the single society figures out who finds us interesting and attractive and helps us narrow down who to flirt with out in the real world?

I still stand by the fact that if you’re looking for love, it could be anywhere. So don’t be afraid to try out all of your options. But if you do try out the online form of meeting someone, I think it’s safe to say that if he hasn’t asked you to meet for coffee after a week of emailing back and forth, he’s probably not going to ever. But that’s okay, because Mr. Right is likely out there somewhere not hiding behind his laptop!

Stacey Farrant is the single mother of three teenagers, a career woman by day and a self-proclaimed DIVA whenever fighting grime, cooking dinner and running the car pool allows…. all while wearing a 6″ pair of stilettos. Follow her on Twitter.

parenting

Back to School Essentials: Simple Back to School List!

August 30, 2012

It’s back-to-school time!

While some moms are celebrating and some kids are crying about the end of summer, a back to school list is inevitable! If you’re like me, you’re wondering what my kids need for back to school? Really need? Having a back to school supply list makes it easier when shopping.

Here are the best back-to-school items:

School supplies

Ah yes, shopping for school supplies like binders, pencil cases and notebooks are always fun. Hilroy supplies are my favourite – they’re colourful and cool. They are always my back to school essentials!

Locker Accessories

For the older kids, locker accessories are a must – and not just a mirror! Love The Kit by Dudley. Available at Staples.

Lunch Box

There are so many options for lunch boxes out there, especially since many school are litter-less. This Original Goodbyn™ Lunchbox in Green Apple is adorable. Fenigo.com. $29.97.

Running shoes (indoor and outdoor):

Kids will need a clean pair of indoor shoes; velcro will come in handy for younger kids while older kids can enjoy runners like these cool and comfortable Reebok RealFlex and ZigTech footwear, which are lighter and sleeker offering great cushioning. Available at Reebok stores, Foot Locker, Sport Chek. $64.99 and up.

Labels

You don’t want your child to lose their stuff so label them! Mabel’s Labels have always been my favourite and now they are selling these fabulous Write Away labels that come in handy

Backback

A good sturdy backpack with plenty of space is essential for your kids. The licensed/character backpacks are cute when kids are really young but they don’t seem to last very long. These backpacks from Roots and Dudley are sure to last!

best backpacks for school — Roots backpacks available at Canadian Tire and Costco.

Water bottle

There are so many water bottles to choose from – stainless steel, personalized – but I prefer a BPA-free plastic bottle with a label on it. I like the Nalgene Tritan Grip‑n‑Gulp Water Bottle. Available at Mountain Equipment Co-op. $7.75.

Keeping Kids Healthy

With a healthy diet, kids can have the energy to perform and focus on their school day. I like Iron Kids Gummies to ensure my kids are getting their daily vitamin intake. Available at Superstore, Walmart, Sobeys and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Oral health is also important which is why the Oral B Professional Care Rechargeable Toothbrush SmartSeries 5000 is wonderful. The SmartGuide is perfect for kids – it tells them how to brush their teeth and for how long on each side.

For Your Tween/Teen

If you allow your child to have a cell phone, then the Samsung Galaxy 3is a cool bet; has a 3.2 inch 16M colours full touch screen, Android™ 2.1 with Flash support and Swype text input.

So now that the kids are in school, time to sit back and enjoy a cup of coffee… spiked with some Baileys. Cheers to a new year!

Big Kids

It’s NOT The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

August 28, 2012

by Danielle Christopher

It is not the most wonderful time of the year.

Under the bright fluorescent light highlighting the school supply section, I am biting my lip to fight off the tears that are about to come. In one hand I have the school supply list for my five-year-old entering Grade 1. In my other hand I have my three-year-old’s hand who is watching her sister pick crayons.

I must be the craziest mom on the planet. I see the glint of happiness in other parents eyes as they are counting down to sending their kids back to school. The commercials are filled with parents happy to send their kids away.

My mind fills with all the things we have done this summer: parks, pool, movies and lots of playtime. The girls have bonded so well. My youngest is undergoing behavior therapy to help her with her autistic tendencies. Her social skills have sharpened so fast. I think it’s because it’s having her sister home. There is a lot of social interactions for the sisters.

I have to confess that I have had a lot of fun this summer playing with my daughters. I took less freelance work to free up time. My childhood memories are filled of fun with my mom: movies, road trips and a lot of time in the backyard. Summer is going too fast. They are growing up so fast!

I am not looking forward to school lunch prep or the scramble to get out the door each morning. My oldest is an early bird while her sister likes to sleep late.

I see my darling picking her pencil crayons very seriously. She looks up at me to see if I approve of her selection. I nod and smile. With the list done, we head to the cashier.

With that out of the way now I will look to fill the rest of the summer with fun. After all, Christmas vacation will come fast too.

What can I say – I love my girls and will miss them.

Are you sad about kids going back to school?

Danielle Christopher is a stay-at-home mom of two daughters and a freelance writer. Her teen story is in the collection “Parent/Teen Stories: Without Judgement”. She lives with her husband of seventeen years and her girls in Langley, B.C.. Follow her on Twitter.

Photo: © cienpies.net

Related: Why I’m Not Sad About My Kid Starting Kindergarten

Motherhood

No One Works for Free so Why Should a Blogger?

August 24, 2012

I’ve been blogging for several years now, building my brand and working with PR agencies and companies.

I love sharing my stories and the stories of other women on the website and sharing information – that’s inherently why I started amotherworld in the first place.

When I started to treat my blog like a business, things shifted. It has been a huge learning curve for me because let’s face it – social media and blogging are still fairly new industries. Although some beg to differ, there are really no true experts in these fields because frankly, the industry keeps evolving.

I wanted to monetize – I wanted to focus on the website full-time. Write more, share more stories. So I created a media kit and started charging for services.

Now the lines became blurred between earned media and paid media. My website is considered an online magazine so I shouldn’t charge, right?

Journalists don’t charge for services – true. But they DO get paid by their newspaper, magazine or television station. Who pays the blogger?

I’m an independent digital publisher – fancy for ‘I run my own website’. I have to earn my own living. Bloggers are not paid by their publication and need to generate revenue somehow to sustain their website. Bottom line – I can’t do things for FREE!

So imagine the frustration when I was asked to sit at a roundtable discussion for a very large brand/company. It wasn’t an event – it was pitched as a “roundtable discussion/conversation” where obviously I’d be encouraged to discuss and converse. It’s sharing information with the hopes that I will share that information with my fans and followers – this ultimately is helping with their marketing campaign.

I think in this case, some type of compensation isn’t too much to ask for. It takes me an hour to an hour and a half each way to get to the downtown core in traffic. Let’s not forget the time involved for my participation and “discussion” – that’s an entire morning for me.

When I responded with the question if there was a budget in place for this program, the response I received was a curt: “unfortunately we do not have budget to accommodate your request.”

Keep in mind, this is an internationally-renowned company. Like, huge. HUGE.

Later, I was asked to participate in another marketing campaign for another large brand. The agency called it a “program”. Sounded to me like they were requesting my full-on participation.

The program would involve participating in a tweet chat where I would share my thoughts on Twitter and “engage fans/followers to take part” as well. I was also asked to sign up and share the program with friends and followers. I was also asked to run a contest on my website.

No talk of compensation. Immediately I thought – seriously? You expect me to do all of this for how much? So I asked, politely, “what is the budget for my participation in this program”?

The response was yet again, disappointing: “Unfortunately we have a very limited budget for this program. We would love for you to participate but are unable to offer monetary compensation.”

Again, big brand here folks! BIG brand. NO money?

Do the PR agencies not put aside a budget for blogger outreach? When they are planning their campaign, they should be allocating funds in their budget for bloggers. Many PR firms understand this and kudos to them, but unfortunately there are still many who don’t.

Any form of promoting via social media or my blog is grounds to ask for compensation, period. I have bills to pay. Running a website such as mine is a full-time job. I can’t run a website if I make nothing from it.

Do you want to know why this is still happening? Because bloggers are still saying YES to these opportunities. Ultimately, they are doing the PR agency’s marketing FOR FREE.

So that PR rep who has successfully pitched you into promoting/sharing/writing about the brand for no compensation is getting paid to do his job, maybe even getting a bonus for the amazing results of the campaign.

What do you get? A pat on the back. I don’t know about you but that doesn’t put food on my table.

Great links:

http://appinions.com/2012/08/mommy-bloggers-ebook/

http://www.socialmediaexplorer.com/online-public-relations/bloggers-are-promotional-partners-which-is-bad-for-pr/

http://www.mom-101.com/2010/05/nothing-in-life-is-free-except-it-seems-a-mommyblogger.html

Entertainment

Fall TV Schedule: New Shows!

August 22, 2012

There are a ton of new shows debuting this fall 2012!

What new television shows look promising? Which ones will be cancelled? It’s always fun to guess… but here are my top picks for shows that may last:

My top picks for new shows this fall 2012:

Go On

Matthew Perry is back to sitcom! He plays an irreverent yet charming sportscaster who, after a loss, finds solace from members of his mandatory group therapy sessions in Go On. Tuesdays at 9:00pm on NBC.

Beauty and the Beast

Yannick Bisson, Daniel DiTomasso and Kristin Kreuk star in Beauty and the Beast, a television series based on the 1980s CBS series of the same name. It’s described as “a modern-day romantic love story with a procedural twist.” Thursdays 9:00pm on CW.

Vegas

A former rodeo cowboy becomes a sheriff in this one-hour western drama starring Michael Chiklis, Lenny Citrano and Kai Lennox . Tuesdays at 10:00pm on CBS.

666 Park Avenue

A mix of drama and horror take place at 666 Park Avenue, where all of your dreams and burning desires can come true. The new series starring Rachael Taylor, Dave Annable and Robert Buckley airs Sundays 10:00pm on ABC.

Here are some other shows that may or may not last:

The Mindy Project

Mindy Kaling of The Office fame is back as a young Ob/Gyn doctor balances her personal and professional life, surrounded by quirky co-workers in a small office. Tuesdays at 9:30pm on Fox.

Elementary

This new 60-minute series is a modern take on the cases of Sherlock Holmes, with the detective now living in New York City and stars Aidan Quinn, Lucy Liu and Jonny Lee Miller. Tuesdays at 9:30pm on CBS.

Made in Jersey

This hour-long legal series centers on a working-class woman who uses her street smarts to compete with her more polished colleagues at a top New York law firm. Made in Jersey stars Jessica Blank, Nicolette Pierini and Drew Beasley. Fridays 9:00pm on CBS

The New Normal

The new normal is about a gay couple who meet Goldie (Georgia King) who decides to become their surrogate. Jane (Ellen Barkin), Goldie’s mother, follows her family to the city against her daughter’s wishes. This half-hour comedy airs Tuesdays at 9:30pm on NBC

Nashville

A fading Nashville superstar is forced to team up with a teen sensation or face the loss of her tour and promotion of her latest records. This drama stars Connie Britton, Hayden Panettiere and Powers Boothe. Wednesdays 10pm on ABC.

Guys with Kids

Anthony Anderson, Zach Cregger and Jesse Bradford star in Guys with Kids, a sitcom is about 30-something dads struggle as parents because they are still children at heart. It stars. Airs Wednesdays at 8:30pm on ABC.

What new TV show are you looking forward to this fall?

amw in the city

Holding on to Summer: August Things to do Vancouver

August 20, 2012

by Danielle Christopher

It’s August but I’m still holding on to the summer in YVR! Some fun things to do in Vancouver in August:

The Night Market

The street market contains many multicultural booths with different merchandise on sale including artistic handicrafts, creative gifts & decors, modern electronics, fashionable clothes, popular music and delicious snacks. Enjoy the dancing and performances in the summer night air.
Spend your summer nights at the Chinatown Night Market – the first of its kind in North America!
For more information visit http://www.vcma.shawbiz.ca.

Twilight Drive-In

260th Street and Fraser Highway, Langley. 604-856-5063

The only drive-in located in the Lower Mainland, this locale brings the summer tradition from yesteryear to today’s generations. Watch recent blockbusters from the comfort of your car and munch on food from the concession. Let’s all go to the drive-in. For more information visit http://members.shaw.ca/twilightdrivein

Fresh Air Cinemas

If you are not near a drive-in, the Fresh Air Cinemas are playing in many cities around Vancouver and beyond. This summer grab a blanket and enjoy a favorite movie under the moonlight sky with your community.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/OutdoormoviesBC/notes

Granville Island

This family favorite is popular year-round. During the summer you and your family can walk around and enjoy the local artist’s creations and food from the many yummy restaurants. Or take a walk through the Granville Island Public Market where the smells alone will make you hungry.

For more information visit http://www.granvilleisland.com/

amw in the city

The Best Spray Park in Edmonton and Area

August 16, 2012

by Jennifer Banks

As I have a hugely energetic toddler and a maternity leave budget, our family has been spending a lot of time outside doing free activities. Our favorite, hands down is spending a sunny day at a spray park. I actually have a spray park bag packed everyday just in case.

We’ve been to a lot of different spray parks and outdoor water areas in Edmonton and area and we’re convinced we have found the very best one.

We found this spray park by accident in 2009. We were at the St. Albert Farmer’s Market and decided to go straight instead of turn to go south into Edmonton. We had seen the Red Willow park sign and were intrigued. We came upon the largest spray park in Canada.

The Woodland Water Spray Park is amazing. There is a huge spray park, playground and on the other side of the fence, a skate park. There is a lot of space for people to sit (bring a blanket or chair) and a good amount of shade for babies and pasty white girls, like me.

From that day on, it Woodlands Spray Park has been our go-to escape from the summer heat. Other things that I love about it: there is a washroom; concession (cash only) and a lot of parking. Best thing? It’s FREE!!

On Saturday mornings, we start with the outside Farmer’s Market, where we pick up lunch and snacks, and then head to the spray park for the rest of the day. We have a lot of fun and my toddler goes to sleep early after all of the running and playing. Saturday night win for mommy and daddy 🙂

I love the Woodlands Spray Park so much, I have hosted Tweetups there to bring together some of my favorite Edmonton moms. It’s become a weekly meet up for us as it’s idea for a single parent to bring their kids to. They have staff members that watch over the crowd, there is only one exit out and the kids can play in the water or on the playground. You can also bring your own food in or grab yummy fries or popcorn from their concession. Heck, you can even get gluten-free ice cream bars.

The Woodlands Spray Park is our home away from home in the summer. Even little Azalee enjoys it. I bet she will be running around and getting into trouble with her sister at the spray park next year.

best splash pads edmonton — Azalee and Daddy, 2012

Little Kids

Bumbo Baby Seat Recall

August 15, 2012

The makers of the Bumbo® Baby Seat are conducting a voluntary recall to add a restraint belt and new warnings to the popular infant/baby product.

Four million of its popular baby seats are being recalled after at least 50 reports of infants falling from seats placed on elevated surfaces.

Infants can maneuver out of or fall from the seat posing a risk of serious injuries. Bumbo has added a restraint belt and a new warning sticker for consumers to attach to the seat, warning consumers not to use the seat on elevated surfaces. to re-emphasize existing warnings against use of the seat on any raised surfaces.

Injuries occurred when babies fell from a Bumbo seat while it was placed on an elevated surface. There have also been reports of infants who fell out or maneuvered out of the seat when used on the floor as well.

Consumers can complete an order form to obtain a free Repair Kit which includes a belt with a new warning sticker, installation instructions, proper use instructions and a new warning sticker.

The Bumbo website said there is no need for consumers to return the Bumbo Baby Seats.

Consumers can order the free kit from Bumbo’s website.

Photo: Bumbo.com

About

Hi I'm Maria! I'm an author, lifestyle and travel writer, rock-concert-goer & gluten-free foodie. Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year: Because Moms Need a Little TLC, Too! is available at Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!
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