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amw in the city

Five Reasons Why Great Wolf Lodge is Great and Not So Great

July 26, 2012

Written by Cathy B.

If hopping on a plane or taking a long road trip seems like anything but fun to you, opting for a local vacation might be your ticket!

I love that Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario is family-friendly, a decent drive (if you live near the Golden Horseshoe region), and you don’t have to worry about brushing your teeth with bottled water.

Of course, with every vacation, there are pros and cons. So, I’ve whipped up this list on why it’s a great destination vacation (and why it’s not).

What makes the Great Wolf Lodge so great?

1. You can bank on a weather-proof vacation.

Rain or shine, it doesn’t matter since the water park is indoors. Plus, if you go in the summer, the outdoor poolside creates the illusion you’re at a real resort (without the pina coladas – boooo).

2. Most girls get a kick out of pedicures.

After a day of looking at your wrinkled fingers and toes from all the water fun, nothing beats a scented ice cream themed pedicure and manicure to make you feel new again. Your teens (and teens at heart) will think you’re the coolest mom ever for treating them to a spa day!

3. Can’t get your kid out of the bathtub? Magnify that feeling 30X for them.

There’s everything from water roller coasters, slides, a giant splash pad, rafts, inner tubes, and lots and lots of pools. It beats rubber duckies, that’s for sure!

4. The basic rooms are spacious and clean.

Plus, every room includes a mini fridge as their standard at NO extra charge. So, you can rest assured that your baby bottles and bite-sized snacks are chilling while you’re chillin’.

5. Location, location, location.

You’re a pretty close drive to Niagara Falls so you can easily change up the scene. Go on, take that cheezy honeymoon you’ve always wanted… with your kids.

What makes the Great Wolf Lodge NOT so great?

1. It can be pretty pricey!

Make sure you check out discounts online before you book. I also brought some of my own cereal, milk, cold cuts, bread and drinks to get through snack time and quick meals. Yes, cheap is chic.

2. Bring your own Pack ‘n Play if you need a crib.

I asked for one from the front lobby and the one I got was so dirty, it should have been called “Puke and Play.” Nasty!

3. It’s pretty limiting if you have a toddler under the age of two.

There was one lame excuse they called water basketball with six children crying over one ball. No water toys + No small splash pad areas = Not a lot of fun for mom.

4. The bedtime story time in the lobby will put you to sleep.

Kids were asked to wear their pjs to the lobby. Cute, right? Well, not when you watch them sitting on a DIRTY carpet on the floor and then slip into bed in the same pjs. Secondly, a lady reading a story with one employee dressed in a king costume doing nothing is very once upon a time.

5. Look out for big buckets of water overtop.

Although the kids get all excited watching people get zonked by a random bucket of water splashing on their heads, I did not feel it was the safest thing for young toddlers/babies to try to catch their breath after swallowing unexpected water. There were no warning signs, so if you don’t know this when you first arrive, walk with your head up and mouth closed. (A good trick to keep the kids quiet, btw).

In a nutshell, by the end of your trip, if you don’t feel this was the best compromise for your hot ticket to the Caribbean (and it’s not), then simply utter the words, “Non hablo ingles” to your kids if they ever suggest going again.

In my opinion though, if you’re looking for the kid in YOU to come out than this is “the” place to be. I definitely think it’s a must for every family to try at least once. And believe me, your kids will thank you. Happy splashing!

Photos: Great Wolf Lodge Niagara

Read about my experience at Great Wolf Lodge!

https://amotherworld.com/travel/great-fun-for-kids-at-great-wolf-lodge-niagara-falls/

Entertainment

Kristen Stewart Cheated on Robert Pattinson

July 25, 2012

Kristen Stewart has cheated on Robert Pattinson! Shocked that this Twilight power-couple have come to this?

Stewart, 22, has apologized publicly for having an affair with Rupert Sanders, director of her film Snow White and the Huntsman.

Us Weekly published photographs of Stewart sharing some intimate moments with Sanders, 41, nearly 20 years her senior.

The two were spotted on July 17 in L.A. and the pics are everywhere.

Stewart released an apology, saying she is saddened that she has hurt her boyfriend of three years, Pattinson, 26.

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and embarrassment I’ve caused to those close to me and everyone this has affected. This momentary indiscretion has jeopardized the most important thing in my life, the person I love and respect the most, Rob. I love him, I love him, I’m so sorry.”

The very married Sanders, who is also a father of two, released an apology of his own:

“I am utterly distraught about the pain I have caused my family. My beautiful wife and heavenly children are all I have in this world. I love them with all my heart. I am praying that we can get through this together.”

Sanders is married to Liberty Ross, with whom he has two children ages 7 and 5. Ross is a model and ironically she portrayed Stewart’s mother in Snow White and the Huntsman.

What was Stewart thinking? What was Sanders thinking?

RPatz must be heartbroken but surely he would have millions of women ready to console him!

amw in the city

Things to do in LA: Natural History Museum

July 25, 2012

by Melissa Buonanno

Los Angeles is a popular summer destination for families around the world and we have so many fun things to do other then Disneyland. One of my kid’s favorite places is the Natural History Museum in LA. It’s huge and there are tons of things to see and do.

If you are local the family membership is the way to go because you also get into La Brea Tar Pits and a few other cool places that are right there. If you aren’t local it’s really affordable, kids under 4 are free and over 5 is just $5.00 adults are $8.00. The museum is usually pretty crowded but where in LA isn’t? And it is still a far cry from Disneyland crowds plus it’s air-conditioned, a win-win.

The butterfly exhibit is up right now through September 3^rd and it is spectacular. You walk through and interact with the butterflies and moths right in their own environment. My 4 year old loved it, she had one land on her arm and was ecstatic, it’s very interactive and now she wants to be a butterfly when she grows up.

The dinosaur exhibit is a permanent fixture at the NHM with over 14,000 feet of dinosaur fun. They have huge complete fossils and you can even catch a peek in their lab, it’s pretty cool. The live insect showcase is really neat too, my son loves it but honestly mommy could do without the creepy crawlers they have thousands of bugs.

There are over a dozen permanent exhibits featured at the museum including an amazing gem and mineral gallery showcasing over 2000 pieces, it’s stunning and there are even some you can touch. They also have an enormous ancient Latino art work collection with breathtaking pieces. The permanent exhibits also include history, birds, mammals, African and many more it’s a great place for family learning and fun.

There is a really great grill on site but if your kids are picky like mine because of the location there are plenty of other restaurants within walking distance. I totally recommend bringing a stroller because there is a lot of walking and snacks for the little ones are a good idea too. The NHM is an all day event we have been there many times and still find something new every time we go I totally recommend it.

Books & Music

USS is Rock Approved

July 25, 2012

Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker (USS) rocked the stage at Edgefest on July 14 at Downsview Park.

Based out of Parkdale in Toronto, USS is composed of vocalist, guitarist and erhu player Ashley Buchholz (aka Ash Boo-Schultz) and turntablist/hype man Jason “Human Kebab” Parsons.

Their sound is described as “a campfire after-party with a jungle-rave vibe, progressively two-stepping their way to a dance folk cuddle.” A mix of rock with a hint of reggae, rap and turntable scratching makes this duo unique and a fabulous Canadian band.

Buchholz has much to celebrate after several years of struggle. At the age of nine, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and stopped playing rep hockey.

“I had three feet of my intestine taken out at age 16 years old. That experience in my life contributed to my feeling of helplessness.”

Buchholz, 34, struggled with himself, his career in music and finding his identity for many years after his surgery. But he finally reached a breaking point where everything started to change.

“I felt like I got struck by lightning and I felt the shift happen, I felt I turned from a barge into a sail boat. And now I’m the sailboat and the happy sailor. I’m tired to be lost at sea and now be the lighthouse. There’s hope.”

“I had to transcend and become empowered to be a man. For the first time in my life at 34, and I walk around feeling tall and feeling like a man and takes care of things and makes it work no matter what.”

parenting

5 Things to Do To Keep Kids Busy

July 25, 2012

by Christy Laverty

Ah summer. The kids are home from school and in your hair so to speak.

I look forward to summer break with my girls. Many of you know I work evenings, so during the school year I don’t get to see my kids very much. They spend the day at school and I work evenings so I see them in the morning before school and for a few moments after school.

So when summer arrives we can finally reconnect and spend some time together. I also get to sleep in! (Hurray for sleeping in!)

But don’t get me wrong, while I love to be with my girls, they do drive me crazy from time to time. O.K. I will be honest; sometimes they make me want to run to the bathroom and lock the door.

So with that in mind I thought it would be helpful to create a list of things to help you (ok, me) survive summer time with the kids and keep everyone happy, healthy and entertained.

1. Don’t Be a Couch Potato

This one seems obvious but I am guilty of falling into this trap while I work to get some housework done. It is important to manage time spent in front of the television. I say one movie or a couple of shows are enough and then get them moving. Send the kids outside to play, skip, or chalk while you get some cleaning done. Everyone will be happier when they don’t sit on the couch. I find my kids tend to get cranky and then start to bicker when they are inside too long.

2. Keep Them Busy

This one kind of goes hand in hand with number one. I find my children start to bicker when they are bored. Sometimes they just need help finding things to do. Chores are a great way to keep the kids busy and it helps Mom and Dad finish up the housework faster so they can join in the summer time fun. Summer shouldn’t be an excuse to toss routine and chores out the window.

3. Be Creative

Crafts are a great way to keep everyone entertained. There are a lot of great DIY kid projects online. Check out my blog http://FrecklesKids@blogspot.com for a few neat ideas, personally I like the t-shirt bracelets and the decoder! Be creative with the kids and keep it simple so that you are not creating more work for yourself.

4. Play-dates Are Your Friend

I love play-dates, even when they are at my house (sometimes). Play-dates are great to keep the kids busy and out of my hair. Team up with other moms so that you can each take a turn with play-dates. Rotate play-dates around so every parent gets some down time away from the kids.

5. Reading

Summer is a great time to get familiar with your neighbourhood library and keep the kids reading. We all know what happens to kids over the summer; they tend to lose some of what they have learned during the school year because they aren’t learning academically during the summer. Use it, or lose it! So get to the library, check out some books and get the kids reading, to you, to their siblings and to themselves!

What are you doing to keep your kids busy this summer?

Christy Laverty is a mother and an editor for a Toronto all news radio station. She also does freelance writing for several parenting magazines. Visit Christy’s blog where she updates the trials, tribulations, and fun of being mom of two beautiful girls.

News

Yahoo CEO Mayer: Can Working Women Have it All?

July 24, 2012

Marissa Mayer is the newly named CEO of Yahoo!

That’s not the story – a woman achieving such success in the tech industry. The big story is that it’s a huge achievement because she is pregnant. Six months pregnant.

Which brings the old debate into light again whether women can “have it all”… It also puts the question into the forefront – why does it even matter that she’s pregnant?

Reactions have been varied because Yahoo hired a pregnant chief executive who plans to only take off a few weeks for maternity leave, during which she would still continue to work.

Mayer will be a first-time mom – has she really thought this through? The demands of a newborn as well as running a company as large as Yahoo! will undoubtedly be daunting… I have a feeling she is going to be very surprised once her baby is born.

However with a salary that Mayer will have, she will be able to afford all the help she needs…

My motto is – everyone can have it all… maybe just not at the same time. Mayer is a very rare case in which she will be getting paid millions of dollars to do her job – something that most people will never experience.

Will Mayer open the doors for many working mothers in high positions? Is this discussion helpful or detrimental to moms?

What do you think?

House & Home

3 Steps to a Successful BBQ

July 24, 2012

by Monika Meulman

In the summer time we gather and enjoy company, drinks and great dinners – outdoors!

One group of neighbours drops by, followed by another and another. Before you know it there are twenty people lounging in your backyard.

If you’re like me, it’s your favorite time of year: outdoor friendships, eating, and great conversation. Maybe a couple friend musicians bring their acoustic guitars and help you serenade the night away.

It’s so easy – or is it?

If your BBQ is burgers and beers, it can be easy to have people over anytime! Stock up on the basics, such as burgers and buns, condiments, some drinks, and fire up the BBQ. You may be quite the pro at throwing together a BBQ for your neighbours or close friends. If that’s your style, you are surely the ‘go to’ backyard of your neighbourhood.

What if your BBQ guests are your colleagues, your boss, in-laws, or new friends? Do you get stressed? Does everything have to be just right? Do you worry about timing, food presentation, or how you will be able to accommodate everyone?

Some of us are natural worriers. We may get stuck in the planning stages of an event, even a fun one like a BBQ. What we don’t realize is that the ‘planning’ of an event, begins before the shopping or cleaning. The process starts with your vision. Set a clear vision of what the evening will entail and the details will begin falling into place. Yes, there are many physical logistics to consider. These planning details can be carried out with ease, a sound mind, and little energy, if you are mindful of the evening’s vision. Remember, you are in control of you.

Take time. Slow down. Consider what you need. Breathe. Breathe deeper. Again. A few minutes of your day dedicated to a visualization can do wonders for any event.

If you choose the opposite, and begin the week or day of preparing for the BBQ frazzled, denying yourself preparation time, you are bound to fail. Perhaps, on the surface, the party will be a success, but inside you will be spent, tired, exhausted. That is your choice of course.

To host a tremendous BBQ event, remaining intact, your mind fully engaged, and still hopping with energy accompanying the last of the guests, follow these simple steps. A bonus: You might just get hooked on mindful living too!

3 Steps to A Successful and Mindful BBQ are:

1. Create a Mental Picture of Who, What, Where, How

This is a visual exercise. Once you have a confirmed date of the event. Take 5-10 minutes in a quiet place at your home or office, in the park, on a lunch break, wherever, and close your eyes. See the actual date in your mind’s eye. Slowly bring into focus the menu you wish to see. Scan over the prepared decorations, serving dishes, and any special meal additions you wish to include. Slow down your breathing. Enjoy the mental preparation.

Everything is flowing from one stage to the next. Imagine the aroma of the foods, marinades, and outdoor greenery. Once the meal is planned out, bring the guests into your vision. They are smiling. They are excited to see you. Allow them time to greet you and truly connect. This simple greeting visual will set your mood for that evening. Lastly, see yourself flowing from one guest to another with ease and perfect timing. Take another deep breath and then slowly open your eyes. This can be done once or as many times as you wish. It can be done well in advance, or on the day of your BBQ.

2. Plan out your week or day on paper/smart phone/computer, taking your time.

Planning is the easiest part, when you think about it. Write down your menu. Jot down ingredients and supplier locations. Remember to list travel times for pick ups, and extra time needed for special orders.

Many websites allow you to plug in a meal menu and provide a preparation schedule for you to follow. This is invaluable with larger amounts of food. The day of the party, breakdown the prep into three segments:

Clean/prepare venue
Pickup/prepare foods and beverages
Prepare yourself – do a mini visualization of how you wish the event of unfold.

3. Time of the party: Mindful Greetings

You are ready, whether your guests are not. Remember this. Knowing you can handle an event is half of the success. Mindfulness dictates that you are present, FULLY present, for each handshake, hug, hello, and eye contact. This is what makes your guests feel welcome and begins an enjoyable BBQ.

If you are rushing around, trying to hide behind last minute chores or preparations, your guests will feel misplaced. They will begin to fidget and the conversation may stall. If you are running behind at the final hour: leave something out. Don’t finish it and move on. What matters is your company, your guests. Smile. Smile for yourself not just for your guests!

Be grateful for what is. Take the compliments that guests offer to heart. Don’t shoo them away. Enjoy the centre of attention that being a host brings to you. Shine. Ask questions. Listen. Stop thinking of what remains to be done. You have pictured the event in your mind. You are ready to just be fully present. That is a gift for your guests. They will love your food, your company, and your BBQ. Holding mindfulness within guarantees effortless flow of energy from you out into the world.

If the party ventures into the wee hours of the night, you will be thankful for this special reserve. Many times, the guests take over the party and you may even be able to lounge and enjoy their interactions without directing them. If this happens, remember to smile. That is truly a successful BBQ!

Try the three tips on hosting a good outdoor party and let me know how it works for you. It works for me! I bet you will be a host that is glowing, energized, organized, and in bliss even late at night.

Monika Meulman is a certified aromatherapist and healer and has worked in complementary health for over 15 years. At Healing Muse, she does aromatherapy massage, foot treatments, body readings, intuitive healing treatments and reiki sessions. Monika is also the president of The Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (cfacanada.com) and Founder of the Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society. Follow her on Twitter.

amw in the city

What to Do This Summer In and Around Vancouver

July 23, 2012

by Danielle Christopher

There are so many wonderful things to do in Vancouver this summer, especially family attractions!

If city living is getting you down, then head off to the Cultus Lake Waterpark. These water slides have been providing family fun since the 1980s and is family run and operated. Their staff are trained for water safety. Also nearby are river rafting and mini-golf courses to make it a fun day. For more information check their site out at www.cultus.com.

Located on the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey is the popular attraction Dinotown. Beat the rush hour traffic on Highway 1 and head over to this summer-long event. Live shows and bouncy castles can makes this a family treat for all ages. For more info: www.dinotown.com

A family favorite for generations is the PNE Exhibition in right in Vancouver. Located right next to Playland, PNE brings lots of entertainment together and vendors at the market which makes a cloudy day brighter. PNE is open August 18through to September 3. Playland is open now. Be sure to purchase seasons passes if you plan to come more than once. For more information and find out who is coming this summer, visit www.pne.ca.

Photo: Cultus.com

amw in the city

Things to Do Quebec City in July

July 17, 2012

by Julia @nugglemama

Are you in Quebec City this summer? Here are some things to do Quebec City in July!

July is full of fun in Quebec thanks to live concerts at the Festival D’Etem grand Fireworks displays during Les Grands Feux Loto-Quebec plus a few smaller events to celebrate Canada Day and the Birthday of Quebec City. To cool off your family nothing hits the spot quite like a soft serve cone.

After hitting the festival grounds all day, hop over to the south shore with the family and pick up an ice cream cone from one of the best ice cream shops in Canada, it’s the perfect ending to any day. For a soft serve cones dipped in the best Belgium chocolate this side of the pond stop by Les Chocolats Favoris.

If Belgium dipped chocolate soft serve isn’t your thing the try one of their many other ice cream flavours in both soft and hard serve, banana splits, beverages and so much more. The prices are reasonable if you stick to the smaller cones, and because they are so rich a mini is all you need.

If I haven’t convinced you already check out this face.

Catch Les Grands Feux Loto-Quebec from a prime spot over on the south shore of Quebec City from one of the many great viewpoints a short walk from Les Chocolat Favoris. Bring a chair and settle in early to enjoy the view Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 28 to August 15, 2012 at 22:30. The event is free for everyone and you can listen to the event accompanied to music on 102.9 FM.

North shore or south shore there are all kinds of family fun to be had in the Quebec City area in July.

Motherhood

What is Happening to the Children of Today?

July 16, 2012

by an Anonymous Parent

What is happening to the children of today?

So many kids seem to lack manners, self-respect, self-esteem and ambition. Too many seem to think that the world owes them a living.

Come on parents. Give your kids chores so that they can take ownership and pride in their surroundings.

Make them earn their own money for their iPods, iPads and laptops. They will appreciate and take care of their belongings.

Feed them properly so that they may live life to the fullest.

Teach them to respect themselves and others by being a good role model.

Show them that they are valued and loved for who they are by spending time with them – not in front of a TV.

We are responsible for future generations.

It might be easier for some to plop their kids in front of the TV with fast food and movies.

Do you know what this is telling them? “I can’t be bothered to do what is positive and nurturing for my children. They aren’t worth my time and effort.”

Really? Is that what you want to tell your children?