As this year comes to an end, a new one awaits. As a chapter closes in our lives, a new one begins. This past year has been a wonderful journey – and with an end comes a new beginning.
This new beginning is just a reminder of how important it is to take the time to pause and reflect.
Nothing in life is permanent. Everything is temporary. With everything always changing, it is crucial to live in the moment. Be aware of the present. Fully enjoy what you are doing while you are doing it.
With the pressures of modern society and the stresses in our lifestyles today, we are constantly moving and thinking, planning and scheduling, worrying and analyzing. Our minds are working tirelessly and endlessly whether we are awake or asleep.
While we drop our kids off at school, we’re thinking about being late for an appointment. While cooking dinner, we’re thinking about the pile of laundry waiting for us, the bills we have to pay, the phone calls we need to make. While our children are playing, we’ve tuned out their laughter only to consume ourselves with worries about our job or finances.
To those of you who seem to always be looking ahead, stop yourself and be aware of the right now.
Enjoy your maternity leave because it goes quickly. Enjoy your toddler or preschooler because once these precious stages are gone, they are gone forever.
Our kids grow up so fast, with a blink of an eye they have become teenagers.
When they’re babies we say, “I can’t wait until they’re walking.”
When they’re walking we say, “I can’t wait ‘till they’re talking.”
When they’re talking, it’s “I can’t wait until they start school.”
Next thing you know they’ll be in grade twelve, asking for car keys and embarrassed to be seen hugging you in public.
Enjoy the journey, not only the destination… because everything changes and there is always something new just around the corner.
You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. ~ Henry David Thoreau
What would a year in Hollywood be without a few shocking celeb scandals!
We’re not even going to bother with Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage! That wasn’t even shocking but merely a joke.
Or even bother to talk about Chris Brown’s stupidity on Good Morning America.
Here are our top 5 celeb scandals of 2011:
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen
We all were glued to screens as we watched Charlie Sheen spiral out of control both in his personal and professional life. His public meltdown got him fired from Two and a Half Men and so began the crazy rantings!
After his drug-fueled antics, his twin sons were removed from his Beverly Hills home by police after a restraining order was issued by Brooke Mueller against the actor.
Then he did his Charlie Sheen live streaming and was “winning” for about a week or so (along with his entourage, the “goddesses”)… and even took his show live to several cities (where he was booed)… until that died down and the actor realized he wasn’t getting his old job back and the millions to go along with it.
But is there a positive to all of this? Sheen signed a deal for a new TV show “Anger Management” and he and Mueller and his kids were even vacationing together.
Can Sheen turn it all around after an insane 2011?
Anthony Weiner
Anthony Weiner
Anthony Weiner went from being a respected public figure to an internet scandal. A lewd photo of the New York Congressman surfaced on Twitter after he had sent it to one of his Twitter followers. It was posted online and exposed his online secrets.
Weiner confessed that he engaged in “several inappropriate” electronic relationships with six women over three years, and that he publicly lied about a photo of himself sent over Twitter to a college student in Seattle.
Meagan Broussard, a Texan 26-year-old single mother provided dozens of photos, emails, cell phone call logs and Facebook messages that laid out an online sexual relationship with Weiner.
And even at the end of 2011, the rumors continue – RadarOnline says that according to one of his mistresses, he expressed wanting a threesome – with another man.
Traci Nobles has a proposal for a tell-all book, revealing that the former politician was open to being with another man.
There were a shocking number of break-ups in Hollywood this year!
It seemed like a new break-up every week! Some were predictable but others were pretty shocking.
Which celebs broke up in 2011? Here is our list of the top 10 celebrity break-ups 2011:
JLo and Marc Anthony
After seven years of marriage and twins, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony called it quits.
“We have decided to end our marriage,” they said in a joint statement. “This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters.”
Lopez, 41, and Anthony, 42, were married in June 2004 and have two children together.
Were you surprised that JLo and Skeletor split up?
Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries
Not shocking at all, right?
They played out their relationship on Kourtney & Kim Take New York, followed by an outrageous TV wedding.
And for just 72 days of marriage, Kris and Kim confirmed they were splitting up. Did they do it for the cameras? Did Kim get caught up in the wedding plans?
For whatever the reason, other than Kim’s stupidity, Humphries filed for annulment after Kim filed for divorce.
Hopefully this means that their 15 months of fame is up finally? We can only hope.
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore
While Ashton Kutcher was hired to sweep up the problems left by Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men, he was busy himself trying to sweep the dirt under his own bed!
Looks like the rumors of Ashton’s infidelity proved to be too much for Demi.
“As a woman, a mother and a wife there are certain values and vows that I hold sacred, and it is in this spirit that I have chosen to move forward with my life,” Moore, 49, said in a statement.
How does the saying go? Where there’s smoke, there’s fire… and this one was a ‘blazing!
After dating for more than six years, Chaz Bono and Jennifer Elia called it quits. The Dancing with the Stars almost-champion proposed to his longtime girlfriend in his documentary series, Being Chaz.
Elia stood by Bono’s gender reassignment surgery in July 2010… was it all too much for her at the end of it all?
Although they are no longer a couple, “They leave this relationship with great love, respect and affection toward one another,” Bono’s rep said.
Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard
They appeared to be in it for the long haul… but Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard announced that they separated… not recently though but almost two years ago! They obviously kept their separation under the radar.
The Oscar-winning actress and the veteran playwright had been together for nearly three decades, since 1982. Lange and Shepard have two children together, Hannah and Samuel.
Jesse James and Kat Von D
After all of the craziness surrounding Jesse James leaving Sandra Bullock for Kat Von D, Jesse James left the Oscar winner for Kat Von D… but their relationship didn’t last either.
Kat Von D claims Jesse James cheated on her with 19 women during their “toxic relationship”. She said on her Facebook page that she deserved a big, “I told you so” from everyone; “You all were more right than you’ll ever know.”
Well duh!
Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz
It wasn’t a bitter split between Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, who filed for divorce after 2½ years of marriage.
“It’s very amicable. They’re on very friendly terms and speaking – it’s fine,” a source close to the couple told People. “They’ve just grown apart. They’ve been growing apart for quite some time.”
What keeps them amicable is their son, Bronx. And there was no third party involved in the split.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver
On the other hand, there were a few third parties when it came to former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver’s shocking separation.
Turns out Schwarzenegger fathered a child more than 10 years ago has been named as his former housekeeper, Mildred Patricia Baena.
Baena, now 50, worked for the former California governor and his wife Maria Shriver for over 20 years before retiring. When the boy was a toddler, Schwarzenegger found out about him and reportedly has been contributing financially to the boy’s upbringing since. But he only told Shriver about it in January 2011 and she quickly moved out of their Brentwood, Calif. Mansion.
The Bachelors and Bachelorettes
After their romantic engagement on The Bachelor season finale last March, Emily Maynard and Brad Womack split up. Rumors flew around but finally the single mom, 25, cleared all the media speculation so that she and her 6-year-old daughter, Ricki, “can move on and get back to normal.” Maynard said while the couple loved each other, they weren’t right for one another. Womack, 38, blames himself.
Ali Fedotowsky and Roberto Martinez of The Bachelorette broke up as well. This couple appeared to have it together. But an engagement on the sixth season finale of “The Bachelorette” and 18 months together and three cancelled wedding dates, it just wasn’t meant to be.
Is it the curse of reality television?
Elisabetta Canalis and George Clooney
George Clooney and Elisabetta Canalis
George Clooney and Elisabetta Canalis split, just weeks after her comments about one day being married were published. George ran!
“We are not together anymore. It’s very difficult and very personal, and we hope everyone can respect our privacy,” Clooney and Canalis said in a joint statement.
The couple was together for two years. Canalis was hoping to convert Clooney and have babies with him – but Clooney won’t have any of it!
NEW:
Sadly, Russell Brand has filed for divorce from Katy Perry, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Russell released the following statement: “Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage. I’ll always adore her and I know we’ll remain friends.”
This simple dessert is a holiday favourite around here, an annual request from my husband. I’m not sure why as these can be made anytime, but somehow they are associated with Christmas baking – chocolate caramel pecan cookie bars, or chocolate caramel pecan shortbread bars.
These chocolate caramel pecan cookie bars are made in two easy steps, but worth the extra effort. I first received his recipe from my sister, who is an avid baker. They still remain a holiday dessert favourite and part of my baking tradition.
Stir flour with baking powder and set aside. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.
Add flour to butter mixture in two additions. You may need to work the dough with your hands. Divide the dough in half and flatten into discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.
Line a 15” x 10” pan with foil and butter pan. Press the dough evenly into the pan. Bake in the centre of the oven at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes. Let cool.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in sugar until combined. Make sure it doesn’t boil. Stir in pecans and spread mixture over the cookie base.
Bake in the centre of the oven still at 375 F for another 12 minutes or until topping is bubbly.
Let cool completely. Melt ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle topping.
Cool and cut into bars.
Yield: 24 bars
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cookie Bars
These caramel pecan cookie bars are made in two easy steps but so worth it! A holiday favourite!
Ingredients
Base
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups flour
½ tsp baking powder
Topping
1 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Stir flour with baking powder and set aside.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.
Add flour to butter mixture in two additions.
You may need to work the dough with your hands. Divide the dough in half and flatten into discs.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.
Line a 15” x 10” pan with foil and butter pan, or parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan.
Bake in the centre of the oven at 375 degrees F for about 20 minutes. Let cool.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in sugar until combined. Make sure it doesn’t boil.
Stir in pecans and spread mixture over the cookie base.
Bake in the centre of the oven still at 375 F for another 12 minutes or until topping is bubbly.
Let cool completely. Melt ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle topping.
If “The best things in life aren’t things” as the plaque (ironically, another “thing”) on my desk reminds me, then why do I have so many things? Why do my children have so many things and why do I continue to buy things? I’m sure I’m not alone in asking these questions. Especially at this time of year when we are more inclined to buy “things”.
I must admit to feeling somewhat conflicted when trying to discourage myself, and others, from buying things. I know that buying and selling is what makes the world turn. If things weren’t bought, then lots of people would suffer, least of all the receiver.
Nevertheless, it’s a good idea from time to time to take stock of what we have and what we really need.
I often hear parents talk about how unappreciative they feel their children are and how little time they spend with an item before tossing it aside and looking for something new and exciting to keep their attention. Often it’s the latest technological gadget. Sometimes it’s the most up to date piece in the fashion world.
Sorry parents, but I think we have ourselves to blame for that. Our children don’t come into this world wanting for anything other than our love and attention. It’s up to us to put the brakes on some times, to live with the consequences of saying no. It’s up to us to help our children learn the value of what they have by modelling this ourselves.
How about:
1. Re-evaluate the wish list idea.
Wish lists should be just that. Wishes. Some wishes come true and others don’t. If you don’t want to discard it completely, maybe pick one item from it and let your children know this in advance. If your children are used to getting every one of their wishes met, then there is bound to be disappointment if and when they don’t. So, be careful about setting a precedent.
2. Take everything out of drawers and cupboards at least once a year.
This need not all take place over one weekend but can be divided up throughout the year. Ask yourselves whether you’ve actually used each item or piece of clothing over the past six months. If not, consider donating it to a friend or charity. This can also be somewhat of a treasure hunt. Most of us have so much that we find items we don’t even remember owning.
3. Keep your home organized.
This reduces the chance of replicating items. For example, if you have all your erasers and pencils in one drawer of the house, you’ll know when you’ve run out and when its time to buy more. If they’re scattered throughout the house, you may be tempted to buy another pack of pencils rather than scour the house for stray items.
4. Model delaying gratification.
If your children see you buying on impulse, then they will be more inclined to do the same. This is not to say that you should never buy something you hadn’t planned on, but this should be more the exception than the rule. If an item can wait, then model saving for it or waiting a period of time before re visiting whether you really want, or need, it.
Instead of buying another mug, box of chocolates or scarf for your child’s teacher or relative, consider making a donation to a charity in his or her name. Or if you’d prefer, purchase a gift certificate towards an experience – dinner or a movie, for example.
I guess it’s time for me to take my own good advice!
Sara Dimerman is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides counselling to individuals, couples and families. She is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key’ and is one of North America’s leading parenting experts. Listen to advice from Sara and her colleagues by searching “helpmesara” on iTunes. Find out more at Helpmesara.com
Worried that my sons will come home from school and tell me what I dread to hear.
That Santa isn’t real.
No not because I don’t want to hear the truth, silly.
But because it will mean that the fantasy is truly over.
That line of childhood innocence to the harsh reality of the world is no longer fine.
The discovery that Santa isn’t real is a sign that your children are growing up. And of course, like every parent, we don’t want our kids to grow up so fast.
We want to see their eyes light up when they hear the bells, or a “ho ho ho”.
After all, we are lucky enough to re-live our childhood along with them but through their eyes.
So when this reality happens, it’s a like a piece of childhood is gone forever.
A piece that will never come back again – you are only a child just once.
This year, with just a few more days away until Christmas, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we will make it through this season without the truth coming out…
That Santa IS really real – in our hearts and our spirit!
What you can tell your kids when they find out that Santa isn’t real:
Saint Nicholas, also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century Christian saint and Greek Bishop of Myra. His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. A devout Christian, he lived his life obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor.”
Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God while still a young man, and became Bishop. He became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.
“The real Saint Nicolas had a reputation for giving gifts and secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus – that is true fact!”
“Santa Claus is a magical spirit that lives inside of everyone who believes in him. He is real only for as long as you believe he is real! You can keep Santa alive in your heart for as long as you want.”
Short on time but want some homemade treats for the holidays? These no bake chocolate peanut butter marshmallow coconut treats are one of my favourites! So delicious and simple easy to make – and the best part – there is no baking involved. It’s an easy no-bake Christmas recipe that you will make year after year.
If you’re a disaster in the kitchen, you really can’t go wrong with this recipe. Even if you add a little extra chocolate chips or peanut butter, it will still turn out delicious. The mix of the chocolate, butterscotch and peanut butter with coconut is such a perfect combination, these will melt in your mouth!
Here is my simple and easy no-bake chocolate recipe called Church Windows! I couldn’t find any coloured marshmallows this time around, but use them if you can find them.
Easy No Bake Chocolate Recipe: Church Windows
Ingredients
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
2 cups miniature marshmallows, coloured
Directions
In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and butterscotch chips, peanut butter and butter until melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes or so.
Stir in the marshmallows and coconut. Put in fridge for about an hour to cool.
Divide mix into two or three; on wax paper, roll mixture into the shape of a log. Roll logs in wax paper to cover, twisting ends. Put back in fridge for another hour.
Cut logs into 1/2 inch slices. Place into muffin paper liners and keep in the fridge.
Easy No Bake Chocolate Recipe: Church Windows
Short on time but want some homemade treats for the holidays? These no bake chocolate peanut butter marshmallow coconut treats are one of my favourites! So delicious and simple easy to make - and the best part - there is no baking involved. It's an easy no-bake Christmas recipe that you will make year after year.
If you're a disaster in the kitchen, you really can't go wrong with this recipe. Even if you add a little extra chocolate chips or peanut butter, it will still turn out delicious. The mix of the chocolate, butterscotch and peanut butter with coconut is such a perfect combination, these will melt in your mouth!
Here is my simple and easy no-bake chocolate recipe called Church Windows!
Prep Time10 minutes
Additional Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Ingredients
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
2 cups miniature marshmallows, coloured
Instructions
In a saucepan over low heat, combine chocolate and butterscotch chips, peanut butter and butter until melted.
Remove from heat and let cool for 20-30 minutes or so. Stir in the marshmallows and coconut.
Put in fridge for about an hour to cool.
Divide mix into two or three; on wax paper, roll mixture into the shape of a log.
Roll logs in wax paper to cover, twisting ends.
Put back in fridge for another hour.
Cut logs into 1/2 inch slices.
Notes
I couldn't find any coloured marshmallows this time around, but use them if you can find them.
Whether you are looking for a last-minute gift, stocking stuffer or new books to enjoy with your little ones, here are some great book gift ideas for kids and great gift ideas from Raincoast Books:
My Little Stocking by Sara Gillingham
The fuzzy little elf may have left surprises in this little stocking. This book is perfect in the lead up to Christmas morning or any playtime fun. A cute book for kids!
A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel
We were new to the series of Bad Kitty when Raincoast Books sent us this book to review. Within the first few pages we were howling with laughter. My five-year-old said the kitty reminded her of Mittens from the movie Bolt.
When the greedy Kitty doesn’t get all the presents she wants for Christmas, she takes off through town and through three complete alphabets. When she meets a new friend just as an old one catches her, she starts to learn the true meaning of Christmas.
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here is a fun read that involves color connecting with fine motor skills. The power of imagination is at the guidance of the yellow dot.
It’s a Little Book by Lane Smith
The companion to It’s a Book is now in diapers! An inquiring little donkey asks his friend many questions about the thick square.
My favorite question was, “Is it for emailing?”. That had my youngster asking her own questions about the book. This is a great book to encourage children to ask questions to learn.
One Love adapted by Cedella Marley. Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
The classic song of hope’s writer, bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer-musician is the basis of this beautiful book. Adapted by his oldest child, the positive message will be passed on to the next generation. It is amazing what can happen when we all get together with one love in our hearts.
I went to bed with the song still in my head.
My Little Sweetheart by Sara Gillingham
This brightly illustrated board book poses the question – who loves baby? From the adorable artwork to the fuzzy finger puppet, this story is one of my pre-schooler’s favorite at bedtime.
It is a challenge to find what book is the one for kids. The fun is trial and error. Some books get read many times a week (or day.) And some books sit on the shelf.
Kids love to be exposed to the wonder in books. Reading to them daily helps. Going to the library, the bookstore and having books at home is a great gift of your time.
Danielle Christopher is a stay-at-home mom of two daughters, ages one and three. She blogs for The Momoir Project and writes book reviews for Women’s Post. 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.
We have a bunch of holiday parties to attend in the next couple of weeks. What can I do when my little ones get stressed/overwhelmed in a holiday celebration? There are often so many people and so much chaos that they end up clinging to me and asking to go home the whole time.
It is possible to have a good time with your children at a holiday party! This just takes some thought and advanced planning – both of which are hard to do in this busy season.
Think about your child’s personality. What is the main challenge for her at a party of mostly adults? Boredom? Hunger? Shyness? Sensory overload?
Kids will always find something to do or play. However, you don’t want to spend most of the party scolding them or watching like a hawk to make sure they don’t break a rule or a window. Bring a few activities for your children in case there is nothing safe for them to do. Books, a board game, a small craft or a container of Lego all make a great distraction.
Hunger:
Lots of kids don’t eat well, or just don’t eat, at a party. Seven thousand cheese doodles don’t necessarily fix the crankiness that comes when a kiddo is hungry and doesn’t realize it.
If this is a problem for your child, feed her before you leave home. She will still eat some junk but at least you’ll know she’s not irritable from lack of nutrients.
Shyness:
First be very clear yourself about what you need from your child. When an adult talks to him, does he need to answer? Can he make eye contact, smile, wave or shake hands instead of speaking? Many kids, even loud, out-going kids, get shy when in a new setting with strangers. Most grow out of this but it can take years! If you’re working on this, set small, realistic goals and give lots of positive support.
Sensory Overload:
Parties, and the holidays themselves, can really affect children’s behavior. If you have a child who gets wild in busy settings, plan accordingly. Don’t stay as long as you have in the past.
Help your child find a relatively quiet space at the party, and then make sure she spends some time there when she is starting to get wound up. Bring a calming activity for her to do. And keep an eye out for signs that it is time to go!
Make your plans clear before the party about how long you’ll stay. Give your child a code word they can use if they are really having a hard time with someone or something. Be flexible with your endpoint. Going home before the situation (or the child) really falls apart is often the best parenting move you can make!
Dr. Deborah Gilboa is a Board Certified family physician, mother of four, and a professional parenting writer and speaker (for parents, community & business). Her signature individualized workshop, “How to Get the Behavior You Want, Without Being the Parent You Hate” captivates parents through her humorous straight talk, which lifts the guilt out of parenting. Her mission is to help parents raise children they can respect and admire. Visit her website.
While we think of holidays as a time to be with friends and family, the majority of Canadians are not able to spend time with all those they love.
According to a new survey commissioned by Intel Canada, almost 75% of Canadians have family and friends that they want to see over the holidays but can’t.
The two biggest barriers keeping Canadians away from those they love are distance 80% of those surveyed) and financial constraints (53%).
However, Canadians are definitely staying connected. How? By sharing holiday cheer across great distances with the help of their computers.
“It’s not a surprise that Canadians are embracing technology as a meaningful way to connect with family and friends over the holidays,” says Elaine Mah, Canadian country manager, Intel Corporation.
“Technology has come such a long way and tools like video chat make you feel like you’re right there in person.”
Asus Zenbook
Canadians are connecting with video chat, such as Skype, email and social media. The next best thing to sharing the holidays with someone in person is connecting with them using video chat, 33% of Canadians say; 23 per cent of Canadians say they are now using more video chat compared to 2009.
People of all ages are turning to computers to connect with family in meaningful ways, not just your teenagers!
According to survey results, only 17% of Canadians consider technology to be an impersonal way to connect with family and friends. It’s pretty obvious that technology has helped connect family and friends, especially during the holidays.
The only issue some Canadians have to stay connected with their loved ones is the right technology. Watch out for the next generation of technology, like the new Ultrabook™ with Intel technology.
When making holiday videos to share with family and friends, Intel technology helps connect family and friends and share photos, movies and video chats – faster than ever before.
