lifestyle

Celebrating Costco Grand Openings and a Twitter Party

July 28, 2017

When a huge retail store like Costco Wholesale opens in a new town, everybody knows about it! And when you multiply that by two openings in one week, people are understandably excited!

That’s what happened in Orillia and Vaughan when the giant box store officially opened its doors this week on July 25 in Orillia and July 26 in Vaughan.

People were lined up outside with Costco memberships in hand, ready to do some serious retail damage. In Orillia in Simcoe County, people were lined up around each side of the building!

I had the pleasure of attending preview parties at both locations as well as their official Grand Openings. You could feel the excitement brewing at the private parties, up until the minute the ribbon was cut.

I made sure to stock up on our must-have P&G household products like Tide detergent, Bounty paper towels, Charmin bathroom tissue. Both locations were handing out full-size samples of their popular Tide Pods with Downy!

Take advantage of your membership online and shop 24/7 on Costco.ca, where you’ll find thousands of items not available in warehouses. Make sure to peruse the website; there are many larger items such furniture for sale that you can’t find in store!

Don’t forget there are weekly savings available starting Mondays. They can be viewed online here. There are some wonderful deals for the grand opening, including Birkenstocks for only $59.99, designer handbags for a limited time only, Charmin Ultra Soft 30 roll for $14.99, $3 off chicken in the meat department, $5 (regular $10) for various cheese, and so much more.

TWITTER PARTY

To celebrate the Grand Openings, I’m hosting a Twitter party on Wednesday, August 2 at 8:00 p.m. There will be prizes to be won, including P&G prize packs and Costco memberships!

Hosts: @amotherworld

Moderators: @ParentClub, @HomeWithAneta, and @inRdream

Sponsors: @CostcoCanada and @PGEverydayCA

Time: Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST

Hashtag: #CostcoGrandOpening

Be sure to RSVP below to participate and make sure you’re following all of our Twitter Party team! To RSVP, put your twitter handle (@mytwittername) in the “Your Response” box and the link to your twitter profile in the “Link” box.

Twitter Party Rules

You must be a resident of Canada, excluding Quebec residents, age 18 or older in order to participate in the contest.
In order to enter into the contest, you must correctly answer (on Twitter) at least one question posed during the Twitter Party using the hashtag #CostcoGrandOpening
In order to enter the contest you must follow @amotherworld, @homewithaneta, @parentclub and @inRdream so that you can receive direct messages in the event that you win.
Winners will be chosen during the Twitter Party based on participation, engagement and/or awesome tweets! #CostcoGrandOpening
Winners will be announced via Twitter. Only 1 prize per participant. Winners will have to answer a skill-testing question to claim their prize.
Employees or representatives of Costco and P&G and persons with whom they are domiciled may not enter the contest.

Please RSVP here:

OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

SPONSOR: The sponsors of this Contest and prizing is P&G Canada (hereafter referred to as the “Contest Sponsors”) .
CONTEST PERIOD: The Costco Canada #CostcoGrandOpening Twitter Party Contest (the “Contest”) begins at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Savings Time (EST) on August 2, 2017 and ends at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Savings Time (EST) on August 2, 2017 (the “Contest Period”). Six (6) to Seven (7) questions will be tweeted throughout the Contest Period in approximate 10 (10) minute intervals commencing at 9:05 p.m. Eastern Savings Time (EST). You will receive one (1) entry per draw for each Response to an Initiating Tweet that is available to the Contest Sponsors through Twitter at the beginning of each Draw Period (as defined below).
ELIGIBILITY: The Contest is open only to legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec), who have reached the age of majority in their province of residence at the time of entry may enter, except employees or contingent staff of Costco Canada and P&G Canada. (“Costco”, the contest administrator) and their respective affiliates and their advertising and promotional agencies, prize suppliers and other representatives and the immediate family of such employees and persons with whom such employees are domiciled, “Immediate family” is defined as parents, siblings, children or spouse. In addition, Costco and P&G Canada is committed to complying with government gift and ethics rules and therefore government employees are not eligible to participate.
TO PLAY: You must be a registered user on Twitter (a third party Web site) to participate. If you do not have a Twitter account, follow the onscreen instructions to register for a free Twitter account at www.twitter.com. You will be asked to provide your first and last name and email address and to set up a username and password. You may also be asked to answer optional questions; however, they need not be answered in order to be eligible for the Game. You must also RSVP for the contest at the provided link by adding your Twitter username and link to your Twitter profile. YOU MUST REGISTER BY THE ABOVE REGISTRATION METHOD TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST.

During the Contest Period, the Contest Sponsor Hosts will tweet questions relating to the Costco Grand Opening (the “Initiating Tweets”), participants do not need to reply to any of the hosts or sponsor but MUST tweet with the hashtag #CostcoGrandOpening and share with the community (a “Response”). Six (6) to Seven (7) questions will be tweeted throughout the Contest Period. You will receive one (1) entry per draw for each Response to an Initiating Tweet through Twitter before the end of each Draw Period (approximately five minutes after Initiating Tweets). Each Response must include the #CostcoGrandOpening hashtag and Question Number in the following format: Q1, Q2, etc. and must be a relevant response to the question in the Initiating Tweet, as determined at the sole discretion of the Contest Sponsors Host. In order to enter the contest you must follow @amotherworld, @parentclub, @inrdream and @homewithaneta so that you can receive direct messages in the event that you win.

Contest Sponsors are not responsible for late, lost, incomplete, misdirected, unintelligible or lost Responses. Contest Sponsors’ time clock is the official clock for this Contest.

HOW TO WIN: Draws will be held during the Contest Period.

At the end of each Draw Period, Winners will be chosen during the Twitter Party based on participation, engagement and/or awesome tweets! #CostcoGrandOpening (a third party service) will be held from among all eligible entries received (see Rule 2 above) to select an entrant eligible to win the Prize associated with each Draw Period. Entrants eligible to win will be requested to fill out a form to obtain shipping address and phone number for prize delivery and will be required to agree to the official Contest Rules and successfully answer a mathematical skill-testing question in order to be declared a winner. All winners will be contacted within 2 hours of the Contest Period (see Rule 2 above).

PRIZE DETAILS/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES/ODDS: FIVE (5) Executive Memberships to Costco with an arv CDN $110 each with FIVE (5) P&G Prize Packs with an arv CDN $30 each. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received during each Draw Period. Limit one (1) prize per person, per Twitter account, and per household. Winner must accept the prize as stated. Prize cannot be substituted, transferred or exchanged or surrendered for cash, except at the sole and absolute discretion of the Contest Sponsors, who reserve the right, at their sole and absolute discretion and for any reason, to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value, including without limitation, a cash award. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded. Allow up to 6 weeks to receive prize.
GENERAL: Entrants eligible to win may be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release and, where legal, a Publicity Release, within fourteen (14) days of attempted notification and delivery of documents. Failure to comply with this condition, correctly answer the mathematical skill-testing question, comply with the Contest Rules, or return of prize documents as undeliverable will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prize, without compensation. By participating, entrants who win a Prize consent to the use of their Twitter account name, first and last name, and likeness for advertising, promotion, and publicity purposes related to the Contest without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. The Contest Sponsors reserve the right at their sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the Contest or any related electronic system. In the event of an identity dispute, the entry will be considered made by the individual who can respond to a Direct Message on Twitter. By participating in the Contest, entrants release and agree to hold harmless the Contest Sponsors and their respective parent companies, affiliates or related companies, directors, employees, officers and agents, including without limitation, her advertising/promotion agencies from any and all liability, injury, loss, or damage of any kind, including but not limited to personal injury or death, arising from or in connection with participation in the Contest, or the awarding, receipt, possession, use or misuse of any prize and/or with respect to participation in any prize-related activity. Entrants agree to abide by these Official Contest Rules, and decisions of the Contest Sponsors, whose decisions are final in all matters relating to this Contest. The Contest Sponsors and their agencies are not responsible for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications-line failure, theft, or destruction or unauthorized access of the Web site; or downloading materials from or use of the Web site. If, in the Contest Sponsors’ opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the Contest, or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the Contest, the Contest Sponsors reserves the right to disqualify suspected entrants and/or modify or terminate the Contest in a manner deemed reasonable by the Contest Sponsors, in their sole discretion. Standard text messaging rates apply if you opt-in to receive Tweets via a cellular phone.

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Costco Canada and Procter & Gamble Canada. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

lifestyle

Costco is Opening in Vaughan and Orillia

July 24, 2017

When you say “one-stop shop”, what store comes to mind? Or a store where you never leave without spending at least a couple of hundred dollars?

Yes, that’s Costco Wholesale!

Costco is that store where you can never just visit and stick to a list; there is always something else to catch your eye and end up in your shopping cart! Costco is our go-to for particular brands and items that I can’t find anywhere else, such as the imported Greek olive oil and feta cheese, and Kirkland brand of almonds, walnuts and pecans. People love the food samples as you peruse each giant aisle, and who can blame them? There are so many delicious offerings including tasty snacks for work and school.

I make sure to stock up on our must-have P&G household products like Tide detergent, Dawn dish soap, Bounty paper towels, Charmin bathroom tissue, and Cascade dishwasher detergent. I also peruse the personal beauty aisles to pick up some Crest toothpaste, and Gillette razors! I also visit the pharmacy to purchase vitamins and protein powder at amazing prices.

Where else can you buy snowsuits in July?! Of course a trip to Costco wouldn’t be the same without stopping off to eat a hot dog and French fries!

So it’s exciting to share that Costco is opening two new stores in Vaughan and Orillia! The doors officially open on July 25 and 26 with the ribbon cutting ceremony and I’ll be there to celebrate the official warehouse openings of both locations.

Costco Orillia – 625 University Avenue
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

Costco Vaughan – 55 New Huntington Road
Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

I had the opportunity to enjoy a private tour of the Orillia store, and let me give you a hint – there will be some products on display for the grand opening that will WOW customers, including a giant paddleboard and sailboat!

I’ll also get a sneak peek the evening before, so make sure you’re following me on Instagram stories and Twitter where I’ll be sharing it all to help you navigate your shopping at the grand opening and the days that follow!

If you’re not already a Costco member, you can sign up before the official opening to beat the rush. Already a Costco member? Great! Just bring a friend to sign-up and you can each receive a $10 Costco Cash Card!

Don’t forget there are weekly savings available starting Mondays. They can be viewed online here.

There will be special items only available at the Orillia and Vaughan locations for the grand opening. But get there early! Doors open on July 25, 2017 at 8 a.m. in Orillia and July 26 at 8 a.m. in Vaughan.

See you there!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Costco Canada and Procter & Gamble Canada. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

News

Don’t Let People Kiss Your Baby

July 19, 2017

Parents from Iowa are warning others, don’t let people kiss your baby!

When you had your baby, were you paranoid about germs? I remember being extra careful about people watching their hands before touching my babies. Infants are extremely susceptible to germs as their immune system hasn’t had an opportunity to fully develop. Anyone who is ill should not come in contact with an infant whatsoever, let alone touch or even kiss a baby!

Nicole and Shane Sifrit became welcomed their daughter, Mariana about a month ago. A week after their baby girl was born, the couple were married. Just hours after saying their vows, the couple rushed their week-old daughter to hospital.

Little Mariana had stopped eating, and wasn’t waking up when the couple tried to get her to respond. The medical staff prepared them for the worst.

“It immediately went downhill from there. Within two hours she had quit breathing and all of her organs just started to fail”, Shane said.

Mariana was diagnosed with Meningitis HSV1, a life-threatening virus carried by someone with the cold sore virus but not necessarily with an open sore. Doctors said it’s likely Mariana contracted it from a kiss, but both parents tested negative for the virus.

The Iowa couple don’t know how their healthy baby contracted the virus, but she could have contracted it from something as simple as a family member or friend kissing her. Without a fully-developed immune system, Mariana would’ve been highly susceptible to infection.

Within hours of being at the University of Iowa hospital, Mariana stopped breathing and her organs started to fail. The baby girl was in intensive care fighting for her life, but her health was quickly “declining” and she “now has no brain activity”.

After being on life support, Nicole announced on her Facebook page that her baby girl passed away.

Nicole Siftrit — Facebook/ Nicole Sifrit

“Keep your babies isolated”, Nicole told WHO TV.

“Don’t let just anyone come visit them. Make sure they are constantly washing their hands. Don’t let people kiss your baby and make sure they ask before they pick up your baby.

Kids

Hockey Isn’t Just a Sport – It’s Our Life!

July 17, 2017

Hockey isn’t just a sport for us – it’s a way of life! Both of my boys play competitive hockey, and while our schedules are insane during the school season, we wouldn’t change it for anything.

Hockey has taught my kids about teamwork, discipline, setting and achieving goals, working hard, and striving to excel. Hockey builds confidence, resilience and inner strength. School and hockey go hand in hand – when kids excel in school, they also do well in hockey and vice versa.

Our hockey journey has been an amazing one so far. My son’s team made it to the provincial finals, and also won the International Silver Stick in their division, which is like the Stanley Cup for minor hockey!

They’ve met Walter Gretzky who came ready with a pen in hand to sign their jerseys. They had a rare opportunity to meet Mike Kitchen and snap pics with the Stanley Cup. My son and I had the privilege of attending a World Cup of Hockey game and meeting superstar Connor McDavid!

Under Armour and Sport Check are on the search for the next 2018 Team UA NEXT athletes! Young athletes aged 7 to 12 can apply to become the face of Under Armour in a brand campaign at Sport Chek stores across Canada. The winning boy and girl will join the elite roster of Under Armour athletes, and serve as a youth ambassador for the brand. In addition to being featured in the brand campaign, winners will receive exclusive access to Under Armour gear.

How to enter? Submit a video before August 31, 2017 of your child participating in sports on www.teamuanext.ca, showcasing his/her passion and athletic ability! Your young athlete can show Team UA Next exactly why he or she be the next Under Armour athlete.

To find out more about TEAM UA NEXT Canada powered by Sport Chek, visit http://teamUAnext.ca. Be sure to visit @sportchek on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #TAKEYOURSPOT and #UANEXTCANADA.

Family Travel

Top Vacation Spot: Fun Family Vibe in San Diego

July 10, 2017

With year-round warm weather, miles of gorgeous beaches and fun outdoor activities, San Diego is a top vacation spot in the U.S. because of its fun family vibe!

One of the most-visited cities in the world and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S., families can explore 70 miles of shoreline during their San Diego family vacation. San Diego also features some of the top tourist attractions for families; there’s plenty to do and see for kids of all ages.

The perfect place to start your family vacation is in Mission Bay, minutes from downtown. Renowned for its 27 miles of shoreline, the 4,600 acre Mission Bay Park is the largest manmade park in the world. It boasts tropical beachfront hotels and resorts and nearby attractions like Belmont Park and SeaWorld.

Best to rent a car so you can explore San Diego bay easily.

Where to stay

The tropical Bahia Resort Hotel is right on the water, and all of the rooms have private balcony or patio. Bayfront guestrooms are right on a private beach with complimentary cabanas.

The resort also has a heated outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool, fitness center, lighted tennis courts and shuffleboard courts. Guests can rent sailboats, kayaks, aquacycles and paddle boats at Action Sport Rentals; bicycles/Segways are also available to cruise the boardwalks of Mission Bay.

For dining options, Café Bahia serves a Sunday brunch buffet, the Pool Bar & Grill is open all afternoon, and the Tangier Bar has live music karaoke on weekends.

The Bahia is home to two friendly outgoing seals named Gracie and Billy who can be found swimming in a spacious pool by the front entrance. Kids will love Ice Cream Hour, Movies at the Pool, and kids activity workshops and the video arcade. During the summer, the Bahia has beach parities with live music.

From June to September, there are nightly cruises on the Bahia Bell – complimentary for hotel guests. The Bahia Belle is a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style sternwheeler for a relaxing cruise on Mission Bay.

For some relaxation, visit the Bahia’s sister resort, the Catamaran Spa, San Diego’s only beachfront spa. The Catamaran Spa offers innovative treatments ranging from massages and body wraps to Vichy showers, hydrotherapy, facials and rituals, all inspired by South Pacific and Asian healing traditions and feature marine and botanical-based products. Guests can enjoy the spa facility which includes a robe, slippers and locker for the day, shower facilities, steam room, sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, relaxation lounge with hot tea, infused water and fruit and fitness room.

What to do

Belmont Park

A few minutes by foot, Belmont Park is San Diego’s iconic beachfront amusement park on Mission Beach. It’s the quintessential Southern California beach boardwalk experience. Kids will love the rides including the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a wooden roller coaster built in 1925, which is a National Historic Landmark. Walk along the boardwalk, bring a picnic or just find a spot on the beach and people-watch!

San Diego Botanic Garden

For nature lovers, the San Diego Botanic Garden in nearby Encinitas is a stunning sanctuary. There are 37 acres of garden trails, restful vistas, ponds and waterfalls, flowering trees, majestic palms and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to San Diego’s mild climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. The garden’s diverse topography provides a variety of microclimates including a tropical rainforest. The Hamilton Children’s Garden is especially wonderful for children, with a giant treehouse and creative spaces to explore.

San Diego Zoo

Kids will want to visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo which has thousands of animals, dozens of elaborate and extensive exhibit areas, gardens, and animal-themed events. Set aside a morning or afternoon if not a full day to enjoy the exhibit. The Children’s Zoo is more popular for kids as it has a petting zoo, animal feedings, naked mole-rats, spider monkeys, and other exciting animals. When you get tired of walking, hop on the double-decker guided tour buses which are free with the day pass. Another fun way to explore the zoo is via the Skyfari Arial Tram, which takes you from one end of the zoo clear out to the other, offering excellent views of the zoo.

Cabrillo National Monument

For a little history lesson, take the kids to Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma, which commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s discovery of San Diego in 1542. Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the U.S. West Coast. You’ll love the picturesque views of the harbour and downtown skyline. Explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and tidepools in one of the best protected intertidal ecosystems in Southern California.

San Diego Speed Boat Adventure

Forget the tour bus – take a tour boat! For the adventurous family, and to see the bay by boat, you must go on a San Diego Speed Boat Adventure. Take the wheel and be the captain of your very own speed boat as a tour guide introduces you to the sights and beauty of San Diego Bay. Be prepared though, it will be a bumpy ride as you go full throttle following the other speed boats. The guide will give an entertaining tour narration through two-way communication systems mounted in each boat.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla features more than 60 tanks of colorful marine life, including coral reefs, colourful fish, sharks, jellyfish and octopus. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries on climate, earth and ocean science. There’s also a tide pool area where kids can touch tide-pool animals.

La Jolla Cove and Shores

While you’re in La Jolla, you must check out La Jolla Cove and its shores. You could spend an afternoon exploring the 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands, the cove and surrounding beaches teem with marine life, including sea lions, bright orange Garibaldi fish (California’s state fish), pelicans and more. The cove is also famous for its seven sea caves. I found a coffee shop right along the coast and enjoyed an afternoon cup of java overlooking the cove – perfection!

Where to eat

Foodies will love exploring the new Liberty Public Market, San Diego’s first year-round food hall – recently named one of the “Top 20 Food Halls of America”. The market offers a variety of delicious fare, including hip eateries, bars, specialty food and craft vendors.

I enjoyed a delicious roasted chicken bowl with grilled vegetables from Roast, and then sipped on an Americano and macarons from Le Parfait Paris. I stopped into Pacific Provisions and took home a specialty BBQ spice, and Southern BBQ kettle popcorn. If I wasn’t gluten-free, I’d be trying Parana Empanadas!

Oceana Coastal Kitchen in the nearby Catamaran Resort features California cuisine and a modern, ocean-inspired design. Executive Chef Steven Riemer’s playful interpretation of classic dishes highlights the flavors of local California produce and a commitment to sustainable ingredients. A cold bar with sushi options, small bites and main dishes includes the freshest seafood available from the coast of Baja and the Pacific. There are several gluten-free options – yay! I savoured the Northern Halibut with roasted cauliflower, fingerling potatoes with tomato fennel coulis. The Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake with chocolate ganache with a gluten-free cookie crust was to die for!

You can’t visit San Diego without having tacos! Galaxy Taco in La Jolla is a must-visit. The menu is rooted in the flavors and traditions of Mexico while celebrating San Diego’s local seasonal ingredients; a delectable example of San Diego’s signature “Cali-Baja” food revolution. Of course I had to try the chips and guacamole as I sipped on a refreshing homemade Tamarind Agua Fresca. I also enjoyed two tacos, the Chicken pipian with burnt jalapeno crema, cucumber, onion and cilantro, and the Carnitas frijoles puercos with escabeche, queso fresco – hold the chicharron!

You can see why San Diego is consistently rated one of the top family destinations in North America! It’s the ideal destination for children of all ages offering a variety of family friendly activities and world-class attractions throughout the year.

In October 2017, San Diego celebrates all things family-friendly with Kids Free San Diego Month featuring FREE deals at more than 100 hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and more. For more, visit www.kidsfreesandiego.org.

Thank you to Visit San Diego who hosted this trip.

Health

The Three Rules of Sex

July 7, 2017

“Hey, how’s your sex life?” Can you imagine that question being as normal as saying “how are you?” While we don’t openly discuss sex with our family and friends – unless you are extremely open about sexuality – it’s good to at least discuss it with your partner.

If you’re in a relationship or married, here are the basic, fundamental three rules of sex that you should follow:

The Three Rules of Sex

Rule #1: Protect yourself

This is critical. When it comes to your body, you make the decisions, and you have the power to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy and STIs. Don’t think you need to protect yourself? Think again! 65 per cent of single men and 72 per cent of single women surveyed by Trojan did not use a condom the last time they had intercourse.

So, don’t rely on others to purchase condoms. While it’s typically seen as the ‘man’s job,’ it’s important to be prepared, no matter your gender. Not sure what to pick up in the aisle? The new XOXO™ condoms by the maker of Trojan™ are designed with women in mind. With Softouch thin latex and aloe-infused lubricant, it’s the exciting and reliable approach to protection. Plus, the discreet packaging and mini-travel pack make it easy to display on your table or toss in your purse to go.

Rule #2: Communicate your needs

There’s no such thing as a mind-reader, as we all know. If you don’t discuss your likes and dislikes with your partner, they are never going to know what you like between the sheets. If he can’t find “the spot”, don’t be shy to guide him!

Consider a vibrator such as the new Trojan Power Wand Vibrations Massager, a compact and easily portable version of the world’s number one vibrator. With three variable speeds and a soft silicone tip to stimulate a broad area, it doesn’t disappoint.

Rule #3: Be adventurous

Want to add a little adventure into your love life, but not sure how? There are several ways to add some adventure to your sex life... role playing, sex toys, watching porn together, S&M… if that’s a little too adventurous for you, you can start off tame with a lubricant. Lube is an amazing way to stimulate your partner and have a more pleasurable experience.

Trojan™ Chain Reaction™ Lubricant has been developed for those that want to keep sex fresh and exciting. This revolutionary lubricant allows you to reach new heights of pleasure with the exciting twists and turns of a chain reaction. How does it work? The lubricant includes a special blend of intensifiers that release a variety of sensations during use for a unique experience every time!

Everyone should be following these fundamental three rules of sex. What are your rules?

Disclosure: I’m a Church & Dwight ambassador and receive perks in the form of product and compensation. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

Beauty

Happy Birthday Live Clean! Plus a Giveaway

July 1, 2017

Happy Birthday to Live Clean! A Canadian company, Live Clean turns 10 this year just as Canada celebrates its 150th!

In 2007, Live Clean introduced its first six eco-friendly, plant and naturally derived products: three shampoos and three conditioners. For the first time, eco-friendly products were available at reasonable prices in supermarkets, drug stores and big box stores.

Fast forward to today and Live Clean has more than 100 products! They have personal care products in almost every category: facial skin care, liquid hand soaps, body washes, shampoos, conditioners, sun care and spa.

My kids use the Green Earth shampoo & conditioner. We love all the hand soaps. I personally l love the Dry Body Oil & the Spa Therapy body butter. My husband uses the Fresh cleanser and moisturizer.

Live Clean is:

98% plant and natural based ingredients
Certified organic botanicals
Biodegradable ingredients
Never tested on animals
Hypoallergenic
Free from petrolatum, paraben, phthalate, phosphate, dye, DEA, SLS and silicone.

ENTER TO WIN

To celebrate Live Clean’s 10 year anniversary, in conjunction with Canada’s 150th celebration, I’m giving away some of my favourite Live Clean products and Best Sellers!

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Health

Fit Matters! Women Aren’t One Size Fits All

June 29, 2017

Let’s talk about our periods for a moment! Periods shouldn’t be uncomfortable to talk about because all women have them, right? I think there are still some social taboos about talking openly about menstruation because it can be embarrassing for some girls and women. But it’s a natural part of being a woman, and over the years, our periods do change too.

The fact is, women have different flows, and are simply different sizes. Women aren’t “one size fits all” so why should they apply this thinking to their pad size?

Did you know that 60% of women are wearing the wrong pad size? Believe it or not, 60% of women wear the wrong size pad and more than two thirds of Canadian women experience leaks every month.

A new study from Always My Fit, conducted by MSLGROUP Research that surveyed Canadian women found while most women 18-35 (77%) say they no longer wear the same dress size from when they first got their period, but half of them still use the same size pad. I know I’ve tacked on a few dress sizes over the years! Also, menstruation changes from the teenage years, through to your twenties, and after children.

For some reason, many women have a misconception that all feminine pads are the same, and that they all leak. But they don’t! Unfortunately, when many women experience a leak they often blame themselves and not their period protection. The study revealed that the top four suspected causes of period leaks among Canadian women 18-35 are: They “just happen” (37%), I “didn’t use period protection properly” (33%), I “didn’t change period protection often enough” (27%) and I was “too active” (19%). Only 17% think not using the “right size” protection is what causes their period leaks.

To avoid period leaks, more than half of women say they check their pad every one to two hours and nearly half wear a heavier flow or longer pad. More than half of women would feel relieved (54%) and more in control (52%) if they could prevent leaks, and 70% say avoiding leaks would make them feel more confident. Also, nearly 8 in 10 (77%) women surveyed say they would wear a longer pad size if it meant experiencing fewer leaks.

That’s where the new Always My Fit sizing system comes in! Now, you can choose the right size pad for your body type and flow with an easy number system to make choosing the size easier. This new sizing system is designed to help girls and women who are wearing the wrong size pad, along with the many who experience leaks every month, find the coverage that is right for them.

Now, you can easily choose a number from 1 through 5 and recognizable by colour based on size for daytime and nighttime. The sizing chart, which can be found on the packaging, can help to make finding your size a breeze. Just as you would choose the right size for your underwear, you can do the same for your pad. It’s so easy and takes your flow and panty size into consideration.

The new Always My Fit system is the latest advancement in the feminine care category to ensure girls and women experience the best comfort and the superior protection they’ve come to expect from Always.

As you can see, size does matter when it comes to pads!

Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Always My Fit. As always, the opinions expressed herein are my own.

parenting

Bedtime Routine Means Better Sleep for Baby and Moms

June 28, 2017

This post is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

If you’re a parent, then you know that newborns regularly wake at night. Most babies will need you during the night for feeding, and help with settling during the first six months.

Night waking means mom and dad are not getting enough sleep! Less sleep makes it harder for parents to keep up with the daily demands of caring for baby, and day-to-day responsibilities. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you may be feeling exhausted and stressed. Lack of sleep can cause mom to feel irritable, and unable to function throughout the day.

That’s why it’s important to start a sleep routine at six months – ideally somewhere between three to six months. I attended the International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, and met Dr. Jodi Mindell, author of Sleeping Through the Night. Hosted by Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Mindell offered practical tips that can help set the stage for sleep success for babies – and in turn, better sleep for moms too!

Sleep problems are some of the most common problems parents face with their kids. You may wonder about how to get your child to sleep through the night. There are some tips to help baby enter into dreamland:

Set a sleep schedule

Sleep habits help parents as well as baby. When baby goes to bed before 9:00 p.m., babies tend to sleep better, according to research done by Dr. Mindell and others.

In fact, according to the study entitled Sleep and Social-Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, later bedtimes and less total sleep also causes children to feel separation distress, general anxiety, and depression/withdrawal!

Another of Dr. Mindell’s studies included 33,717 parents of children (aged from birth to 3 years) across the globe. In many regions, especially in Asia, the Middle East, and Brazil, young children have very late bedtimes with significantly less nighttime and total sleep. I know that kids in Europe tend to go to bed much later than in North America! It’s quite normal to see kids out having a late-night dinner with their parents in parts of Europe, but it could mean that sleep problems are higher too.

If parents use a consistent bedtime before 9:00 p.m. – ideally between 7:30 and 8pm – babies will sleep better and longer, the results of the study revealed. Do consider how many hours baby has been awake during the day, how many naps baby had, and the wake-up time of the last nap.

Have a bedtime routine

Having a consistent routine improves night waking in babies too, according to Dr. Mindell’s research. Families who never have a bedtime routine have a bed time problem. Also, later bedtimes, longer sleep, how long it takes to fall asleep, and less total sleep were associated with more social-emotional problems.

Johnson & Johnson encourages bath time to help babies fall and stay asleep. First, give baby his last feeding followed by a bath, a massage and/or a bedtime story. Infant massage can make babies more relaxed and lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels. Dads can be a part of bedtime routine by massaging baby, giving baby a bath, or reading a story.

Sleep alone

Once baby has had her bath, massage and story, put her down in her crib drowsy but not asleep. The goal is to have baby self-soothe at bedtime!

Moms need sleep

Moms need sleep too! In fact, 55% of moms report poor sleep with 26% getting less than six hours of sleep per night. We need at least four hours of sleep to function during the day, with an ideal time of eight hours per night. Here are some tips to help mom as well:

Sleep when baby sleeps
Go to bed early
Have your own bedtime routine
Getting outdoors in the morning – it’s good for baby and mom
When baby wakes at night, have dad change baby and bring baby to you to breastfeed
Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine

Hopefully the information I’ve shared will help your baby sleep better, and help give you more sleep too!

What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced with your baby? What are some things that helped you gain more sleep?

The International Confederation of Midwives alongside Johnson & Johnson participated in a Guinness World Records attempt and set the record for the largest Infant Massage Class!

Entertainment

The Teletubbies Celebrate 20 Years of Big Hugs

June 27, 2017

Do you remember the Teletubbies? They burst into the children’s scene in the 1990s, and became a huge sensation. It was a British TV show aimed at pre-schoolers that ran from 1997 to 2001. The unusual Teletubbies were comprised of 4 alien-like characters, each with their own unique colour and catchphrase.

I remember the show being a kooky show about these playful characters who lived in a whimsical land where the Voice Trumpets and the narrator would call the Teletubbies to go back to the Tubbytronic Superdome while the Sun Baby sets.

The Teletubbies, AKA Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, are officially 20 years old! Yes, this year marks the 20th Anniversary of Teletubbies, one of the most iconic children’s brands of all time.

Join us in celebrating “20 Years of Big Hugs” with the Teletubbies!

What’s new? The re-imagined Teletubbies series is airing on Family Jr. every day at 8am EST. Then, stay tuned for an all-new second season coming to Family Jr. this July.

Now you can also bring the Teletubbies’ latest adventures home on DVD. A new line of DVDs from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is sure to keep your little ones entertained during this summer. Teletubbies’ Big Hugs and Twinkle Twinkle both feature six all-new episodes, plus fun bonus content, that kids and parents can enjoy together.

The new series is designed to help young children develop their physical, emotional, and cognitive skills – in a warm, loving, playful environment. It’s about exploring, and enjoying life through creative activities and relatable experiences.

To help kids act out their favourite scenes – there is also a line of adorable Teletubbies toys from Spin Master. The cuddly, plush toys with built-in audio clips, music and interactive features for kids to engage with are now available at all major retailers.

For more Tubby-fun, follow @Teletubbies on Facebook, Twitter: @TeletubbiesHQ and follow the hashtag #Teletubbies20

ENTER TO WIN

A lucky reader will win a Teletubbies Prize Pack which will include

8” Teletubbies Talking Plush – Laa-Laa
8” Teletubbies Talking Plush – Po
Big Hugs DVD
Twinkle Twinkle DVD

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!
Follow on Social

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn
Pinterest
Subscribe

amw

TWITTER PARTY

Twitter Party Rules

Please RSVP here:

OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Costco Orillia – 625 University Avenue Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

Costco Vaughan – 55 New Huntington Road Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

Where to stay

What to do

Belmont Park

San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Zoo

Cabrillo National Monument

San Diego Speed Boat Adventure

Birch Aquarium at Scripps

La Jolla Cove and Shores

Where to eat

The Three Rules of Sex

Rule #1: Protect yourself

Rule #2: Communicate your needs

Rule #3: Be adventurous

ENTER TO WIN

Set a sleep schedule

Have a bedtime routine

Sleep alone

Moms need sleep

ENTER TO WIN

Costco Orillia – 625 University Avenue
Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.

Costco Vaughan – 55 New Huntington Road
Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.