amw

Books & Music

50 Best Canadian Rock Songs of All Time

June 30, 2016

If you know me well, then you know I’m a huge fan of rock music – from classic rock, and alternative rock, to post-hardcore and punk. What is Canada’s best export? Our amazing Canadian rock music!

This is my best of the best list of the 50 Best Canadian Rock Songs of All Time Canada Day Rock playlist, which you can also check out on Spotify:

50 Best Canadian Rock Songs of All Time – Canada Day Rock Playlist

Tragically Hip – New Orleans is Sinking
Neil Young – Rockin’ In The Free World
Silverstein – Toronto (Unabridged)
Monster Truck – Sweet Mountain River
The Guess Who – American Woman
Spirit of the West – Home for a Rest
Smile and Wave – Headstones
Our Lady Peace – Naveed
Rush – Tom Sawyer
Sheep Dogs – Feeling Good
Tragically Hip – Bob Caygeon
Sam Roberts – Brother Down
Sloan – The Good in Everyone
Arcade Fire – We Used to Wait
Finger 11 – Paralyzer
Neil Young – Old Man
Big Wreck – That Song
Alexisonfire – This Could Be Anywhere in the World
Steppenwolf – Born to Be Wild
Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000
Billy Talent – Try Honesty
I Mother Earth – One More Astronaut
Three Days Grace – The Animal I Have Become
Death From Above 1979 – Romantic Rights
City and Colour – Coming HOme
Sum 41 – Still Waiting
Matthew Good – Everything is Automatic
Matt Mays – Take It On Faith
Simple Plan – Shut Up!
Tegan and Sara – Hell
The Trews – Highway of Heroes
Gob – I Hear You Calling
USS – Damini
Theory of a Deadman – Make Up Your Mind
The Tea Party – Temptation
Tragically Hip – Blow at High Dough
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care Of Business
The Guess Who – No Sugar Tonight
Loverboy – Working for the Weekend
Tokyo Police Club – Wait Up (Boots of Danger)
Triumph – Rocky Mountain Way
Tom Cochrane – Life is a Highway
Mother Mother – Let’s Fall in Love
July Talk – Guns and Ammunition
Thornley – So Far So Good
Neverending White Light – The Grace
Sheep Dogs – Who
Lowest of the Low – Eternal Fatalist
Bryan Adams – Summer of 69
Metric – Gimme Sympathy

parenting

How to Help your Child with Nighttime Wetting

June 29, 2016

Just when you think you’re done with diapers and potty training, your child can’t stay dry during the night. Is this normal?

Bed-wetting or night time wetting is a normal part of a child’s development. Also known as nighttime incontinence or nocturnal enuresis, your child may still be developing nighttime bladder control. It may take years before your child can stay dry all night long.

Nighttime wetting can be embarrassing for a child and overwhelming for a parent. You’re not looking forward to washing yet another set of sheets, and your child hates waking in the morning feeling embarrassed and ashamed.

For some, nighttime wetting may be an inevitable part of growing up, but it doesn’t have to be distressing. Through education and a few simple tips, you can help ease the stress of nighttime wetting for both you and your child.

I had the opportunity to learn more about nighttime wetting with GoodNites® at Great Wolf Lodge, a topic that our family has had to deal with too! Michele Kambolis, clinical therapist and mental health specialist also spent some time showing play-based activities to help ease the stress and anxiety associated with nighttime accidents.

More common that you think

Did you know that nighttime wetting is more common than you think? In fact:

Up to 15% of five-year-olds and 8% of 8-yearolds experience nighttime wetting
There’s a 77% chance that a child will wet the bed if both parents did as a child
Nighttime wetting is more common in boys than girls
While children generally achieve some level of nighttime dryness by about four years of age, accidents can happen even into puberty

Children who continue to wet the bed beyond the age of 6 may not be producing enough ADH hormone at appropriate times or may not yet be attuned to their bodies’ signals, or both.

What can you do to help your child with nighttime wetting?

The best thing you can do for your child is provide them with the tools they need to cope with nighttime wetting. Here are some ways you can help:

Be supportive

Help your child understand that nighttime wetting is not their fault, that bodies develop at different rates and it’s something that will pass. I found that having your pediatrician speak directly to your child about the facts, can help tremendously.

Find ways to talk about the condition to eliminate the ‘secrecy’ that goes hand-in-hand with nighttime wetting. For example, start talking about it with your child during the daytime when there are no accidents to help open up a dialogue and decrease the embarrassment.

Monitor fluids

Make sure to monitor fluid intake before bedtime; two glasses of water right before bed might not be a good idea! Encourage one or two extra glasses of water in the morning or afternoon, allowing evening drinks to quench thirst only.

Develop a routine

While it may not be easy or effective for parents to wake children during the night, routine bathroom visits may prevent them from unintentionally holding their urine. Make sure kids empty their bladder right before bed.

Overnight comfort

If your child is dry all day but sometimes has nighttime accidents, GoodNites® Bed Mats are a great choice. Specially designed to be worn lying down, they’re plush and super absorbent to help keep kids dry and comfortable all night, no matter what sleep position they prefer. Plus, the discreet design looks and feels like regular underwear with graphics that children won’t mind wearing.

For older kids, GoodNites® TRU-FIT Underwear provides real-washable, underwear-like discretion. Working in tandem with absorbent inserts, its soft fabric underwear with disposable protection that keeps your sons sheets and PJs dry all night.

GoodNites® Bed Mats are also helpful to keep parents from having to wash and change sheets often. All you do is place, peel and protect for a better night, every night.

Waterproof mattress covers are also helpful, to protect your mattress from possible leakage.

What about older kids?

As kids become older, a bed-wetting alarm can help. Enuresis alarms sound in response to wetness, and they have a cure rate of 75%, according to a study published in the journal Pediatric Psychology. There is also medication as a ‘last resort’, however expensive, to help once children are older and want to enjoy sleepovers.

I hope these tips will help your child in dealing with nighttime wetting. Have you experienced nighttime wetting in your family?

Family Travel

Best 11 Things to Do in Quebec City

June 28, 2016

There is something so magical about Québec City. The rich history of our country along with the European flair makes this city a popular destination for tourists around the globe. What to do in Québec City?

Dating to 1608, Québec City retains its fortified colonial core, Vieux-Québec and Place Royale, with narrow streets, stone buildings and a European feel. This area is the site of the famous Château Frontenac Hotel and Citadelle of Québec. The Petit Champlain district’s cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, bistros and cafés.

Expedia.ca helped me choose the perfect family-friendly hotel, right in the heart of the old town, and within walking distance to all the attractions and sites.

Here are the Best 11 Things to Do in Quebec City.

Best 11 Things to Do in Quebec City

Plains of Abraham

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years’ War, was fought by the British Army and Navy against the French Army on a plateau just outside the walls of Quebec City. The battle, which began on September 13, 1759, involved fewer than 10,000 troops between both sides but proved to be a deciding moment in the conflict between France and Britain over the fate of New France, influencing the later creation of Canada.

Joan of Arc Garden

Located in the Plains of Abraham, this statue of the French martyr is a tribute to the soldiers who died in the historic battle between the French and British that occurred here in 1759.

La Citadelle de Quebec

The Citadelle, National Historic Site, encloses 300 years of military history in Quebec City spanning the French, British and Canadian periods. The Citadelle is an active military garrison.

Terrasse Dufferin

This elevated area offers panoramic views of Old Quebec and the St. Lawrence River. It’s a great spot for viewing the waterfront and city and taking photos along the La Promenade des Gouverneurs.

The iconic, castle-like Fairmont Le Château overlooks the St. Lawrence River, this grand, castlelike hotel is a 3-minute walk from Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec and 8 minutes’ walk from boutiques in Quartier Petit Champlain.

Also, you’ll be greeted by the Samuel de Champlain Monument, in honour of the founder of Quebec. The statue sits on the Dufferin Terrace, near the Château Frontenac, in the district of Old Quebec.

Lower Town (Basse-Ville)

The location of the city’s original settlement, historic Lower Town is situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence. You will be enchanted by the quaint European village feel of the lower town, and the shops and restaurants, as well as the view of the Chateau Frontenac.

Step back in time at Place-Royale, a famous cobblestone town square bordered by 17th- and 18th-century buildings. This is where French America was born, as the first French settlement was started here in 1608.

The Quartier Petit Champlain is known as one of the most beautiful sites of Old Quebec. Dating back to the 17th century, the Petit Champlain street is the oldest commercial artery in North America. Today, you can walk the pedestrian streets and browse the boutiques and bistros.

The Church Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (Our Lady of Victories) is one of the oldest stone churches in Canada, and sits on the spot where Québec was first settled in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Québec.

Battlefields Park

This spacious urban park was once the site of fierce clashes between the British and French empires.

Created more than a hundred years ago, Battlefields Park is one of Canada’s natural historic parks. These days, both locals and visitors come here to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Within the park’s 255 acres (103 hectares), you’ll find landscaped gardens, an arboretum, monuments, fountains, skiing trails and riverfront views.

Musee de la Civilisation

This museum is characterized by its innovative and daring outlook. It defines itself as a seat of knowledge and ideas, a museum endowed with valuable collections, an education centre and a living memory. It is located in the region’s capital, Quebec City, in the heart of a historic district and close to Place Royale.

Basilique Cathedrale – Notre-Dame-de-Quebec

The Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec (“Our Lady of Quebec City”) was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America. In 1674, the church took the title of cathedral.

Domaine de Maizerets

Located on a popular bike path, this pretty park contains gardens, an arboretum and other historic buildings, such as the Château Ango des Maizerets, a 16th-century mansion built by the French. The park offers 11 kilometres of beautiful walking trails. There is a butterfly house, operated only in the summer. In winter, the park is accessible for skiers and offers ice skating and trails for snowshoeing.

Montmorency Falls Park

These 275-foot falls on the Montmorency River tower higher than even the legendary Niagara Falls. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency – Montmorency Falls is the second most visited site of the provincial capital after Old Quebec.

Morrin Centre

Built over 200 years ago as the city’s first prison, the Morrin Centre now houses one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. You can walk through jail cells, and browse the books in the charming Victorian library. There are also concerts, readings and lectures offered.

Other places to visit:

Parliament Building (Hotel du Parlement)

Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site

Musee national des beaux-arts du Quebec (MNBAQ)

Aquarium du Quebec

Erico – Creative Chocolate Shop and Chocolate Museum

Ferme Arthur Cauchon market

Family Luxury in the 2016 Acura MDX

June 27, 2016

Recently my family and I took a road trip to Quebec City in style! We tested the Acura MDX for the long weekend, thanks to Honda Canada.

The Acura MDX continues to be a popular choice for shoppers in the midsize luxury SUV range. Because it has three rows, it’s a great choice luxury crossover SUV for families.

The 2016 model has a few new additions, including a new nine-speed automatic transmission. It drives well, with a smooth smart and good acceleration but I’m not a fan of automatic stop-start system… I find it distracting when I’m on the road, but I understand it can save on gas.

The AcuraWatch Plus package adds a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking, camera-based lane-keeping assist, Road Departure Mitigation and adaptive cruise control. Fancy schmancy!

Add this to many of the other features including lane-departure, blind-spot warning systems, adaptive cruise control and a collision mitigation system with automatic braking, the Acura MDX can almost drive itself!

On the road, the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine has good power. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive (SH-AWD) available as an option.

The Acura MDX’s interior offers great storage; large cupholder, door bins, center bin for storing tech gadgets or your purse. I like the adjustability with its second-row seats which slide back and forth for extra room. The third row is best suited for kids, or smaller adults – not the 6 foot basketball player. Behind the second-row seats of the 2016 Acura MDX you’ll find about 40 cubic feet of cargo space.

There are three upgrades from base $52,990 unit — Navi ($55,990), Technology ($59,990) and Elite ($64,990). We had the pleasure of testing out the Elite model which was a treat!

Standard features are plenty: power lift-gate, sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, heater mirrors and heated front seats, leather interior, rear privacy glass, and more. As for standard technology, you’ll get a lower 7-inch touchscreen and an upper 8-inch information display, a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod/USB interface and more.

Upgrades in Elite mode include navigation system, ultrawide rear entertainment system with 16.2-inch display, which comes in handy to entertain the kids, surround-view camera system, and HDMI® input jack, Acura/ELS Surround® 546-watt Premium Audio System with AM/FM/SiriusXM™ tuner, MP3/Windows Media® Audio compatibility, DTS®, Dolby® Pro Logic™ II and 12 speakers including subwoofer. So your kids can pump up the volume and drive you insane, or when you’re cruising without them, you can jam to your own tunes.

The MDX Elite is equipped with all the tech you need – if you use it! I find all of the tech options a little daunting, but once you discover all of the features and get comfortable with them, then navigating the panels will come easier.

It also has ventilated front seats, genuine olive ash trim, heated second-row seats, rear side sunshades, auto-dimming power folding side mirrors, and front and rear parking sensors.

As for fuel economy, the MDX starts at 22 mpg combined (19 city/27 highway) with front-wheel drive. And the safety rating, which is priority for families, the MDX earned a perfect five-star overall rating in government crash tests, with five stars each for total frontal impact safety and total side-impact safety.

We enjoyed driving the Acura MDX Elite, and it definitely has a luxurious feel. At about $65,000, this vehicle is out of our price range, but I would recommend it as a safe, economical, smooth vehicle with enough space and cargo and features for a growing family.

Food

20 Strawberry Recipes to Make This Summer

June 17, 2016

It’s the season for strawberries! Local strawberries are almost ripe and that means it’s soon time for strawberry recipes galore. Here are 20 strawberry recipes to make this summer:

20 Strawberry Recipes to Make This Summer

3-Minute Vegan Microwaveable Strawberry Cobbler by Food Retro

Spinach Strawberry Feta Salad by Organized Island

3-Minute Vegan Microwaveable Strawberry Cobbler by Food Retro

Red White Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites by The Kitchen is My Playground

Strawberry Ginger Pink Lemonade Cocktail by Healthy Seasonal Recipes

Strawberry Muffins Lemon Glaze by Just a Sliver

Strawberry Bread Recipe by Chaos is Bliss

Strawberry Angel Food Cake by Cleverly Simple

Sweet Salty Strawberry Watermelon Salad by Intelligent Domestications

Red White Blue Cookie Bar by Trish Sutton

Strawberry Prosecco Slushie by Snappy Gourmet

Strawberry Cake by Coffee With us 3

Strawberry Mimosa by Baking Beauty

Drunken Strawberry Tart with Beer Lemon Curd

No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake by Cake Crumbs Beach and Sand

Strawberries Cream Ice Pops by Frugal Mom Eh

Scrumptious Strawberry Cobbler by The Kitchen is My Playground

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake by Frugal Mom Eh

Strawberry Shortcake Trifles by Making of a Mom

Easy Creamy Dreamy Strawberry Pie by Savings Sarah

Strawberry Ice Cream Sode by All She Cooks

Beauty

Beauty Products you Need this Summer 2016

June 15, 2016

Whether you’re lounging on the beach, by the pool or at the cottage, here are some beauty products you need this summer 2016!

Beauty Products you Need this Summer 2016

Alba Botanica Sun Care

This summer, you and your family can be protected from the sun’s harmful rays with the sun care line from Alba Botanica. The collection of emollient, moisturizing broad spectrum sunscreens come in Face, Sport and Kids in a lotion; and the Sport and Kids also comes in a spray lotion for easy application.

These sunscreens don’t have any parabens, oxybenzone, PABA, artificial colours, phthalates or sulfates, and offer both UVA and UVB protection with SPF 40. They’re fragrance free, non-greasy, pH balanced, water resistant and, of course, dermatologist tested.

alba BOTANICA™ Facial Sunscreen Lotion provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with SPF 40 and won’t clog pores. The Lotion for Sport is sweat-proof and water resistant with SPF 40, and is also available in a spray. The Kids Sunscreen Lotion provides broad spectrum UVA/ UVB protection with SPF 40. Its water resistant, non-greasy formulation offers lasting protection for active kids. And it’s fast-absorbing, perfect for kids who just can’t stand still! It also comes in a spray for the easiest application.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream Sunscreen SPF 15

The delicate skin around your eyes needs extra protection and is the most vulnerable to environmental aging. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream Sunscreen SPF 15 uses Idebenone, the most powerful antioxidant*, to fortify skin, help smooth fine lines and prevent signs of aging. (*For face products, environmental protection is against oxidative stress due to sun, smoke and pollution, with Idebenone compared to alpha lipoic acid, kinetin, vitamin C, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10.)

The delicate skin around your eyes craves special protection and support. This nourishing, multi-defense eye cream gives you both and is the first to combine SPF protection with revolutionary Idebenone.

KerMax™ Hair Treatments

If you have thin or thinning hair, KerMax™ Hair Treatments may be your solution. This line helps reverse or reduce the appearance of thinning hair and hair loss, and you can see results in as little as one week. First, start with KerMax™ Volumizing Shampoo followed by KerMax™ Volumizing Conditioner to help fine, thinning hair appear fuller and thicker. Then, use KerMax™ Essential Day Foam in the morning and KerMax™ Thickening Hair Serum at night. The Essential Day Foam helps stimulate follicles to reduce or stop excessive hair loss and promote scalp health which helps stimulate hair regrowth naturally. The Thickening Hair Serum, used at night, provides similar benefits as the Essential Day Foam plus helps nourish the scalp and balance excessive oil or dryness for improved hair regrowth potential, strength and shine.

The line doesn’t just stop there; KerMax™ Styling Mousse is the first hair care product that combines the effectiveness of styling agents with hair treatment actives. The mouse gives volume and body to fine, thinning hair and resists humidity for lasting hold.

The KerMax™ Hair Care System is safe for all women, all ethnicities and hair types. The products are free from pharmaceutical actives, contain no parabens, are hypoallergenic and gluten-free. KerMax™ products have never been tested on animals. The KerMax™ Hair Care System is exclusively available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Nectarine Blossom Eau de Toilette Spray

This light and pretty perfume is a sweet, refreshing scent – perfect for the summer. Green Tea Nectarine Blossom is like a reminder of endless lazy summer days and nights. It has bursts of fruit, citrus, green tea and juicy nectarine are drizzled over a bright floral bouquet and soft musks.

L’Oreal Infallible Eye Liner

I wear eye liner religiously. While some eyeliners smudge and are messy to put on, the new L’Oréal Infallible® Never Fail Eyeliner is L’Oréal’s glides on easily and evenly, and stays on all day. The colour doesn’t fade either, and doesn’t smudge.

got2b beach tripping’ salt infusion waving spray

I love the way my hair looks after a day at the beach; sun-kissed salt-water wavy. got2b beach trippin’ salt infusion waving spray gives you textured, windblown, voluminous waves and tousled beachy tresses. Natural salts infuse a deliciously rough texture and piece waves.

Spray it on wet and scrunch it up, and let it air dry or blow it dry a little and let your hair dry naturally. The result is beautifully defined waves with no frizz at all. Perfect for hot, humid weather in the summer.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

Don’t have time to wash your hair daily? If you need a dry shampoo with a clean and classic fragrance for all hair types, Batiste Dry Shampoo is perfect to use between washes. A quick burst revitalizes hair and removes any excess grease. Hair feels gorgeously clean and fresh with added body and texture.

More Spring/Summer beauty products

Appetizers & Soups

Easy Cranberry Walnut Apple Quinoa Salad

June 10, 2016

This quinoa salad is bursting with flavour! With the addition of fresh apple, tangy cranberries, and toasted walnuts, this protein-packed salad is a nice change from a regular leaf salad.

High in protein and fiber, quinoa [KEEN-wah] is not only tasty, it’s versatile; you can add it to any salad variation.

Easy Cranberry Walnut Quinoa

Ingredients

1 cup white and red quinoa
1 cup chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water
1 cup spinach
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 green onions, chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1 apple, chopped
1/3 cup toasted walnuts
optional – 1/3 cup Feta cheese

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper
2 tbsp lemon juice

Method

Cook the quinoa in the broth or water until cooked, for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool. Meanwhile, in a frying pan, toast walnuts for several minutes, being careful not to burn. Remove from pan. Sautee the spinach in olive oil until soft, and cool. Chop apple into small chunks. When everything has cooled, mix together all quinoa ingredients, including the dried cranberries. Optional – add some crumbled feta if you like.

Add all the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and stir until well blended. Add dressing to quinoa mix. Enjoy!

Family Travel

Exploring Old Québec City the Best Way: On Foot

June 8, 2016

Québec City is a lovely, European-style getaway for the family. But wear good walking shoes – much of the city is best seen exploring on foot!

Expedia.ca helped me with choosing the right hotel with all the amenities that we need for our long weekend family trip. borrowed an Acura MDX Elite for the ride (review to come). It was a comfortable ride, with leather seats, and a rear television with headphones for the kids to stay entertained. The navigation helped keep us on track!

After what seemed like a long ride due to long-weekend traffic, we finally arrived at the Hotel Manoir Victoria. We checked in to our lovely double-queen luxury room, dropped our belongings, and headed out to Rue St. Jean for some good eats.

We decided on Les Trois Garcons, a gluten-free friendly restaurant metres away from our hotel. This lively bistro is known for its freshly-made burgers with a ton of options, as well as poutine. I sampled gobbled the Garcons Original with bacon and cheese, on a gluten-free bun – which I thought for sure could not be gluten-free as it was fluffy and delicious.

The best way to see Quebec City is by walking it; we toured the old city on foot all morning.

We trekked uphill to the Citadel and the Plaines d’Abraham, walking past the parliament buildings, and through the old walls of the city. Within the Citadelle’s walls enclose 300 years of military history in Quebec City spanning the French, British and Canadian periods.

The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a pivotal battle in the Seven Years’ War, was fought by the British Army and Navy against the French Army on a plateau just outside the walls of Quebec City. The battle, which began on September 13, 1759, was a pivotal moment in the conflict between France and Britain over the fate of New France, influencing the later creation of Canada.

After our lesson in Canadian history, we stopped for lunch at Le Bureau de Poste, which was a 20-minute walk from our hotel, outside of the old town. Everything on the menu really is $4.95, but you can add things on for a little more. I had the nachos as a gluten-free option, while the boys had chicken wings (9 wings for $5 is a great deal).

The kids took a swim in the hotel pool while I caught up on some emails, and then showered and were out walking the old town once again. The boys must have went into every souvenir shop in the area! We couldn’t leave one shop without purchasing new Montreal Canadiens hats. I found a gorgeous shop called Boutique le Sachem on Rue des Jardins which specializes in the Native Indian art and artifacts. I bought myself a dream catcher necklace.

Next day, we walked through the old town to the waterfront just minutes away from our hotel. It was powerfully windy that morning and we were underdressed for the cool temperature. But we took in the beautiful view of the Chateau Frontenac. Quickly saluting Samuel de Champlain, we hustled into a nearby café to warm up and so I could caffeinate myself.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped into the stunning Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec. As it was a Sunday morning, we lit a candle and said a prayer. Built on the site of the first chapel constructed by Champlain in 1633, Notre-Dame de Québec Church was erected in 1647 and was called Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix. In 1664, it became the first parish church in North America.

For lunch, we stepped into a little piece of France in Paillard, a boulangerie/patisserie in the bustle of Rue Saint-Jean. Spoiled for choice with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, bread, the boys sampled several croissants and gelato – the Nocciolo (hazelnut) is absolutely divine. I enjoyed a coffee a lemon poppyseed macaroon to die for. The café has large communal tables as well as smaller café-style tables by the window, so you can people-watch.

Le Comptoir on Rue Saint-Jean for smoked meat sandwiches. This is a cozy little place with pleasant staff, and away from the tourist zone. Again, this is a family-friendly restaurant with options for kids.

Open Up Kobo Anywhere This Summer

June 6, 2016

Summertime is a time to escape the day-to-day with a good book. My plan is to have some down time this summer, and catch up on some good reads. I plan to open up Kobo anywhere this summer with the The Kobo Aura H2O – a waterproof, dustproof and anti-glare eReader that I can take to the beach, pool or splash park!

I can take the Kobo Aura H2O to the beach, to the bathtub, without worrying about dropping it in the bath or spilling a drink on it. No worries about the device getting wet, which is especially important during those summer months when you can suddenly get splashed by an unsuspecting water gun!

I don’t have to worry about getting sand on it either. The device is also dustproof, and anti-glare, which helps for reading outdoors on a sunny summer day.

My first read on the Kobo Aura H2O is Euphoria by Lily King. Set in 1930s Papua New Guinea, this novel is about three young, ground-breaking anthropologists caught in a love triangle that threatens their bonds, their careers and, ultimately, their lives.

Next on my list is The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, and I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson.

Kobo Aura H2O Features

Waterproof

Perfect for a soak in the tub after a long summer day, or bring it into the hot tub, swimming pool or even the beach. The Kobo Aura H2O is IP67 certified, meaning it’s waterproof for up to 30 minutes in one metre of water with the port cover closed.

Display

At 265 dpi, this eReader has a spacious 6.8” touchscreen offering a print-on-paper experience, showcasing text and high-resolution images beautifully. There are 10 fonts to choose front, and 24 sizes. You can customize and adjust font size and style to your preference.

Storage

As for the eReader storage, you won’t have to worry about counting the number of downloads. The Kobo Aura H2O has 4GB of onboard storage (expandable up to 32GB with a microSD card), so readers can easily store thousands of eBooks.

Battery Life

Also impressive is the battery life on the Kobo Aura H2O which can last up to two months. It’s great that you don’t have to charge it every day, like a mobile phone.

Catalogue

What’s on your reading list for this summer? Kobo has a huge catalogue of more than 5 million titles across all genres, eReader options, and top-rated apps for the most popular smartphones and tablets. Head over to the Best of the Month section for more book titles.

Promo code

New customers get a $5 credit when they sign up for a new Kobo account here.

Enter to win

Enter for your chance to win a Kobo Aura H2O prize pack! Use the form below to enter this giveaway.

Kobo Aura H2O Influencer Campaign Giveaway

Where will you open up with Kobo this summer?

Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Kobo and I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Entertainment

Family Friendly Shows Tackling Issues on Netflix

June 3, 2016

Do you ever find a show can tackle a difficult topic, better than you can explain it to a child?

From tackling peer pressure to learning to achieve five whole minutes without a cell phone in hand, addressing tough topics with your kids head-on can sometimes be a challenge. Sometimes real-life examples portrayed in a television show or film are better understood than by a parent explaining with their words.

Netflix has recommended some helpful family-friendly shows that explores a range of topics that your kids may be facing, with humour and heart. No matter what the parenting issue, chances are there’s a show and episode that can kick start a dialogue around the topic just by watching it together.

Here are some family friendly shows tackling issues on Netflix.

For Little Kids

Sibling Rivalry
Watch Ep. S1E1: Babee’s Room

Buzzabee and Rubee compete over who Babee (their new sibling) gets to room with. Mom and dad must explain to Buzzabee and Rubee that Babee needs to grow up before she can share a room.

Responsibility
Watch Ep. S1E1: Puppies & Guppies/Sorry We’re Closed Today

Larry and Laura Carrot want to adopt puppies, but quickly learn it takes responsibility in order to watch over and care for a pet of their own.

Following the Rules
Watch Ep. S1E6: Stormy Weather/ Baba’s Adventure/ Rock Music

Mama tells Oona and Baba to stay close with a storm approaching. After ignoring her advice, Oona and Baba get stuck in a seagull nest during the heavy thunderstorms.

For Big Kids

Self-Love
Watch Ep. S1E13: Star

After Dulcinea feels like no one in the group needs her help, she tries to use a newly-discovered wishing star to show her worth — but fails — showing her that her presence alone has lit up her friends’ lives all along.

Teamwork
Watch Ep. S1E3: Smart is the New Cool

After McKeyla insists she works better alone, she learns that four is better than one when her friends jump in to help her rescue the Prince from a botched space mission.

Peer Pressure
Watch Ep. S1E6: The Legend of El Explosivo

After getting grounded for sneaking off to Bobby Popko’s house, Jackson realizes he needs to stand up for what he knows is right and not give in to please his friend.

For Teens:

Actions Have Consequences
Watch Ep. S1E1&2: Pilot & Consequently

Brandon finds himself in a dangerous situation when trying to help Callie (his new foster sister) find her brother — learning that his actions can result in unexpected consequences.

Self-Improvement
Watch Ep. S1E4: Kimmy Goes to the Doctor!

Kimmy quickly realizes that she can’t fix her problems by simply “Buhbreezing” them away — real change comes from the inside.

Body Image
Watch Ep. S1E16: Home

After Sue demands that Mercedes lose weight, Quinn steps in to change her mindset and together they set the stage for beauty at William McKinley High, teaching the importance of empowerment and inclusion.

What are some memorable show episodes that deal with an important topic kids should watch?

About

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