amw in the city

Riot Fest Toronto 2015: Motörhead, Weezer and Alexisonfire with Huge News

September 21, 2015

Riot Fest Toronto 2015 was a muddy freaking mess but the crowd on Saturday of the weekend-long music festival didn’t seem to mind. The eclectic lineup this year included acts from Weezer, Rancid, All Time Low,Wu-Tang Clan, The Prodigy, Motörhead and Alexisonfire. Acts took to four different stages, aptly named Riot, Roots, Rock and Radicals.

Motörhead

Weezer

Alexisonfire

The highlight and best way to end the night was Alexisonfire announcing their reunion! Say what?!? Yes, the band is back together – AOF listened to the people. Take a listen:

Riot Fest Toronto: Courage My Love, Drive Like Jehu, All Time Low, The Dirty Nil

amw in the city

Riot Fest Toronto: Courage My Love, Drive Like Jehu, All Time Low, The Dirty Nil

September 21, 2015

Riot Fest Toronto was a muddy mess but the crowd didn’t mind getting dirty. I was level-headed enough to wear rubber boots to the jam-packed weekend music festival at Downsview Park in Toronto.

The eclectic lineup included acts from Courage My Love, Weezer, Rancid, All Time Low,Wu-Tang Clan, The Dirty Nil and The Prodigy. Acts took to four different stages, aptly named Riot, Roots, Rock and Radicals. Nostalgia was definitely in the air with veterans Rancid, Babes in Toyland, Wu-Tang Clan, Motörhead and Echo & The Bunnymen playing sets to a diverse crowd.

Courage My Love

Drive Like Jehu

All Time Low

The Dirty Nil

Riot Fest Toronto: Motorhead, Weezer and Alexisonfire with Huge News

Fashion

5 Ways to Wear White This Fall

September 21, 2015

Who came up with the notion that you shouldn’t wear white after Labour Day?

Well, the notion was created to separate the old money elitists from those aspiring to get in the coveted group. “It [was] insiders trying to keep other people out, and outsiders trying to climb in by proving they know the rules,” said Valerie Steele, director of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in an interview with Time.

Or perhaps it was as simple as Labour Day signaling the end of summer. A return to a regular routine, back to school meant a whole new wardrobe, usually with more heavy fabrics and darker colours.

Here are a few tips on ways you can say goodbye to “no white after Labour Day” and incorporate white into your wardrobe this fall and even into winter!

5 Ways to Wear White This Fall

Mix and match.

Pair white statement pieces with neutral colours like grey or tan to tone down the summer vibe for a sophisticated fall look. I love the look of a white sweater paired with white jeans, and a tan belt and handbag.

Stick to all white accessories like white cashmere gloves or a cable knit scarf to style your look as the months get colder. White is not always just plain old white – go with a shade of white, including cream, ivory, bright white, and my favourite, champagne.

Add some shearling.

From boots to jackets to capes, shearling makes an appearance every fall. Incorporate a pop of white in your transitional wardrobe with shearling accents. Also, think white wools, cashmeres, and down-filled parkas.

The not-so-blue jean

To balance out the summery feel of a pair of white denim jeans, pair with a distressed leather jacket in dark brown or a tan trench over coat for a more polished look.

Pair with darker colours.

Pair while with fall-like colours, so wear with grey or black jeans for example, or with a military green colour. A white sweater would rock with denim jeans and a leather jacket.

So, who said you can’t wear white after Labour Day?

parenting

Should I Help My Kids With Homework?

September 18, 2015

Now that school is well underway, the homework is starting to come home. The question “Should I Help My Kids With Homework?” is a common one.

So what is the right thing to do? Should you help your kids with homework? The answer is not a clear-cut “yes” or “no”.

Studies have shown that there is no clear connection between parental involvement in homework and improved student performance. In fact, one study showed that parental involvement, including homework help, can have a negative effect on a child’s academic achievement.

Research has shown that the children of parents who give their kids independence and control over their own work, are better able to complete tasks by themselves. Meanwhile, the children of parents who intervene and manage every detail of their child’s performance tend to give up when faced with challenges.

While homework should be a review and practice of what has already been taught in the classroom, I don’t see anything wrong with a parent giving a child some guidance with homework if needed. But let’s define “help”.

If the child is having a great deal of trouble with homework, parents should help them to understand the questions and instructions. I’m talking about offering guidance and assistance in understanding the homework, lesson or problem itself – not helping to complete the work. I don’t think parents should flat out give the answers – instead, they can offer guidance and direction.

Some children need extra support.

I have seen this first-hand; as a parent of a child who has trouble with certain subjects, I can’t simply sit there and watch my child struggle to understand the question, and reach a level of frustration without assisting him somehow.

“Help” from parents shouldn’t be completing the work themselves, editing creative works including essays, or giving out the answers in math. It’s counterproductive when parents micromanage their kids work – and teachers know when their parents have done the work for them!

Instead, parents should offer clarification of the instructions, to help the child understand what is being asked of him/her. I think it’s perfectly alright to offer guidance to children who need the extra support.

Stay tuned on tips on how to effectively help your child with his/her homework.

Do you help your kids with homework?

amw in the city

Being a Mom with a Spinal Cord Injury

September 15, 2015

Lubna Aslam is a self-proclaimed extreme soccer mom to Zayed (10) and Zara (9). From organizing school book swaps to playing basketball with her kids, she is an active and involved mom. When she is not acting as chauffeur to Zayed and Zara, she works as an Employment Counsellor at Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. She has called Toronto home for the past six years, but is a bit of a nomadic soul and has lived in India, Kuwait and the USA.

Motherhood involves a fair bit of adapting and learning as you go along. Being a mom with a spinal cord injury, involves an even greater degree of modification, not just of tools and practices, but also of people’s perceptions.

I had my son two years after sustaining my injury. Having a family was important to me. I like to say that my injury interrupted my life. It caused some delays in starting our family, but it did not change our plans. Once I established the new normal with my body we got back on track to starting a family. My injury did not affect my fertility or my libido and my husband can attest to the fact that it did not change his desire for me.

Both of my pregnancies went as planned and there were no complications. A few days after the birth of my son I realized there was a lack of resources in regards to post-natal care for mothers who have a spinal cord injury. I reached out to other mothers who had a spinal cord injury in my community and learned through their experiences. I also found myself listening to my instincts and being in tune with my baby’s reactions and behaviour.

I found certain products were vital, such as Baby Bjorns, that allowed me to multitask and move around with my kids. My most notable product modification I did was using an airplane seatbelt to attach my babies’ Moses Baskets to myself and my wheelchair. As my kids got older, I used the seatbelt when they sat on my lap. We had fun with this and taught my son when he was two years old to put his hands up and say “weee” anytime we went down a ramp.

I’ve developed a thick skin and I’ve become very diplomatic when responding to people’s interesting and sometimes imposing questions about my spinal cord injury. I’ve had people ask “how do you cook” or my favourite from a toddler, asking if I know Professor X from X-Men. I’ve been mindful to teach my children on how to respond to these questions with a certain level of tact. One time a woman said to my daughter “I feel so sad that your mom is in a wheelchair.” My daughter turned to her with a big smile and said “don’t be, she is such a happy person.”

Next week, on September 20^th they will be on the sidelines cheering me on at the Wheelchair Relay Challenge & stROLL. I participate in many other charity events, but the Wheelchair Relay Challenge & stROLL, run by Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants, who use a wheelchair in their every day lives or don’t, race against each other on teams in wheelchairs.

My team is the Penguins. We all dress in black and white and wear bowties and we give out “penguin food” (i.e. Goldfish crackers.) My kids have a blast enjoying the festivities and cheering me on. They truly honour me. They have become my biggest accessibility advocates and will be the loudest cheerleaders at the event.

The Wheelchair Relay Challenge and stROLL is happening Sunday, September 20^th at Monarch Park Stadium in Toronto from 9am and 1pm. Anyone can come and check out the festivities and you can still sign up a team for the Relay or as an individual stroller. Wheelchairs will be provided for Relay participants who don’t have a wheelchair. To donate or learn more about the event you can go to www.sciontario.org/Relaystroll2015 and to learn more about Spinal Cord Injury Ontario you can visit www.sciontario.org.

Contest

What’s in Style? Fall Essentials with Better Styled

September 14, 2015

Erin Nadler of Better Styled can’t get enough of my closet! The personal stylist came back to rummage through my closets once again – this time, to help me scale down my Fall wardrobe.

Erin visited earlier this year for a Toronto Star piece on Capsule Wardrobe for Spring Summer. My closets were full to the rim with clothing that either didn’t work with my style, didn’t fit properly, or were simply outdated. I didn’t realize how freeing it would be to ditch the pieces that no longer worked, and donate them.

So how thrilled was I to have Erin return to tackle my Fall wardrobe! She helped me downsize my overflowing closets, with advice on stylish outfits to compliment my lifestyle. Watch her video on her best Fall Essentials:

I’ll post some fabulous outfit ideas in another post. But in the meantime, here are some pieces that made it to my “new” closet.

After our visit, I felt as if it was just the beginning to feeling “lighter” – I was on a mission to tackle other areas of my home. It felt great to de-clutter my closet, and organizing my closet to make it easier to put outfits together.

If your closet is over-flowing and you don’t know what to keep and what to donate, you NEED to have help from Better Styled.

Enjoy 10% off your first purchase at Better Styled by referencing amotherworld!

What to expect? Well, you’ll have a consultation first about your your wardrobe, the styles and colours you like and dislike, your clothing needs, and what kind of style you’d like to have. Then, your personal fashion consultant will select pieces to suit your fashion goals, right in Better Styled’s salon.

Better Styled also comes to you with an in-closet visit, to help you assess what to keep and what to ditch. Your consultant will give you photos of outfits to help achieve your look, a shopping list of pieces to purchase, and ideas of complete outfits. This package is great for mom who is looking to purge and update her closet, or going back to work post-baby. See how it works here.

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky amotherworld reader will win a wardrobe consultation with Better Styled!

If you live inside Toronto, Better Styled will come to you for a 1-hour in-closet consultation. If you live outside Toronto, you will come to Better Styled’s salon in mid-town Toronto.

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway. Good luck!

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amw in the city

What’s in the Bag? Stars Get Pampered at TIFF

September 14, 2015

What’s in the bag? As in gift bag. Oh yes, as if they didn’t need to be showered with gifts, stars get pampered at TIFF with celebrity gift bags.

How to feel like a celebrity during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)? Drop by the annual Bask-It-Style media event by GLO Communications.

Now in it is seventh year, Bask-It-Style gives busy stars one less thing to worry about while in town promoting their films during the festival. A twist on traditional gifting, celebs receive hand-delivered VIP gift bags right at their hotel doors during their stay.

I had the chance to attend the media event to see first-hand how celebrity gift bags are done, and what a better venue than the Private Estates above the Shangri-La Hotel Toronto. This upscale residence, influenced by European architectural design, features a dazzling view of the city from its large balcony.

This year’s sponsors cover it all from beauty to fashion and from food to books. There is something for every visiting celebrity in town for TIFF. In the past celebrities gifted have included Sir Elton John, Megan Fox, Matt Damon, Ellen Page, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore and many more.

2015 Bask-It-Style sponsors include beauty and fashion brands Lise Watier, Neutrogena, Calvin Klein, Studio1098, Warner’s, IZOD, Van Heusen, Tommy Hilfiger and more.

Neutrogena showcased products which include their Naturals™ Purifying make-up removing wipes, Hydro Boost™ gel cream, Rapid Dark Circle Repair Eye and Healthy® Instant Skin Refiner. Warner representatives were on hand to provide on-site bra fittings to guests while introducing their new No Side Effects Bra and No Pinches, No Problem Panty. Studio1098 showed off their red-carpet worthy fine jewellery, along with the sterling silver and ruby wishbone collection, they have created to benefit CANFAR.

For those who fancy themselves culinary experts and beer connoisseurs, guests had a chance to learn about Canadian Pale Ale with Old Tomorrow CPA reps, as well as test the perfect brew of coffee by Doi Chaang Coffee.

Colin Campbell (Free Days with George) and L.C Moon (A Bedtime Story), and representatives from DK Publishing were on hand to showcase their books.

Guests also received goodies from Meta Fibre Bar, Kenneth Bernard Quench Shampoo and Conditioner, Lise Watier’s new Rouge Fondant Suprême and Neiges Eau de toilette Roll-on. And for those with a little sweet tooth, guests indulged in white chocolate, 70% dark chocolate and milk chocolate bars from Green & Blacks Organic.

Bask-It-Style has partnered with one charitable organization: Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to giving laughter and happiness back to children going through serious illness. Through their in-hospital and out-of-hospital programs, Starlight provides the joy and faith these children and their families need to carry on with their tough journey. To help them continue on with their incredible work, join them on October 25, where they’ll be hosting Tea & Tiaras, a lavish fundraising event where guests can expect a delightful afternoon filled with savoury and sweet treats, an assortment of custom tea blends, as well as a fashion show and other live entertainment.

Contest

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup in a Spread? Yum!

September 10, 2015

What do you get when you add chocolate with peanut butter? A party in your mouth!

My youngest LOVES Reese Peanut Butter Cups, and Reese’s Pieces. So imagine his delight when we received a package of REESE SPREADS – the delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter flavours in spreadable form.

Based on the iconic REESE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS Candy, one of Canada’s favourite snacks, Reese Spreads deliver the unique, one-of-a-kind combination of chocolate and peanut butter taste to any food, anytime, anywhere.

My son loves it because it’s easily spreadable so he can eat crackers with it, or spread himself on his toast. It has a nice texture and crunch of the peanut butter. Paired with an apple is surprisingly delicious!

It’s gluten-free – so I can enjoy it too – so I could enjoy them with gluten-free pretzels for that sweet and salty combination. You could enjoy Reese Spreads with bananas, pretzels, waffles and of course, toast. A spoonful on its own would be equally scrumptious!

Make sure to visit the Hershey Kitchens website for recipe ideas.

Reese Spreads are now available at major grocery and mass retail stores across Canada in 650g jars with a suggested retail price of $6.79.

Guess what? A lucky reader will win a REESE SPREADS prize pack (Value $100)!

ENTER TO WIN

How #DoYouSpoon your REESE spreads?

Tell me and you could win! Use the Rafflecopter below to tell me, and you could win a sweet REESE SPREADS Prize Pack (Value $100) to enjoy!

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Food

Greek Stuffed Vegetables – Gemista

September 4, 2015

Gemista (or yemista – γεμιστα) – stuffed vegetables – is a traditional Greek recipe that is the perfect summer dish, using in-season vegetables. The tomatoes are from my garden – can’t get any fresher than that!

My mom shared her recipe with me, and now I’m sharing with you! Some Greek cooks add ground beef, or feta, but I prefer this simple vegetarian version.

Greek Stuffed Vegetables – Gemista

Ingredients

3 zucchini, cut in half

4-5 tomatoes

3 eggplants

2-3 peppers

For the filling:

1 large onion, finely chopped

4-5 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

3 tablespoons tomato puree (or sauce)

2 tbsp sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 cups rice – I use parboiled rice

4-5 potatoes

Method

Cut the tops of the tomato and peppers and set aside. Scoop out insides of tomatoes and set aside in a bowl. Strain the tomato juice in a separate bowl, and chop the tomato chunks.

Scoop the insides of the eggplant and zucchini, and chop into small chunks, or add to a food processor and set aside. Tip – use knife at first to loosen, then use a spoon to scoop.

In a pan over medium heat, add ½ cup olive oil. Add chopped onion for a few minutes until soft, and add garlic to soften for a minute.

Then, add all chopped vegetables, parsley to cook for a few minutes. Add chopped tomatoes with tomato juice, and tomato puree. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Let cool.

Rinse 1 ½ cups parboiled rice. Stir rice into the veggie mixture until well blended. Fill the vegetables with the rice mixture until full, using a spoon.

Cut 4-5 small potatoes into fours. Add to a large roasting pan in between the stuffed vegetables.

Once vegetables are filled and tops placed back, sprinkle olive oil over the stuffed vegetables, and season with salt and pepper.

Bake at 350 degrees with lid on for the first hour. Then take off lid for remaining time – about another ½ hour to 1 hour.

Contest

Back to School Shopping and Saving

September 2, 2015

Do you go back-to-school shopping with your kids, or do you get it all done online?

While some of you have completed back-to-school shopping, I usually wait for the last minute back to school shopping the few days before school begins – it’s all part of that back-to-school rush feeling!

Canadian parents plan to spend, on average, more than $300 per child on back-to-school shopping! These expenses include everything from school supplies to the latest technology.

So before I begin back-to-school shopping and saving, I like to check out the deals online first – from the comfort of my couch. RetailMeNot.ca has all of the best deals in one convenient place.

Here are my favourite Back to School essentials for this year found through RetailMeNot.ca. You can get some great discounts with coupon and promo codes for thousands of online stores with RetailMeNot, and save with in-store and printable coupons.

Back to School Shopping and Saving

Backpack

A good, sturdy backpack with plenty of storage options is essential for growing kids. The licensed character backpacks are cute when kids are in younger grades, but they don’t have enough space for books and large zipper binders. This one from Swiss Gear fits laptops too. Available at Shop.ca. Right now if you shop at SHOP.CA, RetailMeNot has an exclusive $50 off when you spend $125 or more.

Lunch Box

There are so many options for lunch boxes. Many schools encourage “Boomerang” lunches, meaning packing lunches in recyclable containers. Bento-type boxes work well, as do various sizes of BPA-free containers like the Rubbermaid Lunch Blox, or Bento Buddies from Chapters Indigo.

Dry Erase Board

Older kids can stay on top of their school schedules with this cute stylish Peel + Stick Dry Erase Board Set by WallPOPS, featuring a monthly calendar, weekly planner, and message board. Includes a dry erase marker and letters for personalization. Available at Bed Bath and Beyond.

Running Shoes

Kids will need a good pair of running shoes AND a clean pair of indoor shoes; velcro will come in handy for little ones while older kids can enjoy runners like these New Balance sneakers from Foot Locker.

Clothing

Old Navy has some great deals for back-to-school shopping for boys and girls. Check out all of the discounts here.

ENTER TO WIN

To help you with your back-to-school shopping and saving, one lucky reader will win a $100 Visa card thanks to RetailMeNot.ca!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter below. Open to Canadians only. Ends September 13, 2015. Good luck!

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