amw

amw in the city

VIP Holiday Shopping in Style

November 27, 2014

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year but they’re also the most hectic! The greatest stress for me is shopping with crowds and long check-out lines.

I visited the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique at Yorkdale Mall for a preview of what Avioners can enjoy while holiday shopping – VIP holiday shopping in style!

The RBC Avion Holiday Boutique offers many services, free to Avioners, including:

Valet parking
Coat and parcel check
VIP lounge and café
Concierge services
Gift wrapping service

You know how crazy it is to find parking during holiday shopping hours so valet parking is a definite bonus! I find it cumbersome to shop comfortably wearing a heavy coat so the coat and parcel check takes a real load off. Shoppers can sit down in the swanky VIP lounge area with a cup of coffee, while the kids take a break from walking the mall. Visit again later once shopping is all done and get your gifts wrapped with the free gift wrapping service!

If you don’t own one of the Avion credit cards or Avioner Passes, you can still access the gift wrapping and coat/parcel check services, provided they pay the set fee established by the mall for these services which goes to charity anyway, so win win!

Halifax Shopping Centre, Nova Scotia
December 1 to 24th

Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto
November 22nd to December 31st

Square One Shopping Centre, Mississauga
November 22nd to December 31st

Coquitlam Shopping Centre, B.C.
November 22nd to December 31st.

New to the Avion Holiday Boutique this year is the RBC Rewards display which features some of the most popular items from the RBC Rewards catalogue. Visitors to the Boutique can nominate someone to win one of the items from the display in the “Not-so-secret Santa” Twitter contest. To do this, they take a photo of a product featured in the display, themselves in front of the display or of the Boutique and use the #AvionVIP hashtag along with the product hashtag and post to Twitter.

What a nice way for RBC to thank Avioners for their loyalty and to help turn their shopping visit to a VIP holiday shopping experience!

Disclosure: I am part of the RBC Avion Holiday Boutique Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Motherhood

The Secret of All Moms

November 26, 2014

We know that moms are amazing at multitasking and balancing mothering with working. We know that our capes are hanging in our closets. That’s what the media tell us – women can do it all and have it all.

But when articles like this come out, “The Secret of Working Moms” by Leah McLaren in the Globe and Mail, I can’t help but roll my eyes.

While it’s fabulous to hear about how working moms are more productive (actually, privileged women according to the study referenced in the article… that’s another blog post), part of me cringes.

Women can do or not do it all… it’s up to each individual. One is not better than the other.

When I read articles that women need to be doing more, or that working women are more productive, I can’t help but scream STOP. First of all, let’s stop saying we can do it all.

Yes we can do anything – but at what cost?

Putting ourselves last? Adding too much stress to our lives? Risking our health?

Something has to give. Reading these types of articles based on studies can only cause women to feel pressured to do more, be more. Aren’t we enough? Whatever it is that you decide to do, it never feels like it’s enough.

Some other woman is working more hours, or staying at home to raise her kids. Some other woman baked a cake while the other bought one from the grocery store. One mom hosted a Pinterest-worthy birthday party while the other turned the hosting over to Chuck E Cheese’s.

Lately I’ve been feeling the strong need to slow things down. Taking on too much will inevitably lead to burnout.

The adrenaline rush of finishing a task feels wonderful but it also depletes energy. If you don’t take enough down time, you’ll burn out. Time passes us by in a big blur because we haven’t taken enough time to pause and reflect.

This has happened to me time and time again so I’ve been forced to learn this lesson. Something does tend to suffer when you overdo anything. Whwn you so too much. It’s the dreaded” I’m soooo busy” culture we’ve become.

So rather than create more pressure to do more, be more… can we simply be content with living simply?

It’s wonderful to have ambition but some of life’s pleasures and joys come from the ability to slow down, live in the moment and enjoy the simple things.

I hate the pressure that we put on ourselves to do more – because we’re supposed to be great at multitasking and parenting! It’s in our nature!

That’s how I became a “depleted mom” – more on that another time.

My point is this – if you want to stay home and raise a family, that’s good enough. If you want to work, that’s good enough. If you want to do both, that too is good enough.

Food

Share a Good News Story and Help Fight Hunger

November 24, 2014

More than 4 million Canadians don’t know where their next meal is coming from, according to the 2014 Food Banks Canada Donor Impact Report. That’s a staggering number.

From November 19 through to December 23, McCain Foods is donating $5 to Food Banks Canada, up to $50,000 for every good news story shared using #McCainShareGood on Twitter or by tagging the McCain Foods Canada Facebook page.

Do you have some good news to share?

I do! Thank you to the young man in front of me at the drive-through who paid for my coffee, along with the three vehicles behind me! Put such a small on my face and was a touching surprise. Even a small act of kindness can brighten your day and is worth sharing!

Share your good news story on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #McCainShareGood and/or tagging the McCain Foods page on Facebook and $5 will be donated to Food Banks Canada. Share a good news and help the hungry – that’s something good to feel about!

ENTER TO WIN

Please share your own good news story and enter to win a McCain Foods prize pack, valued at $50. The prize pack includes:

Up to $25 in coupons for free McCain products
McCain reusable tote bag
Tuscana Large rectangle fluted bakeware
Cuisinart Elements Cake/Pie Server

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Good luck!

Contest

Help your Winter Whites Sparkle (Giveaway)

November 20, 2014

It’s that time of year again – the holidays are approaching! As the festivities begin, our to-do list grows longer and longer. Christmas parties, shopping, decorating… there is little time left!

How can you stay on top of everything during this hectic time of the year?

Feel your best this season by keeping your teeth and skin radiant, your clothes clean and white, and your dishes sparkling. No need to shy away from those classic holiday photos – now you can confidently flash that smile, host a sparkling dinner party and wear your favourite winter white outfit.

To help you “clean up” in time for the holidays, we’re giving away a Church & Dwight Winter Whites Prize Pack!

What’s in the basket?!

• Signed Alison Sweeney novel, Scared Scriptless

• Arm & Hammer™ Truly Radiant™ Toothpaste
• Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush™ Truly Radiant™ Extra White Battery Brush
• Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush™ Truly Radiant™ Extra White Replacement heads
• OxiClean™ MaxForce™ White Revive™ Paks
• OxiClean™ 4X Concentrated Extreme Power Crystals™ Dishwasher Detergent
• Arm & Hammer™ Baking Soda
• Batiste™ Dry Shampoo Original

Total Value: Over $75

ENTER TO WIN

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Good luck!

Christmas

Get Your Shop on at the William Ashley Warehouse Sale

November 19, 2014

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been going with my mom and sister to the William Ashley Warehouse sale. My fine china set was purchased at the sale, as well as many Christmas gifts, kitchen gadgets, photo frames, candles, decor items and my favourite – Christmas decorations.

It was an annual tradition – we would make it to the tents in Scarborough just after 8:00am on Saturday or Sunday, coffee in hand, and wait for the doors to open so we could get our shop on! Elizabeth, the “I love my job” greeter, would offer her cute jokes while we waited for the store to officially open – she’s been working probably as long as the sale has been around!

When American Express partnered with William Ashley, I’d get preview shopping opportunities before the sale would open to the general public – which if you’ve gone, you know it can be a ZOO. If you’ve ever wanted to see shopping madness, then you must go to the sale.

This year, however, the 39th Annual William Ashley Warehouse has a brand new location in Woodbridge. What does this mean? Free parking! Line-ups inside instead of outside in tents! Bathrooms indoors! Yay! The new permanent location is convenient as it’s off the 400 and Rutherford. Make sure to get there early and leave the kids at home as it can become very crowded…. I was lucky to be invited by William Ashley to enjoy the sale in private this year!

Shop for fine china and crystal, cutlery, everyday dinnerware, cookware, kitchen appliances, kitchen gadgets, bakeware, bar items/gifts including wine/liquor glasses, table linens, discontinue china, baby/children gifts, bed and bath, garden, pets, photo frames, candles, Christmas decorations, and much more.

So as with every year, I took my mom to shop this year’s sale, which usually runs for a month but it ends this weekend – so make sure to go shopping! We both succeeded in a great shopping day. I bought a few pillows (the London one below), a throw, some carpets, decor items, the Italian mugs to give as gifts and more. My mom found a cute chandelier for my niece’s bedroom! Here were some of my fabulous finds from this year’s sale:

I think I had a successful shopping morning! Thanks to William Ashley for inviting me to a fun private shopping experience!

lifestyle

4 Organizations Making a Difference

November 18, 2014

We tend to focus on the negative that surrounds us. I love hearing about not-for-profit organizations that are making a difference in our communities. The people who drive these organizations and movements are local heroes and they deserve more attention.

I want to hear more stories about people doing more positive things for those in need. Here are 4 organizations that are making a difference in your community.

Antonio’s Toy Drive

Greg and Helen Psarologos have been fundraising around the holidays for several years. In 2010 after the birth of their son Antonio, they changed the name of their annual toy drive in his honour, Antonio’s Toy Drive to raise awareness for Down Syndrome, and began to fundraise for Surrey Place Centre in Toronto. Surrey Place Centre helps children and adults living with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments reach their full potential.

Due to Antonio’s recent diagnosis of Leukemia, this year’s toy drive will be an online fundraiser. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off in various locations around Toronto, which will then be donated to Surrey Place Centre.

The family has also created a HEROES calendar with the proceeds going to Special Olympics of Ontario Active Start Program, DSAT and Camp Ooch, a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with and affected by childhood cancer with unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.

For more information and to buy the calendar, visit http://www.psarologos.ca.

The ShoeBox Project

What do you do with all of your old shoeboxes? Here’s a fabulous way to give back to your community. Save your old shoe boxes and fill them with goodies for a woman in need. It’s easy to make a shoebox and to have it delivered to a woman in a shelter.

Save the swag you collect at events or parties, like make-ups and creams and create a lovely shoebox with items with a $50 total value to have delivered to a woman in a shelter across Canada.

The founders wanted to make a small difference in the community through an in-kind project, that didn’t require much money or infrastructure. They rely on the kindness and generosity of others to help brighten the holidays of others. It’s also a project you can do with our children that creates a meaningful experience for the whole family.

For more information, visit http://www.shoeboxproject.com/.

Project Village

Anna Gala started Project Village which aims to employ and empower underprivileged Toronto women in a sustainable way and help them reach their personal and socioeconomic goals.

Through transformational coaching, positive social influences, empowering support systems and healthy work environments, Gala feels we can help break the cycle of poverty and dependence… dependence on social services that only dis-empower so many underprivileged people today.

Each women’s journey will be different and tailored to her specific goals and dreams. Whether they be to go back to school, move to a better area, buy healthier food, buy a car, whatever it is, Gala will make a plan to help her achieve it.

For more information, visit http://www.projectvillage.ca/.

To Write Love on Her Arms

TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

They address mental health issues on a number of levels by engaging college students, hosting educational conferences, offering internships, investing directly into treatment and recovery, and much more. These programs, campaigns, and events are the heart of TWLOHA.

For more information, visit twloha.com.

Little Kids

Potty Training with Pull-Ups® Big Kid Academy

November 17, 2014

When my eldest was two years old, I was pregnant with my second son. I was a little stressed about having two boys in diapers so I decided to start potty training. I tried letting my son run around naked—eventually, he ended up peeing on the floor.

Next, I bribed him with a toy. It failed. He would just run away and scream, “I don’t want to go on the potty!”

I bought him a soft seat for the toilet, tried reading to him while on the potty. Nothing.

Yes, there was major resistance. But was he physically ready for potty training?

The Pull-Ups® Big Kid Academy is a wonderful tool to get started on potty training your children and answering many of your questions.

Before you even begin, ask yourself: is your child even ready? Take the Signs of Readiness Quiz and if the answer points to potty-readiness, you can begin to prepare for the next step. Next, find the right supplies and tools on the Big Kid Prep List, discover fun activities for your routine, and then customize a Potty Progress Chart.

The Pull-Ups® Time to Potty App has creative customized tools to help engage your child and give him or her positive reinforcement, which can help with potty success.

You can customize a printable, personalized weekly progress chart to help keep your efforts in check and to help reward your child, who needs that positive reinforcement. I remember doing the Potty Dance when my boys went on the potty! Sometimes they’d look at me like I was a crazy mama but it worked!

Create your own Potty Dance which helps get your Big Kid excited about potty training. Choose the music—from classical to rock—and choose a character. Learn the steps with your child and then download your song! I find the charts and potty dances help your child feel a sense of real accomplishment—they’re a Big Kid now!

We tried the Pull-Ups® Learning Designs & Cool Alert ® after downloading the Pull-Ups® Time to Potty App. My boy can stay dry for more than 2 hours and sometime he shows interest in running to the potty, when he isn’t distracted by other things! The Pull-Ups® Training Pants made it easy for my son to quickly run to the bathroom and pull them down all by himself which made him super proud. We created our own Potty Dance together on the website. The timer comes in handy, too. The Pull-Ups® Big Kid Academy is really helpful as we go through this challenging milestone.

Kendra, mom of 2.5 year old boy

The best part of the Big Kid Academy program is the Pull-Ups® Time to Potty App which can be downloaded for free. The app is a smart new take on the classic potty timer that helps you and your child learn the importance of taking regular potty breaks. Just set up a profile for your child and let the app know when your child uses the bathroom and the timer automatically adjusts the time between breaks.

Pull-Ups® Learning Designs & Cool Alert ® can also help make potty training a little more enticing for toddlers too. The Learning Designs® entice toddlers to wear the Pull-Ups® and the Cool Alert® helps your child realize when he or she is wet. Pair these with a consistent routine and The Pull-Ups® Big Kid Academy, along with The Pull-Ups® Time to Potty App, and you’ll be on your way to potty training victory.

Pull-Ups® Training Pants are all about getting toddlers interested in becoming a Big Kid which is why they have Disney character designs and stretchy sides that let kids put them on and take off all by themselves! Visit Pull-Ups® Big Kid Academy to enroll your kid today!

Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Pull-Ups® Training Pants via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Kimberly-Clark Inc.

Books & Music

Disney Movie Giveaway: Star Wars Blu-ray and Frozen Sing-Along

November 17, 2014

I have two Disney movies to giveaway to one lucky reader!

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS: THE LOST MISSIONS
Available on Blu-ray on November 11th

Against a backdrop of ever-shifting loyalties, uneasy alliances and ancient hostilities, the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists ramps up, setting the stage for Darth Sidious’ ultimate act of treachery against the Jedi. In these uncertain times, some of the deepest mysteries of the light and dark sides of the Force are revealed as an intrepid clone trooper uncovers a shocking conspiracy, Anakin Skywalker’s closest relationship is tested to its limits, and Master Yoda makes a discovery that could forever change the balance of power in the galaxy.

Set between Episodes II and III of the iconic “Star Wars” saga, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” explores the untold stories that helped shape the galaxy far, far away. The series chronicles the adventures of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Ahsoka Tano and other “Star Wars” heroes as they struggle to maintain freedom and restore peace against the dark side of the Force. Joined by an army of clone troopers, the noble Jedi fight to protect the Republic against the Separatists and their droid army led by Count Dooku, hias assassin Asajj Ventress and the evil General Grievous. Each week, a new thrilling story is revealed, brought to the screen by supervising director Dave Filoni and executive producer George Lucas.

Voice Cast: Tom Kane as Narrator, Dee Bradley Baker (TV’s “Phineas & Ferb,” “American Dad,” “Ultimate Spiderman”) as Clone Troopers, Matt Lanter (TV’s “90210,” “Ultimate Spiderman”) as Anakin Skywalker, James Arnold Taylor (TV’s “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.,” “Jonny Test”) as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ashley Eckstein (TV’s “Sofia The First,” “That’s So Raven”) as Ahsoka Tano.

FROZEN SING-ALONG EDITION
Available on DVD on November 18th

Now you can experience Frozen, the hit musical comedy from Walt Disney Animation Studios, like never before in a new to DVD, full-length Sing-Along Edition! You know your children will love this one… Follow the lyrics with a bouncing Frozen snowflake. Join Anna as she sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and a snowman named Olaf – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. It’s pure enchantment – and full of fun for the whole family!

ENTER TO WIN

Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.

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Good luck!

Travel

Cuban Taxi Surprise with Transat Holidays

November 14, 2014

With the colder weather beginning, I’m starting to dream about traveling to the Caribbean! Island holidays are on the brain and Cuba is one destination that is on my must-see list.
Relatives and friends have raved about the affordability of vacationing in Cuba, with Varadero being a hot spot for Canadians with its stunning beaches and turquoise waters.

What’s unique about Cuba is historic centre, Havana, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Havana was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century. The city is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments. Contemporary Havana has three cities in one: Old Havana, Vedado, and the newer suburban districts.

Havana is also a haven for vintage cars from the 1940s and 1950s. If you’ve been to Cuba, you know what a typical Cuban taxi looks like – they are a part of the Cuban landscape. Now imagine spotting a Cuban taxi cab roaming the streets of downtown Toronto? Now imagine hopping into that cab and meeting a driver named Antonio Banderas who then offers you a surprise envelope at the end of your cab ride.

Transat Holidays organized a special stunt involving a Cuban taxi driving in the streets of Toronto, inviting passengers to live the Cuban experience through a cab ride. Unsuspecting passengers experienced funny situations that they could have lived in Cuba: sharing their taxi with people, dancing and singing. They sometimes ended going to the airport instead of the initial destination. The most curious and the bravest that accepted to take a ride have been rewarded: they won a week all-inclusive Cuba vacation!

How amazing to be treated to a Cuba vacation right now? Have you been to Cuba?

Beauty

6 Must-Have Products for Fall

November 13, 2014

I enjoy trying out new products, especially when I find a true gem. Here are 6 must-have products for Fall that you will enjoy as much as I do:

6 Must-Have Products for Fall

Pureology Strength Cure

If your hair is severely damaged and colour-treated, you need a strong hair repair line. Pureology Strength Cure line of products are designed specifically for damaged hair including heat or mechanical, environmental, and chemical or colour damage.

The Pureology Strength Cure line gives hair treats dry and damaged hair, increasing shine, strength and texture. Just a small amount of this lovely-scented shampoo and conditioner can help bring moisture back to dull, straw-like locks, strengthening your hair and removing dull residue.

The Restorative Masque formula fortifies and reduces breakage to help prevent further damage. Split End Salve healing formula helps strengthen, prevents further damage, and provides shine for colour-treated hair. Fabulous Lengths’ protecting formula strengthens hair fiber to help reduce breakage and provides heat protection to prevent further micro-scarring and heat damage to colored hair.

The products use 100% vegan ingredients too! Available at various hair salons.

Dermarie Lumitox Acetyl Hexapeptide Anti-Aging Facial Serum

I’m not sure if I’d ever get Botox (never say never!) but I’m always up for trying products that work like it! Dermarie Lumitox Acetyl Hexapeptide Anti-Aging Facial Serium works like a topical Botox to interrupt the nerve signals responsible for micro muscle contractions that lead to expression lines and forehead wrinkles. It might be just as important as SPF for maintaining a youthful appearance; as the skin’s elasticity diminishes, these micro contractions become permanently etched into the face. Yes the dreaded crows feet, laugh lines, frown lines, and forehead wrinkles.

The Dermarie Anti-Aging Facial Serum can help prevent and diminish the look of wrinkles – like injections would but without the needles. With ingredients like seaweed and hyaluronic acid, the serum moisturizes and protects the skin as well as tightens and improves the skin’s elasticity and firmess.

Love that the serum comes in a syringe packaging – clever! $68 for 12ml.

Chamilia bracelet

Calling all jet-setters! Chamilia celebrates travel with beautiful sterling silver bracelet and charms featuring genuine Crystal Swarovski ELEMENTS and Italian Murano glass.

Chamilia has over 600 exclusively designed charms to choose from – endless ways to customize your look. The Chamilia travel charms are my absolute favourite, especially Around the World in teal enamel, Camera Clear Cz Bead and the Motorin’ – Motorcycle Charm. $30 and up.

Travel Accessories by Belle Hop and Lewis N. Clark

These travel accessories will help make packing a breeze and keep your belongings organized. The Featherlight Packing Cube set by Belle Hop is designed for optimum organization and wrinkle-free packing. The smaller size is great for organizing smaller items (think undergarments).

This Belle Hop Jewelry roll keeps jewelry protected, accessible and tangle-free in your suitcase. The tie-down roll in a cute pink colour organizes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.

The Lewis N. Clark Ditty Bag Set comes in handy for packing small items in your luggage while the water-resistant pouch and shoe covers are also must have travel accessories to keep the inside of your luggage clean and dry.

OPI Designer Series

Need a little glitter in your life?

OPI introduces a new Polished Quartz formula with two new semi-precious stone-inspired hues – DS Tourmaline and DS Titanium – to the Designer Series by OPI collection. Each Designer Series Polished Quartz nail lacquer features a semi-matte finish with intense three-dimensional sparkle.

DS Tourmaline is a shimmery rose, and DS Titanium is a must-have glittery dark silver – perfect for fall and winter.

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler

Finally a styler/brush that easily and painlessly removes tangles and knots. The Tangle Teezer Compact Styler is ready to rescue your challenging hair and you can throw it in your purse as it comes with a click-on click-off cover. The brush’s teeth help to minimize breakage, splitting and damage with its memory flex teeth. Use it to also tease your hair to add volume when styling.

Use on wet or dry hair. Great for colour-treated hair, weaves, extensions and children’s hair. $25 at Sephora.

ENTER TO WIN

ENTER TO WIN

Antonio’s Toy Drive

The ShoeBox Project

Project Village

To Write Love on Her Arms

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS: THE LOST MISSIONS Available on Blu-ray on November 11th

FROZEN SING-ALONG EDITION Available on DVD on November 18th

ENTER TO WIN

6 Must-Have Products for Fall

Pureology Strength Cure

Dermarie Lumitox Acetyl Hexapeptide Anti-Aging Facial Serum

Chamilia bracelet

Travel Accessories by Belle Hop and Lewis N. Clark

OPI Designer Series

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS: THE LOST MISSIONS
Available on Blu-ray on November 11th

FROZEN SING-ALONG EDITION
Available on DVD on November 18th