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Halloween

Halloween Costumes for Girls Compared to Boys

October 20, 2014

When I went shopping for my boys’ Halloween costumes, I glanced over to the “girls” section. My first thought was – where is the rest of the costume?

You may as well make Halloween costumes for girls with 12 x 12 inch felt squares sewn or pinned together because you won’t need a ton of fabric for the costumes you’ll find in stores these days! Halloween costumes for girls are skimpy, tight and inappropriate. The tween costumes are even worse. Let’s not even talk about women’s costumes which are mostly all two-piece outfits – bustier and mini-skirt. You have to rent a Renaissance costume if you want to dress up modestly.

Let’s say your daughter wants to dress up as a police officer for Halloween. This is her choice at the Halloween costume store?

And here is the boys’ option:

When I searched a few Halloween costume shops online, I counted 36 “career” boys Halloween costumes – and only 5 Career Costumes for Girls. FIVE.

On another website, the only careers were a pop star, Hollywood Diva and a police officer costume that is a dress. Who wears a dress as a police officer? Sure let’s chase the bad guys with high heel boots!

Why are Halloween costumes putting a sexy spin on police officers, firefighters and nurses? These are not realistic depictions of these occupations. Girls Halloween costumes are too provocative and sexy. Why are little girls and their bodies being hyper-sexualized this way?

Boys’ Halloween costumes are realistic depictions of these occupations but girls’ versions are not – they are a sexualized image of the real thing. What kind of message do these costumes send to our girls?

Boys and girls alike can aspire to be firefighters and police officers but yet these costumes, send a different message – that girls can’t wear the realistic version of these occupations because they are not girls’ occupations. It sends the message that a female who works in these types of jobs will need to reveal her body and look good in order to be accepted.

For those of you who think this is silly, I know the answer could be as simple as, “then go buy the costume in the boys department.” The point is that these sexy costumes shouldn’t exist for girls, period.

Here’s a solution – don’t separate costumes for boys and girls – there should be just a section called Costumes for Kids.

What do you think?

Big Kids

Girl Power! Tips on Raising Confident Daughters

October 20, 2014

Girls go through tremendous emotional and physical changes during puberty. I’ve talked about when you should talk to your children about their bodies and puberty, what to tell your daughter about her first period and how to be prepared to answer the typical questions she might ask you.

I touched upon how you can help your daughter through puberty and everything that comes with it and what to expect with the emotional changes during puberty. I also wrote about what to tell the boys so they know what’s going on with their sister and/or friends.

The tween and teen years are the important years in instilling confidence in our young, impressionable girls. How can you help raise your daughter to be confident? It’s important that parents encourage high self-esteem as they transition to womanhood.

Teenage girls today are likely more challenged to maintain a positive self-esteem than when I was a teenager. Our society and the media are putting such high standards on girls to be “perfect” and to “fit in”.

Here are some tips to empower our girls and help to raise confident daughters.

Compliment her

But don’t praise girls only on how they look – parents’ praise should be focused on efforts and accomplishments rather than physical appearance. By complimenting her talents and abilities, you will help build her self-confidence.

Be her role model

Show your daughter what it means to be confident and happy with her own appearance. Treating others with respect and showing kindness to others is one of the best ways a daughter can learn from her mom. If you look at yourself in the mirror and utter negativity about the way you look, it affects your daughter too. If you love yourself and your body and are open about these feelings, your daughter will also follow suit. Make sure you’re also not judging others by appearance; show your children that it’s what’s inside that makes us who we are. Live by example.

Don’t pigeonhole her into a gender box

Encourage your girls to try sports, which play an important role in developing a positive body image, discipline and self-assurance. It’s worth it to get your daughter involved in a variety of activities when she’s young.

When talking with preteen girls about the importance of exercise, keep the message simple: strong is beautiful.

Encourage strong role models

Want to reinforce the beauty in strength? Encourage strong role models – whether it be a family member, teacher, someone in your daughter’s community or other women with admirable achievements. Here are three super cool women who will surely inspire your daughters.

Listen and talk openly with your daughter

Allow your daughter to lead the conversations and listen. Encourage her to talk about what’s going on in school, with her friends, or even about what’s playing on television and what images she sees in media. Have open and frank discussions about relationships, body image, appearances and peer pressure, as well as how girls are portrayed in media.

Encourage independence

Give your daughter the space and confidence to complete her homework, chores or other tasks and responsibilities. Help her when necessary; praise her for her efforts and independence.

I hope these tips will help you help your daughters to grow into strong, confident women!

Disclosure: I’m thrilled to be working with Always, Tampax and BeingGirl to share important information about kids and puberty!

Christmas

2014 Christmas Gift Guide Submissions

October 18, 2014

I will be featuring fabulous Christmas gift ideas in my annual Christmas Gift Guide so I’m now accepting pitches for products to review, give away and/or feature in our 2014 Christmas Gift Guide.

Categories include:

Gits for Him
Gifts for Her
Gifts for the Home
Gifts for Little Ones
Gifts for Big Kids

Your product will receive:

Possible inclusion and editorial coverage in our gift idea roundup, which will fit into the appropriate gift category;
Giveaways will receive its own blog post with contest running for at least one week;
Social media promotion

Only a new full-sized and non-returnable product will be accepted for consideration for our 2014 Christmas Gift Guide. Shipping and brokerage fees are to be paid by the sender. For giveaways, amotherworld is not responsible for shipping prizes.

Products sent for consideration may not be guaranteed a feature. Please contact us for giveaway and sponsored post rates and administration fees.

Submissions deadline is December 1. Gift Ideas will run November until December 15th. For giveaways, prizes must be shipped by December 16.

To have a product reviewed and included possibly in editorial coverage in our gift idea roundup, and/or featured in a giveaway, please email amotherworld@gmail.com with subject line “2014 Christmas Gift Guide Submission”.

Little Kids

Baby Registry Now Available at Walmart

October 15, 2014

When I was pregnant, I registered for baby items that I knew I would need. Going by the pregnancy books, I think I registered for everything!

There were some baby registry items that I probably didn’t need right away but I felt less stressed knowing that I was stocked with baby items when the time would come to need them.

Well now preparing for baby is easier with Walmart Canada announcing the official launch of its new baby registry on Walmart.ca.

The registry features a broad assortment of baby products from diapers and bottles to cribs and strollers as well as more than 1,500 online exclusives at Walmart’s everyday low prices. Brands that are now available at Walmart.ca include Tommee Tippe, Medela, Child of Mine by Carter’s, Stroll-Air, Mamas and Papas to name a few.

The baby registry is mobile friendly – customers can set up, view and edit their registry on-the-go. There is no minimum purchase and there is free shipping for most areas.

Setting up a baby registry can be done in three easy steps:

Create a registry and give it a name.
Add baby items you need to your baby registry.
Share your baby registry with family and friends.

The registry also offers many other benefits to new and expecting parents including a Baby Resource Centre which offers expert advice, helpful tips and relevant articles on topics ranging from how to throw a great baby shower to buying a car seat to creating a safe sleeping environment for baby.

Did you have a baby registry when you were pregnant?

Contest

New Rabbids Invasion Toy Line Plus a Giveaway

October 15, 2014

My seven-year-old has been ranting and raving about Rabbids Invasion, an animated television series which premiered last August. The show is based on the Raving Rabbids video game series produced by Ubisoft. Yes, we have those games for the Wii too.

The cartoon is a mix of slapstick comedy and crude humour for kids. Oh you know, bathroom humour such as flatulence sounds… noises that kids always enjoy – I know mine get a kick out of these things.

Now, there is a Rabbids Invasion toy line, inspired by the hit show which airs exclusively on YTV in Canada. From renowned cartoonist, Todd McFarlane, McFarlane Toys has partnered with Ubisoft to bring the hilarious characters and moments to life for kids.

The all new toy line includes figures, plush dolls and accessories that capture the Rabbids humour and are sure to be a hit with kids this holiday season. These alien rabbits go on adventures, exploring the human world and experiencing bizarre encounters with its residents.

My son’s favourite is probably the Rabbids Super Plunger Blaster. There are three modes – Bwah Mode, Fart Mode and Prank Mode. That’s right, fun for the kids to bug mom and dad!

Kids can build their own Rabbid invasion at home by collecting mini figures depicting the crazy and silly Rabbid characters – Bill E. Rock, Blondie, Plunger, Professor Marker, Super Bwah, Where’d It Go, and mystery rare figure. Each wacky Rabbid figure in the Rabbids Sound & Action Series comes with a zany play-action and assorted sounds that will have you bwaahing out of your seat.

There are also the Rabbids Plush Series – five soft, lovable yet wacky plush toys. The squeezable Rabbid includes iconic facial expressions, and two come with crazy costumes for even more Rabbid fun.

ENTER TO WIN

We are giving away a Rabbids Invasion toy prize pack! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway valued at $50. Canada only.

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Good luck!

parenting

You Know You’re a Mom of Boys When…

October 14, 2014

by Jess Weaver

Moms of boys are a special breed…aren’t we? Sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder of WHY you’re a mom of boys. I can say that my main goal is to raise boys who are happy, healthy, and determined. I’m raising three boys (alongside my husband) and we have some great stories to tell. This brings me to my main point—“you know you’re a mom of boys when.”

Farts are Funny

For some reason gas is just hilarious whenever you have boys. I haven’t quite figured out why.

Dirt Doesn’t Come Clean

My sons have the power to get dirt on anything and everything. The sad thing is that the dirt doesn’t come out of all of their clothing, but as long as they have fun, that’s all that matters.

You Get Random Comments

I get the weirdest comments from strangers, like… “Are you trying for girl?” or “All boys? You poor thing!” I’m not sure why people have to interject their opinion into my house full of boys, but they aren’t going to steal my joy.

You Hear “I’m hungry” at least 20 Times a Day

I feed my boys often and only a few minutes after they are done eating, I hear “I’m hungry.” I never knew little men could pack so much food in those tiny bodies.

You Sweep 50 Times a Day

We have the rule of no eating anywhere but the table. However, crumbs and other food items seem to find their way around the house. What can I say? I love sweeping 50 times a day!

The Toilet Seat is Always Up

There’s hardly a day that goes by when I don’t have to put down the toilet seat. There’s nothing worse than sitting on the cold, hard, and very wet part of the toilet.

You Take a Shower With Batman

Just this morning I looked down at my feet and batman was in there. I thought to myself, you know you’re a mom of boys when batman is in the shower with you (the toy version of course).

Raising a household full of boys is fun, but I’m often reminded of how unique this journey really is. If you’ve sat on a cold wet toilet seat or have taken a shower with a toy batman, then here’s to us. Moms of boys have it rough, but we also have it pretty darn good!

Jess Weaver is a work at home mom and wife. She’s been married to Ryan for nearly 7 blissful years. She has three adorable and rowdy sons. Benjamin- 5, Isaac- 3, and Josiah -1. If you would like to contact Jess you can do so by clicking the contact me button on her website.

Contest

THE GAME OF LIFE – CAA Edition is Back!

October 13, 2014

When I was a child, I loved board games – one of my favourites was THE GAME OF LIFE.

Looking back, it was interested to see the future was laid out for our generation – the natural order of lifetime events started with college or career, then having a family, making money and finally, retirement. I remember how fun it was to choose a different path each time I played – would I have 5 kids or none?!

You would spin the wheel of fate in THE GAME OF LIFE board game and take a drive along the twisting roads with your family. The wealthiest player in retirement would win the game.

The road of life is not the same for everyone and ensuring that your family is safe and protected is important. My priority is my family and ensuring that they are covered in every aspect of this “game of life”.

CAA is known for being the most trusted name in roadside assistance. With a full range of products, CAA Members have access to not only Roadside Assistance, but life, home and auto insurance; travel packages and insurance; and exclusive access to savings and rewards at more than 164,000 retail locations and services worldwide.

PLAY TO WIN

THE GAME OF LIFE – CAA Edition is back for its 4^th year. Players have the chance to win over 2,600 instant prizes and an incredible dream vacation!

Players can come back daily to play the game for additional entries towards the grand prize. The more they play, the better chance they have to win. Earn bonus entries by sharing their game activity on social media and by inviting friends to play. You can also earn bonus entries through winning mini games, and by redeeming GAME OF LIFE Dollars (G.O.L.D).

3 Grand Prize options to choose from!fi

When players register for the game they will have the ability to select from the 3 following destination options.

Florida Family Fun – 8-day trip for 4 people to Orlando theme parks
Northern European Cruise – 7-night Norwegian escape for 2 people with Holland America Line
Signature Argentina – 2-person, 13-day tour of the best of Argentina (Buenos Aires, El Calafate & Mendoza)

These grand prizes sound amazing and I love that there is an option for families, or for a couples retreat! There are also a ton of instant game prizes as well:

IN-GAME INSTANT PRIZES:

Petro-Canada™ Gift Card

Petro-Canada™ Preferred Price Card ($0.10 off per litre)

Petro-Canada™ Car Wash Card

Payless ShoeSource Gift Card

East Side Mario’s Gift Card

Cineplex Entertainment – Adult Admit One Ticket

Husky Energy Gift Card

Options Gift Card

Dulux Paints Gift Certificate

Kernels Popcorn Gift Card

LensCrafters Gift Certificate

Teleflora Promo Codes

Starwood Pre-Paid MasterCard

Best Western Travel Card

Walmart Gift Card

Sephora Gift Card

The Body Shop Gift Card

Tiger Direct Gift Card

TWITTER PARTY

CAA will be hosting a Twitter party to promote THE GAME OF LIFE – CAA Edition on October 23^rd at noon – 1 EST. Join in the fun!

Have fun playing THE GAME OF LIFE- CAA Edition and good luck!

Contest Details:

Contest open to CAA Members and non-members. Complete rules and regulations are available at www.caagol.com.HASBRO and its logo and THE GAME OF LIFE are trademarks of Hasbro and are used with permission.

Holidays

Thanksgiving Recipes and Articles

October 10, 2014

Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday for family, tradition and of course, food! Here are some Thanksgiving recipes and articles to help you get into the thankful mood.

Cream of Tomato and Butternut Squash Soup

25 Delicious Apple Recipes

20 Pumpkin Recipes

Slow Cooker Wham, Bam, Thank You Ham

How to Decorate Your Pumpkins

Top 5 Thanksgiving Movies

The People are Coming! Managing Holiday Stress

Things I’m Thankful For

What Does Thanksgiving Mean To You?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween

5 Tips for Baby’s First Halloween

October 8, 2014

Spooky scenes, groups of children all dressed up, creepy costumes and haunted houses – these Halloween favourites can be overwhelming for a little one. While there’s plenty to be scared of on Halloween night, baby’s first Halloween should be no cause for fear.

Here are five tips for baby’s first Halloween from Disney Baby, to help tone down the fright night festivities, so your little pumpkins can join in the action too!

1. Head out early

If your baby is old enough and you want to go out and trick-or-treat or take in the ghoulish sights, head out early. In our neighbourhood, children are already out trick-or-treating by 6:30pm! It seems early but for the little ones, the earlier the better. If your neighbours have little ones too, suggest organizing a special event for wee ones before the real action begins.

2. Nix the neighbourhood

If you aren’t comfortable taking your little ones trick-or-treating, or it’s too cold to go out, there are often local baby-friendly events you can bring them to instead. If you’re not sure where to start, try a zoo! Many organize Halloween activities specifically for young children.

3. Go low-key

For a more low-key option, host a small Halloween gathering at home with friends and their babies. Or take your baby to visit family. Have everyone get dressed up in fun, friendly costumes, make a few treats like these frozen ‘boo’-nana pops, or set up a creepy craft station.

4. Stick with stories

If the idea of Halloween is still a bit overwhelming, and you want to introduce it to your little one slowly, start with a few Halloween-themed tales, like Pooh says Boo! or Halloween Surprise. Books like these are a simple and easy way to bring the festivities home, ensuring that baby enjoys a Halloween treat, and you enjoy a quiet night in.

5. Choose a comfy costume

Whatever activity you choose, if you decide to include a costume, make sure baby is not only cute but also comfy. This cozy Mickey Mouse ensemble features soft fabrics, as well as snap button closures to make mom’s life easier!

What is your best tip for baby’s first Halloween?

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving away a Disney Princess bundle which includes a set of two swaddling blankets, a superbib, splat mat and a Disney Princess costume (size 12-18 months)!

Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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Good luck!

Books & Music

6 Halloween Books for Kids (Giveaway)

October 7, 2014

Are your kids avid readers? I’m always on the look-out for new books that my boys would enjoy as they are reluctant readers. But they do love a spooky Halloween-themed story!

Treat your kids this Halloween this spooky season with these new titles from Candlewick Press for kids ages 4 and up.

The Princess in Black

By Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by LeUyan Pham

HC: 9780763665104 ∙ October 2014 ∙ $14.99 ∙ 96 pages ∙ Ages 4-8

Who says princesses don’t wear black? When trouble raises its blue monster head, Princess Magnolia ditches her flouncy dresses and becomes the Princess in Black!

« “Action, clever humor, delightful illustrations and expectation-defying secret identities—when does the next one come out?” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

I’m My Own Dog

Written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein

HC: 9780763661397 ∙ August 2014 ∙ $15.99 ∙ 32 pages ∙ Ages 4-8

Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein has fans at his command with this comical dog’s-eye view of having a best friend.

“A sweet and funny role reversal… An ode to the transformative joy of companionship.” — The New York Times Book Review

« “A witty and charming story. … Minimal text makes this a great read-aloud for listeners with short attention spans, while the humor will tickle older kids and grown-ups.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Bramble and Maggie: Spooky Season

By Jessie Haas, illustrated by Alison Friend

HC: 9780763664503 ∙ August 2014 ∙ $14.99 ∙ 56 pages ∙ Ages 5-8

Bramble, a persnickety but lovable horse, and Maggie, her patient owner, build an even stronger friendship as they brave the surprises of autumn.

“Clear, lively prose and soft, expressive gouache illustrations combine for a Halloween friendship story.” – The Horn Book

Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive

By Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

HC: 9780763663391 ∙August 2014 ∙ $12.99 ∙ 96 pages ∙ Ages 6-9

Yippie-i-oh! Saddle up for the first in a spin-off series starring favorite characters from Kate DiCamillo’s New York Times best-selling Mercy Watson books.

“DiCamillo … has always been at her best when dwelling on the good and the bad in relationships between humans and animals, and Van Dusen knows precisely how best to present Leroy to us.” — The New York Times Book Review

« “Kate DiCamillo and Chris Van Dusen strike gold again with this charming addition to the Mercy Watson story-verse. … As with her Mercy Watson books, DiCamillo manages something extremely difficult in an early reader series — a delicious sense of language that is playful and poetic while also staying accessible and appropriate.” — Shelf Awareness(starred review)

The Worst Witch to the Rescue

Written and illustrated by Jill Murphy

HC: 9780763669997 ∙ August 2014 ∙ $14.99 ∙ 176 pages ∙ Ages 8-12

Mildred Hubble, the worst student at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, returns in a new escapade for young magic lovers.

“Heartwarming magic with just the right touch of talking toads and tortoises.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Featuring a lively, likable protagonist, humorous touches, and intricate black-and-white illustrations, this sixth Worst Witch title is another entertaining read in the enjoyable series.” – Booklist Online

Evil Librarian

By Michelle Knudsen

HC: 9780763660383 ∙ September 2014 ∙ $16.99 ∙ 352 pages ∙ Ages 14 and up

He’s young. He’s hot. He’s also evil. He’s . . . the librarian.

« “Terrifically entertaining from start to finish.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

“Snappily narrated, tightly plotted and generally just right. Forget paranormal romance; this horror-humor-romance pastiche is where those in search of hot nonhumans should set their sights.” – Kirkus Reviews

ENTER TO WIN

Enter to win a copy of each of these books! Only open to U.S. readers. Value of $90!

Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

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