Ramada is celebrating 60 years of cozy comfort on the road! There are more than 75 Ramada hotels located throughout Canada.
I haven’t been to British Columbia and would love to travel there. The Ramada Nanaimo in Nanaimo, B.C. is newly constructed property close to shopping and restaurants. The Nanaimo hotel near Vancouver Island Conference Centre offers easy access to the BC ferry terminals and popular area attractions. Free large-vehicle parking makes it easy to get off the road and into your comfortable hotel room. The hotel features free Wi-Fi Internet access throughout. Accessible rooms, suites and jacuzzi suites are available. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult.
There is a special offer happening now at select Ramada hotels where you can get when you book three consecutive nights in a row.
ENTER TO WIN
Celebrate 60 Years of Ramada Hotels with a Two-Night Stay
To celebrate Ramada’s 60th, Ramada and I have partnered to give away two-night, weekend stay at the Ramada Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC or any of more than 75 Ramada hotels located throughout Canada.
Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway. Open to Canada and U.S.!
Details: Winner will receive 60,000 Wyndham Rewards points which will be awarded after the winner signs up for the at and provides their membership number. Points are valid for 18 months (inactive account) or 4 years (active account). The weekend stay will be given via points, from Wyndham Hotel Group and their Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. Points are eligible only for hotel stays at any hotel under the Wyndham parent company include Ramada properties but cannot be used for merchandise in the Wyndham Rewards Catalog.
Learning to bathe your baby can be a daunting. While you’re getting more comfortable with your baby, there’s a lot to juggle during bath time and of course you want to keep your little one safe. But as long you’re properly prepared, bath time can be a great bonding experience and a whole lot of fun!
Disney Baby has some great tips for bathing your baby, how to protect and pamper your little one in the tub, and some adorable products to help you to do it! From towels and toys to cleansers and creams, Disney Baby has you covered.
Here are 5 tips for bathing your baby:
1. Start small
Your baby is little and his or her bathtub should be too! When you start bathing a baby, it’s easier to do it in the sink, or using a small plastic tub. That way, you won’t have to kneel or lean awkwardly over the side of a big bath while keeping your baby upright. Some baby tubs, like this adorable Winnie the Pooh one, feature built-in toys, ensuring that bath time is fun for everyone!
2. Get some tub toys
For older babies, the bath can be a great place to learn and explore. Once your little one has graduated to a big tub, introduce them to some squirt toys, fun floaties or sponges. Disney Baby has a great selection of these, featuring characters like Nemo and Friends. Toys can keep your baby distracted and happy, helping make bath time a breeze.
3. Ditch the daily dips
Babies don’t need to bathe everyday – in fact, daily baths can dry out or damage your little one’s skin. It only takes two or three baths a week to ensure that baby stays squeaky-clean, as long as you stay vigilant about keeping face, hands and diaper area clean between washes. These Finding Nemo washcloths are the perfect way to keep baby fresh between bath times.
4. Lock in that moisture
If your baby does have dry skin, rub on a little moisturizing lotion, cream or oil post bath. There are plenty of products out there that both you and your baby can use!
5. Keep baby warm
Wet babies can become easily chilled, so throughout bath time it’s important to keep your little one warm. Ensure that bath water is around 37 degrees and that the air in the bathroom is comfortably warm as well. After the bath, wrap baby up in a soft, clean towel and give him a little snuggle! A Winnie the Pooh Bathtime Wrap keeps baby feeling cozy and looking cute.
What are your tips for bathing your baby?
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One lucky reader will win a Disney Baby Minnie Mouse set which includes:
Minnie 5-piece Clothing Set
Winnie the Pooh Clip-on Rattle
Hydration Bottle
Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.
Going back to school can bring children a wealth of emotions, and no two children respond exactly the same way. Some children are excited, some are nervous, and some don’t care too much either way.
No matter how your child approaches the upcoming school year, you want your child to be well-prepared so he or she can have a fantastic year.
Here are six back to school tips to prepare your child for the new school year.
6 Back to School Tips To Prepare Your Child
1. Talk About School
Spend the summer talking to your child about going to school in the fall. If your child has never gone to school before, talk about all the exciting things he will do and learn there. Ask your child what she is most excited or nervous about, or what she thinks the school year will be like. If you aren’t sure how to start the discussion or if you don’t know what to say, there are tons of great children’s books on going back to school that you can read together and discuss.
2. Visit the School in Advance
If your child will be going to a new school, try to find time before the first day of classes to visit and tour the school. Meet the teacher, find the bathrooms and explore the gym, the cafeteria and the library. Show your child where you will drop him off and pick him up, and let him practice walking from the front door to his classroom all by himself. You may even want to ask the school teachers for any further back to school tips they may have for you.
3. Get Your Child Ready Academically
Kids lose a lot of information over the school year. Help your child be ready to learn by practicing school concepts over the summer. Check out your local library for a book club or summer reading program, or let your children get on educational websites to practice any skills they have forgotten. Then, when it is time to hit the books again, your child will be ready.
4. Visit the Doctor
Kids can’t learn well if they have underlying medical conditions that no one knows about. WebMD recommends that parents take their children in for vision tests and for shots that they may be behind on. They also recommend updating your child’s medical information card with the school nurse. Parents should also make sure their children wear closed-toed shoes, carry backpacks that are adequately padded and get plenty of sleep.
5. Involve Your Child in School Supply Shopping
Back to school shopping is often one of the most fun parts of going back to school, so let your child get in on the process. Let her pick out the clothes, folders, backpack and lunch box that she likes. Let her pick out her new shoes, and let her decide how many new pairs of underwear she needs (within reason). Letting your children make these sorts of decisions gives them some control over the process as well as a reason to be excited to go back to school.
6. Start Routines Well in Advance
Lastly, make sure you start your school routines before the first day of school. A few weeks before school starts, get your child in the habit of going to bed and waking up early. Get him/her in the habit of waiting until mealtimes instead of snacking all day long. You may even do a practice run the day before school to make sure that everyone can get up and ready in time.
Wife and mom to two very energetic little boys, when Brittany isn’t busy chasing after her kidlets, you can find her reading, writing or sneaking chocolate so she doesn’t have to share–probably all of the above!
Is fish a regular part of your diet? How to eat more fish when you’re not a big fan?
I must admit, we don’t eat enough fish. I used to serve fish about once a week but then the kids stopped enjoying it once they reached a certain age. My husband would barbecue salmon at least once a week, but he too slowed down after we read more about farmed Atlantic salmon and wild fish is quite expensive.
There is plenty of evidence out there that people who eat fish regularly are less likely to have cardiovascular disease. The benefits come from omega-3 fatty acids and although fish oil supplements are popular, it’s not a sufficient replacement for eating fish.
On average Canadians should be eating almost one more serving of fish each week. A recent study conducted by The Canadian Aquacultural Industry Alliance reports that, on average, Canadians consume just 101g of fish or seafood a week. This is almost a full serving short of the Canada Food Guide recommended two 75g portions of fish or seafood a week.
That’s why Jamie Oliver is challenging Canadians to eat more fish with the release of his new frozen fish range in Sobeys stores across Canada! I LOVE Jamie Oliver and what he does, partnering with Sobeys and encouraging Canadians to eat real food.
Made with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified Pollock, Jamie’s range includes range includes: Crispy Pollock Fishcakes; Brilliant Fish Fillet Fingers and Crispy Pollock & Sweetcorn Fishcakes.When it comes to fish in Canada, Alaska Pollock often swims under the radar. The mild, white-fleshed fish is high in protein, low in fat and contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
I like that Jamie Oliver’s fish products are made with simple ingredients and no additives – just fish and breadcrumbs pretty much. My kids haven’t eaten fish in a while but they seemed to enjoy Jamie’s Fish Fingers especially.
Here is a recipe for Jamie Oliver’s Fish Finger Sandwich, a great idea for lunch that the kids will enjoy:
Jamie Oliver’s Fish Finger Sandwich
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
8 Jamie Oliver by Findus frozen fish fingers
4 thick slices of fresh bread
1 spring onions, finely sliced
1 lemon, squeezed
1 beetroot, raw, grated
Tartar sauce
METHOD
1. Pre-head the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Place the frozen fish fingers in the oven and cook for 14 minutes
3. Bring all the ingredients together by placing the sliced spring onions, grated beetroot, fish fingers on the bread. Add a dollop of tartar sauce and a squeeze of lemon.
4. Press it all down and that’s going to be one tasty sandwich!
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We’re giving away a lovely gift basket to one lucky reader! It will include a baking sheet, platter, salt and pepper shaker, tongs and a $50 Sobeys gift card so you can purchase some of Jamie Oliver’s fish products for your family.
Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway! Good luck!
My boys are almost 10 and 8 and they are starting to ask a lot of questions about puberty. Their older cousins are going through it – and they have questions!
How do you explain to a child who still loves cartoons and playing with stuffed animals about “grown-up stuff” like their sister’s bras and pimples?
What do you tell boys about what’s going on with their sister and/or friends and cousins?
Well, it’s a conversation you have to have not only with your pubescent daughter but also with her little brother! It’s important to let children know that the changes in their body are normal and they can come to you with any questions. The last thing you want to do is look and sound uncomfortable when your children come to you for advice.
Why are his sisters and cousins going through body changes at different times than boys?
Here are some answers you can provide your curious boys.
1. Girls may start puberty before boys do. They are going to grow taller probably before boys in their same class do. A girl’s puberty starts with breast development which can happen anywhere from age 9 to 14. About 2 years after breast development, a girl can expect her first menstrual period. Two years after that, she’ll have reached her adult height and will stop growing taller, signalling the end of puberty.
2. Boys begin puberty about a year or two after girls, with a normal range of 10-17 years. The first visible sign of puberty in males is an increase in testicular size. Boys continue to grow for about 6 years after the beginning of puberty, about two years longer than girls.
3. Tell your son that her body is changing and that she is developing breasts and hips – like her mom – as she is looking more like a woman. After that, she’s going to experience menstruation – having a period – which is completely normal and what every girl/woman goes through. The reproductive system – what happens when you’re a woman and you can have babies – is going to start working. If your kids want more information about how it works, tell them! If they have more questions, it doesn’t hurt to be scientific about it if they ask.
4. They can also know that she may start to have pimples, backaches and cramps as she goes through puberty. Girls will also be hormonal and emotional so there will be some non-physical changes (more about that next post). Boys can be told that their sisters (or cousins) need some space and understanding.
5. Talk normally about puberty with your kids – you don’t want to make a huge deal about all of these puberty changes because your daughter (and son) is probably already self-conscious about the changes herself.
It’s August, I know! But fall is just around the corner and summer items are on clearance making room for fall styles. In some areas, kids will be going back to school mid-August. So it’s not too early to think about what’s in style for fall 2014!
Fall 2014 fashion trends are colourful and full of prints and embellishments. If you love bright colours, patterns and oversized clothing, then you’ll love the selection of clothing for fall fashion 2014.
what’s in style for fall 2014?
You’ll see colour blocking, 60s inspired prints, plaids and collections in bright and bold colours like orange, pink, neon yellow. But you’ll also find pastels in soft pink and gray.
’60s Revival
One of the best decades in fashion? That’s subjective! But there were plenty of ’60s-inspired dolly-bird dresses sent down the runways for fall 2014. Pair a mod-inspired dress with tights and knee-high boots. As seen on the runways for fall 2014 at Valentino, Gucci and Saint Laurent, the ‘60s look is fun and flirty – but not for everyone.
Colour
You’ll still see a lot of black and white this fall but there is colour – yay! Shades of blue, orange, red, green. There are different shades for every skin tone. Wear your favorite shade from top to bottom or try pairing two bright colours together. A great colour block blouse is a fabulous way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe.
Pastels
If bright and bold colours are too much for you, pastels are also abundant in fall 2014 fashion. Find soft pastel colours in knit sweaters, jackets, pants or midi-skirts in light hues. My personal favourite – soft pink and heather grey. You’ll see head-to-toe gray knit styles, along with mint greens, soft pinks and baby blues.
Prints
Prints are also abundant as fall fashion trend for 2014. Find bright, loud, novelty prints in bold colours and graphics, if you’re adventurous. From animal prints and motifs to graphic prints, you can do a head-to-toe look or choose a loud print tops or skirt.
Plaid
Plaid will never go out of style as a fall fashion trend. The evergreen trend isn’t going anywhere this year. Coats, pants, skirts, or dresses—there’s a plaid option out there for everyone.
From top left clockwise: MSGM, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Valentino
Oversized
The oversized trend continues into this fall 2014. What’s cozier than wrapping yourself in an oversized sweater or coat? You have various options too – wrap coats, capes and ponchos. Wrap coats are flattering for everyone – leave it open or use with a belt. An oversized coat is roomy for layering or you can pair it with slim trousers and a light sweater. Capes are also everywhere; wear it with jeans, a chunky knit, and riding boots for a casual yet put-together look, or over a dress for evening.
Knits
Another cozy must-have is knit clothing, whether it’s head to toe knit dress or a knit sweater, skirt or even leggings. Oversized and cozy!
Shearling
Nothing protects you from a relentless polar vortex quite like shearling. Presented on vests, bomber jackets, collars, and even booties, shearling has proved to be the most essential of cold-weather necessities this season.
Mid-length skirts
Midi skirts or mid-length skirts and dresses were popular on the runways for fall 2014. If you can rock a cropped top, go for it or opt for a long-sleeve knit for the office. Midi length is also very lady-like, which is a trend I love seeing again this fall.
Fairy Tale
Think fairy tale, romantic and fantasy – delicate fabrics, flowing fabrics, intricate embroidery, there are plenty of romantic silhouettes. It’s a garden party in Fantasyland with florals and sheer, airy fabrics.
Mmm fresh organic raspberries! I love raspberry jam on some gluten free bread and butter.
This small batch raspberry jam recipe jam doesn’t have pectin or refined sugar! Pectin helps the jam jell but needs more sugar, which takes away from the natural flavour of the fruit. So you may have to get used to this type of strong, tart raspberry flavour.
My jam may not be as thick or jelly-like as store-bought. But if you want fresh, tasty organic, unrefined jam, then this recipe is for you. Here is my recipe for small batch Raspberry Jam made with unrefined sugar and no pectin.
Yummy Small Batch Organic Raspberry Jam No Pectin
Ingredients:
4 cups organic raspberries
2 cups coconut palm sugar
4 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Directions:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring raspberries, sugar and lemon juice to a boil.
Stir often, mashing berries with the back of a wooden spoon. When the jam reaches a full rolling boil, it will double in volume.
Skim off foam and keep stirring until the jam has thickened to consistency of soft jelly, which is about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and pour in sterilized jars and close/seal. You can sterilize the jars by baking them in oven or by washing them in the dishwasher and filling them while they are still hot but dry.
Fill the jars all the way to the top rim. Close the lid tight as soon as you’re done filling. Leave the jars to cool down overnight, untouched.
Try my recipe for a quick Raspberry Coulis, perfect for waffles and pancakes.
Yield: 3-4 small jars
Yummy Small Batch Organic Raspberry Jam No Pectin
Here is my recipe for small batch Raspberry Jam made with unrefined sugar and no pectin.
Ingredients
4 cups organic raspberries
2 cups coconut palm sugar
4 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring raspberries, sugar and lemon juice to a boil. Stir often, mashing berries with the back of a wooden spoon. When the jam reaches a full rolling boil it will double in volume.
Skim off foam and keep stirring until the jam has thickened to consistency of soft jelly, which is about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and pour in sterilized jars and close/seal. You can sterilize the jars by baking them in oven or by washing them in the dishwasher and filling them while they are still hot but dry.
Fill the jars all the way to the top rim. Close the lid tight as soon as you’re done filling. Leave the jars to cool down overnight, untouched.
On our recent trip to Florida, the family spent the day in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park.
Now with two boys who are almost 10 and 8, we knew they had to experience their first ever Disney World visit this year. I’m glad we chose Magic Kingdom to take the boys this visit because who knows if next year they will still enjoy it as much as they did!
We spent the day going through the whole park – Main Street, U.S.A., Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland,Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.
When I asked the boys what their favourite part of the day was, they agreed on these three rides: Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland, Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. My boys are thrill seekers and these rides, along with Splash Mountain, satisfied that adventure! Luckily the Saturday we visited, the lineups only lasted about 15 minutes, much shorter than I ever expected at Magic Kingdom.
A father and blogger at DadNCharge says we should ban the playdate. Whaaaat?
First of all, DadNCharge is picking apart the term “play date” and taking the name waaaay too literally. A play date is an arranged appointment for children to get together for a few hours to play. With parents’ busy schedules, a play date is merely a way to schedule a chunk of time for your kid to play with another kid. Simple!
“There was no pre-scheduling get togethers at each other’s homes. Playdates didn’t exist,” DadNCharge says.
Sure play dates didn’t happen because back then, kids were home all summer long. Many mothers were homemakers when we were little, leaving kids home with their moms all summer long to play and be bored and hang out with friends. I remember in our neighbourhood, we were outside from morning till dusk.
How it was when we were kids
We would play outside all day and hide and seek in the evening with all the kids in the area, until the street lights came on. We’d be hopping fences from house to house, going from one house to another just to have a popsicle or freezie and back outside ready for a new game or adventure. Side screen doors were always open, unlocked. The only time we’d go inside was for dinner and then we’d be outside once again.
How it is today
Nowadays, parents have busy schedules and usually both parents are working jobs. Parents today are much busier than when we were kids. You don’t know if children are spending summers at home or in camps or in daycare. It’s easier to set up a date and time to accommodate busy schedules, just as we do with our own friends. Sadly our over-scheduled lives have trickled onto our children too.
“This playdate garbage is ruining our kids. I shudder every time someone asks me if our kids can have a playdate together,” DadNCharge says.
To ask if one child is free to get together with another child should not be a huge deal. No, it doesn’t have to be an “event”. Simply change out the word play date to “hang out” – is that better?
Kids want their friends to come over and hang out? No problem. As long as they get along, there isn’t any constant arguing – be our guest.
Now that my kids are older and they want friends over, I don’t have to organize activities minute by minute. It’s not a birthday party – it’s a play date. There won’t be an hour of arts and crafts followed by an hour of snacks and cupcake decorating – unless hey, you like to schedule activities for your kids! Totally up to you.
For me, it’s enough that I’m allowing your friend(s) to come over. Once they come over, go off and play!
Play dates for younger kids
When it comes to younger kids under 4, a scheduled play date could also mean the parent will want to stick around. Younger children may have separation anxiety and are not ready for drop-off play dates quite yet. So yes that often means your preschooler will have a friend to play with but you’ll have to offer coffee to the other parent. Some planned activities might also help the kids along – again, it’s up to you as the parent. And if you are having a play date for a younger child, an hour and a half is plenty of time.
Being a parent is stressful – we all know that is the real truth! What are some products to help you as a new parent?
I’m sure you already have the big ticket items covered – the crib, bassinet, bouncy chair, change table, etc. There are even some products I don’t think you even need to buy for baby! But there are other smaller products that are just as important when you have little ones.
If it’s your first child you’re welcoming into the world, you may feel overwhelmed by the fact that you are now responsible for a new baby. Even if your newborn is your second or third, parenting becomes a balancing act between your new bundle of joy and the rest of the family.
The easiest way to feel prepared is to trust the products you use and Church & Dwight has a variety of products to help you as a new parent. Whether you have a family and kids or are planning, enter to win this basket with great products to help you as a new parent.
ENTER TO WIN
This basket has great products to help you as a new parent, including Rub A535™ and Orajel™ to L’il Critters™ Vitamins and Trojan™. Try Orajel™ Natural Source Homeopathic Teething Gel to help soothe your baby’s aching gums. With Orajel™ you’ll be sure to find what works best for your baby.
Church & Dwight Prize Pack (Value $100):
Baby Orajel™ Tooth and Gum Cleanser with finger Brush
Orajel™ Natural Source Homeopathic Teething Gel
OxiClean™ Baby Stain Remover Spray
OxiClean™ Multi Purpose Baby Powder
L’il Critters ™ Vitamin D3 (For children 2 years +)
RUB A535™ Arnica Spray (For children 2 years +)
Trojan™ Bareskin™ Condoms
First Response™ Easy-Read Ovulation Test
Use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway!
