Author

amw

Browsing

It has been some time since my husband and I have been waking up feeling stiff and achy. After having our mattress for 12 years, we knew it was time to start our search for a new one.  What mattress should we buy? Where to buy a good mattress?

So naturally we visited Sleep Country Canada as they are experts in mattresses, beds, pillows and most importantly, sleep! We visited a location just down the street from us recently.

We walked in and were greeted by the ever-so-friendly Steven Niblock.

sleep country canada

DSC_0136_707x1060

 

Just glancing around the showroom, we were already overwhelmed by all of the choices! What type of mattress would suit us? There are so many to choose from; Innerspring, Pocket Coil, Memory Foam, Adjustable, Traditional Top, PillowTop, EuroTop, BoxTop… how do you decide?!

Steven asked us several questions to determine what kind of sleepers we are and our concerns. He asked about our sleep habits and comfort currently and my husband explained about how he wake up with back pain daily. I often wake up with stiff neck and shoulder pain. It would take us a bit of time and some stretching to stop feeling sore. This wasn’t the way to have a good night’s rest. We didn’t realize how important having a good mattress would be to our sleep!

sleep country canada

Steven also asked what kind of sleepers we are; my husband is a definite side sleeper but I tend to sleep on my back and sometimes on my side.

Steven spent several hours with us, taking us around the showroom and having us try different mattresses, explaining the technology behind every mattress and the feel and comfort. You really do receive that superb one-on-one personal service at Sleep Country Canada without feeling pressured or rushed.

First we tried out a Simmons Beautyrest Recharge® Elite Wilcott mattress which has a pillow top and pocket coil technology. As you can see, we were quite happy. The sun was beaming in through the windows too… I just wanted to take a nap right there!

where to buy a good mattress

where to buy a good mattress

It was definitely comfortable and firm, just as we prefer our mattress to feel. There were varying levels of firmness and we really leaned towards the more firm beds. Steven explained the pocket coil technology a little more for us.

where to buy a good mattress

What to look for when shopping for a new mattress

We then tried another Simmons Beautyrest mattress, the Recharge® World Class Elite Rosemont which has AirCool® Memory Foam and TruTemp™ Gel for added temperature regulation. This mattress has a combination of pocket coil and memory foam with a pillow top.

sleep country canada

where to buy a good mattress

trying out mattresses

Steven was so knowledgeable about the various mattresses and pillows too, which I didn’t even consider was so important!  He had us try out various pillows from softer to more firm, some with gel technology, some that were curved. I honestly didn’t think twice about the type of pillow that would help give me the best amount of support and comfort, especially considering my neck and upper back pain.

This is why they are called in-store Sleep Experts! I didn’t know that all of Sleep Country Canada’s Sleep Experts go through classroom training and receive continuous ongoing education, which explains their thorough knowledge of every mattress in the showroom and their level of expertise!

Steven then showed us the Kingsdown Silent Partner Valentina bed which has memory foam and pocket coils. The mattress has premium latex and blutek gel memory foam which gives you cool comfort relief throughout the night.

We also really liked the Kingsdown Silent Partner Chanel which includes Gel Memory Foam that helps reduce heat buildup offering more breathability and a cooler comfort EuroTop. This bed has  foam layers, a pocket coil centre and a BluTek memory foam cover which provides a layer of breathable support that helps alleviate pressure points and contours the body.

I think the boys really liked this one! They took off their shoes and enjoyed going from bed to bed.

where to buy a good mattress

But wait! Can you believe there is much more to share? Stay tuned for part 2 of our visit!

 

Disclosure: I’m happy to be working with Sleep Country Canada on this project. Opinions are my own.

What are some of the hottest Christmas gift ideas for everyone? I’m talking gifts that the whole family can have fun with?

These new video games from Ubisoft are probably on your holiday gift list!

Just Dance 2014 for WiiU

The dance party is back in your family room! Just Dance 2014 – the sequel to Just Dance 4, the world’s #1 selling dance game – is bringing all new moves with breakthrough features for every motion control platform and over 40 of the hottest songs to keep you dancing and partying the night away.

Dance to current pop hits or celebrate with legendary classics –There are songs for the entire family – from current pop hits to legendary classics. I know I’d be dancing to Flashdance…What A Feeling by The Girly Team and Y.M.C.A. by the Village People. Some of the newer songs include Gentleman by Psy (the kids will LOVE this) and One Direction’s One Way or Another.

There are some amazing new features in Just Dance 2014; with World Dance Floor, players can dance with anyone anywhere in the world by joining a virtual crew and competing based on different themes. Players can also try out  the On Stage Mode where one player will dance and have back-up dancers, and even sing if they want.

Rayman Legends for WiiU

Rayman, Globox, and the Teensies are off wandering through an enchanted forest when they discover a mysterious tent filled with a series of captivating paintings. As they look more closely, they notice each painting seems to tell the story of a mythical world. While focusing on a painting that shows a medieval land, they are suddenly sucked into the painting, entering the world, and the adventure begins. The gang must run, jump and fight their way through each world to save the day and discover the secrets of every legendary painting.

Rayman Legends takes full advantage of the Wii U and its new GamePad’s capabilities. Use the touch screen to take out enemies, manipulate platforms, cut ropes to clear a path and much more. With the gyroscope technology, you can move rotating platform and there are many more surprises to come.

Rocksmith 2014 for PC

Learn to play guitar in 60 days with Rocksmith 2014 for PC. Plug any electric guitar or bass into your PC, and learn to play the guitar with the award-winning Rocksmith method. The all-new Rocksmith 2014 Edition is redesigned from the ground up to give you the fastest, most fun guitar learning experience ever created.

The 2014 edition includes over 50 new songs, new modes, new features, a completely redesigned interface, and much more.

ENTER TO WIN

Ubisoft is giving amotherworld readers a chance to win all three games! Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

Disclosure: Christmas Gift Ideas giveaways are not compensated. Product may have been received for review. Opinions are my own.

Looking for the perfect gift for your tech-savvy loved one? THIS is what you’re looking for.

The Samsung GALAXY Note 3 packs the power and functionality of a personal computer but fits nicely in your hands. It is the ultimate product for the tech lover in your family.

A major upgrade from its predecessor, the Note II, the Note 3 offers users:

• A 5.7” Super AMOLED display with 1080p resolution (replacing the 5.5” 720p found in the Note 2, without adding to the overall size of the device).

• Under the hood, the Note 3 is equipped with a 2.3 Ghz quad core Snapdragon processor with 3GB RAM.

• A 13MP rear-facing camera with 4K video recording @30fps.

• A bigger, longer lasting 3200mAh battery to keep it running.

• Multi-Window, enabling users to open two apps at once, divide the screen in half to use the same app simultaneously, or pair apps.

• S Pen Air Command allows users to perform a variety of tasks by simply hovering over the screen and pressing the button that’s built right into the pen.

• An updated design, with leather-like backing and elegant custom metal finish, coming together in a thin and light package (8.3mm thin and weighing just 168g).

Available in two colours, Samsung GALAXY Note 3 is light and thin with textured leather-effect, rear edged stitching and custom metal finish. Learn more about the Samsung GALAXY Note 3 from TELUS, available for $299 on a two-year term or $750 outright.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Giveaway

The perfect companion to the Note 3 and one of the first wearable devices to market, the GALAXY Gear is a device that’s worn like a watch and seamlessly connects to the Note 3. Here are some of the features that make the Gear such a great companion device. Users can:

• Perform a variety of tasks, such as answering and making calls, creating schedules, new memos or capturing images in a moment’s notice with the built-in camera – all without the need to pull out their device.

• Find their phone by commanding it to beep, illuminate or vibrate (this can also be used to find the Gear from their phone).

• Monitor their health with its built-in pedometer that syncs up with the S Health app.

•  Stay up-to-date by receiving push notifications directly to their wrist.

Learn more about the Samsung GALAXY Gear from TELUS, available for $329.

Gifts for Tech LoversTech Gift Ideas

ENTER TO WIN

One lucky reader is going to with BOTH from TELUS!!! A Samsung GALAXY Note 3 and Samsung GALAXY Gear from TELUS – OVER $1,000 VALUE!

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this amazing giveaway.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

GOOD LUCK!

samsung galaxy note

 

 


Disclosure: I’m working with Telus to promote this campaign but have not received compensation. Opinions are my own.

Babies who are at high risk of developing a food allergy can be exposed to potential food allergens as early as 6 months of age, according to a joint statement by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI).

“Delaying dietary exposure to potential allergens like peanuts, fish or eggs will not reduce your child’s risk of developing a food allergy,” said Dr. Edmond Chan, paediatric allergist and co-author of the statement. “However, once a new food is introduced, it is important to continue to offer it regularly to maintain your child’s tolerance.”

Babies are considered at high risk of developing a food allergy if they have a parent or sibling with an allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis, a food allergy, asthma or allergic rhinitis. The statement says that while these foods can be introduced to high-risk babies, the decision about when should be individualized and based on the parents’ comfort level. The CPS advises parents who are unsure to talk to their physician.

“We also don’t recommend avoiding milk, egg, peanut or other foods while pregnant or breastfeeding,” said Dr. Carl Cummings, co-author of the statement and chair of the CPS Community Paediatrics Committee. “There is no evidence to support the theory that avoiding certain foods during this time will prevent allergies in children.”

Food allergies affect approximately 7 per cent of Canadians. Some research suggests food allergy in babies is increasing, affecting over 10 per cent of one-year-olds.

So you can start introducing dairy, eggs and nuts at six months of age rather than wait until babies reach the age of one. I find it interesting that it has taken this long to come to this realization… the more you avoid these allergens, the higher the risk becomes as the baby grows, it seems.

As always, talk to your doctor first!

 

Need some great gift ideas for HER?christmas gift ideas

Women love their nails and this year’s OPI Holiday Gift Sets are the perfect gift idea for her.

The OPI Fit to Be Tied features liquid sand nail lacquer that dries to a textured matte finish and infused with reflective glints of light. It also comes with free hair tie bracelets that are also sparkly. OPI Sweet on My Beau holiday sets come with a free Bow-tie Cosmetic Bag.

OPI holiday gift sets

OPI Sweet on my Beau

 Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Holiday Gift Sets are also a great idea for a stocking stuffer or teacher’s gift. Paint your nails and then add Gumdrops which dries to a sugar-like finish that shimmers with hints of fine glitter.  Create fun designs too – I had fun with mine:

Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez

OPI holiday gift sets

ENTER TO WIN

Enter to win a Nicole by OPI Selena Gomez Holiday Gift Set, OPI Sweet on My Beau and OPI Fit to Be Tied on amotherworld! Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Good luck!

 

Disclosure: Christmas Gift Ideas giveaways are not compensated. Product may have been received for review. Opinions are my own.

The holidays in December are the most wonderful time of year for many but for some, it can be a very stressful and difficult time. How to avoid stress at Christmas? Is it even possible?

Christmas parties and other holidays, Santa photos, attending Christmas parades, decorating and those pesky Christmas lights, baking, endless trips to the stores and making sure everyone has a gift under the tree, it can be overwhelming!

Let’s not mention the family… oh the family visits!

So here are 10 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season:

 10 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season | amotherworld.com

10 Tips for a Stress Free Holiday Season

1. Shop online. Avoid the crazy malls during the holiday rush by shopping online from the comfort of your own home. Because buying toys in your jammies while sipping a chamomile tea is just so much better than fighting the lineups. Just be sure that shipping and/or customs and insurance won’t cost more than the gift itself!

2. Shop early. Make your lists and check them twice; have the kids write their Christmas wish lists as early as possible so you can get a head start. Don’t wait until the very last minute to brave the malls.If you must go to the mall, don’t ever go on the weekends. Try to get out first thing in the morning and see what you can accomplish before the madness begins.

3. If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, don’t be a martyr – tell everyone it’s a potluck and to bring a dish. Assign dishes to every family attending. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Make sure to buy a fresh turkey so you don’t have to brine it – stuff with onions, celery and carrots to keep it moist and follow this soft chocolate peppermint cookies

4. Skip the Christmas baking this year if you just don’t have the time or energy. If you can coordinate a cookie swap with some friends, even better.  Have each person make enough of one kind of cookie – like these soft chocolate peppermint cookies – to share with the others; that way, you’ll have several varieties of cookies. Another baking idea – buy a gingerbread kit and let the kids go to town.

5. Skip the beautiful wrapping and just head over to your local dollar store and buy a bunch of bags. Save yourself hours of wrapping and paper.

6. If you have a big family, stop the $10 gifts for every aunt and cousin on your never-ending list.  Instead, arrange to have a Secret Santa and set a budget on how much to spend; that way, each adult is responsible for buying only one gift.  You can allow the children in the extended family to have their own separate Kris Kringle.

7.  For your own family, set a budget limit for each child. Some families love to practice this 4-gift rule: something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.

8. Learn to say NO.  Invited to a dozen Christmas parties?  You don’t have to attend every single one – be selective. Choose one or two and gracefully decline the other invitations.

9. Keep your mouth shut at the family dinners. If you have nothing to say, don’t say anything at all. Put a sock in it. If you’re on the receiving end, be the bigger person and walk away. Or be quick on your feet and dish out a snarky comeback quickly to shut them up.

10. If you don’t think you can handle being in town for the holidays this season, book a trip to a sunny destination and skip the whole thing entirely.

Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you!

 

Imagine the world in an eternal winter. Nooooo!

Disney’s new animated film Frozen stars Anna who is fearless and optimistic (voice of Kristen Bell). She sets off on a journey to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel) whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven. On their journey to save the kingdom, they encounter everest-like conditions, mystical creatures and a hilarious snowman named Olaf.

The animated comedy-adventure has a sweet message about sisterhood, family and love. Let’s not forget the beautiful effects (in 3D especially).

Frozen is loosely based on a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale —The Snow Queen — updated with a lovely musical score and superb vocal talent. Thinking this could easily turn into a musical theatre.

Frozen is like a winter wonderland of a family fun and perfect for the whole family this holiday season. It’ll be another Disney movie to add to the collection!

Disney’s “Frozen” is now in theatres and is rated PG.

Winter is coming, which means really cold weather! I had the opportunity to try a Gro-suit, a sleeper for baby.

The Gro-suit has been specially designed to be used with a Grobag Baby Sleep Bag in colder temperatures. The quilted sleeves will keep your baby’s arms warm, with no need for additional bedding or layers.

We have always used our Grobag in the winter months but found that our daughter’s arms were cold because the Grobag doesn’t cover the arms. The Gro-suit solved this problem.

The Gro-suit has extra fabric in the arm area which is designed to keep the arms warm. The packaging suggests you only use the grow suit and grow bag together when it is 18 degree Celsius or below.

We had a few cold nights without the heat on, so I was able to test this out. It kept our daughter really warm. When it wasn’t as cold in the bedroom, I still used the Gro-suit with just a onesie underneath. I really liked how it was versatile and could be used with the Gro-suit or without it.

The Gro-suit is made with very soft jersey knit cotton and well made. I love that it comes in a twin pack, the value is great and I thought the flower pattern was really cute.  It was also very true to size.  I am not a fan of grommets (I love sleepers with zippers for easy night time diaper changes) but these were actually easy to open and close, which was a nice surprise.

The sleeves are extra long, so my daughters hands were kept warm all night. The sleeves could also be rolled up as well.  I even used the grow suit a few times without the grow bag on, when the house was warmer.  I washed and dried it several times and it kept its size, shape and softness.

All and all I really liked this product and will continue to use it until the spring.

~ Mom tester Ashleigh

gift ideas for little ones

christmas gift ideasI love my Nella Bella bags – they are so versatile and simply designed to compliment any outfit.

With the holidays just around the corner and thinking about gift ideas for her, the Nella Bella bag is definitely on my Christmas Gift Ideas list.

I’m happy to give my readers a chance to win a Nella Bella bag from their FALL WINTER 2013 collection – the London bag in Red!

nella bella londonThe London is a classic multi-functional handbag and is Nella Bella’s best seller. You can use this one handbag as a clutch, messenger, cosmetic pouch or purse. Everything is detachable! Included are charms, chain, handle, cross-body strap, the small handbag and the large handbag. I’ve used the large bag separately as a cross-body bag, and the smaller bag with the chain for evenings out (especially at rock concerts).

The London folds flat and can be packed easily for traveling, has detachable chains, straps and charms allow for personalization. It’s made of 100% vegan material and comes with a dust bag with carrying handles. The bag retails for $125.00. Here is mine in black:beautiful handbags

ENTER TO WIN

Enter this giveaway to win a Nella Bella London Bag in red by using this Rafflecopter form. Open to Canada and the U.S. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

 

Disclosure: Christmas Gift Ideas giveaways are not compensated. Product may have been received for review. Opinions are my own.

It was 10 years ago that I was pregnant with my first baby. TEN YEARS. Where has the time gone?!

I remember reading ALL of the baby books even before I was pregnant! Yes, I was well-prepared, taking prenatal vitamins six months before we even tried to conceive. I had printed out ovulation calendars and was already thinking about baby names.

Looking back, I was probably a little (just a tad!) paranoid, doing everything by the book and following my doctor’s advice. I remember drinking so much milk and juice the first few weeks, my doctor asked why I had put on so much weight so quickly.

It’s only natural when you’ve never gone through a pregnancy before to have a million questions and concerns. More than anything else, the health of the baby and mom-to-be is crucial.

Eating a well-balanced diet and taking a daily prenatal multivitamin containing folic acid helps ensure the health of mother and baby. Whether you’re planning to get pregnant soon, Nestlé Materna prenatal vitamins help nourish their body with folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects when taken daily prior to becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy. Folic acid is a B-vitamin essential for the healthy development of the fetus, brain and skull during the early weeks of pregnancy.

prenatal vitamins

 A woman should start taking a prenatal multivitamin at least 12 weeks prior to conception – when she is trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy, and should continue until she stops breastfeeding. Materna has 22 other essential vitamins and minerals moms and baby need through pregnancy and nursing.

The recommended daily allowance of folic acid during pregnancy is 0.6 mg but most prenatal vitamins will provide up to 1 mg of folic acid.

Ideally, a prenatal multivitamin should be taken with food – I found it much easier to digest. Especially in the first few months, anything to help avoid more nausea and stomach upset was mandatory! Ideally, a prenatal multivitamin should be taken with a meal to help the tablet disintegrate, maximize nutrient absorption and minimize the potential for stomach upset among women sensitive to iron.

If you tend to gag or have trouble swallowing the pills (they are quite large), you can crush the tablet (buy a pill crusher from your pharmacy) and then mix the powder in a drink.

ENTER TO WIN

To help give new moms a head start, we’re giving away a Mommy Essentials prize pack valued at over $150 with special treats to keep mom and baby healthy and happy!

vitamins when nursing

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway. Canada only (sorry my U.S. readers!).

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway