amw | amotherworld

Holidays

Best Halloween Costumes of 2013

October 25, 2013

It’s not just for the kids! Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year too. Year after year it becomes more of a challenge to be creative with Halloween costume ideas.

What are the best Halloween costumes of 2013?

I think it’s safe to say that even our picks of best Halloween Costumes of 2012 are still popular this year.

This year, a few new fun and quirky Halloween costume additions:

Minecraft anything. My kids, especially my 6.5 year old is obsessed. The only costume idea I’ve found searching the web is making a cardboard box to put over his head – ummmm no. But there is a website dedicated to Minecraft costumes that could inspire.

H&M has some amazing, intricate costumes for kids, with 25% of all sales going directly to All for Children.

With the Royal family in the spotlight since Prince George was born, dressing up as the Queen or Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge would be a popular choice. A simple navy wrap dress would be an easy choice, or if you can manage to find a similar polka-dot dress as Kate wore when leaving the hospital after giving birth, even better!

You can’t escape the Kardashians – they are everywhere. So you may as well just get even closer to the reality stars by dressing up as Kim Kardashian this halloween.

Any costume that has an abundance of gore and blood is popular. The more gruesome, the better. I think many will take a costume cue from popular television shows such as True Blood, Dexter and The Walking Dead. Fans can choose from either dressing up as a zombie, vampire or murderer.

With the popularity of other TV drama Sons of Anarchy, I think we’ll see a few bikers cruising around the party circuit.
Breaking Bad has been the most talked about TV show of the year so I’m thinking people dressed as Walter White in his yellow hazmat suit.

The #1 most popular Halloween costume of 2013 – and the most disturbing and gross – is…

Ah yes, Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus take the cake this year for best Halloween costume of 2013.

What will you dress up as?

by amw

Read More

0

Celebrities
Prince George’s Christening Brings Back Memories
October 24, 2013

Yesterday, Prince George was christened at Chapel Royal in St. James’ Palace in London by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Queen Elizabeth II were on hand to witness the holy sacrament on Oct. 23, 2013.

Some photos of the lovely christening were posted on the website of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The royal baby is officially Prince George Alexander Louis after baptism in the historic chapel. Prince George was christened with water from River Jordan.

Since Prince George was christened and all, I thought it would behoove my readers to show some photographs of my children being baptized in the Greek Orthodox Church (said in a very British accent).

by amw

Read More

2

Appetizers & Soups
Cauliflower and Cheese Bread (Gluten-Free)
October 24, 2013

Since going gluten-free, I miss having a slice of regular pizza, focaccia or a fresh baguette. While there are many gluten-free options out there to buy, I do like to experiment in the kitchen with various gluten-free flours.

This Cauliflower and Cheese Bread recipe is inspired by one my sister, the Healthilinguist, created.

Ingredients:

1 head cauliflower

1 cup grated cheddar cheese (more if you really want it cheesy)

1/2 cup potato flour

2 eggs

1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, oregano and salt

Directions:

Steam cauliflower until soft – not too mushy but soft enough that you can pierce it with a fork easily. Let cool. On a chopping board, “rice” the cauliflower. Using a cheese grater, grate the cauliflower to a coarse texture (approximately the size of rice grains).

Put cauliflower into a large bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix. With hands, knead until it forms a ‘dough’.

On a pizza pan or baking pan lined with parchment paper and greased with some safflower oil, press mixture onto the pan so that it’s about 1/2 inch thick.

Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

If making a pizza crust, I’d spread the ‘dough’ even thinner and bake halfway through, then add pizza toppings and place back in the oven.

Enjoy!

by amw

Read More

3

Big Kids
5 Ways to Limit Screen Time for Children
October 22, 2013

Since this summer, we’ve developed a bit of a problem in the house and I’m not sure how to deal with it.

My kids are obsessed with tech gadgets or should I say, screens. Whether it’s the television, playing video games on a tablet, iPod or gaming system like the Wii, there is just TOO MUCH. Too much screen time for kids.

They could easily go from watching Good Luck Charlie to playing Minecraft to battling in Super Mario Kart without blinking an eye.

At the same time, I spend my days switching from Facebook and Twitter to emails and WordPress and back again and then onto Pinterest and Instagram. Multi-tasking at its best (or worst) is having three browsers and 20 windows open on my computer and flipping back and forth in milliseconds.

With social media and tech taking such a huge role in our lives, I feel like we’ve all developed a “oh look, shiny” syndrome where we are easily distracted. We can be constantly entertained without ever having to use our thinking brain function.

But if I’m so digitally inclined, how do I deal with my children’s use? How do you limit the time kids spend with tech?

Most children spend about three hours a day watching TV. When you add in other screen time activities like video games, iPods, tablets, Nintendo DS’, etc., it is closer to five to seven hours a day. That is just insane!

The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends no more than TWO hours of screen time per day. Children under two years old should watch as little as possible.

So how can we limit screen time?

Here are 5 ways to limit screen time for children

1. Turn the TV off during meals, homework or when it isn’t being watched. The background noise is just too distracting for conversation and concentration on important school work.

2. Don’t make the mistake of having a television in your kids’ room. Or a computer for that matter. Have a common area where you can monitor and limit their use.

3. Make a point to have “no-tech” times throughout the week. For example, some parents don’t allow their children to use their iPods, iPads, tablets, or play video games during the school week.

4. Do other family activities such as board games, sports or getting outdoors for a walk.

5. Be a good role model as a parent and no matter how difficult it is, set limits on y0ur own screen time!

Here is a wonderful resource: http://www.screensmart.ca/screens_health

by amw

Read More

0

Pregnancy
Abundance Naturally Baby Products (Review)
October 21, 2013

There is something to be said for using all-natural products on your baby, I must say! As a first time Mom, I simply followed what most probably do and used the well-known baby products that have been around for decades and were used on me throughout my infancy and childhood for no other reason than those were the products that I was familiar with.

From the first time using the Abundance Naturally Baby products, I felt at ease knowing that there were no ingredients in these products that could harm my little one in any way, whatsoever. As parents, we do all that we can to protect our children and although it may not seem like much, something as little as using an all-natural product like those in the Abundance Naturally line, can do just that.

The Abundance Naturally Baby Bubble Wash made bath time with a particularly squirmy eight month old easy and enjoyable. The pump bottle allowed me to simply pump the Bubble Wash onto her head and body with one hand while still having the other hand free to ensure she was safe while she played around in the water. Not only was this an easy product to use, it smells great too as it has lavender, aloe, and chamomile in it!

The Baby Oil was the perfect complement to the Bubble Wash after a nice bath before bedtime, however, we did find it particularly oily and were reluctant to use it in the morning when getting ready for the day. We would have preferred a lotion at this time instead and were surprised there wasn’t one available. We also liked the Baby Balm and used it with each diaper change, however, it would be easier to use if it wasn’t in a canister. With a baby on the move, I had to be extra prepared for a change with the lid off the canister if I wanted to use the product.

I didn’t find the Baby Bum Bum Spray very useful. As much as it is a great premise, eliminating the need for store-bought wipes, it is inconvenient always having to make sure there was a fresh wash cloth handy to use with the spray at each change, especially when we were out and about. Not to mention the extra laundry created by this.

I also didn’t have any use for the Belly Butter at this time as I am not currently expecting but I do look forward to trying it out during my next pregnancy to help with dry, itchy skin and stretch marks. Overall, I would definitely continue using the Abundance Naturally baby products on my daughter in the future!

Jenna Cochrane is a wife, teacher, and first-time mom who resides in East Gwillimbury, Ontario. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, practicing yoga, and reading.

by amw

Read More

0

Celebrities
How Much Skin Do We Need to See KK?
October 18, 2013

Kim Kardashian wants in on the Miley Cyrus attention it seems. KK revealed her post-baby bod by posting a pic on her Instagram account of her ample backside.

The pic comes four months after daughter North West was born. So she’s showing off her physique after having her baby, getting the attention of her husband, Kanye West.

“HEADING HOME NOW,” the rapper tweeted shortly after KK posted the picture on Instagram, with the caption “#nofilter”. Oh thanks Kanye, we really want to know what’s going to happen next…

Most people send photos to their partner in a private text – nope, not KK. She needs everyone to see what we’re all missing…? Rather than pose like a ‘normal’ person and take a picture of her in a body-hugging dress, for example, she decides to share with her ass front and centre with the world. Let’s not forget the good image of her side boob too.

TMI KK! You can’t complain about the media attention and then post photos of your butt in full view on social media. MK? Think also about your daughter when she’s old enough to see these pics of you!

Is she getting paid by the Atkins diet for dropping the baby weight? She recently said, “I’ve actually been doing the Atkins diet & luv it.”

Perhaps it’s a publicity stunt – KK is taking the cue from Miley Cyrus and showing some skin to get more attention. It’s pretty sad that she feels she needs to objectify herself this way, especially as a new mother.

What do you think?

by amw

Read More

0

Health
Feeling Stressed? Meditation Will Help
October 17, 2013

by Samantha Montpetit-Huynh

Whether you are a new mother or seasoned veteran, there comes a point in your life when you give up trying to keep up and give in to reality. Your life has changed, permanently. And no matter how much you try, it’s not going to get any easier on it’s own. This is true.

There must be ways to cope with the stress.

If you are a seasoned mother like myself, you have come to this conclusion probably years ago, but just accepted that craziness is the new norm and everyone yells at their kids trying to get them out the door for school, don’t they?

Well not as much as before; at least not this mom.

Now I’m no champion nor do I pretend to be but a couple of years ago I came to the decision that if I didn’t do something to help manage my stress and get a better grasp on the daily activities of an entrepreneur, wife and mom, I was going to blow. Explode.

Now I meditate. And it has changed my life.

Studies show that meditation helps reduce stress. In one study, after meditation training of 20 minutes once a day for only five days, people had measurably less anxiety and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

I yell (a lot) less. I have a much different approach when dealing with what I perceive to be, stressful situations. I lower my voice and talk. I listen and as a result (shockingly), people listen to me. I breathe and think before I react because there is always another side to the story and it allows me to put things in perspective.

Like I said. Meditation has changed my life.

Have I turned into a granola toting flower child? No. But I have carved out (another), yep, another 15 minutes to my day just for me and the payback is immeasurable. I’m not perfect; sometimes I miss it but when I do, I notice it and so do my kids.

So if mediation is something you’ve always wanted to do but weren’t sure how to start, check out Deepak Chopra’s Meditation Challenges and see where it takes you.

In the meantime, just sit, close your eyes and breathe. There is no right or wrong way to meditate; just do it. Whether it’s first thing in the morning (my personal fave) or how you end your day, just five minutes; 5 minutes can make the difference.

And for me, it made such a difference. It almost turned into an addiction. An addiction that is a good one to have and my family would agree.

What about you? Is meditation something you’ve always wanted to try but just can’t find the time?

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is the mother of two beautiful girls and the founder of Core Expectations, Toronto’s only full services wellness team that delivers personal training, abdominal rehabilitation and other support services to the homes and offices of pregnant women and new moms across the GTA.

by amw

Read More

0

Big Kids
What Now? Focus on the Now
October 16, 2013

written by Heather at RunStylish

At the end of summer I had a great idea for a post. A ‘What Now’ post about all of my new free time with both kids in school. At the same school. Visions of clean closets, long workouts, tons of time to myself that would easily fill my days, and a blog post.

It is absolutely laughable how far off I was. Life is actually busier. My days are scheduled down to the minute. The daily goal is to maximize the three hours between my kindergartener’s drop-off and pick-up. Additional volunteering and exercising aside, I do have a teeny more ‘me’ time. Working out and showering while my little one is in school is a daily goal. That takes up at least 90 precious minutes. Hardly enough time left to hit the market. Let alone drop food off before dashing back to school.

So, this school year my house is not perfect. The closets are not fabulous and organized. The dinner dishes often sit. Even overnight on occasion. If we had a dog, the floors would provide a meal thanks to my crumb monsters. The majority of my free time is still before they wake-up, and when they go to sleep. Last year I was more pulled together, right? I had to be.

My moment of clarity happened the other night. I already changed. I unconsciously shifted everything. Each moment with my kids is more important than ever. Why start a huge cleaning project when my little girls want me. Our precious time together is shrinking year to year. Their schedules are filled with school commitments and activities. I work hard to protect their youth and not overbook their schedules, but they are still busy.

The answer to my question ‘What Now’ is in those very words. The ‘what’ is a list infinite pages long of miscellaneous stuff that always needs to be done, and the ‘now’ is the people I love. I choose to focus on the now.

Every cliche about kids is true; they grow up so quickly, you blink and they’re gone, and you have to spend the time with them now. But that’s a joy.

Liam Neeson

My best creation is my children.
— Diane Von Furstenberg

At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.
– Jane D. Hull

Written by RunStylish ~ a busy momma’s life and style on the run

www.runstylish.com

by amw

Read More

0

Motherhood
Mom Confession: “I Am Not Fit to Be a Mother”
October 15, 2013

I am a mother of a 19 month old girl. I broke it off with her father about a year ago, and have been dating a new guy for almost 4 months.

I realized a while ago I am in love with him, but I can’t bring myself to tell him for fear of rejection. I actually think he is probably going to break up with me.

I get 2 or 3 days off per week when my ex takes my daughter, and usually take that time to see him. Practically every parent I know (including my mother) judges me harshly for having that much time away from my daughter. I feel like I can’t be a good parent when I do have her as I am swimming in debt and always living paycheck to paycheck.

I don’t do anything anymore; I mostly just lay in bed and let my daughter do whatever. When I don’t have her I clean the house and get drunk. I have been trying to drink less, actually succeeding for the most part, but I still find I want more time off.

I am shutting everybody out, and having a hard time expressing any sort of love to anyone around me. Sometimes I think I don’t have it in me to love.

I wish I didn’t bring a child into a world where I knew I wouldn’t stay with the father, and knew I don’t have the skills and experience to provide more than basic necessities.

I have been crying for two days straight and my boyfriend is ignoring me. I don’t want to go to counselling since I know exactly what they will say. I have been in counselling for years in the past and already have the skills to help myself, but I just can’t. I want to run away from everything and start fresh in another city, far away.

I feel like I am only hurting my daughter by continuing to be the person I am. I am not fit to be a mother. I know I am selfish, but I feel like I am bringing myself furthur into depression if I continue trying to sacrifice my own happiness for my daughters.

I have attempted suicide in the past, and can feel myself headed in that direction. I don’t know what to do. I am posting this here because I know if I told anyone I know how I feel, they would judge me even more or send me to the psych ward to be fed anti-depressants and chemicals that I know don’t work for me.

I just need someone to give me feedback. Any feedback. I know a lot will be negative, but at least it will be from people who don’t know me personally.

I just need something.

by amw

Read More

5

Beauty
5 Beauty Must Haves Fall 2013
October 10, 2013

Trying new beauty products and accessories has to be one of my favourite things to do as a blogger, especially sharing some amazing products with my readers. What are the top beauty essentials this fall?

Here are 5 beauty must haves fall 2013:

1. Joico K-PAK line

Joico’s K-PAK line is the perfect three-step system to bring your hair back to life this fall. The line provides a rich fortifying treatment to strengthen dry or damaged hair. K-PAK Color Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner has a high concentration of Bio-Advanced Peptide-Complex formula, leaving your hair silky smooth in just two washes. The K-PAK Revitaluxe helps to rebuild, reconstruct, strengthen and correct even the most severely damaged hair.

2. OPI Mariah Carey line

OPI’s Mariah Carey line has 18 new limited edition holiday nail lacquers in shades of red, burgundy, maroon and chocolate brown hues, along with glitter-packed gold, bronze and pearl shades. Mariah Carey Holiday also features six new Liquid Sand™ lacquers, ranging from icy blue to frosted pink to sparkling graphite.

The Liquid Sand shades has OPI’s amazing textured, matte finish infused with reflective sparkle (those are my nails!) OPI also has a new limited edition Avojuice Skin Quenchers Hand & Body Lotion in Holly Berry for the holiday season, featuring a fresh holly scent, rich moisturizers, and soothing avocado and aloe extracts – great for stocking stuffers.

3. Our Moment by One Direction

One Direction fans need not wait any longer – the band’s debut fragrance, “Our Moment” by Elizabeth Arden is out! The popular band’s new perfume has been in the making for a year with the guys involved in every step of the process. The fragrance is made up of splashes of fruit and flowers infused with undertones of warm musk. Your daughters will love it and you will likely be wearing it too – it’s a lovely fresh scent for every day wear.

4. Emilie M. purse and Essentials Box

Just in time for the holiday season, the “Essentials Box” allows a customer to pair any beautiful Emilie M. purse with 5 complementary accessories for only $25. Valued at more than $155, the gift box contains a cross-body wallet with detachable shoulder strap, cosmetic case, floral scarf, umbrella with pouch, and key ring holder. Branded and designed to merchandise with any bag in the collection, the “Essentials Box” was introduced to enhance the offerings of this already popular line of well-priced classic handbags, which has become known by its tagline “investment pieces without the investment.”

Moss green is a hot colour this fall and a handbag is the perfect way to add the colour trend to your fall wardrobe!

5. AcneFree 2-in-1 Acne Wipes

AcneFree 2-in-1 Acne Wipes are a must have on your bed-side table. With no need to rinse after use, these wipes are perfect for on-the-spot treatment or if you’re just too tired to wash your face. They are oil-free and contain 0.5% Salicylic Acid, a dermatologist-recommended acne medication that helps to prevent breakouts and keeps pores open and clear of impurities. The disposable wipes are in a convenient, re-sealable plastic pouch (like diaper wipes).

by amw

Read More

0

Older Posts

Newer Posts

About

Hi I'm Maria! I'm an author, lifestyle and travel writer, rock-concert-goer & gluten-free foodie. Oh Baby! A Mom’s Self-Care Survival Guide for the First Year: Because Moms Need a Little TLC, Too! is available at Chapters/Indigo, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon!

Follow on Social

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn

Pinterest

Subscribe