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Entertainment

TV Shows to Watch (and Skip) this Summer

July 3, 2013

by Mara Shapiro

Most people associate summer with beaches, BBQs and reruns. I do too but I also get really excited about summer TV.

Not only is summer the perfect time to catch up on shows I may have missed throughout the year but it’s also a time to meet some new friends. Some of my favorite shows of all time have started out as summer series: So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, Seinfeld (YUP!), Sex and The City, and the almighty Mad Men.

This summer is no lightweight when it comes to the electronic babysitter. There are several programs that I personally am very excited about (can you tell I’m a child of the 70s? I LOVE TV. In all caps), and several I can do without.

Here are the Summer TV shows that are on my TBR (to be recorded) list, plus a few that I will be avoiding at all costs. This is by no means an exhaustive list, by the way. If you google Summer TV 2013, you will keep finding more and more to watch. But seriously, don’t. It’s summer for goodness sakes. Go outside.

Tuning In:

The Pioneer Woman (The Food Network): Ree Drummond is a blogger, I’m a blogger. Ree likes to cook, I love to cook. Ree has a TV show, I want one. Need I say more?

So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent: I watch anything with singing or dancing. Don’t judge me.

Mistresses (ABC): I’m one of the few people who still likes network TV. I wasn’t sure about this one, as I was afraid it glorified infidelity. But, I was pleasantly surprised at how the show explores the many complicated facets of relationships.

Under The Dome (CBS): Usually I don’t go for horror or mystery but this one seemed intriguing. From the very first episode’s cow slicing scene, I was hooked. What I really like is that unlike Lost, we’ll find out what happened after 12 episodes (I’m very impatient). Also, one of the male leads is super cute (fingers crossed for shirtless Barbie scenes).

Devious Maids (Lifetime): Seriously, this show is so over-the-top. Although it’s been criticized for perpetuating Latino stereotypes, I feel I must point out that nobody does housework in Stilettos so we’re obviously not supposed to take anything we see seriously. This one is definitely Desperate Housewives for the brain dead. And I’m all in.

Camp (NBC): Rachel Griffiths stars as the Director of a summer camp. I love her, I love summer camp. I’m watching, even though I don’t even know what it’s about (but I’m pretty sure it’s about camp.)

Orange is the New Black (Netflix): This show has a few things going for it; a) it’s based on Piper Kerman’s memoir her year in prison for drug trafficking; b) it’s on Netflix so all the episodes are loaded at once (I’m a binge watcher); and c) I like the name.

Tuning out:

Anything Kardashian, Dance Mom, or Real Housewifey. If I wanted to listen to annoying millenials, I’d hang out with my daughter and her friends. And, these women are neither real, kind, or housewives. I’d rather read a dirty book.

The rest of the glut of reality TV. I just can’t take it anymore. I already have a reality, and at least mine isn’t embarrassing, boring, or being pawned. (My husband, on the other hand, will definitely be tuning in. Call him if you want updates.)

Anything on TNT or the CW mostly because I can’t find those channels on my TV.

Other shows a lot of people are excited for that I probably won’t watch:

All the Sitcoms: They look good, I just can’t be bothered.

The Killing: A crime drama whose storyline is spread out over several episodes (a la 24). I’m bored of cop shows.

Catfish: Everything you wanted to know about online dating and the people who lie about themselves while online dating. I watched with my teenagers. Once. It was enough. But, other people seem to dig it. Give it a shot. Let me know how it goes.

Suits: It looks good, I don’t know why I’m not interested.

Big Brother: I have a Big Brother, plus I grew up in the shadow of Orwell’s 1984. This show never yanked my chain (but neither did Survivor, The Bachelor, or The Amazing Race).

Pretty Little Liars: I feel like I’ve OD’d on the genre after the OC, Gossip Girl, etc.

Dexter, True Blood, Breaking Bad, The Newsroom, et al: I watched, liked, and ran out of time/ lost track of / got confused / lost interest. One day when I’m on bed rest for a mysterious illness, and I have nothing to read, and nothing else to do.

Do you have any top picks for summer TV? Do you even watch TV in the summer?

Mara Shapiro is a social media addict, blogger, and proof that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. A former marketer and customer experience trainer, she is now a Community Mananger and blogger. a She shares inappropriate slices of life, books and products she loves at beniceorleavethanks.com, and is co-editor of BrazenWoman, a fabulous new lifestyle Blogazine specifically for women over 35 (launching in summer 2013). She has been a featured guest on CJAD Radio Montreal, The Late Shift with Gail Vaz-Oxlade, Bonbon break, Blogher, Huffington Post live, SocialNorth, and CTV News Channel, and has been quoted on Brighterlife.ca, Rogers Redboard, in Today’s Parent, and The Toronto Star. Catch up with Mara on Twitter (@ChickyMara & brazenwoman) and Pinterest.

Books & Music

40 Best Canadian Rock Songs of All Time

June 29, 2013

If you know me, then you know I absolutely love rock music – from classic rock to alternative rock. What is Canada’s best export in my opinion? Our amazing Canadian rock music.

Now I now I’ve missed some bands and songs here so please do add them in the comments.

This is my best of the best list of the 40 best Canadian Rock Songs on my playlist, which you can also check out on Spotify:

40 Best Canadian Rock Songs of All Time

Tragically Hip – New Orleans is Sinking
Neil Young – Rockin’ In The Free World
Sheep Dogs – Feeling Good
Alexisonfire – This Could Be Anywhere in the World
Monster Truck – Seven Seas Blues
Three Days Grace – The Animal I Have Become
Death From Above 1979 – Romantic Rights
Our Lady Peace – Naveed
Rush – Tom Sawyer
Barenaked Ladies – If I Had $1,000,000
Billy Talent – Try Honesty
Smile and Wave – Headstones
Summer of 69 – Bryan Adams
Coming Home – City and Colour
Sum 41 – Still Waiting
Tegan and Sara – Hell
Metric – Gimme Sympathy
Sam Roberts – Brother Down
Sloan – The Good in Everyone
Finger 11 – Paralyzer
Neil Young – Old Man
Big Wreck – That Song
Sheep Dogs – Who
The Trews – Highway of Heroes
USS – Damini
Tragically Hip – Blow at High Dough
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care Of Business
Arcade Fire – We Used to Wait
Spirit of the West – Home for a Rest
Tokyo Police Club – Wait Up (Boots of Danger)
I Mother Earth – One More Astronaut
Billy Talent – Red Flag
Tom Cochrane – Life is a Highway
The Guess Who – No Sugar Tonight
Mother Mother – Let’s Fall in Love
Matthew Good – Everything is Automatic
Matt Mays – Take It On Faith
Simple Plan – I’m Just a Kid
Thornley – So Far So Good
Neverending White Light – The Grace

ROCK ON!

activities

Craft for Kids: DIY Canada Day T-Shirt

June 28, 2013

Happy Canada Day! On Canada Day, we proudly display the Canada flag in front of our homes, and wear red and white. A Canada Day T-Shirt is a must; but if you don’t have one? Make your own. This is a simple craft for kids just for Canada Day – a DIY Canada Day T-shirt.

But the added bonus of this kids’ Canada Day craft is, it’s personalized, and can be kept for years to come as memorabilia.

Looking for inspiration on Pinterest, I discovered the idea here on WorkManFamily. The author included step-by-step photos so take a look there if you need more help.

DIY Canada Day T-Shirt

All you need is a plain white t-shirt (you can buy at Michaels or in the underwear or craft section of Walmart or Target for under $10), a piece of cardboard for each t-shirt, red fabric paint, and a little help from mom or dad.

Insert the cardboard inside each t-shirt so that when you paint on the front side, the paint doesn’t bleed through.
Paint a red rectangle (or at least trace them for the kids) on one side of the t-shirt.
Then paint your child’s hand or have them dip their hand in some red paint.
Carefully, with fingers spread apart, press hand in the middle of the t-shirt, aligned with the rectangle.
Then paint a rectangle on the other side.

The cute little handprint will act as the maple leaf for the Canadian flag.

Here is how ours turned out when we made them:

My boys will be wearing these again on Canada Day this year.

Here are some more Canada Day ideas.

activities

Adventure at Scenic Caves in Blue Mountains Ontario

June 27, 2013

As part of our recent visit to Blue Mountain, the boys and I visited Scene Caves Nature Adventures.

Scenic Caves is one of Canada’s “great natural wonders” with self-guided walking trails through caves and caverns carved millions of years ago by glacial ice. That alone is reason to visit this attraction!

It’s also home to a historic village site, home of the “Deer Tribe” of the Petun First Nations people and eighteen unique geological rock features.

Situated at the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment, there are numerous lookouts with views of 10,000 square kilometers of Georgian Bay – simply spectacular.

At an average pace, the trail through the caves and suspension bridge takes approximately two hours to complete. But my boys were so excited that we practically zipped through the caves and nature trails! The zip line course has ten lines and two suspension bridges, providing tourists with a unique view on the area’s natural splendour.

Scenic Caves has various hiking trails with beautiful views of the area. The paths range in difficulty from easy to moderate, and tourists can travel routes through woodlands, through rocky outcroppings, or along the Niagara Escarpment.

Scenic Caves’ suspension bridge spans 420 feet across a steep gorge and provides amazing views of the surrounding area. Visitors can stroll across the bridge at their leisure or test their nerves with a bouncing walk.

For older kids and adults, Scenic Caves also has a professionally guided treetop walk and zip cable gliding at the highest point of the Niagara Escarpment. Discover the flora and fauna, set in one of Canada’s six UNESCO biosphere reserves. Guests must be between 70 lbs and 250 lbs and over 4’8″ tall or with someone who can reach 6 foot 2 inches high.

Read about the rest of our trip at Blue Mountain!

The Westin Trillium House: Luxury at Blue Mountain

Food

Quick and Easy Summer Drink Recipes

June 27, 2013

Summer is here! With hot weather and lots of sunshine, quick and easy summer drink recipes are a must to have on-hand.

With a variety of frozen offerings, Minute Maid has partnered with the Canadian Living Test Kitchen to create easy, unique and delectable summer drink recipes that are sure to be a hit this summer. Especially when you’re pressed for time, these simple summer drink recipes can be made quickly and earlier in the day before your guests arrive to your party.

Summertime Sangria

1 can Minute Maid® Berry Punch Frozen concentrate
1 can Minute Maid® Cranberry Punch Frozen concentrate
2-200mL tetra Minute Maid® 100% Apple Grape Juice
2 oranges, segmented (see below)
1 red grapefruit, segmented (see below)
1 plum, sliced
1 apple, cut into ½-inch (1-cm) chunks
2 ½ cups (600 mL) Club Soda

In large bowl, stir together Minute Maid® Berry Punch Frozen concentrate, Minute Maid® Cranberry punch Frozen concentrate, 2 cans of water and Minute Maid® 100% Apple Grape Juice.

To segment oranges and grapefruit: Cut small piece from either end to make 2 flat sides. Place fruit on one cut end. Starting at top and cutting toward bottom, remove sections of peel and pith to reveal fruit. Continue, turning, until only fruit remains. Holding fruit in one hand, cut each segment free by cutting on either side of each membrane. Cut each segment in half.

Place all fruit into juice mixture. Cover and place in fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. To serve, fill glass ¾ full with punch. Top with club soda. Makes 8 cups with fruit.

For the grown-ups: Omit club soda. Mix punch in equal parts with red wine. Let the fruit sit in the wine for 4-6 hours before serving.

Watermelon Grapefruit Fizz

8 cups cubed watermelon
1 can Minute Maid® 100% Grapefruit Juice frozen concentrate, mixed with 1 ½ cans water
8 cups Sprite® beverage *
Basil leaves for garnish

In batches, puree watermelon cubes in blender. In large bowl, stir together prepared Minute Maid® 100% Grapefruit Juice with watermelon puree.

To serve: Fill glass with ice. Fill halfway with juice, top up with Sprite®. Stir in torn basil leaves. Makes 16 servings.

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

For something a little creamier, Minute Maid has introduced their brand new Smoothie blends. These are great to have on hand when you’re pressed for time.

Pour Minute Maid Strawberry Banana Smoothie into a blender. Add ice, water and blend for the perfect smoothie every time! Each 250mL prepared cup contains two servings of fruit. For a creamier taste use 1 1/2 cans of ice + 1/2 can of milk, yogurt or ice cream.

Happy Summer Entertaining!

This post was proudly sponsored by Minute Maid.

amw in the city

Blue Mountain: Fun for the Whole Family

June 25, 2013

I haven’t been to Blue Mountain before so I was quite excited to go for the first time and bring the kids along with me in a Buick Enclave to take on our trip (review to come later). Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest mountain village resort, nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay. It is now a true four-season destination with a multitude of family friendly activities.

When you think of Blue Mountain, skiing probably comes to mind first. But there are so many fun activities during the spring summer and fall including an Open-Air Gondola, Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, Plunge! Aquatic Centre, Cascade Putting Course, Timber Challenge High Ropes, Woodlot Low Ropes, Wind Rider Trip Zips and more. What’s more, some of the activities are also available during the winter months along with the 36 ski and snowboard trails. Let’s not forget the Village with 45 restaurants, bars and shops.

The boys were anxious to start on all the activities. First, they played a round of mini-golf at Cascade Putting Course just steps from the Village. The 18-hole course features waterfalls, streams and cascading landscapes.

The boys wanted to rock climb but unfortunately it was only open for groups. We had an afternoon break at BeaverTails in the Village, a must-have for me since I don’t live close to one of their locations. Of course I got mine with that delicious chocolate-hazelnut spread… I didn’t care if I was going to bloat up (I’m sensitive to gluten), it was so worth it!

We then headed over to Crock a Doodle, a quaint paint-it-yourself pottery company for some afternoon arts and crafts. Of course we all had a difficult time deciding on which piece to paint since there was such a wide selection of lovely items from bowls to platters to piggy banks.

And here are our finished pieces, ready the next day after 4pm:

It never failed, on our way to and from the gorgeous Westin Trillium House, we HAD to stop and look at the frogs and the hundreds of tadpoles. More about the Westin here.

After a quick change, we headed over to Firehall Pizza Co. for dinner. The restaurant features fire hydrant beer towers, fire hoses and ladders hanging from the ceilings and a beautiful patio overlooking the Events Plaza and the Mill Pond. Ironically, there was a fire last summer which forced the restaurant to close for repair. Firehall Pizza Co. has a casual and family-friendly atmosphere with a menu that’s sure to please any taste or dietary restriction, such as gluten-free pizza!

One of the most thrilling attractions at Blue Mountain is the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. I havee never experienced as exhilarating a ride as this one! I’ve been on my share of roller coaster rides but the adventure of being in a single car speeding down the mountain and through the forest, through twists and turns, all the while trying to remember to keep pushing the levers DOWN otherwise someone behind you could actually collide into you – is a thrill beyond thrills!

After that crazy adventure, we called it a night… and boy what a restful night it was at the Westin Trillium House and their comfortable Heavenly Beds!

The following morning we met up with the other bloggers on our #FamilyBloggerRetreat, @gonewithfamily, @inksriblr and @mapleleafmommy for a light breakfast and then we were off to visit the Scenic Caves. We spent the morning discovering at our own leisure – read all about our visit to Scenic Caves here.

The kids were extra hungry after hiking through the caves and nature trails but they each wanted different things – my youngest craved pancakes while my oldest wanted a hamburger. I, on the other hand, felt like having eggs and bacon. Where could we dine that would satisfy the taste buds of all three of us? Sunset Grill of course!

We stopped to pick up a Tall Blonde at Starbucks – no really!

During our visit, I treated the boys to Hatley Scoops for a Kawartha Dairy ice cream and The Happy Valley Candy Co. for some gummies before heading over to Plunge! Aquatics. While the boys frolicked both in the indoor and outdoor pools and whizzed down the waterslide, I enjoyed a lazy afternoon watching them go to town.

That evening, we had dinner with the group at The Pottery located in the original Blue Mountain Inn. The restaurant is named after the original Blue Mountain Pottery which was founded in the early 1950s. The Terra Cotta replicas on display are some examples of those produced by the founder of Blue Mountain Resort, Jozo Weider.

Now if the husband was able to join us, I could sneak away to one of Blue Mountain’s on-site spas for some pampering… or if a babysitter came along, we could enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bar/lounges in the Village! Blue Mountain really has something for everyone.

A perfect way to end our trip to Blue Mountain Resort? A ride on the Open-Air Gondola.

We truly had a fabulous visit at Blue Mountain. My boys had so much fun – and we didn’t even have time to experience all of the activities available! They are anxious to come back in the winter and learn how to ski. Blue Mountain is investing $10 million to expand its ski and snowboard terrain and add new trails for winter 2013/2014 so you know it’s going to be even more amazing!

amw in the city

The Westin Trillium House: Luxury at Blue Mountain

June 25, 2013

During our stay at Blue Mountain Resort, the boys and I lodged at The Westin Trillium House.

We stayed in a spacious suite – two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room and a full kitchen with granite counter-tops… even lovelier than my home. I loved the clean, contemporary décor of the rooms and bathrooms (yes I even loved the vanity).

The suite has everything you need – TVs in every room, feather pillows, bath amenities, and a lovely fireplace I’d be sure to enjoy during the winter months. What’s more, you can control the temperature in every room and close the door for privacy while the kids are in the living area.

The staff was super friendly and the suite was spotless. I love the smell of the Westins’ White Tea Aloe Collection – heavenly scent that really seems to create a calming atmosphere.

What a welcoming sight to see crisp white linens on our Heavenly Beds – did I mention how well I slept both nights we were there?!? My kids were so worn out by all of the activities, they were out like lights minutes after their heads touched the pillows.

We loved every minute of our stay at The Westin Trillium House – read more about our trip to Blue Mountain.

Little Kids

How Dad Can Play With Toddlers

June 20, 2013

by Daddy Nickell

There is absolutely nothing more fun and enjoyable than playing with your toddler. As a proud daddy to six kids between the ages of eight months and 25 years old, I have so many fond memories of playing with my children as toddlers.

Often, during the first year, Dad can feel a bit left out; as the majority of the bonding tends to happen between Mommy and Baby, especially if she is nursing.

During this stage there’s a lot of build-up and anticipation for the future wherein you can almost see that sparkle in your toddler’s eye that says, “I’m almost big enough to hang out with you, Dad!” As you’re waiting for that special day, you watch as your baby begins to pull up, toddle around, and finally – walk! Of course these actions make every parent ecstatic – daddies especially.

Toddler play is a must for dads and their kids. Here are a few activities that are favourites within my household – with two young boys:

http://www.ohbabymagazine.com/toddler/playtime-with-toddlers/

Health

4 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Body After Having a Baby

June 19, 2013

by Samantha Montpetit-Huynh

What your mother never told you…. or your aunt, sister; not even your friends for that matter!

There’s no question, that there is a definite lack of information when it comes to what happens “after the fact” in reference to your body postpartum. I can’t tell you how many times I have been asked “why didn’t anyone tell me?” or “how come nobody checked?”. Unfortunately I can’t answer that but have simply come to the conclusion that either people don’t know or they just don’t care.

So I’m here to clear things up a bit and tell you the sh*t that nobody else will. Here are 4 Things You Didn’t Know About Your Body After Having a Baby:

1. You’re most likely going to look 4 months pregnant for the first 8 weeks postpartum.

2. There is pretty good chance your abdominals will separate during pregnancy and will most likely not close after birth.

3. If you give birth vaginally, you increase your chances of becoming incontinent after birth. In other words, you will leak…yep, leak and it’s not fun.

4. Pelvic organ prolapse is NOT just for our mother’s and/or grandmothers.

Now that I am the mom of two and have “been there, done that” (some good and not so good), I can give you the quick rundown of what happens to your body after having a baby:

Diastasis recti affects approximately 80-85% of first pregnancies and unfortunately it doesn’t magically “snap back” after delivery. This is the main cause of the Mummy Tummy or post baby pooch that moms everywhere suffer from and try desperately to fix – usually the wrong way.

Incontinence affects 1 in 3.5 women who delivery vaginally. Once you hit 30, it’s 1 in 3. Add more kids, age, genetics, extreme exercise and you can see where this is going…As “common” as this is, it is not normal and can be fixed. Women just need to talk about it more, find the tools and know that most incontinence is a fitness issue, not a medical one.

POP (pelvic organ prolapse) does happen but not overnight. It is gradual and by the time your doctor diagnoses you with one, it’s usually too late to treat without surgery.

But like I always say, I’m not here to shock you or freak you out, but to educate and tell you that these things happen!

Will women stop having babies as a result? Not likely. However, they will be more informed, know what questions to ask and (hopefully) do what is necessary to treat and even avoid some of these things all together!

Let’s talk and be more proactive when it comes treating ourselves otherwise you may end up suffering long term.

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.

Holidays

Canada Day: Facts About Canada, Eh!

June 18, 2013

by Mariana Morales

Canada Day is just around the corner which means Canadians will be celebrating in many ways such as spending time with families, barbeques, and just a fun time in the summer.

Throughout the week, you might have seen or even participated in showing Canadian pride with shirts, hats, bumper stickers, and flags.

Here are some fun facts about Canada you may not have known about!

July 1, 1867 actually marks the day when Canada officially became The Dominion of Canada. The provinces Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick became a nation with a federal government with first Prime Minister John A. MacDonald. Essentially, Canada officially became an independent country in 1882.
Canada’s highest point is Yukon’s Mount Logan.
In 1965, the national flag of Canada was adopted to replace the Union Flag which represented Great Britain. February 15 marks National Flag of Canada Day, which celebrates this although it is not a public holiday.
Canada’s national anthem “O Canada” is the only multilingual anthem in the world. It was originally written in French and translated to English in 1906.
Canada contains 9% of the world’s renewable water supply.
The Moosehead Brewery in Saint John, New Brunswick, turns out 1,642 bottles of beer per minute.
Canadians eat macaroni and cheese more than any other nation.
Canada and the United States share the world’s longest border, which is also the world’s only unprotected border.
Of all the polar bears in the world, 50 per cent of them live in Nunavut!

Canada is the second largest country in the world and offers amazing tourist attractions including Toronto, and Niagara Falls.

Be proud to be Canadian and Happy Canada Day!

Check out some fabulous Canada Day websites here!

Mariana Morales is Freelance Web Designer and Journalist.

What makes her different? She loves video games.
Follow her on Twitter.