Amazing Alternative to Peanut Butter!

So if you are like me, my son just LOVES his peanut better sandwiches.  When he was much younger, I was really hesitant and made a point not to give hum peanut butter because I knew he would love it.  Sounds cruel but being a former teacher I knew he could not have PB sandwiches at school for lunch or any nuts for that matter.  I didn't want to be teasing him by giving him something that he couldn't regularly have.  But one morning at a cottage weekend, he has PB and toast and fell in love!

Now that my son is about to start school next week, my husband and I spent a lot of time this summer trying out different lunch ideas.  A few were successful like hummus and veggies, grilled cheese and pasta but he still loved his Peanut Butter.  It was tough trying to make him understand that peanuts and peanut butter made some other children sick or worse.  He couldn't understand (please remember he's 4 yrs old).

I did my big COSTCO grocery shop this week to stock up on just about everything and my sister-in-law (who was with me) found this awesome product!  It's called 'WOWBUTTER' it's a peanut free peanut butter, it is dairy free, egg free and gluten free!  It is a soy based product with non -GM Canadian toasted Soy.  It looks just like it and really tastes just like it.  My son and my daughter couldn't tell the difference.  AND....this is so smart!  Under the label, they have peel off stickers to put on the sandwich bag that say "Made with Wowbutter - 100% peanut free" 

 

When I have my intake session next week with my son's teacher I'm going to give her a heads up !  But for those of you who have peanut loving kids - this is a miracle in a jar!

Healthy Tricks on a Dime

Being fit, happy and healthy doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag.  Try these simple and cost effective tips for a better you!

1.  Resistance Tubing.  Forget the personal trainer - all you need is to spend $5 - $15 for a resistance tube or band.  The tubes can help to tone and stretch those muscles. They are super light weight and easy to pack.  Look online for great videos on using the resistance tubes.  
You can start working out right away.

2.  Potted Plants.  A little green can do wonders.  It not only spruces up the desk at the work place but studies show that employees are more productive and less stressed when they had a plant in their office.  Plants also reduce the amount of airborne dust and they add moisture to dry air making the surroundings more enjoyable and comfortable. Good options for interiors office with no windows - Gerbera daisies, ficus, ivy, peace lilies and Chinese evergreen.  What a pretty way to clean the air!

3.  Get out the gardening tools. Spending time outside melts the stress away.  Surrounding yourself with green and growth makes one feel productive and focused.  Plus gardening burns calories, too. But to avoid pain and/or injury be sure to use proper tools, wear sunscreen and a hat and take care of that back when bending.



4.  A vacation picture.  Gazing at a happy moment from the past can improve your present outlook.  Reflecting on good and happy times can actually bring those feelings to the present.  Research shows that people with stronger relationships to friends and family live longer, bounce back from illness easier and have an overall better quality of life.  Surrounding yourself with photos can help to strengthen that bond and help you feel upbeat about the future.

5.  A Re-useable water bottle.  Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated and alert.  Often our mid and late day headaches are actually just dehydration.  Also if you drink water before eating this can help you loose weight.  Keeping a water bottle handy is a great reminder to drink up!

6.  Clean sweep.  Sweeping the floor tidies your floor but it also gets you a bit of activity.  Daily activity even just doing basic chores helps keep your blood pressure down.  And as an added bonus, your house is clean!

7.  Sleep.  Catching enough sleep is important but so is quality of sleep.  In order to get enough quality sleep, make sure you have a good pillow that supports your neck and spine.  Other ways to get better and more quality sleep, proper drapes to quiet and darken the room.  Keep the TV and computer out of the room designed for sleeping, too.

 

8.  Dental Floss.  Most people do not floss enough.  To fight off gum disease flossing needs to be done and it's almost more important than brushing.  Poor oral health has been linked to a variety of other chronic problems like diabetes and heart disease.  Clean between the teeth once a day and don't be shy to ask you dentist or hygienist how to floss properly.  And when you brush don't forget the tongue, it's a reservoir for bacteria

9.   Walking shoes.  Walking at a steady pace 4-5 times a week will help lower you blood pressure and stress level.  Switch up your route to keep it fresh and exciting and bring along a friend or spouse or some music to make it even more enjoyable.

It's a jungle out there - with back to school shopping!

Well, my son starts school next week and we've been really organized (thanks to his school).  The school list really helped us stay on track with what they really need.  It's easy to get swept away with everything that is out there...



What's on your back to school list?

I was happy to see that there is a lot of sharing in kindergarten.  If your school or classroom doesn't it might be a great and economical idea to start, even for the older grades.

We were asked to bring one package of wipes, one box of kleenex, one large glue stick at the beginning of the school year,  for all to share...and with 25 kids in his class that's 25 boxes of kleenex, 25 packages of wipes and 25 glue sticks. 

The hardest thing to find was shoes - in his size, Velcro and no dark soles.  But I was lucky enough to 2 pairs at Target.  He will need one pair at home and one pair that stays at school. 

And of course, everything has to be labeled...even their snacks!  My plan was to simply label the snacks with painter's tape and write his name and #1 or #2 on the label.  We have all day kindergarten, so moms and dads are asked to label the morning snack with #1 and the afternoon snack with #2....It's a lot of work staying organized!

For everything else,  I purchased a back to school pack of Mabel's Labels.  They are so fantastic and the back to school pack has everything you need (great for parents who have never sent a little one to school before). 

The children also need a back pack and lunch bag again they need to be labeled.  I had my little guy involved in the selection but limited his choices.  I found great back packs and lunch bags that are the perfect size. a lot of the back packs designed for kindergarten aged children seem to be a bit too small and of poor quality.  My son chose a blue back pack with dinosaurs and matching lunch bag from Pottery barn Kids.  We even had his name embroidered on both!  This back pack will be perfect for trips to visit Oma and Opa, too!

 

The next item on the school list was pop-top water bottles, so the children can refill them with water throughout the day.  The end of summer is a great time to buy, I found a great deal at Canadian Superstore

And of course, in case of an accident we need a complete spare set of clothes to keep at school in a large and labeled Ziploc bag.  I figure a sharpie marker will be the best way to make the label big and bold!

So that was it for the supplies, but what about clothes?

Well, I wanted to keep it simple. I found some great cargo pants and jeans with elastic waist bands, so my little guy won't need a lot of help or any with his pants.  I also bought some great  t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirts, too.  Plaid shirts, hoodies and puffy vest were there, too and so many great colours!  I wanted to get clothes that were cool and easy to clean and stuff my son will wear!  I asked him to help me shop so he was totally involved in the process.  We found lots of great deals and quality items at Target.  I pre-washed everything so we are totally set for school!



Now, we just have to get used to waking up early and get the morning routine down....

Car Seat Struggles

One thing that is super tricky but so important is the car seat!  I know I needed a lot of help with understanding how to assemble it, install it in my car and even how to get the seat out of the car.  If you are like me, don't worry you aren't alone many parents struggle and may parents get it wrong!

Here are the most common mistakes.

1. Incorrectly installing the straps.  If it just doesn't look right or look like it might be hurting your baby, get it check out.  Your local fire departments and police departments can help also look for child seat clinics to help.

2.  Loose straps.  They need to be snug and not bouncing around.  But not too tight.  You should be able to fit two of your fingers under the straps, if you can fit more you need to pull it tighter. Also be sure that the chest strap is across the chest not the tummy or too close to the neck.  A good tip, have the chest strap in line with the arm pits.



3.  Not tightening the seat hooks.  Make sure the seat hooks are tight, the seat should not the floating around the vehicle.

4. Car seat extras.  It is best to swaddle after the baby is buckled in.  Also experts advice not to use snow suits under the belt as it won't be snug enough.  In cold weather, dress the baby appropriately, buckle them in and then add extra blankets or bunting blankets designed for car seats with holes for buckles.

Help! Organize my family!

You don't have to wait until spring to clear out the clutter and get organized.  The fall is a great time to tackle this task, too.

I like to start small with simple projects like organizing one pantry shelf at a time or the junk drawer.  but if you are ambitious, here are some great ideas to get organized.

1.  Family fun room: Instead of art on the walls, try open shelving.  This offers great storage for books and board games.  And for the other 'loose' items like toys and crafts try using a colourful box or basket.  Get this kids involved in the tidy-up process too.  Having these items accessible also means that they will be used more often, too.

 

2.  Storage: Add storage wherever you can!  As your children get older they also come with more stuff.  so try to incorporate storage in seating (storage ottomans or cubes are great), trunks in the kids rooms etc...There are many options on the market now but you'll need to look around if you are in smaller markets.

3.  Kitchen: an over sized chalkboard!  I actually used chalk board paint on my pantry doors.  I kept track of what groceries we needed and what events were taking place.  A busy family needs a calendar so put yours in a hot spot of the home.  the mudroom is another great spot for an over sized calendar.

 

4.  The entry/hall: hooks!  Invest in lots of hooks that can easily be attached to the wall.  Make sure to put them at a height that your kids can reach to hang their things (coats, sweater and back-packs).  If you don't want these items hanging out in the hallway- hang the hooks inside the front entry closet.

 

5.  Mudroom: if you are lucky enough to have one - it's perfect for the kids!  Add some inexpensive wire baskets to the wall to keep important notices and homework assignments (that need to go back to school), you can also keep hats and mitts in the baskets too.  It's also a good idea to have a storage bench - this is great to store seasonal items but also to help you get the kids dressed for the outdoors. You can also install some large hooks to hang umbrellas.  since the mudroom is such a perfect spot for the kids make it kid friendly by adding some fun colour and hang their hooks etc...at an accessible height for them.

6.  Modern playroom: perfect for urban living - dedicate a corner of your living room to your child and integrate it with your decor, so use complimentary colours to your existing theme.  Use cool contains to store toys and books, and have a funky chair for the kids, too.

7.  Finished basement: use that nook under the stairs for storage, using cool baskets, book cases and maybe even a small cabinet perfect for storing more kids' stuff or seasonal items.

 

It's important to take on a big de-cluttering job every year, it's amazing what we accumulate.  If we want to live stress free lives we need to eliminate as much clutter as we can.

Popular Baby Names for 2013

OK, 2013 is more than half way over but if you are expecting a little one this year (like some of my friends are) you probably want to know, what are the popular baby names?  Do you follow the pack or are you an individual?

When we were expecting my husband and I had some rules when it came to names.
1.  Easy to pronounce
2.  Not too popular or common (we didn't want 3-5 kids in their class with the same name)
3.  Nothing too trendy but still somewhat different
4. How will it translate into a nickname?
5. No strange spelling

Not too bad, right? But it was tough!

In the USA, top 5 girls' names are:
1. Sophia
2. Emma
3. Isabella
4. Olivia
5. Ava

 

So with girls, the very feminine and vowel names are still very popular.  I think we will start to see parents going in a different direction (I would) and opt for more gender neutral names like: Blair, Quinn, Lane, Wynne, Shae, Harper and Wren.

In the USA, top 5 boys' names are:
1. Jacob
2. Mason
3.Ethan
4. Noah
5. William


 
So with the boys' names, the main stays - David, John, Jack, Billy etc...will still be popular but we will start to see some old Hollywood  names for boys like: Monroe, Gable, Flynn and Brando and trend that I think might not last too long but it adds some sophistication to the usual.

These have been the top picks for a few years now, the order has changed somewhat but these have been very popular.

I think with the Royal baby's birth, we will likely see a rise in the name George.  It is a classic!

Want to know how popular your choice will be? There are some great sites like nametrends.net and babynamewizard.com

If you want to know how the name you have chosen will be received, my advice ask a stranger (like a cashier or a server at a restaurant) they will be honest and unbiased.  Family and friends will either try to sway or even pressure you into picking something else or they just won't be honest with you.

Also, if you have decided on a name, don't share it !  Especially with any other expecting parents, I know countless people who have had their name swiped.  I was a baby whose parents had the 'perfect name' picked and they told my aunt and uncle who were also expecting (just a few months before my arrival) and they stole the name!  My parents still talk about it whenever the topic of baby names arises, they still get hot under the collar about it and I'm 36 now!

Also think about how it will work with your last name especially if you have an usual last name.  My married name is very short and has a harsh sound to it and works better with longer first names. 

Also if you want a really unusual name or a very old fashioned name that you don't think is going to come back into style maybe keep it as a middle name - having Mildred or Flower for your first name could be a lot of carry with you as you come and grow in the world....

Hot and simple Looks for Fall 2013

Well, it is sad to say but Fall is around the corner.  I can already feel a chill in the air in the evening....
but the great thing about Fall is the fashion!  So what will we be seeing this fall?

Denim - an easy fix for a busy mom and there are some hot denim trends that we can all rock!

1 - Try coloured denim.  Yep - the hot trend from last season is back!  Good news if you missed the style train last fall and even better news if you hopped on!  Great Fall denim colours: grey, darker green, burgundy and purple. Pair these with a leather jacket, boots and a tee with some jewelry pieces and you are set.


2 - Try studded denim. Not the totally blinged out bootcut jeans we saw a few (quite a few) seasons ago but some studded details along the pockets (front and back) and side seam.  It adds bit more flash to an outfit, can easily be done for evening but is a fun and unexpected twist for daytime! Again, great with a little jacket in leather, or a classic cashmere sweater

3- Try coated jeans.  This gets you that leather look without the expense and the non-breathable factor.  these jeans are hot and sexy!  Perfect for a date night or a fun girls night!

4 - Try printed jeans.  We saw a bit of this in the summer in florals and animal prints.  This fall we will see this but the print a bolder and the pigmentation is deeper.  Don't think you can do it? Sure you can, find a print that's kind of low key maybe a leopard print.  Pair it with something classic on top like a v-neck cashmere sweater, some bangles and hoops earrings and boots - any make up you like (smokey eye or bold lip) and loose hair and you have a stylish and sexy yet easy look for Fall, so versatile!

 

5 - Try camo jeans.  In just about every season we see some military influence but mostly in jackets. This Fall, we will see camo jeans in multiple colours!  Again, like the printed jeans bare it with classic pieces and you will look so in style!

6 - Try moto (inspired) jeans. Black, zippers, meshing, studs anything that you would find  on a motorcycle jacket you will be seeing on jeans!  but how can you make this look work if you aren't a biker? Pair the tough moto denim with some softer textures a brushed out cotton tee, cashmere (or blend) sweater.  Add some feminine touches like a heels (sleek not chunky), pink lip and blush, big and full lashes, soft hair (soft curls loose or in a cute pony) and some jewelery, that will balance it out

Denim is such a go-to for busy moms but what else are we going to see this fall?

1 - Loafers are back!  Flat and heeled.  Great for work but also a great weekend look  with jeans and a blazer.  Looking at smoking slippers too, very chic and cozy!



2 - Cobalt blue.  In clothing and nails - we will see lots of deep purple, green and blue this fall but cobalt will be BIG!

3 - Jewels.  It was all about the statement necklace last Fall, Spring and Summer but now it's earrings - very 80's right?  Big jewels, big and bold colour and bling!  With a simple dress or suit pop on some statement earrings for an evening look

4 - Print.  We will be seeing a lot of prints animal, foulard (the classic tie print), chevron and more and we will see it in scarves, blouses, dresses, skirts and even knitwear

5 - Satchel bags.  Big, square with or without a tassel detail is THE bag for fall.  they are truly classic and never out of style but we will be seeing a lot of these this fall. 

6 - Motorcycle anything. Jackets, bags with moto details etc...hot, hot, hot.  We will even see a lot of leather pencil skirts in the office, sexy!



So moms - this about getting a few of these trending items and try something new like a printed jeans or some moto detail (my fav) or some statement earrings. And don't be afraid of the 'skinny' jean - I was very afraid but I decided this summer to try it and you know what, if you get the right fitting jean they look and feel awesome!