The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios is broken into three areas -- there is a small slice of London, England (complete with Kings Cross Station and Platform 9 3/4s), then there are the shops of Diagon Alley (including Gringott's and the Leaky Cauldron), and just off of Diagon Alley you'll find the perpetually dark twists and turns of Knockturn Alley. If … [Read more...]
Why You Want to Buy a Wand When Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando
If you are wondering "Is buying a wand worth it?", "Do I need a wand to visit Harry Potter world?" or "Do I want to buy a wand before visiting the Wizarding World at Universal?" I've got answers for you (briefly; yes, maybe, and no -- buy your wand at the park!) If you are spending the day wandering around Diagon Alley at Universal Studios or in Hogsmeade within Islands … [Read more...]
My Life as a Sandwich… #SandwichGeneration
I'm part of the Sandwich Generation. Sandwich Generation. What a quaint term. Until quite recently it's not something that I thought applied to me. But now, blam, here it is, I am part of a multigenerational sandwich. A sandwich, something tasty and quick you serve up for lunch. What I pack into my kids' school bags every Monday to Friday. Pack I think is the key word … [Read more...]
How to Raise Your Child to be Bilingual
Speaking multiple languages in an increasingly globalized world provides an incredible advantage for students, children and adults working, studying or travelling abroad. For this reason, many parents are eager to develop a fluency of at least one other language in their child. Here are a few tips and tricks on how you can raise your child to be fluent in multiple … [Read more...]
7 Fun Ways to Pass on Your Family History
Your family history is something unique to you. There are so many ways you can record and share your family history, but to help, I’ve narrowed it down to seven simple ways to get started. Everyone in your family can participate and I hope that these will inspire you to share your family history in a creative and fun way. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Seasons … [Read more...]
What Lessons Can We Learn From Fairy Tales?
Fairy tales, in their telling, have long been a source of fond memories between parent and child. Many have inspired countless movies and toys, providing countless hours of entertainment and nostalgia. Given how widely known these stories are, it’s not surprising that numerous life lessons can be drawn from their tellings, many of which have helped children the world over as … [Read more...]
Reorganzing When Your MIL Moves In, Or Life as a Sandwich
Reorganizing your home after an elderly parent or in-law moves in can be challenging. I mean, I think I know now why they call this whole caring for elderly parents thing the Sandwich Generation. It's because you are squished flat, underneath piles of STUFF. See, a little over a year ago my mother-in-law moved in with us. For a long while, she had been focused on taking … [Read more...]
The Porter Difference, What the heck is that exactly?
I love riding on the train. I adore riding on the train. I will jump at any excuse to take the four hour Via Rail ride to Toronto. Four hours of sitting in a cozy seat, with wifi, coffee, and a lovely view out the window. Sometimes I splurge and go business class, sometimes I ride economy, either way, I always love riding on the train. There have been times when I’ve been … [Read more...]
Secret Confession: I Have Beach Guilt
I've brought my kids on a family vacation to Florida twice now. Twice we've visited Orlando as a family. And I'm finding that I feel oddly guilty about it. See, when I was a kid we would visit Florida and stay with relatives. We'd fly down, or drive (24 hours straight, my dad was hardcore) to Bradenton, or Sarasota, stay for a week or two and head home. We chilled. A lot. We … [Read more...]
That time my 2nd Grader brought Whiskey to school…
I let my kid bring Whiskey to school. It didn't go well. To be clear, Whiskey is a cat -- a stuffed cat. I had reservations about Gigi bringing Whiskey to school, but apparently not for any of the right reasons. I was worried that her favourite doll might get ruined, that her long soft orange fur would get dirty from playing outside during recess, and that if I had to … [Read more...]
Flying Direct from Windsor to Florida with Porter: By The Numbers
Porter Airlines now offers flights direct from Windsor to Melbourne, Florida. The airport code for Melbourne International Airport is MLB, aka Major League Beaches, and Windsor is YQG, also known as Your Quick Gateway, hence it's like taking Your Quick Gateway to Major League Beaches. Okay, so right now you may be thinking, cute, whatever, but where the heck is Melbourne … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s SUCKS and Here’s What We’re Going To Do About It
My father-in-law has Alzheimer's, a disease I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. In the nine years since he's been diagnosed, I've watched as one by one his hobbies and abilities have been robbed from him. His body is still tall and strong, but his mind has been eaten away by this heartbreaking disease. So that he can no longer play baseball, or go bowling, or play cards, or … [Read more...]
FREE Eyeglasses for kids ages 4 to 10, with Loblaw KIDS SEE FREE Program
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Loblaw. As always, my words and opinions are all my own. EDIT: I originally published this post in 2017. At that time all of the information was current and correct. As of January 2019, the Kids See Free program appears to have been put on hold. Calling and speaking to my local Theodore & Pringle optical centre I was told that the … [Read more...]
Spontaneous Walt Disney World, Seizing the Evening at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
I know people PLAN Disney. They plan the heck out of Disney. They plan when they will eat, and where, and make reservations months in advance. They plan exactly which rides they're going to go on and what order they're going to ride them in. There is even some Fast Pass deal where you can register for rides ahead of time. Planned. Every minute. Out the wazoo. But something … [Read more...]
7 Life Lessons Learned While Kayaking with the Dolphins in Sebastian Inlet
I spent a morning kayaking in Sebastian Inlet Florida State Park, and it taught me a bit about motherhood, about being a caregiver, and about surviving my "sandwich generation" moments. Stick with me here guys. Life happens. It just keeps on happening. Kids. Aging parents. Health issues. STRESS. Non-stop worry and stress. I feel like my life has devolved into some sort … [Read more...]
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