I need to read. I need to read like I need to eat, breathe and sleep. So it goes without saying that when I hit the road words travel with me. Magazines, a paperback book; there's always something "readable" in my bag. That two hour wait at the Doctor's office? I don't even mind, it's just time to mow through a new magazine or two. Ok, I lie, with kid's in tow office wait times … [Read more...]
Keeper of the Hair & Hair Care Tips with Pantene
Since deciding to cut and donate my hair, I've developed a weird relationship with my hair. In the past I've been someone who follows a very minimalist hair care routine. I mean, people ask me about this all the time. How do you take care of such long hair? And the answer is, I don't. My hair gets brushed regularly. I shampoo it every few days, and every once in a blue moon I … [Read more...]
Take Five + Measure Your Heart’s Age
I'm going to level with you guys. My father was 59 years old when he died. His heart just stopped. As sudden and unexpected as his death was looking back I know that my dad did not take good care of his heart. And I do not want to follow in his footsteps. Heart Disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. I know that a family history of diabetes and heart … [Read more...]
How to Use Gmail Task Lists {Secret Weapon for Organization!}
The other day I happened upon the most amazing function in Gmail. Did you know there is a built in To Do list app? and you have the option of tying it in to an email thread? I didn't have a clue this existed. Apparently one of my husband's online friends pointed it out to him. All I know is I sat down in front of the PC and noticed this lovely little task box pop up in the … [Read more...]
Find out how to #SaveNProtect
Did you know November was Financial Literacy Month? Financial literacy means having the knowledge and skills to make solid financial decisions. Knowing that knowledge and access to information is the true key to financial literacy, Insurance Bureau of Canada wants to help Canadians To Save and Protect. The goal is to help you SAVE money by better understanding your home, auto … [Read more...]
Give the Gift of Education, Tips for Saving Towards a Child’s Registered Education Savings Plan
Years ago, I had a good friend who had young kids, and for each special occasion, be it Christmas or their birthdays, she would ask that instead of buying a gift we give money towards their Registered Education Savings Plan. Instead of going out and buying a baby outfit or a stuffed doll, I would grab a pretty card and stuff a cheque in there for $10 or $20. Done. Awesome. The … [Read more...]
Holiday Shopping Made Easy with Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart is a one stop spot for holiday shopping. You can get everything from holiday treats and snacks to put out for when company arrives, to decorations, stocking stuffers and gifts. They are always open late, and I’m guessing that like me, your closest Shoppers is only a short walk or drive away. Ho Ho Ho. Yep, I love Shoppers Drug Mart, but do you know why I … [Read more...]
Money Tips for Travelling with Kids
Do you remember the days before you had kids? How different life was! I’ve just been thinking about the vacations I used to take before I had my girls in tow. OK - I’d plan the whole trip but I’d always allow plenty of room for things to just sort of happen and I never worried too much about the money side of it all. That’s all changed now that I am travelling as part of … [Read more...]
How to Create an Art Centre in Under 5 Minutes with 3M Hooks & Cord Clips
My six year old daughter LOVES to draw. She will happily spend hours at her art table creating masterpieces. I wanted to tidy up her art space and give her "a place for everything and everything in it's place". We have two small lidded plastic bins for her piles of colouring books and art creations. This is also where we've been stowing her pencils, crayons, scissors and … [Read more...]
How to Save Money on Car Insurance, One Important Factor that Can Save You BIG
Ever wonder how auto insurance works? Basically everyone pays into a big pool, and claims are paid out of that pool. The payment you make is called a premium. You pay a premium to your insurance company so that you'll be covered if something bad happens. But because not everyone gets into an accident, or has their car stolen, there are more people paying into the pool than … [Read more...]
Lunch-Making Time and Sanity Savers, Tips & Tricks
How are you guys coping with the back to school lunch making routine? I feel like I'm getting into my lunch making groove, and I am shocked to find that I actually prefer having to pack school lunches every day, rather than every other. How do you ensure your kids eat their school lunch? How do you save time getting lunches ready? As part of my Rubbermaid LunchBlox giveaway … [Read more...]
5 Tips from IAMS on How Cats & Dogs CAN Happily Co-Exist
"Fighting like cats and dogs" is a pretty common catch phrase, but it isn't always true. I remember being shocked as a kid when I discovered that my family's cat and my grandparent's dog got along just fine. Cats and dogs can tolerate each other, even grow to be good companions and friends. If you're considering playing both sides of the "Cats are better pets.", "No, dogs … [Read more...]
Back to School Recap
I hope September has been treating you and yours well? Aside from the inevitable nasty cold making it's way through our household and a little bit of separation anxiety on the part of my littlest girl, things have been going pretty smoothly over here. To help mark our third week of back to school, here's a quick recap of Maple Leaf Mommy's back to school giveaways and … [Read more...]
The Importance of Tenant’s Insurance… or Advice I Wish My Younger Self Had Received
I remember moving into my first apartment. I was twenty-one years old and starting university. My parents had just bought a new house out in the county, with no bus route on hand and no easy way to get into the city each day to make it to classes I was forced to find my own place. I remember the excitement of having my own space, and filling it with the various necessities. … [Read more...]
Would YOU be prepared in the event of a natural disaster?
The deadly tornadoes that have hit in the Midwestern US are a wake-up call for us all to make sure we do what we can to be prepared to face severe weather. A natural disaster like a tornado can form at any time, sometimes with little to no forewarning. Having a family emergency plan in place just might save lives. I remember the devastation when an F1 tornado touched down in … [Read more...]