the thirties grind

Don’t sweat it! HANDLE it! Lady Speedstick review and giveaway.

Ever been in a situation like this?

Read more…

Win 4 passes for the World of Art at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival!

A world-renowned festival of performing arts for young audiences, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival has been educating, entertaining and inspiring young audiences since 1978.  I remember going to this event as a child (with my school, parents and friends) and have fond memories of the shows, activities and treats I enjoyed there.  I am so delighted that this festival continues to flourish and am excited to attend with my own children each year.

The festival is running this year from May 27th to June 2nd.

I am delighted to offer a Family 4-Pack of Activity Wristbands, which can be used to access the World of Art in the festival’s Granville Island activity zone.

To enter, leave a comment on this post telling me your favourite thing about the Vancouver International Children’s Festival.  For extra entries, follow the directions in the Rafflecopter form below.  Winner will be notified on May 18th.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Multigenerational Mother’s Day at Vancouver’s Secret Garden Tea Company…and a special giveaway!

Mother’s Day is a really special time for me to reflect on the four generations of women we have in our family.  Each of us are the eldest of our generation…and all of us strong, independent women!

I am lucky to have my Nana, Mom and daughter all alive and well, and living in the same city.  The time we spend all together is precious.  So, I was delighted to team up with the The Secret Garden Tea Company to share my Multigenerational Mother’s Day celebration with you!  All four of us gathered at the gorgeous Kerrisdale location to spend some quality time together over High Tea.  It was the perfect location for such a special gathering. Read more…

Are you a Super Mom? Know one? Share your story for a chance to win a $500 prize!

Typically, when we think of a Super Mom, we think of the woman who has it all…great career, amazing family, kick-ass body etc. etc.  She can cook like Martha Stewart, balance a budget like Suzie Orman, and keep the house in order like June Cleaver…all while managing multiple children, a job, soccer practices, marriage and a home.

However, Super Moms come in all shapes and sizes.  Yesterday, I shared a compelling message from my dear friend Charlene, whose daughter – Ivy Sweet – has been battling childhood leukemia.  For me, Charlene is the definition of a Super Mom.  She displays the courage, positivity and resilience that one needs to raise a family, keep them safe and ensure they are loved.  She is a champion and hero for her little girl, who needs all the clout in her corner that she can get as she fights to be well.  All  three of Charlene’s little munchkins (who are all under the age of 4, by the way!!) are so lucky to have her for a mom…and I consider myself lucky to know such a wonderful person.

Do you consider yourself a SuperMom?  Do you know one?  I’m working with LowestRates.ca to find Canada’s Top Super Moms! Read more…

Sparked Kids Crafts: review and giveaway!

My daughter is craft obsessed.  She loves discovering, creating and sharing…and often it is something made from nothing.  I, on the other hand, am not as naturally creative.  It sometimes takes me a lot of time and effort to think of new, interesting and engaging activities to keep my kids busy.  Yes, yes…I do know about Pinterest.  However, when you are a working mom of two, Pinterest not only gives you lots of fantastic ideas, but it can also make you feel pretty inadequate when you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to actually putting them together.  So when I found out about Sparked Kids Crafts (a Vancouver Island based, monthly subscription service that conveniently delivers educational arts & crafts, science and imaginative play activities to children ages 3 to 7), I was pretty darned excited. Read more…

My Vancouver Girls “Staycation” and Giveaway!

These days, bachelorette parties seem to be a pretty big deal.  Many people jet set away to the sun their last getaway as a single girl.  However, due to many different circumstances (time, finances, familial responsibilities) this is not always feasible.  Really, though, it is possible to have an amazing stagette weekend right here in Vancouver.  I recently planned one that was, if I do say so myself, pretty spectacular. Read more…

Review and Giveaway: Snackbox by Food.ee

I love snacking.  I’m actually much more of a grazer than an actual meal eater.  However, we all know that most convenient snacks are not all that good for us.  I know when I reach for some chips or candy, it’s not the best decision – and I usually regret my snack afterwards.  This is why I was really intrigued by Snackbox, a new monthly snack  delivery service from Food.ee. Read more…

Win a copy of Amber Dusick’s “Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures”

UPDATE:  Winner for this contest has been chosen.  Congratulations, Nia!!

You know what changed after I had kids?  Everything.  Most of the changes were good.  Very good.  But I’m not going to begin this book by talking about unconditional love or any of that boring shit. – Amber Dusick

Oh, Amber Dusick, you so speak my language.  This is a parenting book that I can get on board with!

Based on the popular blog crappypictures.com, PARENTING: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures is a collection of stories, anecdotes and lessons on the many trials and tribulations of parenthood, accompanied by hysterical drawings that are, admittedly, crappy. Read more…

Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa Spring Break Giveaway!!

Photo courtesy of Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa.

Last year, I wrote about my experience at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa, where we spent a few days over spring break.

Harrison Hot Springs is a small town, which is about a two hour drive from downtown Vancouver.  This is a perfect distance to travel in the car with small children.  Time it properly and they will likely sleep the entire way.

We had an incredible stay.  The spring break special included two nights accommodation, buffet breakfast each morning, an in-room pizza and movie night and unlimited use of the hot springs pools.  Don’t worry, they do not have that terrible rotten egg, sulphur smell!  There is a beach entry outdoor kids pool that is absolutely perfect if you have toddlers – and, even in the still chilly spring weather, it is bearable to be outside as the water is, literally, like a bath.

All in all, it was a great little getaway and, with prices for this package starting at $429, I would definitely recommend the Harrison Resort and Spa. The service was incredible – staff were helpful and polite.  Bottom line – my kids were entertained and had fun, which made for a great escape for mama!!

Win your own Family Getaway to Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa!* Read more…

Add to your parenting mojo by attending PEP Talks in Vancouver: win tickets here!

I’ve said before how I’m not a big fan of parenting books.  It’s partly because I’m stubborn and like to figure stuff out on my own and partly because I’m lazy and, if I am going to read a book, I want it to be somewhat of an escape for me…not a reminder of everything I am doing wrong with my kids!  Parent talks, however, those I can do.  Maybe it’s the comfort of knowing there are others in the room who are just as effing confused as I am, looking for some shred of insight to help them through the roller coaster of parenthood.

This is why I was excited when a friend of mine told me about PEP Talks.   Read more…