TOP 5 REASONS A BON JOVI CONCERT MAKES A GREAT GIRLS NIGHT OUT

5. The line for the ladies room might be long, but the men’s room will be empty!

4. No one’s gonna judge you when you’re shouting “I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU…!”

3. Because secretly you and your girlfriends have always wanted to resurrect your big hair.

2. Because we can, ladies. BECAUSE WE CAN.

1. Jon. Bon. Jovi.

WIN 2 TICKETS TO THE VANCOUVER SHOW

I am partnering with AEG Entertainment to give away a set of two tickets to the Vancouver show of Bon Jovi’s “Because We Can” tour at Rogers Arena on October 2nd, 2013.  To enter, leave a comment on this post with your favorite Bon Jovi song.  For extra entries, follow the directions in the Rafflecopter form below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more information about the “Because We  Can” tour, including show times and tickets, click here.

Cori Howard is an award-winning journalist and communications consultant and mother to two amazing kids, ages 8 and 12. She’s the editor of the best-selling anthology, Between Interruptions; Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood, and founder of the online writing centre, The Momoir Project. For more info on Cori’s writing, click here www.corihoward.com. And for info on her PR communications company, click here: www.corihowardcommunications.com. You can find her on Facebook or Twitter (@writingmoms) Thanks to her PR job, she’s almost always online! Come say hello. 

What characteristics define the Vancouver Housewife?

Overloaded. Pulled in all directions by their kids’ activities and social lives, their husbands, their jobs, their houses and their own dreams.

Are you a good representation of a Vancouver Housewife? Why?

No. I don’t think I represent the typical anything, but I could be wrong. Unlike many of my friends, I still struggle with my “career.” As a writer, that may be a permanent condition so I have to try to accept that. But most of my mom friends, now in their 40s, are thriving and succeeding in their work. But I’m not at the point where I have it made in my career so I’m constantly trying to refine and revise what I do. That takes up a lot of time that I then can’t spend lunching with my friends or going to the spa. After balancing my 6 jobs (PR, teaching, writing, blogging) and managing my kids athletic and social lives and trying to find five minutes to talk to my husband, there’s not much time left for me – or for anything. In that respect, I may be like a lot of the housewives out there – very busy!

Do you feel that living in Vancouver in some way defines who you are? Please explain.

Absolutely. I grew up here, but never imagined I’d end up raising a family and building such deep roots in this city. I spent most of my 20s traveling the world as a journalist and falling in love with places like Costa Rica and Chile. I lived for a few years in Tofino, which really made its mark on my soul. I always thought that would be a great place to raise a family, but it didn’t turn out that way for me. I met my future husband in Vancouver, and we were so busy working that when I did get pregnant, we didn’t sit down and discuss: is this where we should live forever? It really just happened, and I’m grateful because I love Vancouver and its proximity to nature. It’s one of the few cities that feels as close to a small town and as close to nature as you can get in a city. It definitely feels like home.

Have you ever had cosmetic surgery, Botox, Restalyne injections, etc.? If so, please provide details. If you haven’t had any of the above procedures performed, would you consider it?

Nope. And I’d never consider it. I am 43 and just starting to get wrinkles. On my 43^rd birthday in March, I found my first grey hair. And until now, I’ve held firmly to the belief that our culture is wrong and beauty and aging. That aging can be beautiful if we just embrace it in the right way. Wrinkles are the road map of your life story. But ask me in 10 years and I may have changed my mind. I’m not big on medical interventions. I’m mostly just scared. I’d rather take care of myself with good food and exercise and try not to worry about looking perfect into my old age. Perfection is overrated.

Other than your children (if applicable), what is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?

My book. I published an anthology called Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood in 2008. I put it together when my second child was just a baby and I was working full time at the CBC. I don’t know how I did it.  But it was such a soulful experience sharing these emotional and heart-felt stories of motherhood with other writers. That book was my village for a few years, and then it led to the creation of The Momoir Project, where I started teaching other moms how to write their own stories. So the book was never really just a book.

Has the desire for affluence/power/money been a motivator in the choices you’ve made for your life?

Unfortunately not. Just ask my son, who is now, at 12. He’ll be the one to make money in our family. He keeps telling me to stop writing for moms. His advice is to write the next Harry Potter. And he’s right, of course. But money was never a driving factor for me in anything – job, husband, life. Now that I’m 43 though, and I have two kids and a mortgage, I sometimes wish I’d made other choices. I’d definitely like to travel more and show my kids the world.

Tell us about your stuff. What do you like to buy, collect, etc.?

Really, I just have enough money to buy stuff for my kids. I pay for their tennis lessons and soccer and horseback riding and I try to save enough for a big trip once every few years and because I’ve chosen to live in Vancouver, there’s not much money left after that.

Do you have “staff” in your home? (E.g. nanny, driver, chef, etc.)

Clearly, from the answer to the above question, nope. Occasionally, I fantasize about having someone come clean my house or a personal chef who can make my kids’ lunches, but that’s rare. Mostly, I’m doing okay on my own, with my husband’s help!

Do you belong to any clubs, teams, groups or social organizations?

No. But my son earned his way into the Jericho Tennis Club, so I spend a lot of time there watching him play tennis. He’s amazing!

Finish this sentence: “My life’s motto is ….”

To enjoy the moment and be grateful for what you have.

***

As a special thank you to Cori for participating, she will be receiving a special gift from Canadian Choice Wholesalers. Canadian Choice Wholesalers was established in 1999, out of a recognized need for an independent voice in the natural, organic, and specialty foods market. Our extensive catalogue, and customer-oriented service focus allow us to make these products available at all levels of retail, from the locally owned and operated markets to the most popular grocery chains across the country. Canadian Choice Wholesalers is BC family owned and operated. Offerings include products manufactured locally, throughout North America, to international specialty foods. Current product representation stretches from throughout Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, and the interior of BC to Calgary, Edmonton, the prairies, Ontario and Quebec. For more information, please visit www.cdnchoice.com and on Twitter @cdnchoice.

Interested in being profiled as one of the REAL Real Housewives of YVR? Interested in gifting one of these amazing women with something special? E-mail me!

a woman who has a child and becomes a different person than she was before; her conversations revolve around toilet training, feeding schedules, and cleaning products; there’s a glazed look in her eyes and she appears to have been brainwashed…she’s not – she just hasn’t slept in five years.

Having kids is a bit of a crap-shoot.  Some people are born parents, others struggle significantly…and a few (let’s face it) can barely look after themselves, let alone another human being.  What I think is one of the biggest gambles of becoming a new father, however, is not knowing how becoming a mother is going to affect your partner.  It’s funny because, the lyrics of Kenny Rogers’ famous song, The Gambler, really apply here.

Great advice for new dads

Know when to hold ‘em

Look, we know we don’t look like we did before we had the baby…and you just had nine months of us complaining about aches, pains, haemorrhoids, varicose veins…super sexy stuff.  So, when we’re supposed to be basking in the bliss of having a newborn, please don’t say anything about our leaking breasts, the toilet paper stuck to our bathrobe, baby puke in our hair or the fact that we forgot to put on pants.  We know.  We are just too tired to care and bringing it to our attention is only going to get you into a whole mess of pain.

Know when to fold ‘em

We know more than you.  It doesn’t matter how many books, blogs or parenting magazines you read.  It doesn’t matter that you PVR’d episodes of Bringing Home Baby and watched them religiously.  It doesn’t matter that you came to all the midwife appointments or attended the same pre-natal class that we did.  And (this should go without saying) it certainly doesn’t matter what your own mother taught you.  Bite your tongue.  Don’t show us how to properly swaddle our baby, burp or breastfeed.  Mother. Knows. Best.

Know when to walk away

We know you meant well when you let us sleep in this morning, got up with the baby, fed him, changed him, bathed him and got him to fall asleep peacefully while you cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry and prepared eggs Benedict for us.  The thing is, though, you made us look bad…a crime punishable by death.  So when you bring in the tray of goodies to serve us breakfast in bed, and we look less than grateful…pissed off even…slowly and carefully back out of the room.

Know when to run

“If I could stay home in my pyjamas all day, I would.”  Seriously…run, Forrest, run.  We’s about to go Lorena Bobbitt on your ass.

Never count your money, when your sittin’ at the table

We are well aware of how long it’s been since we had sex.  We just birthed a baby and, even though we love you, that is going to take some time, so ease up.  Did you know that there’s a secret code amongst women that when you remind us, you get another full week of solitary?  Oh…what’s that?   The doctor gave me the all clear?  I don’t remember the doctor owning my vagina.

There’ll be time enough for countin’, when the dealin’s done

Patience, young grasshopper.  You are going to be an awesome dad…and part of being an awesome dad is being a great spouse and partner.  We are going to remember all you did for us and show some real appreciation once the groundhog day of having a newborn is over with.  Like all other phases of parenthood, this too shall pass…and if you can manage to squeak through those first few months without us killing you – you have done a great job!  Keep smiling through the abuse as you clean, feed the baby, pitch in with laundry and reassure us that we’re doing a great job…now that is going to go far in the long run.

Happy Father’s day to all the new (and veteran) dads out there.  All kidding aside, I know that it takes an amazing guy to be a truly great father…trust me, I’m married to one!

Saturday, June 15th:

Go see Les Miserables at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre – if you haven’t seen this show live, you must!  It is my all time favourite.  I’d say do a matinee if with the kids if they are old enough or make it a date night with your significant other (showtimes are 2 PM and 8 PM)

Head to Stanley Park for Nature Play Day – It looks like the weather might clear up for tomorrow, but regardless go have some fun in the outdoors! Nature Play Day is a chance for Canadians to play outside and take advantage of the magnificent parks and wilderness areas we are so fortunate to have access to.

Go for lunch at Tractor Foods in Kitsilano – my friend Meghan and her husband, Steve found that with two careers and two young children, time was very limited. Finding fresh, high-quality, healthy food was a challenge for them. By creating Tractor, Steve and Meghan hope to make everyday healthy foods easy and enjoyable.  Head out and support a Vancouver family-run business!

Sunday, June 16th

Enjoy Car Free Day - we hit up the Main Street Car Free Day every year.  It’s become our Father’s Day tradition.  I love getting out and seeing all the people from our neighbourhood…it kind of marks the beginning of summer for us!  Car Free Day also takes place in the West End, Commercial Drive and Kitsilano.  It’s a fantastic family day!

Support Little Nest at the “Little Nest Love In” – As most of you know, family-friendly cafe, Little Nest is having to close its doors due to rent increases.  A group of supporters has organized a love-in to celebrate owner Mary and her work.  If you’re heading to the Commercial Car Free Day, stop by and show Little Nest some love.

Watch DADS on CBC – my husband was part of this awesome documentary that profiles 7 dads from 3 cities (London, New York and Vancouver).  Already screened at a few film festivals, this will be DADS’ television premiere.  Definitely a fantastic way to round out Father’s Day weekend.  Check out the trailer and screen times here.

Did I miss anything?  Leave your suggestions in the comments below!  Have a fun and safe weekend and, to all the dads out there…HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!

Joaquin Phoenix of Gladiator and Walk the Line fame recently purchased his neighbour’s home in Hollywood:

Phoenix paid $1,390,700. It is 2,511 sq. ft, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms. It is gorgeous outside with an outdoor patio and fireplace.  However, by Hollywood standards, this is an ordinary home.

Remember Alfred Hitchcock’s movie The Birds?  Well, the home where Hitchcock penned the film is for sale:

The four-bedroom, four-bath Colonial just hit the market in Pound Ridge, Westchester County. Coincidentally, current owner Jim Hart wrote the script for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula,’ ‘Contact’ and animated feature ‘Epic.’  If you want to write a screenplay…this might be the house for you!

Breaking Bad hottie, Aaron Paul recently purchased this L.A. home for $1.4 million.

The two-story house sits high above the street atop a tight two-car garage, measures 2,396 square feet and contains a total of four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.  Paul is recently engaged, so he’ll likely be sharing the new pad with his fiancé (Boo!).

And…back in The Couve, this lovely home is listed at $1.4 million:

This 1900 square foot bungalow has been “totally renovated”…and sits on a standard lot.  No doubt this “charmer” will be flattened to make way for a monster house, right on busy 16th Avenue.

Vancouver…are you f*%king kidding me?

1. Ray Ban Wayfarers – what dad wouldn’t love a new pair of shades, right in time for summer?
2. Whisk(e)y stones – pair these with a nice bottle of his favorite poison.  I’ve found them in Chapters, Restoration Hardware and Winners.
3. Gift certificate for Lucky’s Doughnuts – dad doesn’t have to stick to his healthy diet all year long!  Spoil him with some of the best in town!
4. E-Cigarettes – if you have a guy who likes to sneak the odd puff (oh the shame!) these are a great replacement!  He should still be sneaky, though…don’t want to teach the kiddies bad habits!
5. Meinhardt’s custom gift box – made by you!  I recently did this for my dad’s birthday.  Go into Meinhardt’s and pick out a bunch of goodies that dad will love.  For a small fee the staff will wrap it up in a nice box for you.  BAM!
6. Harry’s Truman Shave Set by J. Crew – a couple steps above that old Bic he’s been using.
7. Legacy Liquor Store tasting session – Select from private tasting seminars or build your own for dad.
8. Flip Flop Shops Father’s day special – includes a pair of Beer Cozy flip flops from Sanuk, a beer cozy and a bottle of Dad’s Root beer, and the choice of having the package delivered right to your Dad. For every package sold FFS will donate $5 to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
9. Martial Arts classes – he dreamed of being Bruce Lee when he was a kid.  Help his dreams come true by registering him for a few lessons!

However, the connection between Vancouver housing costs and what, in fact, is actually driving them still lacks transparency…and I had not heard it articulated as well as I did in Kerry Gold’s recent article in the Globe and Mail.

It’s true.  It is astonishing that based on Vancouver’s measly average salaries that we still muster up the courage to “get in the game” of real estate.  We’ve even become apathetic, as Gold describes, to the unaffordabilty…making jokes about it, rolling our eyes and moving on or, for many, still diving right in.

If we’re so great, why aren’t we all reaping the rewards?

We’ve been deemed “most liveable”, “world class”…we’ve hosted celebrities, international conferences and the Olympics!  As Gold aptly states:

We should be reaping the rewards of Vancouver’s status on the bestseller list of cities for global investment. So why doesn’t it feel as if we are? Vancouver has the feel of a city where only a few are at the top of the mountain while the rest are working hard on the climb.

Foreign investment is underpinned as the culprit in Gold’s article…a phenomenon, which is still a bone of contention and debate amongst many.  The numbers truly don’t add up, however. When (declared) incomes hover between $40-50K/year and average home prices have surpassed the million dollar mark – what gives?  People are still buying the houses…so where is all the money coming from?

What characteristics define the Vancouver Housewife?

Active, and sporting a fresh and updated wardrobe . . . they usually have nice handbags.  Great pony tail (you know the ones, perky, with just enough swing to it)

Are you a good representation of a Vancouver Housewife? Why?

Not at all (or so I think) I always envied these gals who would “perspire” and not “sweat” and tote their kids around effortlessly. And the handbag thing, I just can’t get into that. I use one. . . until it dies, then I get another one.  And my ponytails look crappy with a tonne of crazy flyaways.

Do you feel that living in Vancouver in some way defines who you are? Please explain.

Yes. In the laid back attitude, absolutely.  In my love of the outdoors and my acceptance (I may even say “enjoyment” ) of rain. I don’t rush. I take long lunches and am always prepared for the weather (or a hike in the mountains)

Have you ever had cosmetic surgery, Botox, Restalyne injections, etc.? If so, please provide details. If you haven’t had any of the above procedures performed, would you consider it?

Eek- I had my ears “done” when I was a teen.  They were pretty pokey outey and I would never wear a pony tail. It was worth it. And I consider the inch of “tummy” they took off during each of my 3 c-sections a bonus!

Other than your children (if applicable), what is the accomplishment of which you are most proud?

My leaving Vancouver (eek… don’t burn me!)  We decided to leave Vancouver and move to Saltspring a year ago. Being able to leave the city chaos behind, and start fresh was the most courageous thing we have done.

Has the desire for affluence/power/money been a motivator in the choices you’ve made for your life?

Yes….but don’t get your panties in a knot about this one.  I do want affluence & power. But, not in a “world domination” way… more like in a “change the world” theme.  I want to earn a living off of doing things I love, and helping people. I want to give back to my community. I want to ensure I have the affluence and power to make a change in the world.

Not for a fancy handbag!

Tell us about your stuff. What do you like to buy, collect, etc.?

Hmmm… I love refinishing old furniture. And to garden. It is bad news when I walk into a garden shop.  I seem to be “collecting” webpages (haha) but other than that, I am not much of a shopper or collector. It is pretty important to have a fresh clean pair of chucks (converse) to wear tho! I go through those things like chocolate!

Do you have “staff” in your home? (E.g. nanny, driver, chef, etc.)

Oh do I WISH!

Unless we count the “allowance” we pay out to the little humans in the house . . . nope, no staff.

One day though – someone to clean the toilet and do the dusting would be awesome!

Do you belong to any clubs, teams, groups or social organizations?

Most of my groups are digital support ones – bloggers and writers from around the world. As well, the family is part of 4H, and on the daycare board. And we spend so much time with the kids at soccer that it feels like we are on the team!

Finish this sentence: “My life’s motto is ….”

To be help and do things that make me happy.

Oh, and “don’t ever, ever, throw someone under the bus” cause (and here’s another one) “Karma’s a bitch”

***

As a special thank you for participating,  Julie will be receiving a special gift from Keeley Saunders of Mary Kay Cosmetics. “After moving back to Canada from living overseas for seven years. My husband and I found ourselves pregnant and welcoming opportunities in our new city, Vancouver. Mary Kay to my life in May of 2010. Through Mary Kay I help women to discover their inner and outer beauty. Through our amazing skin care and make up I am able to teach women how to take care of themselves and help with fun easy make up looks. I also teach smoky eye clinics and foundation matching.”

What I began to call myself when the rigors of breastfeeding my first born began.*

Seriously…one night, after putting my daughter down after another blissful day of her battling with my swollen, chaffed and sore chest, I sat with with my double electronic breast pump, squeezing out every last drop before bed when it occurred to me…I am being milked like a bovine right now.  WTF is up with that?

*Nobody tells you that breastfeeding is NOT easy for everyone.   It was one of the hardest things I ever did…so I never, ever judge anyone who either can’t breastfeed or decides not to.  Breastfeeding kicked my ASS!