THE SCOOP

Cell Phones in the Car

Blackberry and iPhoneDriving while talking or texting on a cell phone is now illegal in many Canadian provinces.  If you a) haven’t figured out your Bluetooth (or never remember to charge the batteries), or b) can’t seem to get off the phone in the car, we’ll give you a few options.  Urbanmommies spoke with Corporal Dale Somerville of the RCMP, who verified a few points for us as stated in section 214.1 of the Motor Vehicle Act.   Holding and talking on a mobile device while driving will now cost you $167.  Texting or emailing while holding a mobile device will cost you $167, plus 2 points off of your license.  Hands-free devices are allowed provided you only touch one button on the earpiece in order to answer or dial.  Ouch.  For busy moms who are used to returning calls in the car… what do you do? Continue reading

First Birthday Party Ideas

First Birthday PartyThe First Birthday is a celebration not only for your child, but for your family.  The milestone of making it through he first year is huge, and a mother and father should take the time to celebrate themselves as much as their child.  Many parents skip a formal party altogether, and have a family dinner or quiet evening with their child.  Some are so overwhelmed by the last twelve months that a party seems out of the question.  Whatever you decide, we suggest that you do something to mark the occasion for yourselves.  Lighting a candle, doing a special yoga pose or a walk in the woods can be enough.  If parties are you thing… her are the UrbanMommies First Birthday ideas. Continue reading

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Aviator Sunglasses

AviatorsWhat do Angelina, Marlon Brando, and Lauren Hutton have in common?  (Besides the obvious?)  Aviator Sunglasses.  One trick for pregnancy and transition is to go all black, and accessorize like crazy.  Mommy, meet your newest accessory.  xx

Making Stock

boiling-potToo many bones and no dog to feed?  A turkey carcass that looks butchered?  Waste not, my dear.  Practice the secret of gourmet chefs everywhere.  Stock is an ideal way to extract nutrients and flavour from asparagus roots, beef bones and the parts of brocolli that people just don’t want to eat.  You can do stocks of vegetables, with meat or fish, and they are very simple.  Read the Recipe

PRACTICE RANDOM KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY.

Sun Peaks Resort BC Skiing with KidsI remember being in Europe and asking for warm milk for my baby.  It was scalding hot and the poor screaming child had to wait an hour for it to cool.  Not the case at Sun Peaks Resort.  Not only is the hot chocolate from Cafe Soleil lukewarm and perfect for kids (they asked), but it was covered in coloured sprinkles and whipped cream.  This family resort, designed after a Tyrolean village, is 40 minutes north of Kamloops, and easily accessible from Vancouver, Calgary and Seattle by plane, shuttle and train.  Not only is the resort friendly for families, but it has tons of terrain too.  122 runs (including 12 glade areas) will keep every member of your group happy.  (At there’s a hot terrain park if you have a shredder in your midst). (more…)

TRAVEL HAPPY, TRAVEL OFTEN
We strongly believe in exposing kids to new places and things. If you'd like to suggest a destination send a note to info@urbanmommies.com.

PEANUT OF THE MONTH

PeanutThis is Parnell Timothy Maximus Green. He is now 7 1/2 months old, loves eating bananas and avocados, and crawling everywhere around the house – especially directly for the cat food!  His giggles melt mom and dad’s heart.

CALLING ALL BABIES
If you'd like to enter your baby as the Peanut of the Month, send us your little one's picture along with how old they are, who they are, and what they like to info@urbanmommies.com.

Seedy Saturday at VanDusen

For more than 20 years, Seedy Saturday – a celebration of heirloom varieties, organic gardening and sustainable urban agriculture – has been helping gardeners get off to a good start. This year’s event is no exception. Always held on the last Saturday in February in the Floral Hall at VanDusen Botanical Garden (5251 Oak St, Vancouver), the event runs this year on Saturday, February 27th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. www.vandusengarden.org


The Momoir Project

Saturday, January 30th, 7 pm – 9 pm, Westside Family Place Lounge, 11th and Macdonald, Vancouver.
Write and editor Cori Howard, editor of the anthology, Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood, will be leading this workshop to get you reading, writing and inspired about your mothering experiences. (And then you can sumbit your writing to us for our Mommy Stories section!) It’s the perfect opportunities to commit your unique stories to paper.  www.themomoirproject.com


Toronto Winter City Festival

Great food, fun events and celebrations of our Canadian experience – what more could a parent want?  This annual Toronto event includes Winterlicious and several special performances throughout the city.  Enjoy!  (The great food prices in many restaurants also let you try places you’ve never been, and allows the kids to experience some special places.)
When: January 29 – February 11  More info: www.toronto.ca


West Vancouver’s Spirit Square

West Vancouver Spirit Square 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
604-923-2010 February 12th to February 28th, 2010
Sunday to Thurs: 9 am – 9 pm
Friday to Saturday: 9 am – 11:30 pm
For full event schedule click here.


Free Olympic Events in Vancouver

If you were one of the many who were not graced with Olympic tickets, no need to worry.  As we watch Vancouver get decorated and coiffed, there are tons of free events for you to enjoy with your kids.  Check them out on this site.


Baby Names

Baby names 2008  

Preparing for Pregnancy

Ovulation predictor
Spotting before period
Very early pregnancy signs
Signs of Implantation 		Implantation pain
Flu and pregnancy
Pregnancy wheel

Recipes

Children's recipes  

Newborn Information

Alcohol and breastfeeding  

Taking Care of Baby

Diaper Cost Comparison
Homemade Cleaning Products
Green Bedrooms