Jill Amery, Author at Urban Mommies

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Jill Amery

Jill Amery is a mom of 2 small boys and the Publisher of UrbanMommies, a stylish digital lifestyle magazine filled with fitness, style, health, recipes and savvy mom advice to help you through pregnancy, birth, and raising your kids.

What to Expect at Mass Covid Vaccination Centres in Toronto

FAM, health By Jill Amery March 17, 2021 7 Comments

I had the honour of accompanying my father-in-law on the first day vaccinations opened at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. We booked him in the day the system went live, and I couldn’t find anything anywhere on the internet about what to expect at Toronto’s mass-vaccination spots so decided to write some tips so you can plan the visit. Where to park? Should I bring a book? Can he walk the distance? Before I go through it, I must say that the experience was sterile, super-friendly, and very efficient. There were far fewer people being vaccinated than I expected, but on the first day I suspect they were testing the systems and protocols.

30 Family Dinner Discussion Topics (Pandemic Version)

grow, LIVE By Jill Amery March 15, 2021 No Comments

One of our most popular posts is about how to connect more with kids. I came up with 36 topics to chat about around the dinner table, and this seems to have filled a big need with readers. Our family could certainly use a few more – especially during a pandemic when we’ve been together for a BILLION YEARS. Ok, 12 months. But that is an awfully long time, even if you all love each other a bunch. Here are 50 family dinner discussion topics (pandemic version), which happen to be a bit deeper than the first batch. Covid. World ending. People dying. Go figure!

Easy Weeknight Butter Chicken

EAT, family meals By Jill Amery February 18, 2021 No Comments

Most people hear ‘butter chicken’ and want to head to the store to purchase and over-priced sauce that lacks flavour and contains a ton of additives. This doesn’t have to happen. I actually ran a ‘pandemic virtual cooking club’ with a ton of kids, and they created this in less than 30 minutes! If you are looking for an authentic, but easy weeknight butter chicken, this is one to try.

Best ‘Back To School’ ipad Apps For Grade School Kids

apps, GEAR By Jill Amery February 4, 2021 Tags: apps, Back to School, Education, evernote, google drive, iHomework, ipad, Kno Textbooks, ShowMe, slider, tech, textbook, World Atlas 2013 No Comments

If feels like we’ve already had 4 back to schools this year alone. Homeschooling during pandemics is tough, and trying to keep the kids on track is almost impossible. (Never thought I’d write that sentence!!) Here are some back to school (again) iPad apps for grade school kids can help get organized. Breathe…. With lessons becoming more fun and interactive, kids may find them easier and more organized than the traditional modes of learning.

Setting Boundaries With Your Kids About Texting

FAM, kids By Jill Amery February 1, 2021 Tags: cell phones, driving cell phone, manners, texting 3 Comments

If you have pre-teens or teenagers, you are probably facing the issues that come along with cell phones. Texting may be at the top of the list! Life isn’t as simple as it used to be when we were children…there are new tools of communication that have become the new lifelines, but, unfortunately, along with these gadgets come issues. Setting boundaries with your kids about texting is important as a parent.

The Coolest Diaper Bags for 2021

GEAR, style By Jill Amery January 29, 2021 1 Comment

The diaper bag is like the Hermes Kelly of parenthood. It’s always with you, needs to be heavy-duty, and makes one heck of a statement. The strap can’t make a shoulder dent, it needs pockets, and helps define your mom style. Here’s a roundup of the latest and greatest, coolest diaper bags of 2021 – from utilitarian backpacks to swanky silk.

Top Maternity Jeans

GEAR, style By Jill Amery January 29, 2021 Tags: 7 for all mankind, citizens of humanity, demi paenel, full panel, gap, joe's jeans, maternity jeans, no panel jeans, old navy, paneel, paper denim and cloth, style, stylish maternity jeans 2 Comments

Q. I’m pregnant and wanting to find some jeans that don’t look like mom jeans. What do you recommend?

Homemade Low Fat Granola

EAT, snacks By Jill Amery January 29, 2021 Tags: granola, homemade, quick recipes, snack, snack for mom, snacks 2 Comments

Seeing as we are all still stuck at home with extra time on our hands, here is a recipe that is not only delicious but also nutritious and low fat with no added sugar. Homemade low fat granola is a great way to start your day and perfect for a mid day munch. With the kids learning from home, I tend to deliver mid-morning snacks to keep their attention focused on the virtual learning. (Sometimes I make it with some dark chocolate chunks to brighten the day – of course…) You can add goji berries, dried fruit, chia seeds or coconut. Whatever you have in the cupboard that can add some interest to your pandemic cooking!

My Dumb Financial Habits

FAM, self By Jill Amery January 27, 2021 2 Comments

The month of November was ‘Financial Literacy Month’, and after an introduction to some key family budgeting ideas from Interac, I spent the entire month thinking.

Lemony Lentils with Kale

EAT, family meals By Jill Amery January 25, 2021 No Comments

This fresh and healthy recipe for lemony lentils with kale packs a punch of nutrients and stays warm in a dutch oven while you pry the kids off to a fun activity! It’s filled with iron in the kale, and the lentils aren’t their normal chalky, flavourless selves because of the lemon punch. It’s a great side to roast chicken or fish. Delicious.

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