Browsing Articles Written by

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.

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Canada, ROAM By September 26, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Heading to the car with luggage, 2 screaming toddlers and wearing a ducky backpack (that quacks), I wasn’t too sure about the whole vacation-in-my-own-city.  Pulling up to the stunning Fairmont Pacific Rim, though, things improved quickly.  We were greeted with juice boxes, and the doorman remembered the kids (by name) from the time we had come to Oru for lunch.  (Orange chopsticks and the best kids menu ever keep us coming back).

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can stress cause miscarriages

Can Stress Cause Miscarriages?

FAM, health By September 21, 2010 Tags: , 4 Comments

Although some miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities, sperm antibodies, blood clotting disorders and anti-nuclear antibodies, 50 % of miscarriages are due to an unknown cause. Our chronic life stresses, ie. traffic, bosses, finances, will limit non-essential bodily functions, one of which is reproduction. Stress releases cortisol hormones which in turn suppresses progesterone. Progesterone is essential to maintain the uterine lining and the pregnancy. The question many pregnant moms ask is – can stress cause miscarriages?

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kids shoe size chart

Kid’s Shoe Size Chart

FAM, kids By September 15, 2010 1 Comment

Do you ever see a great deal on cute little leather Mary Janes or winter snow boots and then, well, AAAGH.  You can’t remember the exact size of your children’s’ feet! They change so fast – don’t they? Well, with our little cheat sheet Shoe Size Chart, you will be fine.  Cross off their current size as they are wearing it, and you’ll be one step ahead.

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Family Meal Planner

eat, LIVE By September 15, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you hit the grocery store at 4pm with screaming kids and gray hairs emerging by the minute?  Try our new Family Meal Planner.  With days of the week across the top and even a space to plan snacks, you can make it part of your weekly routine, and even incorporate some of our fab family recipes.  Family Meal Planner. Bon Appetit!

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Google for Kids

apps, GEAR By September 13, 2010 Tags: , , No Comments

Do your kids beg to use the computer and you rack your brain trying to find educational opportunities instead of games?  With a few tips from Google you can keep your kids busy and stimulated. Check out the following list of online activities kids can do using free web tools to explore the world, travel through time, and use their imaginations.

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Real Hot Chocolate

EAT, snacks By September 12, 2010 Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

Remember those days as a child, coming in from the rain and snow and sitting down to a huge mug of hot cocoa?  If you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it from scratch.  It’s easy, healthier, and you can’t beat the taste.  Fill a pot on the stove with the desired amount of milk.  Next, mix equal parts sugar and cocoa with a bit of the hot liquid.  This prevents clumping.  (You can also use Callebaut chocolate, chocolate chips, honey or brown sugar).  Add the chocolate mixture to the hot milk and pour into cocoa cups.  We like the china kind, but for kids, try mini tin camping mugs.  Warm memories and special traditions.  Try it with our shortbread if you dare!

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Healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry

Healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry

eat, LIVE By September 12, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Ever look at a healthy recipe and think, ‘Wow.  I’d love to be able to throw some quinoa or kamut into these muffins but I don’t have any…’ 

Our nutrition expert weighs in which healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry to make your whole family healthier.  You need these things on hand before you can stick them in meatballs, spaghetti sauce or pancakes. And it’s a great excuse to buy funky jars.

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Separate Family Vacations… Sibcations? Kidcations?

LIVE, play, ROAM By September 9, 2010 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

Last month, my daughter and I were very fortunate to be guests of the San Juan Marriott in Puerto Rico. While keeping my eyes open for all the hotel had to offer babies and toddlers, my daughter and I also got to experience all that Puerto Rico offers families. It was a great little break for the both of us, and baby brother was left at home in the capable hands of Daddy.  Or so I thought.

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What to Expect from Your Dog When You’re Expecting

What to Expect from Your Dog When You’re Expecting

FAM, LIVE, nourish, pregnancy By September 9, 2010 Tags: , , 2 Comments

Baby-proofing and picking out nursery colours aren’t the only things expecting parents must do to prepare for a new baby in the home. Training and preparing the family dog for the baby’s arrival is essential. To help young families and families-to-be, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, has developed a cheat sheet for parents.  Just like so many other aspects of parenting, the more you prepare beforehand, the easier it will be. So this what to expect from Your dog when you’re expecting

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Geisha Ink Mascara

beauty, GEAR By September 5, 2010 Tags: , , 2 Comments

Why is it that people want to be innovative with mascara?  I have recently tried one brand with a silly ball on the end of the wand that makes my lashes totally clump, and then another kind where you have to put a white base coat on followed by the black.  a) I thought the point was not to have clumpy lashes  b) I’m a mom. I’m lucky that I even try to apply mascara – please don’t make it take double the time.  Enough ranting.  Try Geisha Ink Mascara.  It’s water and smudge-proof, has a fluffy, straight, normal wand, and the stuff washes off with just water.

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