The 2013 Honda Accord Unveiling in Santa Barbara

auto, GEAR, ROAM, USA By October 9, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

At the 2013 Honda Accord Unveiling in Santa Barbara, I realized that I am really not an auto writer.  I know.  Our readers have known that for ages.  But as I was grilled on social media by die-hard car journalists from the LA Times and highly technical publications, I realized that as a mom, my perspective is very unique and valid.  I admit, though, that I dropped a few comments like “What is torque again?” (With a valleygirl accent and a hair twirl) just to get their shocked reactions.  Snicker.

As a mom I look for vehicles with style and family-friendliness.  The 2013 Accord comes in a plug-in hybrid, coupe or sedan versions.  I drove them all, and also the manual transmission model.   Wow.  These things purred.  Peppy, spirited and fun to drive, I think I may have to take a look at investing in Honda stock.  Here’s what I loved about the new Accord.

Honda Link 2013 Accord1.  Honda Link.  I could go on and on.  Honda Link is a cloud-based system that connects you (safely) to the web.  Voice recognition, text messaging, audiobooks, digital music content, hand-picked radio stations, restaurant searches and Facebook audio feeds without having to mess with your mobile phone… perfect for kids and passengers.  You really shouldn’t tweet and drive, BTW.  And Honda is so safe they won’t even let you set up your Bluetooth or wireless texting sync when the car is moving.

2.  The plug-in hybrid.  Talk about quiet.  And fast.  It reminded me of driving my husband’s Jaguar.  Seriously.  (Except I kept forgetting the car was on and trying to restart).  When it comes to recharging, Honda says the Accord plug-in can get a full recharge in an hour from a 240-volt charger.

3.  Quiet.  The interior is so quiet that you have to blast music so you don’t lull off to sleep.  Great for babies.  There are lots of reasons for the lack of interior noise – one is that the dashboard is only one piece so not as much wind gets in.  The engine is coated in a sound-deafening shield-thingy too.

4.  Similarly, there is little drag.  The ‘sideburns’ of the car and exterior styling make it look fabulously sporty, but also improve the performance.  The coupe is sportiest of all, of course, and offers parents with teens going off to University enough room in the back for visits home while helping them combat the empty-nest state with a huge amount of cool factor.

Accord 2013 LED Lights5.  I can honestly say that I have never driven a car with a more responsive steering system.  It made me a little dizzy, as I like to ‘bop to the music’ and tend to ‘steer’ to the beat.   Another reason the auto writers were gaping at me. (And I was the only one driving in stilettos, of course).

6.  Holy trunk room.  We were joking that you could fit a couple of bodies in there.  The trunk was easy to close with one hand if you had groceries, an infant or multiple Vuitton sachels in the other.

7.  Lots of attention was paid to details such as where the stitching on the steering wheel falls as you grip it.  The luxury-lover in me was pretty happy with the design elements.

Lane Watch Honda8.  The side mirrors could be on the space shuttle they are so technical.  Not that a shuttle has side mirrors, but whatever..  To eliminate blind spots, Honda has developed a camera called LaneWatch™ that ‘sees’ into the next lane.  The image flashes onto your 8 inch dashboard LCD screen so you are never blind.  They’ve kind of fixed every frustration about driving, allowing you to have confidence in your ability and thereby be a safer driver.  Pretty smart.  If only Honda could make my hair look good when I don’t blowdry.  And make all of the mirrors in the world make me look skinny.  Ok.  I digress.

9.  There is an option to turn the Accord’s Lane Departure Warning sensor on or off.  Once I figured it out, I was really impressed.  And realized that I’m not a very good driver. Driving along I couldn’t figure out what was beeping at me.  Every time I got too close to a line on either side without putting on my indicator signal, I thought there were birds in the car.  Back to driving school for me. (Or maybe fewer riveting conversations with my drive partner Tanya Gordon).

10.  The forward collision warning was incredible.  And there is also a turbo-break thing that happens.  When the car senses you breaking suddenly, it will put even more force into the brakes, ensuring you stop on a dime.  (Which was incredibly fortunate when a distracted mom pulled over in a dangerous spot on the side of a  vineyard road and her toddler ran into the street.)  My heart is still racing.

11.  Talking to the car was a blast.  “XM Channel 72” and the sounds of Broadway filled the vehicle.  Better still – it only recognizes one voice at a time so my kids wouldn’t be able to change the tunes to the Disney Channel every five minutes!

Technical Stuff:

The 2.4-liter, 185 horsepower four-cylinder engine is rated at 27 MPG in city driving and 36 on the highway.  For the V-6 engine, the highway rating is 34 MPG and city rating is 21 MPG.  Pretty great – especially for a vehicle that handles beautifully and can go from zero to 60 MPH in a quick 5.6 seconds (Motor Trend).

Our take?  Honda enthusiasts, Moms, kids and tech-lovers will snap it up.  Fast.  And we’d certainly want it as a push present.

Honda Accord

 

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Abeego Flat Wrap Covers for Food

GEAR, home By October 2, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Au revoir, plastic wrap.  Sayonara tinfoil.  These Abeego Flat Wrap Covers for Food are used in the same way, but they’re far safer, effective – and reusable. Made with beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil infused in a hemp/cotton fabric, these all natural rectangle shaped flat food wraps do not leach nasty chemicals into your food.

The warmth of your hands as you press the wraps around your cucumbers, bowls, cheese or half-eaten baguette (as if it’s not always totally gone) allows you to shape it easily.  The stiffen when cooled.  Oh, and they are compostable, which will make my veggie gardens happy as well.  Lavish and Lime

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Stainless Steel Eva Bird Bowls

GEAR, home By October 2, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment

As a university student I invested in metal dishes.  They were durable and stylish and I hadn’t been able to find similar funky hand-painted designs since.  My search is over with these gorgeous Eva Bird bowls and cups sporting a dash of hand painted colour. Highly durable, non-leaching and recyclable stainless steel cups and bowls with hand painted bird designs in red, green and varying shades of blue.  Lavish and Lime

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Rich Atlantic Lobster Casserole

EAT, family meals By October 1, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

My mom used to make this for special parties.  The recipe was originally created by ‘Nanny Whiz’ who was a dear friend, kindred spirit and master chef.  Filled with flavour, this versatile rich Atlantic lobster casserole can sit in a chafing dish or crockpot for entertaining, and you can serve it over rice, in patty shells or with noodles.  It works well in tiny shells as a ‘mini dinner’ for kids as well.  Just make sure you skip the sherry..

Serves 10.

2 c. lobster meat
2 lb. scallops
1lb. haddock
1/2 butter
1/2 c. flour
3 cups milk
4T. cooking sherry
3 c. diced mushrooms
1/2 c. parmesan cheese

Steam scallops with haddock for 5 minutes and set aside.  Make a cream sauce using the butter, milk and flour.  (Combine flour and butter with a whisk over low heat and gradually add the milk).  Once the sauce thickens, add sherry (for adults) and mushrooms and simmer 5 minutes while stirring.  Add the fish and seafood to a casserole dish and pour in sauce mixture.  Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes in the over at 325 degrees.  You could also cook on a stovetop, fill patty shells or scoop over a starch and sprinkle parmesan over top at the end.

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Colourful Fish Tacos

EAT, family meals By October 1, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Tacos are the new darling of the culinary world, and they help to inspire creativity, variety and healthfulness in our kids.  Not only fun and healthy as a meal, but fish tacos can help kids learn about sustainability in the seafood industry.  Parents can help their children learn more about the importance of sustainable seafood on the interactive www.oceansfortomorrow.com website sponsored by President’s Choice/Loblaws, who have made a commitment to sell only sustainable seafood products by the end of 2013. The link “school of fish” includes a list of fish at risk, a ‘did you know’ section, more recipes that kids will love, and tips for parents to help even their picky eater like to eat more fish.

Serves: 8
Skill level: Advanced
Prep time: 20
Cooking time: 10
Total time: 30

Ingredients
2 tbsp (25 mL) sour cream
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lime juice
2 cups (500 mL) coarsely grated red cabbage, grated using large holes of box grater
4 green onions, thinly sliced on diagonal
½ tsp (2 mL) salt
Half jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
2 pkgs (each 280 g) PC Blue Menu Wild Pacific Halibut Skinless Fillets, thawed
2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil
1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) freshly ground black pepper
8 PC Blue Menu Jalapeño Corn Whole Grain Tortillas
½ cup (125 mL) PC Tomatillo Salsa
½ cup (125 mL) fresh coriander leaves

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). In large bowl, stir together sour cream and lime juice. Stir in cabbage, green onions, ¼ tsp (1 mL) of the salt and jalapeño, if using; toss to coat.
  2. Cut each halibut fillet lengthwise into 6 strips. In large nonstick frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle halibut with pepper and remaining salt. Place in pan; cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Meanwhile, remove tortillas from package and wrap with foil; place in oven and heat 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. To assemble, fill tortillas with slaw, fish, salsa and coriander.

Nutritional information

Low in saturated fat pillar
Source of Fibre

Per serving:

220 calories
fat 8 g (1.5 g of it saturated)
sodium 440 mg
carbohydrate 22 g
fibre 4 g
protein 17 g
Omega-3 pillar

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Playing Favourites

grow, LIVE By September 27, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

The news channels and blogosphere are exploding with hostile reactions to a Canadian Dad blogger’s comments on Babble about having a favourite child.  With two sons ages 2 and 5, he admits in writing and in the public sphere that though he loves both sons, he likes the older boy better.  Our society loves a chance to weigh in on parenting choices, and this discussion is pretty juicy.

“I admit it, my oldest son is my favorite because he can do more things.  To me, he’s more fun.  I don’t love either of my sons any more than the other, but I do like them differently. I’d be willing to bet you’re the same.”

That the revelation has gone viral suggests that the issue is close to the hearts of many parents.  The backlash the blogger has received is not always mature or appropriate (as can happen when people hide behind a keyboard) but a chord has definitely been struck.

Many dads find the baby stage more challenging and less fun than the older years and I respect those who admit to this.  I would suggest, though, that moms feel this way as well.  Raising a baby is tough.  It’s work.  It’s not always fun for the moms either – babies throw food on the floor, refuse to sleep, hit you in the face, sport leaky diapers and pick the lock on the knife drawer.  But you have to embrace every stage in order to grow the bonds that are being created.

I am sure part of the ire is due to the blunt writing and challenges put forth by the author to his audience.  But would the parenting world be reacting and truly considering the question if it were more passive or humourous?  I’m not sure.

I wrote an article about over-sharing in social media and the public space.  I cautioned that the disclosures of bloggers, tweeters and facebook-junkies will exist in perpetuity and that as parents we have a responsibility to protect the reputations and psychological states of our children.  They will one day be applying for university and will probably start Googling themselves once they can spell.  There is a fine line, and it is currently undefined.  I was initially reacting to flippant sharing that may one day be embarrassing or misconstrued.  Reading the comments and reactions to this article, though, I hope that the author has a broader plan up his sleeve.  If discussion on the topic can remain constructive and healthy, perhaps society will become a better place.  And as a parent who also happens to be a journalist, this blogger will have to handle his younger son’s reaction to his Dad’s revelation when he is more mature.

Though I would not choose to reveal this type of personal information in a public forum, I appreciate that the author has encouraged conversation.  He has inspired thought and people are evaluating their own positions on the matter.   I may have sleep trained differently than my neighbour.  I may have chosen to make organic baby food when time allowed.  But that worked for my family.  The type of honesty espoused by the author is a choice that he has made as a parent.  Though it wouldn’t work for me, who am I to judge other parents?  (Well – not the ones who abide by the law anyway).  Walking a mile in someone’s shoes may be cliche, but we are all different.  We come from different backgrounds and have different values.  That is the beauty of our society.  I am sure Judy Garland was judged for introducing Liza Minnelli to show business, but maybe the world is a better place for the art that was created and the millions of people made happy.

So let’s have a good healthy discussion, but keep the barbs and venom out of the playing field.  We’re all in this together as parents, and we should build on each others’ experiences so that we can raise amazing kids.

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style advice for busy moms

Michelle Addison’s Style Advice for Busy Moms

LIVE, nourish By September 21, 2012 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

Michelle Addison has impeccable style and perfect advice for busy Moms.  After cultivating experience in the fashion and film industry she has become one of Vancouver’s fashion experts.  Her ability to decipher trends, convey style, and trim closets down to the essential key pieces, led to a thriving personal styling career.  Addison lives in Vancouver with her husband Nick and her two year old daughter Stella.  UrbanMommies was granted an exclusive interview.

UM:  You mention that individuals are their own brands.  If a Mom stays at home, how would you style her?  Because we know that she’s still an individual with her own branded style.

MA: I would style a stay-at-home mom with the priority of “has to be easy to wear”,  non complicated style is best when being a full-time mom. I was a stay-at-home home for a year and mainly wore things I could sit cross-legged in!! Often women come to me and say “i want to be stylish but don’t want to put in the time” I would suggest eliminating all threatening items: ugly shoes disguised as really comfortable, pregnancy items that don’t apply when not pregnant,  lululemon stretch pants worn as a fashion trend etc. Having a great wardrobe that all works together makes getting dressed in the morning easy. Eliminating the bad and only keeping the good help with this process…as you don’t have “the bad” as go-to’s.

UM: My closet is filled with amazing pieces that I never have time to ‘style’ myself (without paying a nanny a fortune in childcare).  How would you help a busy mom ‘shop’ and style her closet and put quick outfits together?  Polaroids?  Lookbooks?

MA: I work by appointment at The Bay downtown. It’s so easy to book an appointment, come down, spend a couple hours(like, 1-2) and come away with a whole selection of items that all work together, fit properly and are fully endorsed by someone who may pay a little more attention to fashion that you might. I also have a package called “tied together” that allows me to come over to your house and put some outfits together with items you already have and take pictures so you remember what goes with what. I send you a little book so you can have it on hand for your reference. This comes in handy at fashion week…barring that :)… work trips, or holidays, or everyday suggestions. This takes around an hour and a half…just enough time for your kids to go to the park and back.

UM: Is it necessary to revamp a closet every season?  How can you work with a stylist to help you do this in the most cost-effective way?

MA: It  isn’t necessary to revamp your “entire” closet every season. My philosophy is cleanse, build the basics and insert a few trends each season. Working with a stylist can save you thousands on making ill-purchases that you never wear. When working with a client, I have the benefit of knowing their personal style and recommending pieces each season that go with what they already have. Shopping seasonally is great for saving money and time. Women in their thirties can start building quality wardrobes that will last a decade by adding a few investment pieces each season. A great coat, a good purse, a classic boot etc.

 www.michelleaddison.com

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Keeping Healthy as a Mom while Balancing Work and Life

LIVE, nourish By September 21, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

Twins?  I wish.  I’ve always been likened to Kristen Davis, and once a guy on the street asked me out by saying that I looked like ‘Sex and the City’s’ Charlotte.  He struck out, however, as I would rather have been told that I was a spectacular actor like ‘Sex and the City’s’ Kristen Davis.  I had the opportunity to meet the new mother and icon on Friday, August 3rd,  when she attended the launch event for Zarbee’s new all natural extra strength line of cough products for adults and children 12 and up at The Kimberly Hotel.  The luncheon focused on keeping healthy as a mom while balancing work and life.

Hosted by Liz Gumbinner of Mom 101 and Cool Mom Picks, the event celebrated individuals that are an inspiration to their families and communities and I was lucky to have been interviewed by fellow Canadian Janice Croze of 5 Minutes For Mom. We spoke of work/life balance and the challenges of making healthy choices for our children.

On the question of balance, I shared that the word seems like a moving target.  Not only does it seem unattainable, but the concept puts too much pressure on mothers.  It’s like a constant benchmark imposed by society and we are always falling short.  Surely that’s not healthy.  Some days we’ll be with our families for a disproportionate amount of time, baking bread and playing blocks.  (Ok maybe just the block part).  Other days we’ll spend a long day at the office.  Are either of these choices wrong if ‘balance’ isn’t struck on a daily or hourly basis?  I don’t think so.  I think that moms need to be kinder to themselves and look at balance from a more macro perspective.

Asked about health, I laughed.  Feeling like ‘Mom of the Century’, I admitted that my kids play in a ton of dirt outside and I don’t really keep my house very clean.  Shhh.  Hopefully that’s why they are rarely ill!  I tend to get sick a bit more than they do.

I have used Zarbees products in the past – especially because they are available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.  I have also ‘borrowed’ the kids’ medicines when I have been ill, as I prefer the natural choices, and, well, I have found that they actually work. Miraculously using dark honeys, zinc and vitamins,  Zarbee’s is drug, alcohol, dye and gluten free.

Having just closed her Broadway run of The Best Man, Kristen expertly managed her motherhood and career while keeping everyone healthy.  You can’t really call in sick on Broadway!  Here are her Healthy Tips for New Moms:

  • Eat Right: 
Prepare healthy meals and snacks (like brown rice) when you have a few minutes so you can throw it in the refrigerator and have something healthy on hand when you get the chance to eat.
  • Go Natural:
 Rely on natural products you can trust, especially when you get sick.  You can’t be at your best when you feel terrible!  I love Zarbee’s because it’s an all natural product that helps with coughs and allergies without making me drowsy.
  • Make Time for Yourself: It is hectic being a mom so try to carve out some “me” time during the day – even just a minute to breathe and assess what you need so you can be at your best for your baby.

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was hosted for lunch and received samples of Zarbees products for review.

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The Coolest New Strollers

GEAR, toys By September 19, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments
  1. balmoral navy 200We love design.  We love babies.  And the chic stroller makes us want to keep the kids coming….. Here are a few of our top picks at the moment for the coolest new strollers.Silver Cross Balmoral
    An iconic, stately pram, hand crafted in Yorkshire with unique leather suspension straps and a classic carriage that guarantees comfort and safety.
    Weighs 37kg. Prices around $4000
  2. Origami Stroller4 Moms Origami stroller
    Opens and closes itself with a simple press of a button. Rear wheels have built in generators that charge the stroller while you walk (and can charge a cell phone!). Lots of storage (cup holders and removable storage bags) Has running and pathway lights for safety. LCD screen includes thermometer, speedometer and other lifetime odometers.
    for use with children up to 40lbs. Dimensions are 41” l, 28” w, 39” when open. The toddler sized stroller is 32 lbs.
    Prices $849.99 on www.shop4moms.com
  3. CMYK ZenBloom CMYK Zen Stroller
    This stylish, light all-terrain stroller includes a solar lighting system (light beams or flash hazard lights), a freestanding folding design that makes it easy to stash In small spaces.
    Stroller weighs 25.3 lbs. For infant up to 44lbs.
    Price $799 at Giggle.com
  4. ride on carry onRide on Carry On
    Traveling with little ones is made easy with this convertible children’s chair that comfortably snaps onto carry  on luggage. Perfect for rolling your child through the terminal and right to their seat. The padded headrest can be pulled down for use as a tray table. The chair folds flat without removing so it can fit through security and in the overhead storage compartment.
    Recommended for children from 8mnths-5 years (up to 50 lbs)
    Priced at $39.99
  5. Bugaboo Bee Missoni ChameleonBugaboo + Missoni Chameleon
    This stylish, brightly colored stroller features a detachable bassinet, adjustable handle, and four swivel wheels. The suspension is also adjustable and creates smooth strolling.
    include a matching Missoni chevron blanket.
    $880
  6. Mima Kids KobiMima Kids Kobi cosmo stroller
    Has a patented “carrycot” system where the seat can be converted by unzipping the seat. The seat can be rear or forward facing. Removable changing bag, clip on canopy, adjustable handle and seat height positions. Can accommodate another seat while still being average sized for a stroller.
    Weighs 29.4 lbs. Suitable for infants from birth to 37 pounds.
    1200 Euros on kidslovedesign.com
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