The International Baccelaureate program encourages kids to think independently, drive their own learning, become more culturally aware, and engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world. Our family is very lucky that we live in an area with public IB schools that begin at the kindergarten level.
I decided a few years ago to embrace this time of year. It is the gateway to spring, and NOTHING makes me happier than spring. Brand new grass and buds on the trees, sweet smelling flowers and pastel bunny decor. It doesn’t get much better. (Well, until summer arrives and we are surrounded by all things lush and tropical, but that is an ENTIRELY different post…)
This Greek orzo salad is packed with nutrients and anti-oxidents. It’s great for spring picnics or school lunches. I like to add a sprinkle of feta as well for contrast and extra protein.
Serve this salad as is or with rotini pasta or chickpeas for variety. Makes 4-6 servings
1 1/2 cup Cucumber (English) ~ 1 1/2 cup cubed
1 1/2 cup each red orange and yellow pepper cubed
3 medium vine ripened tomatoes
Let’s admit it. The winter has been long, with hardship, war and strife all over the media. Politics seems messy. Grocery prices are off the charts. And social media seems to drag us all down even further. Oh – I forgot about AI completely changing the narrative (either deep fake or simply with processes at work). So this Valentine’s day I think it’s worth focusing on gifts that heal, soothe and put people in a positive frame of mind (whether or not you may had a date on the 14th).
You might be a tad more organized than we are, but in case you’re more of a late shopper…. here are some last minute Valentines gifts that will actually enhance people’s lives. Online personal training, music lessons, cooking classes, personal styling, language instruction… The lucky recipients of your gifts will be brilliant while being able to be hermits! (But then again, staying home can be pretty romantic…). We’ve unearthed 12 last-minute ideas that the recipient can do virtually after you grab them online.
*Note: This article is strictly to provide ideas and does not contain affiliate links.
This information is directly from Statistics Canada, who now has an amazing searchable database called the Baby Names Observatory. It lets parents see name trends as well as popularity. The most recent year that baby names in Canada were chronicled is 2022, and we will be sure to update readers with more current data when it is available.
Given that my dog just sort of got impounded (it wasn’t my fault)… I thought I should do a shout out to the SPCA! Especially if it’s called National Cupcake Day. National Cupcake Day is on February 26th, a fundraising effort supporting animal welfare societies across Canada. It’s easy and delicious to participate. Register your participation online at: www.nationalcupcakeday.ca. Plan a cupcake party at work, home or school; start fundraising by encouraging friends and family to donate online in advance; bake your favourite cupcakes; share them with family and friends; and collect donations to prevent cruelty to animals.
I like to save time. Doesn’t every Mom? With a focus on healthy this year, I started making smoothie freezer packs. Perhaps it’s also because I bought a Vitamix and am determined to have my family eat whole, healthy foods. You can reuse the ziplock bags and keep a stash of smoothie mixes in the freezer. Keep coconut water or almond milk on hand and add 1/2 cup to your smoothie packet. Hint: Using dark berries allows you to camouflage kale or spinach without the kids thinking there is anything green in their smoothie.Smart like a fox.
Once every month I make these school day frozen breakfast burritos with the kids as kitchen helpers. Wrapped in plastic and frozen in a big bag, they can be pulled out the night before and refrigerated. Pop them onto a panini maker, an air fryer or in the microwave to heat. On mornings when we are late for school (that would be most mornings), I wrap the ends in tinfoil and call them ‘hand snacks’ so the kids can eat them on the way. You can add as many vegetables as you like and eliminate the sausage to make them vegetarian-friendly.
Sexy and pregnant — once seemingly an oxymoron — are smouldering together, with the backlash against the uninviting muumuu (a.k.a. the baby bivouac or tent shirt) at full speed.
Sex and the City may be gone, but you have only to recall how Patricia Field dressed Sarah Jessica Parker when she was pregnant…
