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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The 2013 Chevy Malibu hits the Cabot Trail

auto, GEAR By September 19, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and am embarrassed that I’d never been to Cape Breton.  I have been yearning to drive the Cabot Trail.  My chance finally came when the 2013 Chevy Malibu hits the Cabot Trail with spectacular September weather, lobsters and whales.

Those of you who follow my auto stories know that I’m not too technical.  I know what a Mom needs, what it means to be family-friendly, and how important style is to exhausted parents who always considered themselves cool.  I’ve never even written about gas mileage.  You do what you have to do as a Mom.  Space, sightlines, safety and cargo seem to trump everything else.  So I was SHOCKED that not only did this 4-cyllindar peppy Malibu have what it took to be a family vehicle, but I drove around the entire Cabot Trail (501 kilometers) on just under ¾ of a tank.  Wow.  For the people who understand these things, it gets 8.1 L/100km city 5.3 L/100km hwy.

I tend to have fun on these trips.  I’ll save you from stories about Celtic step dancing, lobster cracking and singing with the fiddler… and will go straight to off-roading.

Drive Partner: Let’s take the quick route to the Normaway Inn in the Margaree River.

Me: Hmmm. Looking at the map, I think we can bypass the paved road and get there even faster if we follow this one-lane dirt path.  There’s a fork somewhere that we have to find though….unless it is grown over.

Drive Partner: OK but if we get murdered/lost it’s your fault.  I wonder if Onstar can track us here.  (it could)

40 minutes later, after picking apples out the window of the car while giggling incessantly, we realized that it wasn’t much shorter.  But we gave the car quite the run! I can honestly say that the shocks are great after going over potholes and puddles the size of apple barrels.  You should have seen the caked-on dirt when we arrived.  Now that’s driving!  And we took the road less traveled. Walt would be proud.

What I liked about the 2013 Malibu:

  1. The touch screen allowed you to select options, sync your phone, change the XM station and was very easy to use.  Unfortunately there was no twitter on the screen.  (With a lack of Rogers cellular service in northern Cape Breton, all of us social media geeks could not text, phone or use the MiFi units in the cars.  It was amusing to see us slowly crumble as the stress of ‘going dark’ set in.  I admit – I was the worst of all of us and met many a bed and breakfast owner as I begged for wifi passwords.)
  2. So thank GOODNESS for OnStar Hands Free Calling.  Because it is phone via satellite, it had our backs.  In a humourous way, we all kept ducking out to ‘sit in the car’ so that we could call our children.  The owner at Cheticamp’s great Horseback riding excursion – Little Pond Stables – screamed “One of your Malibu’s is ringing!!”
  3. The Driver’s window touch feature allowed for straight up and down with one push or pull– convienient at drive-thrus and toll booths.
  4. A button on the trunk allows it to open by pushing from the outside if car is unlocked.
  5. James Bond alert.  There’s a hiding spot and sync feature for your phone in the dash – right behind the flip-up Mylink screen.
  6. The remote start on the key fob would be great on the cold winter days. This feature is standard on 1LT and up.
  7.  It’s super roomy (ie you can breastfeed easily in the front or back seat).
  8. The rear backup camera is standard – even on the base models.  My own car only beeps when I get close to something while reversing and I was so used to the beep I almost crashed while forgetting to look at the rearview camera.  Laugh.  Blush.  Just kidding.  The rear camera is available in the Power Convenience or Entertainment Packages on the 1LT, 2LT and LTZ models.
  9. USB connectivity allows you to upload a favourite photo onto the screen – perfect for a family road trip.
  10.  The sunroof was quiet when opened and didn’t distract the driver as some noisy sunroofs do.
  11. There are 10 standard airbags.
  12. There are blockers in the grille and specially shaped side mirrors to help reduce drag.  Unless you’re on a one-lane dirt road, in which case you probably won’t notice. Both Malibu Eco models have aerodynamic shutters that open and close depending on the speed of the vehicle for aerodynamic reasons.
  13.  The LTZ offers a lane departure warning and forward collision alert that are available in the Advanced Safety Package.  Oh.  That’s what those beeps were for.  Usually these features only exist on much higher-end vehicles.
  14. The Cabot Trail isn’t the easiest drive.  If you’re not completely distracted by the beauty, way too full from the poutine covered in chesse/gravy/onions/peas/ground beef, or staring at the piles of empty roadside lobster traps, you are jigging down hills with windy curves and hairpin turns.  And here’s me forgetting my Grace Kelly hair scarf.  But I do know that the Malibu hugs the road.  Tight.

The All-New Chevy Malibu

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was hosted on a drive trip through the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.  As always, our opinions are our own.

Other Chevrolet Articles:

Orlando
Spark

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How to feel sexy after baby

How to feel sexy after baby

LIVE, nourish By September 6, 2012 Tags: , , , , 2 Comments

Let’s face it: motherhood is wonderful, fulfilling, and beautiful…but sexy? Rarely.  I recall those early, exhausted, blurry post-partum weeks, where engorged, sore breasts and puffy faces and bloated bellies were par for the course, and how very un-sexy I felt.  Every new mom feels that way, despite what the celebrity gossip mags say. You may be feeling as sexy and sexual as a wet dishrag right now, but there will come a point where you realize how cute your partner looks in those jeans again, and you’ll want to do something about that…believe me. Here are some ways to get your mojo back and how to feel sexy after baby. The two things are NOT mutually exclusive!

Be Good to Yourself–Splurge and Pamper Yourself a Little! Sure, you might be a bigger pants size than you were pre-pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something to flaunt. You’re a mom now, and your body is different, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as good as it was before–or even better! Treat yourself to a few new clothes that flatter your body: play up those fuller hips and more generous bust, or even better, some new lingerie! Buy a cute new purse (you won’t be hauling a diaper bag around ALL the time, after all), or a pair of cute new shoes or earrings. Get a massage, have your nails done or your hair cut and styled, take long bubble baths (enlist Dad’s help to nail down time for that!), or do whatever it takes to help you start to feel beautiful and desirable again. When you love yourself and feel sexy, it’s hard for others to disagree!

Take Your Body Back. No, you may never be exactly the same after pregnancy as you were before, but you can do something about getting fit, strong, and toned again. Exercise boosts energy levels, pumps you full of feel-good endorphins, and increases levels of hormones that make you feel and look better, so get moving! Take a yoga, pilates, dance, or martial arts class to make you feel strong, limber, and have better endurance. Those qualities will definitely help you in the bedroom!

Get Your Brain Working Again. All new moms know how easy it is to allow your brain to turn to oatmeal after having a new baby: the demands on your body and time are mind-numbing and not conducive to adult conversation, much less “adult interaction.” Wake yourself up! Read a novel, see a good movie, develop a new or existing hobby, get out with friends! Anything to get that brain working on something beyond feeding schedules and dirty diaper duty. Since the brain is the body’s primary sexual organ, once it’s revved up and ready to go, the rest of you won’t be far behind.

Have Some “Me Time”. This is not a date night for you and the hubby–get away from him and the baby, and spend some time by yourself or with your girlfriends. Remembering you’re not “just” a mom and spouse is important; decompress a little, let your hair down, and enjoy some independence. You’ll go home feeling lighter, freer, and will appreciate your kid(s) and your partner more, so you can be a sexy mommy.

 

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Kids and Charity: How to Encourage a Giving Spirit

charity, FAM By September 5, 2012 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

Although there are always exceptions to every rule, the majority of children are born with kind hearts and enjoy doing good things and helping people. Sure, they have their moments of selfishness, clamoring after their own and other kids’ toys, but most kids are good people that like making the world a better place. The benefits of actively fostering children’s charitable impulses are enormous. Besides helping counter the overdeveloped “gimme” impulse, it gives kids a powerful boost in self-esteem to realize they can make a difference in someone’s life. Here are some tips on kids and charity, and how to encourage a giving spirit.

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Zippy Zucchini Muffins

EAT, snacks By September 5, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

One of the biggest nutritious hits in our family are zucchini muffins: they’re tasty and nutritious. If your kids find the spice levels in this recipe aren’t appealing, adjust as needed. Your kids can help in preparing these zippy zucchini muffins from beginning to end, from measuring both dry and wet ingredients, stirring, pouring the muffin mix into the pans…and of course, eating them! You can also try this recipe with grated carrots, too.

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picky eaters

How to tempt a picky eater

FAM, health By September 5, 2012 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

Almost every child goes through a picky eater stage…and some seem like they will never come out of it. How do you get a nutritious diet into a kid who won’t eat anything green or white, or who refuses to eat anything except chicken nuggets or macaroni and cheese? Nearly two thirds of parents describe at least one problem with their child’s eating, according to a study in Contemporary Pediatrics, so you are definitely not alone here–millions of parents feel your pain. There’s more to this dilemma than just tempting a picky eater, but that is a great way to start. Here are some practical solutions to helping your kid get the nutrition they need, without the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

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What’s in My Bag: The Coolest Flash Drives sent by PR Folks

GEAR, tech By August 30, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

I get a ton of PR pitches and therefore a staggering number of flash drives.  Incidentally, I also receive a ton of CD roms filled with information I can’t access with my MacBook Air.  (PR People please take note).  I thought I’d follow through with Kelby Carr’s ingenious ‘Marketers Who Understand Blogger Outreach’ post with something fun before the long weekend.  So I emptied my USB Drawer and found my ultimate favourites from Public Relations teams who know their brand and respect me as a writer enough to make me want to grin.  Here are my favourites:

1.  McCafe, who engraved my Twitter handle ‘@urbanmommies‘ on the back.
2.  Honda – A clever car key (that I could make into a necklace a la Tiffany & Co and take my data with.)
3.  Disney Fantasy.  Rubber (waterproof I think), fun for kids to play with and very chic.
4.  Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe.  Gorgeous wood.  Refined and symmetrical.
5.  Dole.  Because who doesn’t want to carry a banana-shaped flash drive in their purse?
6.  Disney Cars Land – in the shape of a race announcer’s microphone.
7.  Store Brand Formula.com in the shape of a formula bottle.  Because I laughed out loud, as no Canadian PR company would ever attempt this given the volatile and judgmental Canadian nursing climate, and the most popular articles on UrbanMommies are breastfeeding-related.
8.  The Victorinox 4GB super-secure flashdrive which cannot be broken into if you’re a PC user.  And because it is made by Victorionox and stores information on it’s own brand, which is smart and somehow ironic.  And I love the spy-like nature of it’s security.
9.  The ultimate: The G. Marquis Winery flashdrive in a branded wine cork.  Because it floats, it’s durable, cool, on-brand, and, well.. they did their homework.

Cheers!

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Disneyland Just got Happier

Disney, ROAM By August 29, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

I had never been to Walt’s first theme park.  ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’ is certainly a fitting name, and with the addition of Cars Land and extra attractions in Disney California Adventure Park, my family was continuously grinning.  It is absolutely certain that Disneyland just got happier.  Much smaller than Disney World, the original California location was intimate and incredibly accessible.  Popping back to the room for nap time was easy and using my park-hopper pass to make the best of each day was a breeze.

Downtown Disney was smack dab in the middle of everything and featured amazing shopping, food and evening childcare.  On one side of the Downtown section there are the 2 parks (Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park) and on the other, the Disneyland Hotel, with incredible waterslides, character meals and beds that [had a headboard that had fireworks carved within that lit up and played music] as the kids drifted off to sleep.  No buses were needed to get around, and the shopping and dining options were as plentiful as princesses.

Downtown Disney

I spent many a meal at Catal wine bar.  Not only did it have great food, and an amazing patio, but it was super kid-friendly.  (Plus it was right beside Sephora, which aided in my Lightening McQueen-inspired manicure.)  When my feet got a bit tired, I grabbed some shoes at Sanuk, I watched the Stanley Cup final at the ESPN Sports Bar and saw the handmade signature quilts within the House of Blues.  (With all of these great places you can skip the parks for a day or two!)  One of my favourite spots was Wonderground Gallery, which featured reasonably-priced Disney-inspired original works by up-and-coming artists.

Tip: The Downtown Disney District parking lot is conveniently located and offers free parking for up to 3 hours — or up to 5 hours of free parking with validation from participating locations.

When the kids needed some down time, the Lego Imagination Centre was the place to be.  With giant Lego sculptures and a kid’s (and parent…) play area, we were able to transition beautifully from the excitement of the parks to some quiet time.

Disneyland Park

Divided into Frontierland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Main Street USA, New Orleans Square, Critter Country and Mickey’s Toontown, the iconic and original park remains the stuff of dreams.  Just like in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, no alcohol is served at this park, which places a huge focus on the family experience and holds true to Walt Disney’s original vision.

As a huge fan of New Orleans, the authenticity of the buildings, food and rides in New Orleans Square kept me going back to this park again and again.  I just wish I could have played some jazz with the bands or strolled across the square in a Mardi-gras gown.  In green silk.  Because I’m kind of odd like that.  (Note to self: apply to be a Disney cast member).

Must Dos:

1.  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (which is also available out at sea on the the Disney Fantasy).  Have your little princess get styled, coiffed and sparkled by the beauty experts in this popular Fantasyland salon.  And if you’ve brought a little pirate with you?  There is a hairstyle package for boys too.

2.  The Mad Hatter’s Teacups: “Again! Again!’ Was all my 4 year old would say.

3.  Star Tours: with 60 possible scenarios, you become a passenger on a space flight piloted by C3PO.  Different landing sites include Coruscant and Naboo.  You are chased by stormtroopers, spoken to by Yoda and some scenarios even include a pod race.  Yes.  I did it at least 7 times with my boys and we had a new story every time.

4.  Jedi Training: Kids are picked from the audience, unlike Disney World where you get there early and sign up.  Different than Disney World, however, the young Jedis fight against both Darth Maul and Darth Vader.  My kids were enthralled just to watch!

5.  Space Mountain continues to be one of my favourite attractions, and unlike Disney World, where riders sit alone, this Space Mountain allowed for 2 people side by side, which made my son much more comfortable.

6.  The fireworks above Sleeping Beauty Castle brought me to happy tears.   Even with small children, they shouldn’t be missed.  And keep your eyes peeled for Tinkerbell and Dumbo, who fly in at a special time.  Depending on the age of your kids, I would recommend a stroller in case sleep comes calling.  (You can rent a double or singe at the entrance gates).

7.  Jungle Cruise: This 7-minute Jungle Cruise was one of the opening day attractions when Disneyland Park opened in July, 1955.  The animals you see along this trek of water engage the whole family.

Disney California Adventure Park

Being in town for the grand re-opening of the park was an honour and will be a lifelong memory.  The day of the opening, the line snaked all the way through Downtown Disney as customer service experts entertained the buzzing crowd.  I have never seen such excitement.  Broadcasters interviewed the public and a huge TV screen gave people hints of what was to come.  Not only was this the first day that Cars Land was open to the public, but California Adventure Park had been revamped and upgraded with the addition of Buena Vista Street – a re-enactment of the Los Angeles Walt Disney would have discovered when he arrived in 1923.  Carthay Circle is a bustling focal point with a 1920’s-30’s vibe, where talented Disney cast members perform swing and tap numbers.  The Red Car Trolley carries passengers from the gate to the Circle, and newspapers are distributed as fast as your kids ask to grab penny candy at the Five and Dime.

Must Dos:

1.  Everything in Cars Land.  Wow.  And go early to grab a Disney Fastpass for the Radiator Springs Racers!

2.  Soarin’ over California: The sensation of hang gliding over different parts of the state but you’re actually sitting, as smells are pumped into the room to correspond with the imagery.  Hint: take off your shoes – it’s even better with bare feet.

3.  California Screamer: this classic rollercoaster takes you for a loop.  And make sure you smile as you come to the end so you can grab the photo of yourself at the Disney Photopass kiosk at the exit.

4.  Goofy’s Sky School: I was fine on the Screamer, but this ride (geared for smaller kids) scared me!  It was a gas, as you ride in a buggy over 4 levels of railings, twisting, turning and going down slopes.  A must.

5.  Silly Symphony Swings: The boys couldn’t stop grinning as we ventured on this old-fashioned carnival-style swing ride.  It also gave me a chance to explain centrifugal force, which they fully ignored.

6.  The Tower of Terror: Pretty scary as you drop several stories, but you may save some money on food if you lose your appetite like I did.

7.  The Pixar Play Parade is incredible and even the clumsiest of readers will feel like dancing!  A great venue to watch is right outside the Tower of Terror.  You can get great photos of the familiar Pixar characters dancing and on elaborate floats.

8.  World of Color: This nighttime water spectacular incorporates water, color, fire and light.  With more than 1,000 jets of water forming incredible shapes in time to the music, kids are mesmerized.  Hint: (Pre-order a World of Color picnic with reserved viewing).

I felt as if I could go to Disneyland once a week.  Actually maybe I should just move to California!  I’m hooked, and I haven’t stopped swing dancing or saying Ka-Chow since my return.  And when you go? (Insert Tow Mater voice)… You’ll be happier than a tornado in a trailer park.  I couldn’t resist.

Disneyland Resort

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was hosted for the grand re-opening of Disney’s California Adventure Park.  As always, our opinions are our own.

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Chevrolet Spark Test Drive

auto, GEAR By August 28, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

I couldn’t possibly test a vehicle without the kids in tow.  I thought this Chevrolet Spark Test Drive would be a tough one for the boys, as the car was so compact (awesome for squeezing into city parking spots). But for the urban driver?  Amazing.

Safety-wise, the 10 airbags, great sight lines and Onstar phone services provide the driver with a ton of confidence.  You can’t really beat Onstar (and not just to ask a live person to send directions to the vehicle for the nearest Starbucks).  My kids know that if Mommy is ever in trouble, they press the red button and wait for emergency response crews who will track the car via GPS.  The peace of mind is priceless.

With USB connectivity for his tunes combined with great maneuverability and talent, my husband was able to back up within 1.5 inches of a pylon and became the proud recipient of the award for this feat (as opposed to the actual pylon award he received in recreational hockey).  I was thrilled to be able to tweet that my dear husband ‘won with an inch and a half!’.

The verdict?  A great economical and compact choice for big-city driving.  It may not be the best option for schlepping gear and multiple kiddos on playdates if you need more than 31.2 cubic feet of volume, but did I mention it comes in pink?

www.chevrolet.ca

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