We’re not suggesting that you stop paying full price to take your kids to the ballet, theatre or symphony, but many parents feel that artistic pursuits are inaccessible for one reason or another. Excuses for not exposing children to these media range from ‘But the hockey was on’, ‘He will get bored’, ‘My baby cries all the time and she will disrupt things’ …to ‘It is too expensive’. Here are some outside-the-box ways to give it a go and mitigate the reasons for staying home.
Ok, ladies. There are times when life gives you the opportunity to begin afresh. Becoming a Mom is definitely one of them. We’re not advocating huge changes like becoming vegan or moving to Mauritius, but there are a few things you might want to consider to ward off the blues, make yourself feel great and ensure you’re getting the respect that you deserve. So here’s a list of things to do when you become a mom..
1. Make sure you get dressed and put on lip gloss every day. It’s a slippery slope.
2. Evaluate your email address. Recently we’ve gotten job applications from ‘sexyfox’, ‘jennluvs69’, and maria1977. Do you think your private life and your age should really be out there for all to see? You are a mom now, woman.
3. Get a sexy pair of flat, rubber-soled shoes or boots.
4. Make sure your bra fits.
5. Ensure your wardrobe includes a killer black dress, a white blouse, and a nice belt.
6. Throw away all socks with holes, hose with runs, dead lipsticks, pilled sweaters and stained t-shirts. Oh, college sweats too. I bet Stacy London’s list would be even longer but we can start with these.
7. Find out what your husband/partner finds attractive as sleepwear, and make sure you have some.
8. Don’t put on something that has spit-up on it. EVEN TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORE.
9. Keep a few garbage bags in the car so you can toss the trash each time you think of it. Someone tweeted us recently that sprouts were growing in their car. Ick.
10. Get a good diaper bag/purse that makes you smile and shows your style. It will be with you for longer than you can imagine.
– Jill Amery is a grownup.
With temperatures rising, it’s a great time for parents to head outdoors and get active with the family. but as the kids play, mommies and daddies tend to focus on their children’s needs, neglecting their own bodies as a result. So we thought it would be practical to post some summer hydration tips for kids (and parents too!)
“Only 25%* of parents hydrate properly,” says Dara Duff-Bergeron, mom and personal trainer. “While juggling carpool, volunteering in the classroom and taking care of a sick child, parents often forget to drink fluids and replenish lost vitamins and nutrients.”
Girls might just want to have fun, but sometimes we just have to shed a few tears and dig into a tub of Ben and Jerry’s. It’s healthy to cry, but if you’re having a bit of trouble turning on the waterworks, try the UrbanMommies playlist. And of course, if the tears don’t stop, you might want to read about breaking points and postpardom depression.
1. Because of You (Kelly Clarkson)
2. My Immortal (Evanescence)
3. How to Save a Life (The Frey)
At Park Royal in West Vancouver the other day, I offered to hold the elevator door for a group of the most lovely, well-behaved children I had seen in ages. Their three teachers graciously declined my assistance, saying that their safety protocol was to hold the door themselves. Very impressive. Hmmm. Polite uniformed children, good behaviour and professional adults. They had to be.. Yes.. When I asked – all was confirmed. They were from CEFA.
Of course, UrbanMommies is the quintessential online Mommy magazine in Canada, but we know that, well, you don’t always have internet (or your spouse sometimes gets peeved with the laptop-in-bed thing). There are some great parenting magazines / publications out there, and each has something different to offer. Paper magazines are fun – so we thought we’d share our favourites:
Their slogan? “Bras fit for Breastfeeding” We agree. These fabulous nursing bras don’t stretch, fit well, and the one-handed-clasp-release is quite well facilitated. Bravado Designs‘ products are worn and loved by moms worldwide, including celebrity moms like Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner and Jessica Alba. Started by two moms (one is a lactation consultant), their website is also a wealth of breastfeeding info. Oh, and they only use real moms in their photographs, because they “don’t think they need models to make breastfeeding beautiful”. It’s a like. www.bravadodesigns.com
Just don’t do it if you can help it. If you are traveling internationally with kids, don’t choose a route via the US which will require a border crossing. Trust us. Even if you just pop through the States en route back to Canada, you will probably be subjected to a multi-hour wait in one of their hubs, where children, babies and visibly pregnant women are made to wait in a Homeland Security immigration line with hundreds of other able-bodied adults. No water, no chairs, no assistance. I became so irate after my 1 and 3 year old were at risk for dehydration, diaper rash was setting in, and our rancid yogurts were the only grub around (security confiscated my ice packs) that I had to cause a stink.
Have you noticed that ‘momming’ is not only big business, but it has gained an increasing amount of sex appeal and glamour in the past decade? Gone are the frumpy Moo Moos and demure floral prints in XL sizes that we were once expected to wear. Enter the Yummy Mummy. While some find this term derogatory, we have a very positive image of this fabulous woman. Pregnancy is a time of change and can ground you firmly to your past and future. Your body is beautiful as it grows. You are special. And you deserve to feel sexy and gorgeous. Our Yummy Mummy Tips:
“Should we bring the car seat?” It’s a top question asked by traveling parents. It seems like such a hassle – the pile of luggage is already so giant once you’ve figured out what to pack for baby. For me, in a word, the answer is yes. A lot depends on your destination and the type of trip you’ll be taking. Most countries (Canada included) don’t require infants or small children to be in a car seat in the back of a taxi, but just because it’s not against the law, do you really want to take the risk?