When I was younger, I knew that eating a balanced diet was important, but I never really paid attention to fibre intake. As an adult, and as a busy working mom, I'm only now really focusing on the health benefits of psyllium fibre. As someone who recently turned forty, I am paying a lot more attention to health and activity. Not that I wasn't before, but because with age, I … [Read more...]
Getting My Child to Eat her Food: The Truth Is…I Have No Tricks!
Several friends have asked me countless times how I get Little One to eat her school lunches every day. The truth is, I have no tricks or tips. We've just been very lucky that Little One happens to have an adventurous palate and a voracious appetite. Seriously. That is all. I was thinking about how all kids are different and have different tastes. What works for one … [Read more...]
Take the Leap to a Healthy Lifestyle + a Fitbit Giveaway!
It's January (albeit the end of January!) and a time when many people are committed to making a few changes in their lives and take the leap to a healthy lifestyle. Though we are active on the farm and we eat healthy, there's always room for improvement. Since my work involves me working from my home office for a good part of the day, driving to meetings and sitting in … [Read more...]
On September 20th, Rediscover Nature
Last month, I saw a video that had a huge impact on me that it prompted me to write a blog post on childhood. More precisely, it was a blog post about keeping nature a part of childhood. Today, less than 10 % of kids are spending time in nature. That is alarming. When I think of my childhood, most of it was spent outdoors whenever possible. It really makes me sad to … [Read more...]
Manage Seasonal Allergies and Prevent Your Family from Viruses
Growing up in the city, I had allergies. I remember when I was maybe ten or twelve, I had a skin prick test done and the results showed that I was hypersensitive to dust, mold, animal dander, smoke and a few other allergens. Now, I live on a farm where I am exposed to many of those allergens daily. While these sensitivities aren't life-threatening to me, I do experience … [Read more...]
Yonanas! Two-Ingredient Frozen Treat!
It's been a wild Summer with temperatures ranging from as hot as above 30 degrees to as low as the teens! Ice cream is a favourite in the Summer, whether it's 32 degrees or 17 degrees! With all the ice cream consumption in this house, I've been serving up frozen treat alternatives that are much friendlier on the waistline! One of our new favourites is a two-ingredient … [Read more...]
Hiking Trails on Manitoulin Island #woodsexplorer
Did you know that the Trans Canada Trail is the world's longest network of recreational trails? When fully connected, the Trail will stretch 23,000 kilometres (14,000 mi) from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. More than 16,800 kilometres (10,400 mi) of trail are currently usable, making it approximately 75% complete in 2014. Two hundred forty gaps totaling 6,200 … [Read more...]
Bye Bye Back Pain!
I have a big birthday coming up this year. Though I realize that "you're only as young as you feel" (and as old as you act), and that "age is just a number", I have to admit that I've recently started feeling not as limber than I once was! I also noticed that I used to thrive on next to no sleep, but now sleep is something I very much cherish in order for me to function like … [Read more...]
Change Your Eating Habits #PCStars #GuidingStarsCA
Follow our family's journey to eating better. Read our first #PCStars #GuidingStarsCA post here. Eating healthy is important for busy families. When it comes to my family, our food consists of vegetables, fruit, protein, dairy and whole grains. I like cooking my family's meals mostly from scratch, but there are times I need a little help when times get a bit busy and … [Read more...]
Mixed Feeding for a Healthy Pet #mixedfeeding
My eldest (canine) baby will be thirteen years old this year. Chance (hence my Twitter handle, @chancesmommy) is my first baby. He's been with me through thick and thin; good and bad; for better and for worse. Chance has been my confidant and companion and now he prides himself in being Little One's protector. Though Chance has been in my life for nearly … [Read more...]
Canadian Tire encourages families to get out and play #WannaPlayChat
Things have changed a lot since I was a kid. Back in the day (Ha! That makes me sound so ancient!), we used to play outside until it got dark out and our moms called us in for the evening. We rode our bicycles with our friends, ran through the sprinkler, played ball or street hockey. My brothers, cousins and their friends even built a skateboard ramp and they'd practice … [Read more...]
How to Sprout Seeds, Grains, and Beans
From my earliest recollections, sprouting our own bean sprouts has been something our family did. My Dad, being an expert green thumb and fan of all things innovative and science-based, always had some kind of "science project" going on. Whether it be hybridizing and creating new species of fancy Japanese goldfish to cross-pollinating flowers like orchids and daylilies, or … [Read more...]
Learn More About the Loblaws Guiding Stars Program #PCStars #GuidingStarsCA
Victoria Day long weekend came and went. With the weather warming up and BBQ grills roaring this past weekend, it's clear to see why this is the unofficial start of Summer! We take BBQ season very seriously over here! Here are some tips to ensure you throw a fabulous Victoria Day long weekend BBQ! Mmm...is for Marinade! The filipina part of me knows all too well … [Read more...]
Mairlyn Smith’s Breakfast Grab-and-Gos
As busy working moms, I'm sure many of you are like me in that you ensure your family is fed before rushing out the door in the morning, but forget to feed yourself! I'm really bad for this. Oftentimes I even forget that I've made myself a tea and have to re-warm it three or four times before I actually get a moment to sit down and drink it! Does this sound like you? We … [Read more...]
Healthy Lunches Twitter Party with @GoodInGrain! #MyKidsLunch
As parents, our kids are our priority. We want to make sure they're happy, healthy, safe and thriving. Part of this is ensuring that our children eat a healthy, balanced diet. One thing we did with Little One was that we taught her to "eat a rainbow" at every meal. I've found that packing her healthy lunches in a bento box has helped keep lunches from being boring. Every … [Read more...]