Two years ago, Carrie Dixon came to 4Cats Arts Studio Nanaimo and told me a story that just broke my heart. Her daughter, Carmen, loved art, but since starting kindergarten had become very discouraged about creating at school. Her teacher was discouraging her unique personal style, refusing to allow her to express herself in her own way. We got Carmen enrolled in a couple of summer camps and she LOVED it. Then in September she started the Artist Focus classes with Leonardo da Vinci, who to this day is still her favourite. Carmen has been coming regularly to 4Cats ever since and it’s been so amazing to see her progression over the past couple of years. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share my passion for art and the creative process at 4Cats. I am guiding my artists in learning new techniques, seeing the world in different ways, teaching them that there are no mistakes in art, problem solving, developing a critical eye, improving their concentration, building their self-esteem and confidence while at the same time, having FUN! It’s so rewarding when you see that moment when it all comes together.

Just recently Carmen came to the studio with a painting she had created at home. It was a painting of her favourite piece, Mona Lisa. Carmen walked in with it facing her and I asked if we could all see it. She responded, “I’m just a bit nervous to show it to everyone.” With a little encouragement she turned it around, and there it was, Carmen’s blue Mona Lisa. AMAZING! A combo of Picasso’s blue period mixed with da Vinci’s famous portrait, and all Carmen! What was even more encouraging was the response from the other kids. They were thrilled! I felt so proud at that moment not only that Carmen had the confidence to show off her piece, but also that the other kids responded so enthusiastically. You could see her face just light up. I grabbed my camera to take a quick picture before we got down to working on our new paintings, but her story and journey to reach that spot really moved me. To have, just a couple years earlier, felt discouraged and even ashamed of the way she created, to now, beaming in front of her peers was so inspiring. I spoke to Carmen’s mom, Carrie, a couple days later to see if we could share her story. Here’s our interview:

Tara: How did you hear about 4Cats?

Carrie: We heard about 4Cats through friends of ours who had their kids enrolled already.

Tara: What reasons lead you to enroll Carmen in classes?

Carrie: She was always a very creative little girl and loved doing art, but she always did things differently. When she started school her teachers wouldn’t let her do art projects “differently”, and she became very discouraged, thinking she wasn’t very good at art and it dampened her creativity. We wanted Carmen to be able to express her artistic-ness freely, so we signed her up at 4Cats in hopes that that would help!! And it has done amazing things for Carmen and her confidence and creativity!!!

Tara: So you have you noticed changes in Carmen’s confidence towards creating art? And in other areas of her life?

Carrie: Yes, we have definitely noticed a difference in Carmen’s self-confidence over the last two and a half years! She now knows that is OK to be a little different and express herself in her own creative way.

Tara: Tell us about your art wall.

Carrie: We have created an entire wall of Carmen’s 4Cats creations!! We are very proud of her artwork and LOVE to see it every day!

Tara: What kind of creating does Carmen do at home? We’ve seen her Mona Lisa, and heard she’s used you as an artist model

Carrie: Carmen does ALL kinds of creating at home! She loves to paint, and is constantly making her own cards and invitations. Whenever I pick up some molding clay, she loves to create various creatures of her own imagination!

I also had some questions for Carmen.

Tara: Who is your favourite artist and why?

Carmen: Leonardo da Vinci is my favourite artist!! Because I LOVE his painting of the Mona Lisa!!!

Tara: What do you like best about coming to 4Cats?

Carmen: I like how I can be different, and I have so much fun painting and sculpting!!! I also LOVE YOU TARA!!!!

Tara: How do you feel when you finish a painting or sculpture?

Carmen: I feel surprised when I am done an art project and want to PAINT MORE!!!

Tara: Why do you like doing art?

Carmen: I think I like art because I take after my Uncle Andy Dixon who is an artist. I think I just like to make things from scratch! Carmen is truly an inspiration to me and I am so fortunate to be able to share her creative journey and story. I can’t wait to see what she paints next!

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Ottawa native Meg Duffield started sewing and designing early, under the guidance of her mother and fashion conscience grandmother. She continued creating original styles throughout high school, and moved on to study fashion design in college.

Recognizing that getting from inspiration to action means staying focused on your passion, Meg joined the YMCA’s Youth Entrepreneur Project. She formed a start-up, with the active support and encouragement of her partner (now husband) [maybe put his name here?], then boldly ventured down the path to her dream.

“Not fast,” is how Meg describes her fashions; style with a view to sustainability. She considers the whole process, including fabrics’ carbon footprints, and keeps production local whenever possible. She uses knitted fabrics made primarily of modal fiber, organic cotton and bamboo. Her cotton is the softest and most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

Meg creates classic, timeless outfits that feel like an extension of your skin. From designer tops and skirts, to her classic infinite dress—a design that can be ten different looks—her focus is on bringing out femininity through comfort.

Meg’s original, environmentally conscience fashions can be seen at Greentree Eco Fashions and the spring and fall Red Trillium Shows, directly on her website, or privately by appointment.

Meg’s creations just might be your preferred styles for years to come.

http://duffielddesign.ca

http://www.greentreeecofashion.ca

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With summer approaching, so is loads of fun outdoor time. Whether it is at the water park, jumping on the park swings or just playing in the yard, it is great for your babysitter to be able to get the kids outside when the sun shines. Make sure to review these simple summer safety tips and make sure it is a fun and safe summer season!

Five Summer Safety Tips for Sitters

1. No lobsters please! In a word…sunscreen. If you have not already slathered on sunscreen before the sitter arrives, make sure the babysitter takes a bottle along. Sunscreen does not last and if water play is involved make sure the sitter and your kids know they have to reapply generously every hour. Summer safety means protecting your children’s skin!

2. The eagle stretch…be an arm’s distance away. No matter what, this is a deal breaker. If your kids are going to a pool, water park or any area where there is water, make sure your sitter knows that they need to be arm’s distance away at all times.

3. Hungry, hungry hippos…snacktime. Have snacks, lots of snacks packed and ready to go with the sitter and kids. I don’t know what it is, but my son is an eating machine when he is out and about running around. Having healthy, ready to go snacks make it even easier to make sure your kids get fueled up with the right food and ready to play all day.

4. They are kids, not camels…drink water! When kids run around and they need to hydrate, especially in the summer sunshine. Have water bottles labeled and ready to go and make sure your sitter knows that she might need to suggest/demand a few water breaks during fun time. Try to have the sitter limit the sweet drinks (i.e. juices or lemonade) and have the kids stick to water as much as possible.

5. Gotta peeeee! We know the signs when our kids need to use the washroom. Make sure your sitter is aware of the sometimes subtle and sometimes not so subtle clues. Be clear with the sitter what your expectation is of her if your child needs to use a public washroom. Do you want her in the washroom with your child or waiting by the door? Be clear so everyone feels confident and safe.

Most of these summer safety tips are common sense, but by talking about them in advance, you can be certain that everyone’s on the same page, and the fun times keep rolling.

What summer safety tips do you make sure to review with your sitter or childcare provider?

Amy van Weelderen has been helping busy families connect with top notch university students for over five years with her babysitting referral company, Lullaby League. As a mother of a spirited 10 year old son, she knows what it takes to find a great babysitter and ensure they will come back again and again.

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Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers: 7-12

Shannon Fisher of truthfully.ca

Shannon sometimes poops in front of her husband, puts ketchup on her cereal, and gives lice to strangers. She has written on the web since 1998 when you could make a grilled cheese sandwich before your page loaded. At truthfully.ca she writes about vulnerability, courage and mental health. At datawithasoul.com she has the entire web on a spreadsheet. Before dive-rolling into content strategy, Shannon spent nine years teaching small humans.
 

Melissa Bruntlett of Velo Family Diaries

Melissa Bruntlett lives in Vancouver where she spends most of her days balancing between volunteering as Co-Chair on the PAC (Parent Advisory Council) at her six year old daughter’s school, keeping her four year old son busy at the parks throughout the city, being a fashionista Sales Rep for a small eco-fashion agency, and everyday life as a mom. Along with all this, she is a bicycle enthusiast, working to promote riding bikes as a normal means of transportation in this increasingly bike-friendly city and beyond. In June 2012, tired of feeling like her car-free life with children wasn’t realistic, Melissa started her blog, Velo Family Diaries, where she writes about the triumphs and challenges of being a family that rides. Her goal is to show readers that it is possible to remain an active and mobile family without owning a car, and even have fun doing it!

Christine Nielsen of Whine & Cheese

Christine Nielsen shares, “I am a mom of two little boys who is trying to survive life in the suburbs and parenting in my forties. Whine & Cheese was born by necessity – I needed an outlet to capture all the the highs, lows and in-betweens of everyday life and growing older. By day I am the Chief Beautification Officer at MsPixel.ca (I blog a bit there too!) – a business launched early in 2013 to help make small businesses and bloggers more beautiful! By night I drink and I blog, often at the same time.”

Marnie Goldenberg of Sexplainer

Marnie trained as a lawyer but has always preferred to use the skills for house buying and arguing for fun. Many years ago Marnie worked as a sexual health educator for Planned Parenthood of Toronto, and since then, when not working in senior leadership roles in the voluntary sector, she takes every opportunity to talk about sex to anyone who will listen. Since most young people are informed by mass media, porn and their peers, Marnie is particularly interested in supporting parents to raise sexually intelligent kids. She knows she can do better by her two kids and believes all parents can talk honestly and openly to support their children to make thoughtful decisions with health, safety and pleasure in mind. And who doesn’t want that for their kids?

Shira McDermott of In Pursuit of More

Shira McDermott is the Vancouver blogger behind In Pursuit of More and the founder of a new non-profit organization called Not So Fast. In Pursuit of More is a blog dedicated to living with (just a little) less, and there Shira shares recipes for simple, healthy food as well as other lifestyle tips as well as quotes and inspiration with a less is more twist. As a working mother, wife, and life-long vegetarian, Shira is committed to promoting foods that are accessible, healthy, easy to prepare, and most of all delicious.

Shirley Weir of Menopause Chicks

Shirley Weir is a (Peri-) Menopause Chick! Frustrated by having her symptoms dismissed at the doctor’s office…overwhelmed by the amount of confusing info delivered by “Dr. Google”…and surprised by how taboo the topic remains to be, Shirley launched MenopauseChicks.com. She is on a mission to “crack open the conversation” and to curate the best-of-the-best information available so women can navigate the ideal path for them. Menopause Chicks wants you to know three things: 1) It’s ok to talk about it, and the site will helps women of all ages feel empowered to have meaningful conversations–with your partner, doctor, kids–even your boss. 2) It’s never too early…or too late to learn about hormone balance & 3) While there may be controversy around hormone replacement therapy, there are plenty of options available–including lifestyle tweaks and alternative therapies. The key is to be informed so you can be your own best health advocate.

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Videos from Leading Moms

If you weren’t able to make it to Leading Moms, we’d like to share some of the day with you to give you a taste of what happened. We think it will convince you to attend the next event, for sure. To that end, we’ve been sharing a video from the day every other week. Check back regularly to re-live the most inspiring moments of the day, or to see it for the first time. If you haven’t seen them, you’ll want to check out our other videos:

Tracy Theemes

In a previous career, Tracy Theemes spent 10 years in management with an international play equipment company. She founded, then sold, a specialty children’s furnishing company based in the US. She then became a financial advisor and worked with Smith Barney, a US brokerage firm, helping her to gain valuable international experience. She used that experience as co-founder of Sophia Financial Group in 2009. As a believer that “we are stronger together than apart”, Tracy regularly participates in activities and events to increase others’ financial literacy. Tracy is a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute and a Certified Financial Planner, as well as a a Financial Divorce Specialist. At Leading Moms she shared insight on being good enough, and even broke out some rap.

Happy watching!

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Top 30 Vancouver Mom Bloggers: 1-6

Pamela Smith of Divorce Doula

Single parent, passionate publicist and pretty fine pun master, Pamela is “Chief Doula” at divorcedoula.me, blogging about her adventures in co-parenting with the world’s best ex-husband. Pamela is also the principal of Vancouver-based boutique public relations firm ElevatedPR working with clients in the arts, non-profit and technology sectors. A transplanted Maritimer, she is now a die-hard Vancouverite and loves raising her family on the Best Coast.

Lee-Anne Ekland of Mom Paradigm

Lee-Anne is a 40+ mama to a nearly three year old boy who challenges her in the best possible ways. His big blue eyes and curly blonde hair fool everyone into thinking he’s an angelic little man but the twinkle in his eyes gives him away. He is much like his mama but don’t tell anyone. On her blog, Mom Paradigm, she writes about parenting foibles and successes while finding grace, living her best life, and hopefully doing it all with more joy and deep belly laughs. Having started the journey into parenthood much later than most, she offers a uniques perspective on what is amazing about being a stay-at-home mom when she’s not napping – which is less often these days but none the less critical to keep her mama brain in tact. She draws upon her life experiences, 14 years of working in the spa industry as a skin care therapist and manager and her new found passion which is to write stories about life and its wisdom, with the purpose of helping at least one other person get it right. You’ll also find her doing a bit of downward dog and drinking wine but not necessarily in that order.

Carolyn Bechard of Moments in Mommyland

Carolyn writes, “I am a 27 year old full time stay at home momma to two boys (one of which is due to appear any day now). I have a passion for travel, education, theatre, baking, my church, my family and my friends. I started blogging during my first pregnancy as a way to share and connect with others about my thoughts on entering the crazy world of parenting and found writing to be a wonderful creative outlet for me. It quickly became not only a way to document my day to day life, but also a way to work through whatever was currently going on in my brain. I believe in being completely honest about how I am feeling on any given day. After all, parenting isn’t always pretty, and it certainly isn’t easy!”

Tamara Grand of fitknitchick

Tamara Grand is a BCRPA-certified personal trainer, group fitness and indoor cycling instructor, writer, wife, mother, and knitter extraordinaire. She lives with her husband and three children in beautiful Port Moody, BC where she divides her time between knitting, exercise and keeping her family organized. She blogs about fitness, food, family and fibre (yarn, that is) at fitknitchick.com. She loves to engage with her readers, so leave her a comment on her blog or follow her on Twitter @fitknitchick_1.
 

Joyelle Brandt of joyellebrandt.com

After a meandering journey through teaching college, a stint as the lead singer of an electronica band, and new motherhood, Joyelle returned to her childhood passion for art. She (mostly) ignored the voices in her head telling her that she would never be good at this, and started creating. She found connection and inspiration online, learning from and being inspired by many amazing mixed media artists, and is now living her dream of becoming a working artist. Joyelle believes the three most important things in this life are love, kindness and gratitude. Her goal is to be a beacon of light, inspiring others to pursue their passions. She blogs about kindness and the creative life at www.joyellebrandt.com.

Jackie Mandzak, Savvy Suburban Mama

Jackie Mandzak is a mother of two young boys who keep her on her toes (or off them, literally, since one of them is responsible for her having foot surgery this year). Working fulltime as a conflict resolution advisor/mediator she’s learning the skills to keep her sons’ brotherly battles to a minimum, although she’s been told it’s a fruitless effort. Living in the suburbs is where it’s at for her, even though it means enduring the commuting grind into Vancouver. It allows her to raise her family with a big yard, small school and the illusion of a slower pace of life. As the creator of Savvy Suburban Mama, she writes about home, family and activities as well as reviews products and hosts giveaways. You’ll even find the odd social commentary in there. Writing is a passion for her, but in this season of life the great novel is waiting in the wings rather than on the screen. RIght now she finds blogging the perfect blend of writing and living. While in search of topics to share, she has discovered a penchant for decluttering – which really does help off-set her shopping gene.

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Our latest Mom on the Street is Jane Kruse, yoga instructor, wife to David and mom to Jackson and Alex.

Her Neighbourhood

Toronto Mom Now had the pleasure of meeting this busy mom of two in the leafy and bustling neighbourhood, the Annex. This is a wonderfully vibrant downtown Toronto area populated by families with children of all ages, university students and professors and lots of people who just happen to look academic. Bordered by Dupont Street, Bathurst Street, Bloor Street and Avenue Road, the Annex is in the heart of the action – walking distance to the skyscrapers but still cosy and homey with beautiful old Toronto houses lining every street.

“We chose to live here because we are close enough to the ‘hustle and bustle’ to partake in it, but turn a corner and you are able to step away and enjoy the tall trees. We love the diverse nature of the area, from students to professors and everything in between!”

Her Favourite Activities with the Kids

Jane and the kids can often be found at Greg’s Ice Cream in the summer months, sampling the delicious homemade flavours. In the winter months, Jane calls the Royal Ontario Museum a “second home.”

The Bloor Street strip from Spadina to Bathurst alone could happily occupy a family with kids of all ages for the whole day. It is chock full of used-book stores, charming independent shops, restaurants and Toronto landmark, the Bloor Cinema.

Her Favourite Activities without the Kids

“After school drop-off, a coffee at Ezra’s Pound on Dupont is the way to start off the day right.”

Jane often then heads off to the Healing Arts Centre where she teaches Iyengar Yoga, a passion she discovered after leaving her career as a lawyer to be home with the kids.

After classes, sometimes a little shopping is in order at one of this mom on the street’s favourite Annex stores, The Outer Layer. Looking for French soap, a Wonder Woman mug or a cool bag? It’s the place for you. “When I’m looking for a gift, The Outer Layer always has a wide selection of unique ideas.”

Her Neighbourhood Hidden Gem

“My favourite hidden gem is hardly hidden anymore, but nevertheless, I always enjoy eating a delicious Mexican meal at Playa Cabana on Dupont Street.”

Toronto, We Love Ya

“I love living in Toronto because no matter which corner of the city I happen upon, I am intrigued and cannot wait to get back to explore some more.” We here at Toronto Mom Now couldn’t agree more. Thanks for taking the time to talk to us for our latest Mom on the Street feature Jane!

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I’m sure we can all attest to the ultimate irritation, and sometimes heartbreak, of losing files or photos stored on a computer. Whether it be by user error or a lost or stolen device; either way, it’s never something that can be easily brushed aside. Those memories can’t simply be replaced like a computer or laptop and the frustration can almost be enough to resort back to ancient times when film was developed and “easily” stored at home in a filing cabinet. Ha!

So, have you ever dreamt about how this all too familiar scenario can be rectified? How about a place where files are secure and with just the touch of a finger, can be accessed immediately? I’m no longer talking about a dream world—this is reality, and it’s becoming more and more necessary with every day.

The Cloud

It may be that the “cloud” gained its name in part from the concept of it being somewhat of a distant dream (of course, since all our dream worlds originate in the clouds) because for many, it’s exactly that—a dream come true. The cloud allows for all photos, social media updates, emails, contacts, and calendars to be all in one easily accessible place and right where they are needed at all times. No more losing photos, deleting calendars, or jumbling files; and the beauty of it all is that there is no more need to carry around that silly little jump drive to access them all. The cloud extends the ability to connect smart phones, tablets, and PCs all under one roof and we’ll give you the programs where you can do it all in just a second.

There are several operating systems and apps that allow access to a cloud system; Windows 8 Skydrive is one of them. Windows is one of the two best operating systems in the world, and is one of the first to offer this function along with the security that is necessary with a system like this. Windows 8 Skydrive allows for individual accounts to be created for the whole family along with a built in security malware that will keep your information safe as well.

Accessing the Cloud

It’s no surprise that according to Pew Internet & American Life:

This only means that the need for a system like the cloud is growing exponentially while it’s also being used more. There are several devices that allow for this type of access and they aren’t all ‘mobile’.

There is something about having access to your files and photos at your leisure, in your own home, on your own desktop. Nowadays there are computers that are excellent for this type of access and at the same time offer some of the beloved ‘mobile’ features like touch screen, personalization, and communication options. For example, the all-in-one desktop with Windows 8 is great for the everyday photo obsessed individual who is sick and tired of losing piles of memories with the click of a mouse. You’ll also get access to the Windows Store, personalization of the PC, touch screen and communication options like HD webcam. You’re not just storing memories, you can share them in real time. Learn more about the all-in-one desktop options here.

Surprise! You are Already Using the Cloud

Let’s walk through how most of us take and share photos:

Once it is there, it can be accessed anywhere. What’s being used here actually is the cloud; some of you just didn’t realize it. And to all of us who have been waiting patiently for a high quality mobile editing option, with systems like Windows 8 it’s now possible to access Fhotoroom to do editing on a computer or mobile device. It doesn’t get better than that.

Skydrive also safely stores photos and files as well as permits access to multiple other apps that make life easier, more fun, and more organized than ever before. And with multiple devices all under one cloud, it’s even easier to multitask. So here’s a memory for you (no longer a dream); remember when your laptop came up missing and you didn’t lose your photos?

Let’s hear how you’re using the cloud. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Bruno Galera works for Dell and has a passion for technology. When he’s not reading about the latest industry trends, you can find him cooking, reading, cheering on his favorite football team or at a museum enjoying contemporary art and photography.

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My latest suggestion was Rosemary Rocksalt, a new bagel and smoked meat cafe in North Vancouver. The first thing my mum says, however, dashes my hopes a bit.

Where to Eat in Vancouver for Smoked Meat?

“I’ve never seen anyone in Montreal serve smoked meat in a bagel,” she says quietly. Though she also admits it has been over 30 years since she has checked whether bagels have supplanted rye bread for smoked meat-to-mouth delivery. Regardless, we settle in to wait for our sandwiches.

Rosemary Rocksalt is an off-shoot of the Siegel’s Bagels empire. There are similarities – the warm feta and spinach bagels up front, the piles of rugelach, a baker dumping bagels deftly into a bin with an impossibly long wooden plank. The interior of the cafe itself, however, feels cleaner and more modern: it’s all white chairs and tables, white walls, and pretty murals. There is the simple menu of smoked meat sandwiches, a few melts, a breakfast bagel (also featuring smoked meat), french fries and of course lox and cream cheese is topped off with coffee from 49th Parallel. You can buy bags of bagels, and containers of their lethally good cream cheese to have at home as well.

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Restaurant

In terms of fitting in the cafe with a stroller, it’s a bit of a tight squeeze. There are only three tables and a few tall stools at the window. If you come outside of peak lunchtime rush, you should be able to claim the end table with room for a stroller alongside. For walking children, it’s great, though you still would do better to avoid prime lunchtime if possible.

When our sandwiches arrive, after a mix-up over mustard and a bit of a mysteriously lengthy wait for a replacement, it is nothing but silence and chewing. “So good…” my mother says. Success!

The smoked meat is tender and cut thin, avoiding some of the awkward chewing and tearing that can happen with thicker slices. The fat content is just right. I have to say, the eponymous rosemary rocksalt bagel is divine with the smoked meat. Surprisingly, the french fries are very good. When only one thing on the menu requires a fryer, it can sometimes mean there are shortcuts happening. Fries sitting around under a heatlamp, oil not hot enough, and so on. Not here. They were piping hot and perfectly crisp.

Rosemary Rocksalt has grand plans for expansion, and I’m looking forward to being able to get good smoked meat closer to home. If you’re wondering where to eat in Vancouver for smoked meat, give it a try.

Rosemary Rocksalt

www.rosemaryrocksalt.com | Facebook | Twitter
1669 Lonsdale, North Vancouver, 604-929-1817

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Five Ways to Pamper Yourself all Year Long

1. Head Outside

Did you know that there’s actually research that suggests that being in nature has health benefits like lowearing blood pressure and fighting depression? With sunny days ahead of us, that’s great news. Taking even 15 or 20 minutes to head outside when you’re having a bad day can help turn things around. Whether that’s taking a quick walk over your lunch hour, or loading your toddler into the double stroller and getting a dose of fresh air and sunshine, spending a little bit of time in nature is a free way to pamper yourself anytime.

2. Buy the Good Moisturizer

Little indulgences – like splurging on lotion that smells fabulous or springing for the good shampoo – can really make you feel pampered. And the best part is that you’ll feel that way again each and every time you use it. If you do your research and choose non-toxic products you’ll feel even better, because you’ll know that great smell doesn’t come at a cost to your health. Yes, it may cost a little more, but your well-being is worth a little splurge now and again.

3. Make a Date with a Friend

When you’re a busy mom, all too often your relationships with your friends can end up on the back burner. A girls’ night out ends up at the end of your list, behind everything else you have to do. If you make the time to get out and socialize, though, it can have a huge positive impact on your mood. In fact, just like being in nature, spending time socializing has proven health benefits. If you can’t get away from your kids, make a date at a kid-friendly Toronto spot so that you can catch up while your little ones play.

4. Book the Haircut You’ve Been Putting Off

How long has it been since your last haircut? When was the last time you had a manicure? What about a massage? It’s hard to find time for yourself, we understand. But finding an hour to escape and do something to take care of your health and well-being can have benefits that last far after the appointment is over. Not just for you, but for partner, kids and even your co-workers, who see you every day. Call on your friends and family for help making it happen. Hire a sitter or arrange a childcare swap with a friend. It may not be easy, but we know it will be worth it.

5. Throw the Rules out the Window

We all know that serving healthy, well-balanced family dinners is important. We’ve all heard that we should limit screen time, create structure for our kids and enforce limits. This is all true … most of the time. But rules are made to be broken, and sometimes that means letting the rules slide. Call out for pizza and eat dinner in front of a movie the whole family enjoys. Or do something else that you and your kids will enjoy, to shake up your routine. It’s like taking a vacation at home, and it has the added bonus of not having to endure the stress and hassle of packing and travelling.

What about you? How do you pamper yourself when you need a little pick-me-up?

This article was sponsored by Harmony Eco Spa. Harmony Eco Spa carries a selection of natural, professional products you can use at home, such as the Thalgo line. The Thalgo Beauty Pact is a strong ethical formulation commitment, offering the guarantee that each of their skincare products contains 0% parabens, 0% mineral oils, 0% propylene glycol and 0% GMOs. It’s safe and natural beauty that respects both your skin and the environment. Harmony also offers personalized treatments by specialists. They promise you a new spa experience that will benefit both your body and mind, and leave feeling healthier, more at peace and with a fresh perspective on life. Pamper yourself!

harmony-ecospa.com

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