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Jill Amery

Jill Amery is a mom of 2 small boys and the Publisher of UrbanMommies, a stylish digital lifestyle magazine filled with fitness, style, health, recipes and savvy mom advice to help you through pregnancy, birth, and raising your kids.

In Anticipation of Play

International, ROAM By February 24, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

I am packed.  The technology is charged (and needs its own bag).  My sneakers are ready to go.  And there is only 1 pair of wedges in the suitcase (I couldn’t go cold turkey).  To have been given this opportunity is astounding.  In a few days I will participate in an all-female Liberian kick-ball tournament, meet representatives of other organizations that support Right To Play’s efforts in Liberia and chat with families and children in more than 5 communities in Monrovia.

The mayor of West Vancouver has sent a letter and dozens of pins and my communities are brimming with support and well wishes.  Facebook. Email. Phone calls.  Twitter.  Personal hugs.  I am humbled and overwhelmed.  A few short months ago, I knew so little about the development of communities, including my own.  I’m actually quite a shy person and can be reluctant to share and truly know people.

This campaign to raise awareness for Right To Play made me realize not only the incredible things that come out of play, but how a community can truly come together for a cause.  I have bonded with people who were once strangers by mentioning my involvement with Right To Play.  Eyes light up and all of a sudden I realize that a parent at the school lived in Africa, the passport picture photographer used to volunteer teaching sports to inner-city children and my doctor donates to Right To Play.  Advice is rampant.  Everyone wants to know how they can donate, and for the first time since I last performed in the theatre, I feel part of something much bigger and more impactful than I can even imagine.

Play teaches determination, leadership, how to be a part of a team, how to balance sport and school and discipline.  Gender equality and sportsmanship are enhanced.  Laughter abounds.  And Right To Play has already truly taught me to be part of my own community.  I am bursting to see the programs in action!

My final task is to pick the boys up from school and do a bit of shopping.  Very exciting shopping.  (Not that my heart doesn’t usually skip a beat when I see a store.)  This task, however, will be a selfless one.  It will be an exciting excursion for my kids when I hand them a few bills at the dollar store and ask them to choose whatever they think the children of Liberia would love.  How amazing as a parent to see what my children will think kids in Africa would want!

My heart is so full and my head may explode with the lessons I have already learned.  I can’t even imagine what is waiting for me in West Africa.

Let the games begin!  I am ready to play and can’t wait to share the journey with you all.

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money saving tips

Smart Cookies: Sandra Hanna’s Top 10 Tips for Saving Money

FAM, self By February 20, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

February is my least-favourite month.  And not just because the only time I was ever dumped was on Valentine’s Day.  Daft cow.  Anyway, holiday bills are still flowing in and the Canadian and US governments are all talking about budgets and fiscal responsibility.  Ugh.  But where finances and family budgeting used to be considered ‘I wish I were an ostrich’ words, Sandra Hanna, co-founder and CEO of Smart Cookies has turned me around.  In sharing her top 10 tips for saving money, she suggests throwing out the term ‘budget’ (too much pressure) and finding hidden ways to save money – making it into a game.  She had so many tips I couldn’t write them fast enough.  I was so inspired and challenged to take charge of my finances.

A Smart Cookie’s Tips on How to Save Money

1.  Sell things you don’t need.  Along the ‘game’ lines, we’ve had a blast taking photos of items and being creative with descriptions.  Taking interesting photos and using terms like “Pottery barn-style dresser” and “shabby chic” can get an item sold quickly.
2.  Instead of heading to the store constantly, save time and money by using food you already have.  Supercook.com and Myfridgefood.com will give you recipes with items that you have on hand (and may be craving…)  The recipes they suggest may also get you out of a rut and help your kids to expand their culinary horizons.
3.  Cardswap.ca is a gift card swap so that you can mail in a card you’ll never use and replace it with either cash or a card you need.  While Aunt Betty was kind in giving you a giftcard for a movie, the extra dinner and childcare costs make it not so budget-friendly.  Swap it for something like a new slowcooker – and save even more on comfort food.
4.  Search for the hidden money in your household.  This can be a fun one for children too.  Turning off lights, using Tide Coldwater to save on hot water bills and making a fire instead of turning up the heat can be fun as well as rewarding.  PGeveryday.ca is a great resource for coupons on products you use all the time.
5.  Hair schools provide a great inexpensive alternative to pricy salons.
6.  Rent, don’t buy expensive clothes.  If you live in the US, Rent the Runway. Enter your zip code, size and event date up to 6 months in advance and our calendar will help find available dresses and accessories. You can book rentals for a 4 or 8 day period.  In Canada?  Rent Frock Repeat. They send you 2 sizes to ensure a good fit.
7.  Choose your apps wisely.  Purchasing apps can be fun – .99 cents here, $2.99 there.  It can add up.  Buy when they are free or on sale – with  Freeappaday.com and Appminer.com and make sure you try the free versions first to ensure you will actually use them.
8.  Apps like www.groceryzen.com allow you to eliminate impulse grocery buys by organizing your grocery list aisle by aisle. (And you won’t forget the milk).
9.  Control your own Entertainment: Vimeo lets you live stream your apple TV and curate your own content.
10.  Save your time (and money) by never waiting on hold with Gethuman.com

One of the key changes I have made is registering for Mint.com, an app and website that tracks my bank accounts, credit cards and budgets.  (Why, exactly did I think $50/month was adequate for clothes?  Funny joke..)  It takes a bit of investigation to realize that your information and passwords are secure, but once you make the leap, you will never be in the dark about your spending patterns.

Sandra’s other inspiration?  Respect moms.  Whether you work outside the home or focus on saving money inside the home (or both), Moms are a very powerful bunch in the financial and budgeting world.

Jill Amery was given the opportunity to interview Sandra Hanna as part of the #PGMom program through Proctor and Gamble.  As always, her opinions are her own.

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TODAY is Bell Let’s Talk Day

charity, FAM, health By February 12, 2013 Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments
1 in 5 Canadians will experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.  I was one of those 5.  Hospitalized for depression during my undergraduate degree, I lost friends and people spoke in whispers as I walked by.  I became a liability to know, and a burden for those who visited.  But my experience also made me realize how common mental illness can be.  Also in the ward were three other people I knew from university including the spouse of one of my professors.  I began to accept the condition as being akin to a heart murmur or broken achilles.  Mental health is just another medical condition that needs attention.  When I was well I took some time off and thrived.  Truly happy, fulfilled and strong, I made the decision not to go back to my original university.  Too much stigma.  Too many obstacles I didn’t need. Several years later, a few things have changed – but not enough.  TODAY is Bell Let’s Talk Day!  Read on..
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome for anyone facing mental illness is the stigma associated with it. It is the leading reason two-thirds of all of those living with a mental illness do not seek help.

To drive progress in reducing stigma, a campaign called Bell Let’s Talk is opening the national conversation about mental illness and its dramatic impact in all parts of the country. Stepping forward as Bell’s spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk Day and our campaign to effect change is six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes. As a community leader and philanthropist who has come to know and inspire Canadians, Clara has seen the impact of mental illness and understands how important it is to get people talking about it around kitchen and boardroom tables.

So, TODAY… for every:

– Text message sent*
– Long distance call made*
– Tweet using #BellLetsTalk
– Facebook share of the Bell Let’s Talk image

Bell will donate 5¢ more to help fund mental health initiatives across Canada.

* By a Bell or Bell Aliant customer.

So tweet! Call!  Reach out and start some conversations.  Our kids need to know that it’s ok to share, to talk and to ask for help.
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Central Park Wicker Picnic Basket from Tiffany & Co.

GEAR, style By February 8, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Pass the cucumber sandwiches please.  Not sure that fried chicken is appropriate in this instance.  Imagine: New York City.  Paris. London, perhaps.  A warm spring day and kids skip rope as you arrange a huge blanket on the soft grass.  You look around in anticipation of your date strolling along the path as you open the basket (Your Central Park wicker picnic basket from Tiffany & Co. of course) only to find a handwritten poem from the aforementioned gentleman.  How in earth’s name did he manage that?  Damn.  He trumped your surprise.  But the poem is incredible.  He was probably inspired by the basket.

Made in natural wicker and with Tiffany blue leather, the nostalgic basket contains Tiffany Weave china and sterling silver cheese knife set, cork screw, bottle stopper, crystal tumblers, cutting board, striped canvas napkins and wool blanket.  Poem, park and laughing children not included.

$3,950  at www.tiffany.ca or by calling 1-800-265-1251.

Photo Credit: Stephen Lewis

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Valentine Outfits for the Love Bug

GEAR, style By February 8, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

In search of Valentine outfits for the love bug?  We can’t get enough of Fawn Shoppe.  It’s just unfortunate that yummy mummys can’t get in on the action.  Valentine’s Day is for more than just you and your significant other to celebrate – share the love with your little ones by finding the right gifts.  So if you have a little love bug in your midst, try these on for size.  (Them – not you.  You’re holding out for diamonds, remember?)

1.  Stella Cove Bathing Suit ($52)
2.  Poppy Ballerina Petticoat ($93)
3.  C De C Heart Dress ($59)
4.  Rachel Rilet Red Hearts Dress ($165)
5.  Rachel Riley Patent Button Strap Slippers ($149)

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Royal Canadian Mint Celebrates the Year of the Snake

Uncategorized By February 7, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Canada’s heritage, culture and values are vibrantly displayed on the Royal Canadian Mint’s new line of 2013 gold and silver Year of the Snake collector coins and the Mint is joining Vancouver’s celebration of this popular cultural festival by hosting a three-day program of activities, from February 8 to 10, 2013 at its downtown Vancouver boutique.  Come see how the Royal Canadian Mint Celebrates the Year of the Snake!

·         Be among the first 88 daily visitors to win a door prize;
·         Enter a draw to win a Year of the Snake gold coin;
·         Admire a spectacular gold display; and
·         Strike their very own “Snake” medallion* and take home this free keepsake in a special-edition red velvet pouch. (*While quantities last)

When:
Friday, February 8
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 9
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 10
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where:
Royal Canadian Mint Boutique
752 Granville St
Vancouver, BC
(Between Robson and Georgia)

Woo hoo!  The Royal Canadian Mint Celebrates the Year of the Snake!

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Chinese New Year Traditions for the Year of the Snake

FAM, self By February 7, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

The dazzling celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, falls this year on February 10 marking the end of the winter solstice according to the Chinese calendar and lunar New Year. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important holiday in the Chinese calendar.  This year is the year of the water snake – bringing with it the possibility of luck, adventure and prosperity. As part of a multicultural society, why not take the time to learn about the unique Chinese New Year Traditions for the Year of the Snake with your friends and family:

1.  The most important event of Chinese New Year is the Reunion Dinner. The reunion dinner on the eve of the Lunar New Year draws all family members back home to reaffirm love and respect that bind them together as a unit. The best food is served for this feast in abundance! We love T&T Supermarkets (the largest Asian supermarket in Canada – ps.. the items from T&T are now available at Real Canadian Superstore!!).  Their Crispy Crackers can make a perfect appetizer. These crispy crackers can be topped with grilled vegetables, flavourful spreads or even marinated seafood.

2.  Another custom of Chinese New Year is to reconcile with loved ones, wish others peace and happiness and to forget old grudges.

3.  Dumplings are considered a lucky food during this holiday. They symbolize wealth and are believed to bring abundance and prosperity because their shape resembles a Chinese ingot. Add some luck to your dinner with T&T Cooked Dumplings.  You needn’t tell the guests they are ready in just 2-3 minutes..

4.  Decorate your home with lanterns and banners in traditional red and gold, colours which signify wealth, longevity and good fortune.

5.  Gifts are commonly given on Chinese New Year. These can be sweets such as cakes and candy or the traditional red envelopes containing ‘lucky’ money (always in even numbers, odd numbers are considered unlucky) or sometimes chocolate coins.

6.  End your feast with sweet cakes. Traditional pineapple cakes like these can be found in almost any bakery in Taiwan. The moist, crumbly, golden crust surrounds a chewy, fresh-tasting filling made with intensely sweet pineapples. Alternately, Chinese Style Pastry (also known as sachima) is a moist, chewy puffed wheat snack from Taiwan resembling puffed rice squares. These treats are irresistibly sweet, slightly sticky and perfectly golden brown.  The ones from T&T have no added preservatives.)

Happy New Year – or Gung Ho Fat Choy!

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Strawberry Mini Panini Recipe

It’s World Nutella Day! Strawberry Mini Panini Recipe

EAT, snacks By February 5, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

We all know that breakfast is important, but did you know that today is extra-special?  It’s World Nutella Day! In honour of February 5th, here is a strawberry mini panini recipe.  This delicious celebration was started by two fans in Italy in 2007 and has spread, like Nutella on toast, worldwide.  In a throwback to the brand’s Italian roots, Nutella is sharing a Nutella and Strawberry Mini Paninis breakfast recipe. These delicious paninis are filled with fresh strawberries, creamy ricotta cheese and, of course, Nutella.

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Watch them Play with Peekaboo Beans

GEAR, style By February 5, 2013 Tags: , , , No Comments

When I think ‘play’, I don’t imagine kids in stuffy suits.  As the mom as two highly sensitive kids, I recognize the need for soft fabrics, non-itchy labels and room for movement.  I adore the versatility, easy on-and-off functionality and awesome style of Peekaboo Beans.  The reflective tapes on many of the pieces provides safety and peace of mind and the mix and match capabilities also make getting dressed a breeze – even when they insist on pairing their outfit themselves.  Founder Traci Costa loves “the unquestionable innocence and curiosity of children, little bare bums and pure laughter.”  She recognized that parents should spend their time lavishing kids with love – not struggling with tiny snaps and tiny neck holes!

Oh – and the adorable clothes are delivered to you with a purple and green wrapping theme – complete with jelly beans.  For the kids of course.. ; )  www.peekaboobeans.com

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Playtime! Let’s Level the Field

Contests By January 31, 2013 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

At UrbanMommies some of our most popular articles focus on ‘energy busters for toddlers’, ‘top fun and educational iPad apps for kids’ and ‘games to play at the beach’.  In North America, we place an incredibly high value on playtime and as parents, we are taught to spend at least 30 minutes per day on the floor with our kids, building lego, throwing a ball or stacking blocks.

The other day, my 5 year old and I waited for my older son to finish his tae kwon do class at our local community centre.  While we waited, we… blush.. played tag in the lobby.  This boisterous disruption would typically be frowned upon in another atmosphere, but his giggles incited smiles on faces of all of the other parents.  I felt like a rockstar.  Best Mom Ever.   (Little do they know…) And my child was happy, active and connected.  The approving looks from other moms only reinforced that in our society, we value play pretty highly.

Skills learned from sport teach our kids determination, leadership abilities, fairness, equality, how to be a part of a team, how to balance play and school, drive, and discipline.

Don’t you think it’s odd that only 5% of Canadians surveyed in a 2012 Ipsos Reid poll believed that play is important in developing countries?  Read: Play is a luxury only when healthcare, conflicts, education and other problems are dealt with.  I’d love to try and explain that to my 5 year old.  “Sorry dear.  We can’t play ball.  We need to debate health care reform and do something about gun control first.  Maybe when you’re older.”

Don’t the lessons learned through play work towards resolving all of these big issues?

This is what Leveling The Field with Right To Play is about.  According to the Canadian Council on Learning, play nourishes every aspect of children’s development – it forms the foundation of intellectual, social, physical, and emotional skills necessary for success in school and in life.  Play paves the way for learning.

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