Browsing Articles Written by

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.

Mandarin Oriental Elbow Beach Resort Bermuda

International, ROAM By January 30, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

I’m on a plane and a Humphrey Bogart film is playing on the seat next to me.  I think of the photos on the wall of the Mandarin Oriental Elbow Beach Resort Bermuda and smile.  To be alive in those days.  To have been at the 1925 party with the hair and dresses on the patio.

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A Mommy Break at the Four Seasons Toronto

Canada, ROAM By January 30, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

It’s so new, not even the cabbies now where this new sleek beast is located.  Once we found it, I simply bailed from the cab and walked.  Yorkville used to be my ‘hood’ and I missed the vibe.  I must admit that I was a bit intimidated in entering the lobby.  Where to go?  What are these ‘men in black’ doing?  Wow how I needed a mommy break at the Four Seasons Toronto.  But who doesn’t, really?

Checking-in made me feel like Kate Middleton.  The MontBlanc signing blotters didn’t hurt.  And the gentleman who excused my cellphone call and had my key waiting was so lovely.  He would never utter the room number for safety reasons and escorted me to the elevator showing me the # and indicating that I would be on the Xth floor.  #GoodJob

When a girl is in need of some TLC, rooms such as these cause a mixture of heart palpatations and weepiness. The bathtub was round and large.  I ran the water immediately and imagined myself looking out the window from the water.  The nespresso was next (though it took a while to finish my degree in engineering and figure it out).  Free wireless.  (Thank you.)  And the softest sheets and pillows you could ever imagine.  Sleeping on a cloud?  This is it.

My only complaint was trying to figure out a way to enjoy the room enough for one night.  Sleep?  Bathe?  Chill?  Wired-in music?  TV in the bathroom mirror?  You know… Stay for more than one.  And though I didn’t have kids in tow this time around, there are very few chains who treat children as well.  We have a few ideas for things to do with kids in Toronto.  And we also know a few great nanny services.. in case you just want to experience the softness of the sheets in silence. ; )

www.fourseasons.com

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A Canadian Adventure with the Chevrolet Trax

Canada, ROAM By January 22, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Few parents can afford a luxury vehicle.  But ‘luxury’ means just that.  Extra bells and whistles.  Budget-friendly vehicles can also offer plenty of what families require.  Moms and Dads want to give their kids the best possible advantages: space for gear, groceries and backpacks.  Safety.  Comfort and great fuel economy.  Chevrolet is always thinking of parents and the Trax is one of the best new vehicles for budget-conscious families out there right now.  Build on the chassey of the Cruz with an extended wheel base, General Motors was able to keep costs to a bare minimum with this crossover.  I had the good fortunte to get a huge shot of national pride when I went on a Canadian adventure with the Chevrolet Trax in Ottawa and Montebello.

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A Snowy Ski Vacation With the BMW X3

auto, Canada, GEAR, ROAM By January 22, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Picking up and dropping off media vehicles with kids in tow is always an adventure.  Especially at the incredibly spotless and organized Brian Jessel BMW.  Thank goodness the staff are wonderful – and so are the snacks at the café..  Thankfully the kids also quieted down completely once I initiated the ‘tracking device’ in the BMW X3 (aka. navigation).  They felt like spies.  And the backup cameras tell you when you are close to an obstacle in the front or back, which kept them watching the dashboard throughout the drive.

My first test for the X3 was to Big White Resort for a media familiarization trip.  Despite not having snow tires on the icy Coquihalla highway, we hugged the road.  The AWD and XDrive gave us so much piece of mind!  Reaching Kelowna and heading up the steep hill to Big White, the outdoor temperature was frigid.  Seat warmers, amazing defogging technology and a bit of Gamgam-style seat-dancing kept us happy and warm.

The next day I met our guide and ran (skiied) right into a sign outside the main building.  It was an ad for an X3 on a ski vacation!  Can I ever pick my stories, huh?  Unlike the photo, I didn’t test it on the ski runs both for fear of getting in trouble from our Big White hosts, but I also didn’t want the vehicle to take all of my fresh powder.

In the city, the X3 handled equally as beautifully and the kids became quite addicted to driving in the spacious back seats.  From their perspective?  The tray tables.  The cup holders.  The huge sunroof, low windows that allow them to see out and of course the ‘tracking device’ make it a favourite.  Giving back our ‘borrowed car’ made them quite grumpy (until the Jedi sword fight in the dealership parking lot broke out and then I was more concerned for the vehicles than the kids).

What I liked:

1.  E-mails, calendar entries, tasks and SMS messages will appear wirelessly on the Control Display so you can pretend you are in ‘your office’ when you’re doing something fun like, well, heading out on a ski vacation..
2. BMW xDrive is able to recognize difficult road surfaces through sensors in the chassis and reacts within a fraction of a second.
3.  Plug in a USB cable to the audio system and you can even see cover art from your albums projected on the screen.
4. Bluetooth Sync with phone address book and stream audio from your smartphone
5.  The circular dial for switching radio, navigation and media is easy to use and safe, as it’s where your hand naturally reaches.
5.  The extra long sunroof thrilled the whole family
6.  Rear and forward sensors provided so much safety while parking (you never have to do a ‘Kramer’, bumping cars on either end).
7.  Sleek extrerior lines make you feel like a rock star.
8.  Great visibility
9.  Lane Departure Warning helps you avoid dangerous situations.
10.  And most important: Storage.  Even 1.5 litre water bottles and ANY sized coffee cup.  We know moms don’t go for the tiny ones…

The only ‘drawback’ for me to this vehicle would be a huge plus for most.  The eco mode turned the car off at stop lights to save fuel.  It was so quiet I kept thinking the car had turned off and wanted to re-start the engine.  The pickup when you press the gas took a while to get used to.  You can turn it off, though, so it really is a mut point.  On the Control Display you can read how ECO PRO Mode is actively lowering energy consumption and following the tips can enable you to achieve a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 %. Cool.

In all?  Along with my new Ride snowboard gear, perfect lipgloss and twin-tipped skis, the BMW X3 is the only other equipment I’ll need for my next ski vacation.

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Whitening your Teeth

beauty, GEAR By January 8, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

My Dentist (He deserved to have it capitalized) is amazing.  Patient, not condescending even if I haven’t flossed in a bit, and the kids adore him.  I thought he was perfect.  And then he whitened my teeth and now I know I would marry the guy if I were not married already.

The first appointment in the teeth whitening process was wonky.  That’s a technical term.  Reverse moulds are done by placing trays around the teeth and squirting purple playdough-like stuff into the moulds.  I should have been a scientist.  It’s purple, and then it hardens white!  How cool is that?

A few weeks later, the rubber trays are ready and you are all set to begin whitening your teeth at home.  You get the plaster moulds too which is awesome, since after I whitened my teeth to a stunning shade of pearl, I left the trays in Argentina.  So now I can get new ones made with these exact replicas of my mouth.  You are given syringes filled with 2 types of whitener that also work to strengthen enamel.  The dual-compartment syringes make you feel pretty advanced, and ensure you squirt every crevice of the trays accurately.  You just have to be careful when your nanny/cleaning lady finds the empties in the garbage and suspects that you’re on drugs.

I remember the old-style whitener, where you slept with your trays in.  The trays didn’t cover the whole tooth, you certainly never got lucky overnight, and the next morning you couldn’t enjoy coffee due to tooth sensitivity.  With the Nite White – 10 minutes, baby!  And you notice a difference right away.  You can whiten to the degree you prefer.  (Remember the Friend’s episode with Ross’ fluorescent teeth? Stop before that point.)  Incidentally, you can also leave them in overnight without the morning sensitivity.  You still might not get lucky though.

I wish someone would invent something this easy for flossing.

Dr. Chris Kan own the Arbutus Point Dental Centre in Kitsilano, Vancouver.  He is also possibly a demi-God.

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was given a teeth whitening experience and as always, our opinions are our own.

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Nordic Treat Hydrogel Face Mask and Eye Patch

beauty, GEAR, LIVE, nourish By January 8, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

They had me at champagne.  The Nordic Treat Hydrogel Face Mask and Eye Patch contain champagne yeast which stimulates cell renewal, supports the skin’s repair mechanisms, helps metabolism and non-technically speaking – makes your skin feel baby-smooth.  It’s also a great excuse to accompany your spa treatment with some bubbly.  Just sayin’.

Opening the package, I pulled out a white hockey-like mask that was sticky when you remove the backing.  My kids stared and my husband chuckled.  I always have some new product on my skin and he never knows how I’ll appear when I’m doing a pamper session.  This felt wonderful and nurturing for the full 30 minutes and I couldn’t understand how the mask felt so damp on my skin without falling right off.  The formula is based on pure Artesian Water from Norway and the addition of Sparkling wine yeast, which is rich in anti-oxidant Glutathione.  Hydrogel is water in a solid form that holds all of the great nutrients and ingredients.  It feels cool to the skin and evaporates gradually, leaving the fragile ingredients behind.

The eye patch noticeably helped my dark circles and puffiness.  (Though the champagne I imbibed with the treatment probably didn’t help in the end.)  My only complaint?  I wish there were a full-body wrap.  Pretty please?

Disclosure: UrbanMommies was sent samples for review.

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Over the Shoulder Baby Holder

GEAR, style By January 4, 2013 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

The over the shoulder baby holder is otherwise known as a sling or carrier (not a bra – ha ha).  Both mom and dad need to be comfortable and structurally supported without hunching, tilting or bruised shoulders.  When our kids were tiny, they refused the stroller (aaagh) and my diaper bag essentials always included two different types of carriers to give my body some variety.  Ranging from wraps to heavy-duty sophisticated contraptions with buckles and gizmos, here are a few of the most popular.

1.  Baby Bjorn – a fabulous brand made famous when Angelina Jolie carried her little ones, they now come in active and comfort models and the optional covers keep baby snug and warm without adding bulk and weight to the carrier.  Available at Baby’s World.

2.  The Beco Butterfly 2 is a gorgeous eco-friendly carrier that can hold baby in the front or back.  It’s a great option for both mom and dad.  Available (and on sale!) at Hip Baby $119.00.

3.  The Moby Wrap comes in hip designs, UV protective cloth, jacquard and modern designs.

4.  The Maya Wrap is a beautiful and cozy alternative that many of our readers swear by.  Aiding in breastfeeding, it is an incredibly secure option for the little one.  It just takes a bit of figuring out before you feel fully comfortable with how to wrap.  Available at Parenting By Nature.
5.  Ergo Baby Petunia Pickle Bottom Designer Collection – also produces organic, sport and travel options.  Available at Jack and Lola (Outback model $124.99) or Petunia Pickle Bottom (model shown).

6.  Phil and Ted’s Metro Carrier has a streamlined design that has ‘UrbanMommy’ written all over it.  It’s also lightweight and comfortable.  $169.99 at Lusso Baby.

7.  Balboa Baby slings are fabulous for breastfeeding and recommended by Dr. Sears.  Available at Baby’s Corner.

8.  The Little Life Explorer S2 Child Carrier

Occupying up to 30% less space than their full-sized carriers, the design of the Explorer S2 is deliberately minimalist. This ensures that it packs away neatly, taking up the least space possible, and makes it ideal for travel. Despite this it has some clever little features and boasts a 17 litre storage capacity. It also features a highly adjustable back system.  Available at MEC.

9. Sasha Ediger Tigers Tale Collection from Rose and Rebellion in the UK are handmade with generously padded straps and fully reversible to make them a great unisex product.  £79.99  Rose and Rebellion

10.  Sakura Bloom offers dupioni silk, 2-colour slings. Cool to wear, and perfect for all climates, these slings are handcrafted of two layers of silk, each sling is lightweight, breathable, and adjustable.  All Sakura Bloom slings are machine washable in cold water.  $198.00 from Sakura Bloom.

 

 

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Go-Go Green Juice

Go-Go Green Juice

EAT, snacks By January 4, 2013 2 Comments

The new year is a perfect time to start each day with a shot of health.  We give this Go-Go Green Juice to our kids too, and if yours don’t like the colour, calling it ‘Monster Juice’ can help.  If all else fails, add frozen blueberries and call it a milkshake!

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Apple Cosmopolitan

EAT, entertain By December 29, 2012 Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Spiced apple cocktail makes a great cold-weather apple cosmopolitan. Serve ice cold. Thread a dried apple chip onto the cinnamon stick garnish if you’d like.  We also have a ton of mocktail recipes if you’d prefer!

Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients:
½ cup President’s Choice Spiced Apple Cocktail
2 tbsp (25 ml) Vodka
2 tbsp (25 ml) Calvados or Applejack or other apple brandy
1 cinamon stick Ice cubes 1.

Method:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add apple cocktail, vodka and Calvados. Shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick. Makes 1 serving

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Mint Chocolate Cake Pops

EAT, entertain By December 29, 2012 Tags: , , , No Comments

Cake pops are all the rage. Bet you didn’t know the secret is frosting! For an added touch, drizzle cake pops with melted white chocolate and coloured sprinkles. Try our Mint Chocolate Cake Pops recipe.

Serves: 20
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 minute
Chill time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Ingredients:
4 cups (1 L) prepared chocolate cake chunks
1 cup (250 mL) vanilla frosting
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) PC Decadent Mint Chocolate Chips
20 paper lollipop sticks
2 tbsp (25 mL) canola oil

Method:
Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 1. In large bowl, add cake chunks and frosting; mix together using spatula until fully combined. Spoon 2 tbsp (25 mL) mixture at a time and form into rough-shaped balls; arrange on prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate 1 hour. 2. Once chilled, roll each rough-shaped ball into a smooth round ball; refrigerate until ready to use. 3. Place chocolate chips in small glass microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH in 15 to 20 second intervals, stirring in between, for about 1 minute or until chocolate is completely melted. Dip one end of a lollipop stick ¾ -inch (2 cm) into melted chocolate; insert most of the way into a cake ball. Repeat with remaining sticks and cake balls. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until ready to use. 4. Meanwhile, reheat chocolate if necessary to maintain pourable consistency; gently stir in oil. Dip a cake ball into chocolate to coat completely, letting excess chocolate drip back into bowl; insert stick into a Styrofoam block or drinking glass stuffed with foil. Repeat with remaining cake balls. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Makes 20 cake pops. TIP: You can use home-made or store-bought chocolate cake and vanilla frosting.

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