We can all identify the subtle signs of spring – birds chirping, longer days and blooming flowers. Floral patterns are starting to appear on dresses in shop windows. The warmer weather signifies a fresh start with more time outdoors, bringing your garden back to life, and of course, spring cleaning! While these telltale signs are positive for the most part, it’s common to feel unprepared when the new season comes so quickly. Time flies when you’re busy raising kids! If you watch closely, you can see the signs spring has arrived.
Food allergies and sensitivities can be the underlying causes of many childhood illnesses and symptoms without parents even being aware. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to minimize, and in some cases even prevent, the onset of an allergic response.
Besides them happening super-fast (both under 5 hours) I had two perfectly ‘normal’ births. This term is relative, of course. While scary and new and a tad painful, it’s hard to imagine how my experience would have changed with just one complication. In contrast to my own, so many new mothers are unable to hold their babies right after birth. Many don’t get a chance to follow a carefully thought out birth plan. And thousands give birth, unexpectedly, to premature babies.
At this time of year, we want to start spring cleaning and decluttering our load of possessions. At the same time – we need to think about keeping goods out of landfills. On average, Canadians generate 720 kg of waste per capita. Not only can your disposal choice reduce landfill waste, but it can help others, or make you some extra cash. Here’s where you work on donating and consigning in Vancouver.
A few months ago, I met a midwife named Jennica from BC. She was training doctors and midwives in a rural health centre, so they could improve outcomes for moms and babies through quality maternal care.
It is the season for giving back and if you’re wondering how to do that in the city of Vancouver, these are some great ways to give back to the community. I was on CTV to talk about all the ways you can still get involved. Check out the clip and some handy links to help you make it happen:
My kids are big and active, but it seems like not so long ago they were just babies. I listen to their excited voices talking about the holiday season and I remember before they could speak, when I would delight in holding them close and rocking them in my arms to help them off to sleep. Bedtime can still be challenging some days, but I remember how they felt in my arms, how their skin smelled, what it felt like to feel their chests expand and contract as they breathed deep in slumber. I recall looking at their perfect little faces and thinking, “I want to remember this.”
I remember finding out I was going to be a mother. I headed straight to the store for Every. Possible. Book. Surely hours of reading would prepare me for pregnancy and then the years ahead with children. I was freaked out. My body was changing and somehow I thought that if I owned the most popular baby products and got on the Mother Goose registration list early, then everything would fall into place and be PERFECT. This was not the case.
Looking back now, I wish I had been able to read a letter of guidance from an older me.
Why do I need a ‘hack’ to live a healthy life? Because life is far too busy, and if I want to do something the long, hard, laborious way – I want it to be something I am truly passionate about. Regretfully, I like cooking better than sleeping, and I like reading to my kids more than measuring every nutrient I consume. ‘Hacks’ are trendy for a reason – they are a fast and effective way to reach the goals that matter. While I value my health and enjoy exercise – a few ‘hacks’ help me to focus on what matters most.
This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
Christmas is coming – it’s coming up so fast! Pretty soon your calendar is going to be full of parties, dinners and time with family and friends. It’s easy to get caught up in the all the “stuff” that comes with the season and lose track of the things that really matter – like our health. There are many things that can get in the way and put our holiday bliss at risk.
Here’s what to watch for and some tips to help you stay on track: