We’ve all been there: unloading the backpack at the end of the day and throwing away half-eaten sandwiches and mushy bananas.
She sat lightly on the sofa of the Shangri-La hotel and embraced me early as I entered. From the beginning it felt as if I was hanging out with a best friend. We talked of shoes, child rearing, philanthropy and music. I was astounded at Chantal Kreviazuk’s poise, her passion for knowledge and the way she broke into song to illustrate a point using favourite lyrics.
Walmart introduced the Mom of the Year award last year to celebrate moms as both role models and integral members of the community, and gives Canadians an opportunity to say thank you for everything moms do every day. “We’re thrilled to bring the Mom of the Year Award back for a second year,” said Emma Fox, chief marketing officer for Walmart Canada. Judges include notable comedian, actress and radio host, Sophie Prégent, the 2012 Mom of the Year, Katie Schulz, editor-in-chief of Walmart Live Better magazine, Sandra Martin, Emma Fox and Ms. Kreviasuk review the entries.
One of the most important jobs on the planet does not come with a paycheque, but Canadians have a salary in mind. According to a recent survey conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Walmart Canada, Canadians would pay their mom an average annual salary of $161,287 for all of her hard work. Asking about how she will begin to choose the finalists, Chantal paused and admitted that mothers are so exceptional that it would be difficult. “I think that the good the amazing mom today to honor would be that woman who has life experience, has overcome some things but she still has strength and resilience.”
When I searched the #momoftheyear hashtag on twitter I was disheartened to see that moms across the globe use it in a disparaging way. They forget to bring diapers on an outing and they ridicule themselves. I asked Chantal about this trend. She has noticed that women in general are very critical of themselves. “Canadians are very different than Americans in that we have this bizarre thing in our particular cultural nature whereby we diminish our successes and dwell on our mistakes. Americans don’t do that – Americans are very proud and they tend to want to celebrate their success. I think also as mothers we make a mistake and it defines us. We have so much power as as a parent – we really need to define ourselves by the greatness, not the errors.”
Not only has Chantal Kreviazuk been influenced by Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace (her eyes light up every time he’s mentioned) but her mother-in-law has played a huge part in how Chantal has carved her style as a mother of 3 boys. She is “very graceful and elegant in her style of coping and resilience – the older generation just gets up and keeps going with that classic beauty”. Travel and philanthropy keep her busy but she is highly attentive to ensuring constant communication with her kids. “I’m really frightened of the idea of raising children to be too certain.” She admits her mistakes to the kids and takes time to answer questions. Remembering when she attended an event for a hospital foundation and the kids asked a ton of questions, she used it as an “organic opportunity to tell them why and who benefits from the charity and what it’s like for a child that you know is born three months early”. Highly involved in building schools in the third world and the charity War Child, Chantal continually exposes her kids to the notion that their circumstance is not reflective of the human condition. “Currency is many things. It’s not just money and I really believe that a value system for all those currencies is what creates a great human being because we are more than just you know money mongers and it’s not just living to work.”
An electric and intelligent woman, Chantal spoke about her passion for science and how our brains work. She always framed her thoughts from a mother’s point of view and it was clear that research and career exist to make life better for her family and the world around her. Yeah – beautiful, talented, incredibly smart and does some light neuroscience reading in her free time.
She focused our discussion on modeling for our kids – and why moms who are condescending towards themselves are not doing their kids a service. Modelling is vital (and scary) in parenting, and I personally believe that corporations and can help us model well for our children. That Walmart is celebrating moms who model beautifully for their kids is a great step. All I know is after spending quality time with Chantal, she can model what a woman should be for my kids anytime!
New this year to the Mom of the Year contest is public voting, where Canadians will have the chance to review the top 20 candidates and vote for one mom they want to see become one of the eight finalists. Each finalist will receive $10,000 to spend on themselves and the remaining seven will receive $10,000 for the charity or cause of their choice. The Mom of the Year award recipient will receive $100,000 for the charity or cause of her choice.
The Mom of the Year finalists will be flown to Toronto for a day of pampering and an awards gala on October 6, 2013. Nominations for the Mom of the Year Award close on June 16 and My Finalist public voting will begin on July 4 through August 1. The eight finalists will be notified around August 6. To participate in the program and support Canadian moms, visit www.momoftheyear.ca.
What kid doesn’t want to set up on the front lawn with ice-cold lemonade and a cash box? Not only to pass the time and teach them some math skills, you can up the ante a bit by encouraging them to donate the proceeds to a charitable organization. Make a day of it with girly lemonade stands that help fellow women attain their basic rights in third world countries.
Small actions can drive big change. Plan Canada’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ initiative is helping to inspire youth to turn lemons into Pink LemonAid by hosting LemonAid fundraisers in their communities.
The girl issue is real, and it’s affecting girls and women around the world – but what is it? Girls in the poorest regions of the world are among the most disadvantaged people on the planet. They are more likely to live in poverty, more likely to be denied access to education, and more likely to be malnourished, simply because they are young and female.
And yet, studies show that when you invest in girls, the whole world benefits. If a girl has enough to eat, a safe environment, and an education, she’ll work to raise the standard of living for herself, her family and her community. And in time, she can even strengthen the economy of her entire country.
Did you know?
- 70% of the one billion people living in extreme poverty are women and girls.
- Girls are 3x more likely to be malnourished than boys.
- Globally, 66 million girls do not attend primary or secondary school.
There is an urgent need to stand up for the rights of millions of girls. In the poorest regions of the world, girls face double discrimination and unique barriers to survival and development, simply because they are young and female.
But when girls attain their basic human rights, they will:
- Be 6x less likely to be married as children
- Have 2.2 fewer yet healthier children
- Increase their contributions to household income by 18%
Pink LemonAid Kits full of helpful tips, educational materials and instructions on hosting can be downloaded online here. Moms can review the materials with their children and educate them on the importance of helping out girls from around the world who are less fortunate.
It can sometimes be difficult to tell your period apart from early pregnancy signs. I remember with both pregnancies asking myself “am I getting my period or could I be pregnant?” A lot of women confuse the symptoms with each other. Some of the early signs of pregnancy include: fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, sore breasts, and headaches. These are just a few of the early pregnancy symptoms. However each woman is different and the pregnancy symptoms may vary.
Early pregnancy symptoms are also similar to those of side effects of getting your period. But how do you tell if you’re pregnant and it’s not just your period? If your period is a few days late I wouldn’t get too worried just yet. While your period can be on time for many years, it can also regulate now and then. If your period is 7 or more days late, you can always try a pregnancy test. It’s usually difficult to even catch a pregnancy with a test at the very early weeks, so if it’s negative your first time and your period still hasn’t come, I would wait a week or so then try the test again. Cramping, hot flashes, headaches, and light spotting can very well just be your period.
Some pregnant women do notice a little light spotting around the time of their period, however you can also experience light spotting during the time of your period even when you are not pregnant. If you have more than a few of these symptoms, I would take a pregnancy test right away.
– Sore breasts
– Fatigue
– Nausea
– Lack of energy
– 5-7 days or later period
– Backaches
– Cramping
– Cravings or food aversions
– Mood swings
– Bloating
– Elevated body temperature
– Sensitivity to smells
– Dizziness or fainting
All of these signs can point to pregnancy. (We also have some ‘Very Early Pregnancy Signs‘ if you are interested). If you feel other symptoms such as pelvic or abdominal pain, or lightheadedness, call your practitioner immediately. These can be signs of ectopic pregnancy.
This super-quick Guinot Hydraclean facial left my skin looking more alive and younger than a whole day at the spa. (As if a Mom ever gets that time luxury!) With no invasive procedures and incredibly aromatic products, the aesthetician rolled a cutting-edge steel sphere attached to a wand all over my face. I am now dubbing it the ‘magic wand’. It tingled a bit, but I was able to fully relax and let the sphere work it’s magic.
Guinot’s Hydraclean Facial is not a just a shortened version of any existing treatment. Over the past two years, Guinot has been developing the Thermoclean Electrode specifically for this treatment, delivering noticeable, long-lasting results in less than half the time of a standard facial.
The steps
- Cleanse and exfoliate
- Gel Application
- Skin Massage with Thermoclean Electrode
- Remove Gel
- Extraction (if necessary)
- Facial Massage
- Moisturizer Application
After the treatment my skin felt tight and lifted, and the tightening around the eye area was shocking. The treatment works with the use of ionization to allow active ingredients penetrate the skin deeply. Micro circulation is stimulated, which supplies oxygen to the cells. And it’s quick which is key for busy moms.
You just want to keep saying it over and over. BubbleBum. BubbleBum. Ok, maybe it’s just me. Giggle. The BubbleBum inflatable booster seat for kids aged 4-11 is the coolest thing to help busy moms since the invention of the pool boy. It checks in at less than 1 pound and inflates in minutes. When not in use, simply deflate the booster seat, roll it up and stow away in the trunk or backpack for the next use. Perfect for travel with rental cars, cabs, carpooling and restaurants.
BubbleBum ($39.99) is sold online at BubbleBum, Target.com, and Babies ‘R Us. It is also available in select Target stores nationwide.
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.
Michelle Addison has impeccable style and perfect advice for busy Moms. After cultivating experience in the fashion and film industry she has become one of Vancouver’s fashion experts. Her ability to decipher trends, convey style, and trim closets down to the essential key pieces, led to a thriving personal styling career. Addison lives in Vancouver with her husband Nick and her two year old daughter Stella. UrbanMommies was granted an exclusive interview.
UM: You mention that individuals are their own brands. If a Mom stays at home, how would you style her? Because we know that she’s still an individual with her own branded style.
MA: I would style a stay-at-home mom with the priority of “has to be easy to wear”, non complicated style is best when being a full-time mom. I was a stay-at-home home for a year and mainly wore things I could sit cross-legged in!! Often women come to me and say “i want to be stylish but don’t want to put in the time” I would suggest eliminating all threatening items: ugly shoes disguised as really comfortable, pregnancy items that don’t apply when not pregnant, lululemon stretch pants worn as a fashion trend etc. Having a great wardrobe that all works together makes getting dressed in the morning easy. Eliminating the bad and only keeping the good help with this process…as you don’t have “the bad” as go-to’s.
UM: My closet is filled with amazing pieces that I never have time to ‘style’ myself (without paying a nanny a fortune in childcare). How would you help a busy mom ‘shop’ and style her closet and put quick outfits together? Polaroids? Lookbooks?
MA: I work by appointment at The Bay downtown. It’s so easy to book an appointment, come down, spend a couple hours(like, 1-2) and come away with a whole selection of items that all work together, fit properly and are fully endorsed by someone who may pay a little more attention to fashion that you might. I also have a package called “tied together” that allows me to come over to your house and put some outfits together with items you already have and take pictures so you remember what goes with what. I send you a little book so you can have it on hand for your reference. This comes in handy at fashion week…barring that :)… work trips, or holidays, or everyday suggestions. This takes around an hour and a half…just enough time for your kids to go to the park and back.
UM: Is it necessary to revamp a closet every season? How can you work with a stylist to help you do this in the most cost-effective way?
MA: It isn’t necessary to revamp your “entire” closet every season. My philosophy is cleanse, build the basics and insert a few trends each season. Working with a stylist can save you thousands on making ill-purchases that you never wear. When working with a client, I have the benefit of knowing their personal style and recommending pieces each season that go with what they already have. Shopping seasonally is great for saving money and time. Women in their thirties can start building quality wardrobes that will last a decade by adding a few investment pieces each season. A great coat, a good purse, a classic boot etc.
Twins? I wish. I’ve always been likened to Kristen Davis, and once a guy on the street asked me out by saying that I looked like ‘Sex and the City’s’ Charlotte. He struck out, however, as I would rather have been told that I was a spectacular actor like ‘Sex and the City’s’ Kristen Davis. I had the opportunity to meet the new mother and icon on Friday, August 3rd, when she attended the launch event for Zarbee’s new all natural extra strength line of cough products for adults and children 12 and up at The Kimberly Hotel. The luncheon focused on keeping healthy as a mom while balancing work and life.
Hosted by Liz Gumbinner of Mom 101 and Cool Mom Picks, the event celebrated individuals that are an inspiration to their families and communities and I was lucky to have been interviewed by fellow Canadian Janice Croze of 5 Minutes For Mom. We spoke of work/life balance and the challenges of making healthy choices for our children.
On the question of balance, I shared that the word seems like a moving target. Not only does it seem unattainable, but the concept puts too much pressure on mothers. It’s like a constant benchmark imposed by society and we are always falling short. Surely that’s not healthy. Some days we’ll be with our families for a disproportionate amount of time, baking bread and playing blocks. (Ok maybe just the block part). Other days we’ll spend a long day at the office. Are either of these choices wrong if ‘balance’ isn’t struck on a daily or hourly basis? I don’t think so. I think that moms need to be kinder to themselves and look at balance from a more macro perspective.
Asked about health, I laughed. Feeling like ‘Mom of the Century’, I admitted that my kids play in a ton of dirt outside and I don’t really keep my house very clean. Shhh. Hopefully that’s why they are rarely ill! I tend to get sick a bit more than they do.
I have used Zarbees products in the past – especially because they are available at Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada. I have also ‘borrowed’ the kids’ medicines when I have been ill, as I prefer the natural choices, and, well, I have found that they actually work. Miraculously using dark honeys, zinc and vitamins, Zarbee’s is drug, alcohol, dye and gluten free.
Having just closed her Broadway run of The Best Man, Kristen expertly managed her motherhood and career while keeping everyone healthy. You can’t really call in sick on Broadway! Here are her Healthy Tips for New Moms:
- Eat Right: Prepare healthy meals and snacks (like brown rice) when you have a few minutes so you can throw it in the refrigerator and have something healthy on hand when you get the chance to eat.
- Go Natural: Rely on natural products you can trust, especially when you get sick. You can’t be at your best when you feel terrible! I love Zarbee’s because it’s an all natural product that helps with coughs and allergies without making me drowsy.
- Make Time for Yourself: It is hectic being a mom so try to carve out some “me” time during the day – even just a minute to breathe and assess what you need so you can be at your best for your baby.
Disclosure: UrbanMommies was hosted for lunch and received samples of Zarbees products for review.
Let’s face it: motherhood is wonderful, fulfilling, and beautiful…but sexy? Rarely. I recall those early, exhausted, blurry post-partum weeks, where engorged, sore breasts and puffy faces and bloated bellies were par for the course, and how very un-sexy I felt. Every new mom feels that way, despite what the celebrity gossip mags say. You may be feeling as sexy and sexual as a wet dishrag right now, but there will come a point where you realize how cute your partner looks in those jeans again, and you’ll want to do something about that…believe me. Here are some ways to get your mojo back and how to feel sexy after baby. The two things are NOT mutually exclusive!
Be Good to Yourself–Splurge and Pamper Yourself a Little! Sure, you might be a bigger pants size than you were pre-pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have something to flaunt. You’re a mom now, and your body is different, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t just as good as it was before–or even better! Treat yourself to a few new clothes that flatter your body: play up those fuller hips and more generous bust, or even better, some new lingerie! Buy a cute new purse (you won’t be hauling a diaper bag around ALL the time, after all), or a pair of cute new shoes or earrings. Get a massage, have your nails done or your hair cut and styled, take long bubble baths (enlist Dad’s help to nail down time for that!), or do whatever it takes to help you start to feel beautiful and desirable again. When you love yourself and feel sexy, it’s hard for others to disagree!
Take Your Body Back. No, you may never be exactly the same after pregnancy as you were before, but you can do something about getting fit, strong, and toned again. Exercise boosts energy levels, pumps you full of feel-good endorphins, and increases levels of hormones that make you feel and look better, so get moving! Take a yoga, pilates, dance, or martial arts class to make you feel strong, limber, and have better endurance. Those qualities will definitely help you in the bedroom!
Get Your Brain Working Again. All new moms know how easy it is to allow your brain to turn to oatmeal after having a new baby: the demands on your body and time are mind-numbing and not conducive to adult conversation, much less “adult interaction.” Wake yourself up! Read a novel, see a good movie, develop a new or existing hobby, get out with friends! Anything to get that brain working on something beyond feeding schedules and dirty diaper duty. Since the brain is the body’s primary sexual organ, once it’s revved up and ready to go, the rest of you won’t be far behind.
Have Some “Me Time”. This is not a date night for you and the hubby–get away from him and the baby, and spend some time by yourself or with your girlfriends. Remembering you’re not “just” a mom and spouse is important; decompress a little, let your hair down, and enjoy some independence. You’ll go home feeling lighter, freer, and will appreciate your kid(s) and your partner more, so you can be a sexy mommy.