And then she learned the cha cha. Kaylyn Kyle isn’t lacking for much. A bronze medal in soccer for Canada’s National team in the 2012 London Olympic Games. A coveted spot with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The honour of being a Right To Play Athlete Ambassador. The ability to make others smile with her amazing savvy social media interactions. (And of course the long blond hair and being named multiple times as one of the most eligible women in Canada.) Kaylyn is currently learning the cha cha for a Saskatchewan charity gala similar to ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
As my readers know, this is a magazine – not a blog. From time to time I (as the publisher) feel the need to pontificate. (Hopefully with wit and good grammar.) Hold your tongue – you readers with hefty English degrees.. This one is ‘on being an ambassador’ (and I’m one for writing like I speak).
I was invited to an overview of P&G products. Having been a McDonald’s All-Access Mom I know what it means to align yourself with a brand. (Insert nail biting here). You must know everything about the company and it’s practices – often more than the employees or executives. You must field questions via social media, be honest on camera and willing to put in 14-hour days. You must be an investigative reporter with discerning questions (without being kicked out of the program entirely – for what good would that do?).
I admit that I hesitated. The McDonald’s experience was more than I had bargained for and yet I discovered a company and culture that were incredible. And then I was asked to be a P&G Mom. Who was I to demerit another ‘huge’ company based on rumour and social media pressure? But the term ‘ambassador’ has certain responsibilities. I agreed to see what they had to say. I knew that given my experience, I was able to ask the right questions. I was willing to take the social media heat.
So I went. And I am so thrilled I did. Of course I’m a ‘Four Season’s girl (they hosted it there) and love trying new products (which many of us have donated and have been sent to Hurricane Sandy victims in New York with the help of Coach USA). But there was more. More good. More positive.
The executives I spoke to about toxicity and environmental responsibility emailed me back the next day (on a Saturday) with specific answers. The PR folks were proactive in addressing my concerns. Other executives from Proctor and Gamble delved into my mind, looked into my eyes over dinner – and they REALLY wanted to know how I felt about… laundry – not just their laundry products. I felt as if I could make an impact. If I am honest, open and transparent – when I bring concerns from my readers to the appropriate people – perhaps I / we can help guide the direction of the company. I really believe this is what P&G had in mind with the program.
On the big day of the conference, P&G hired a moderator to get feedback from real moms on so many of their products. That’s corporate responsibility. That’s smart. (It also gives them a huge savings on big-idea consulting.). When the McDonald’s executives discussed their program over dinner with the 4 moms involved in the All-Access program, I certainly felt as if we had made an impact. The CEO took handwritten notes. He asked a hundred questions. (And only a portion of our feedback was positive. But they didn’t want to hear the positive stuff.) They wanted the moms’ perspective on what needed to be changed to make them a better company. They know what they do well. They want to be better. And as true ‘ambassadors’, we were in a position to tell them.
That’s what an ‘ambassador’ means. You need to know more about the company than most of the employees. And be willing to be smart and mature on social media. You need to think outside the box. To seriously consider negative feedback from social media and take a risk to get the real answers. You need to meet the people behind the company – the chemists and farmers and salespeople. This is why companies are paying attention to Mom ambassadors. That is what will propel the profession and help the public connect with the brands. And that is why any time we agree to the role of ‘ambassador’, it is a big job. A big responsibility.
From what I have heard and read so far, I am very much an ambassador. But I chose to get my BA in theatre and politics – not in chemistry or sales – and I cannot learn all of these arts in a few days. So I invite all of my readers – just as I did as a McDonald’s All-Access Mom – to ask questions. You know more than I do about your own experience as a Mom and a professional – and as an ambassador, I am simply a conduit to extracting honest and relevant answers. We’re all parents. We all want healthy, happy kids. Ask me. I assure you I will get the answers. That’s what an ambassador does.
What is a luxury? Louis Vuitton, of course. And silk pajamas. A suite at the Four Seasons. Truffles are at the top of my list. This is fun. I like this game. But what about less obvious facets of life like health and education? Are sport and play a luxury? Life skills? Are the notions of co-operation, teamwork and fairness luxuries too?
Our friends at Make Up For Ever have sent along a treat just in time for the Hallowe’en transformation. You can find tips and step-by-step instructions on becoming an underworld beauty, glampire bride, otherworld beauty, skull candy character, Hallowe’en Queen, or Mod and Monstrous creepy person in these Halloween Face Charts. FYI – They’re pretty scary so you may want to close your eyes.
Safety during Halloween extends to the entire family including pets. These safety tips from PetSmart will help ensure pet parents and their pets have a safe and fun Howl-O-Ween.
· Keep them happy. “Before having pets join in the Halloween fun, it’s important to assess whether your pet will be comfortable participating or if the festivities will cause undue stress,” says Dr. Simon Starkey, pet care expert at PetSmart. “Pets may be alarmed to find a ghost or witch at the front door so make sure there’s a quiet space away from all the activity in case your pet needs it.”
· Make sure treats are pet friendly. Many Halloween treats are not pet-friendly, especially those containing chocolate. Make sure to choose pet-safe treats to celebrate, such as GREENIES® Dental Chews, which also keep pets’ teeth clean and ensures their breath isn’t scary.
· Keep them safe. If you plan to walk your dog around the neighborhood in the evening, make sure they’re properly outfitted and at ease around strangers and crowds. An adult should always have control of the dog’s leash, and reflective leashes, collars or ID tags are essential accessories. Some pet costumes also offer safety features such as the glow-in-the-dark Martha Stewart Pets™ black Halloween skeleton costume.
· Decorations without danger. Halloween decorations can be scary, but should not be dangerous. Pet parents need to make sure curious cats and dogs are unable to reach lights, decorations, candles and other festive items.
Halloween is my family’s favorite holiday. We go crazy decorating the outside of our house with pumpkins, screaming skeletons, witches and spiders. When we’re done. we love to curl up on the couch together and watch Halloween movies.
Here’s a list (by age group) of some of our favorite Halloween movies. (All of them can be ordered through amazon.com.)
Ages 3 and Older
Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie: It’s Halloween in the Hundred Acre Wood. Roo’s best new pal, Lumpy, is excited to trick-or-treat for the first time … until Tigger warns them about the dreaded “Gobloon.” It’s a tame movie with a great message about the importance of friendship.
Tom and Jerry: Tricks and Treats : I grew up watching Tom and Jerry cartoons and after watching this DVD, I understand why these cartoons are perfect for smaller children: there is a lot of action and the scenes aren’t too scary. Even the frightening looking witch in the Flying Sorceress, who I thought would be a bit too much for younger children, didn’t cause too much commotion or hiding by the littlest ones. Disclosure: I received this DVD for review purposes only. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review.
Casper: Three words to describe this movie: Fun, Wholesome & Entertaining (for the whole family). The movie is based on the old “Casper” comic book series about a lonely (but friendly) ghost who lives in an old, abandoned and dilapidated house with three other, less friendly, uncles (who are also ghosts): Stretch”, “Stinky” and “Fatso”. When a ghost psychiatrist and his lonely daughter move in attempt to tame the “Uncles” a fun and great story of friendship unfolds. One word of warning: This movie is rated PG. There is some mild language and elements that could be considered questionable for young children. That said, our family loves this movie & our list won’t be complete if we did not mention it. (Yes, even the 9 year old sits still during MOST of the 1½ hours.).
Ages 5-7
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: It’s a classic and suitable for the whole family. We never get tired of watching it. Although I do feel bad for Linus, who waits with Sally in a pumpkin patch for the great, mythical creature to arrive as well as for Charlie Brown, whose receives only rocks in his bag, the overall movie is hilarious and deemed a classic for a reason.
The great Debbie Reynolds stars as Grandmother Aggie in this Disney Classic. The premise is based on the concept that witches, ghouls and other “creatures of the night” live in a place called Halloweentown, an alternate world. When Grandmother Aggie visits her grand-daughter, Marnie, she reveals that Marnie’s mother, Gwen, has been hiding a secret: the children all possess supernatural powers. Once Marnie turns thirteen, her grandmother informs her that she must begin her training as a witch or lose her powers forever. Of course, a brewing crisis between good and evil in Halloweentown causes the entire family to be pulled through a portal and into an intense battle against ghouls, goblins and a warlock. This is good Disney Halloween fun with a wholesome message about the power of family, cooperation and perseverance. The ghouls are creepy looking but aren’t likely to cause nightmares in younger family members.
This is a fun, light hearted film about three witches that the whole family can enjoy. The setting and decoration is perfect and has that great Halloweeny feel. The film is a wonderful family treat that will delight and entertain the whole family. (Okay, one word of warning: Part of the premise is the witches need to find a “virgin” to sacrifice. I wasn’t too comfortable going into a complete explanation of the word with my, then, 7 year old. I was afraid it would ruin the flow of the movie if she asked and I just wasn’t up to it.)
Some other “Oldies But Goodies” that we are “dying” to watch this year include:
- The Little Vampire: Get ready to watch it over and over again
- Scary Godmother: Great for 5 to 8 year-olds
- Blackbeard’s Ghost: It’s Disney, rated “G,” made in 1968 and I still hide behind my husband
- Bell Book and Candle: Quirky romantic movie featuring James Stewart.
- And of course: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Finally, if your kids are like mine and in need of some new scares and thrills, these are a few of our stand-by Halloween favoirites:
- Nightmare Before Christmas (Tim Burton at his best)
- Coraline (Another stop-gap animated movie)
- Beetlejuice (Another Tim Burton classic. But, strangely, my husband refuses to watch this one)
- Addams Family
- Monster House and Monster Squad
Hopefully, you found a few titles that peak your curiosity. Did I miss your favorite Halloween movie? Are there other titles that I should add to my family’s collection? We’re dying to know what we missed!
Renee Keats is the US Content Editor and a writer for UrbanMommies Media. When not checking homework or carpooling to extra-curricular activities, Renee is often found scouring the internet, specifically Pinterest, for the latest in culinary & fashion adventures.
The news channels and blogosphere are exploding with hostile reactions to a Canadian Dad blogger’s comments on Babble about having a favourite child. With two sons ages 2 and 5, he admits in writing and in the public sphere that though he loves both sons, he likes the older boy better. Our society loves a chance to weigh in on parenting choices, and this discussion is pretty juicy.
“I admit it, my oldest son is my favorite because he can do more things. To me, he’s more fun. I don’t love either of my sons any more than the other, but I do like them differently. I’d be willing to bet you’re the same.”
That the revelation has gone viral suggests that the issue is close to the hearts of many parents. The backlash the blogger has received is not always mature or appropriate (as can happen when people hide behind a keyboard) but a chord has definitely been struck.
Many dads find the baby stage more challenging and less fun than the older years and I respect those who admit to this. I would suggest, though, that moms feel this way as well. Raising a baby is tough. It’s work. It’s not always fun for the moms either – babies throw food on the floor, refuse to sleep, hit you in the face, sport leaky diapers and pick the lock on the knife drawer. But you have to embrace every stage in order to grow the bonds that are being created.
I am sure part of the ire is due to the blunt writing and challenges put forth by the author to his audience. But would the parenting world be reacting and truly considering the question if it were more passive or humourous? I’m not sure.
I wrote an article about over-sharing in social media and the public space. I cautioned that the disclosures of bloggers, tweeters and facebook-junkies will exist in perpetuity and that as parents we have a responsibility to protect the reputations and psychological states of our children. They will one day be applying for university and will probably start Googling themselves once they can spell. There is a fine line, and it is currently undefined. I was initially reacting to flippant sharing that may one day be embarrassing or misconstrued. Reading the comments and reactions to this article, though, I hope that the author has a broader plan up his sleeve. If discussion on the topic can remain constructive and healthy, perhaps society will become a better place. And as a parent who also happens to be a journalist, this blogger will have to handle his younger son’s reaction to his Dad’s revelation when he is more mature.
Though I would not choose to reveal this type of personal information in a public forum, I appreciate that the author has encouraged conversation. He has inspired thought and people are evaluating their own positions on the matter. I may have sleep trained differently than my neighbour. I may have chosen to make organic baby food when time allowed. But that worked for my family. The type of honesty espoused by the author is a choice that he has made as a parent. Though it wouldn’t work for me, who am I to judge other parents? (Well – not the ones who abide by the law anyway). Walking a mile in someone’s shoes may be cliche, but we are all different. We come from different backgrounds and have different values. That is the beauty of our society. I am sure Judy Garland was judged for introducing Liza Minnelli to show business, but maybe the world is a better place for the art that was created and the millions of people made happy.
So let’s have a good healthy discussion, but keep the barbs and venom out of the playing field. We’re all in this together as parents, and we should build on each others’ experiences so that we can raise amazing kids.
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.