When I was a student, I felt quite strongly about having a grown-up household on a low budget – especially for the holidays. In decorating my Christmas tree, I discovered gingerbread ornaments and white bows. Combined with tiny white lights, it was the most beautiful tree I had ever seen. (and the anatomically correct gingerbread people made great conversation at parties). Because we at UrbanMommies love the environment, and also feel that you can be stylish too – you might want to bake these with your kids. I kept mine for over 10 years. (Two tips: a) they don’t taste great after a few years. b) don’t let your dog eat them.)
The holiday season is an exciting time for children, full of glittering decorations and new things to explore. Unfortunately, all those unfamiliar items and the distractions of the season can lead to injuries. Here are some common seasonal hazards and the simple steps you can take to keep kids safe:
Safe decorating:
-Keep Christmas trees well watered at all times. Dry trees are a fire hazard.
-Check all lights, bulbs, sockets, and extension cords to make sure nothing is frayed, cracked or broken.
Awaiting the birth of a second child brings many questions: Do I have enough love to share? How will we cope with the increased workload of two children? And, of course, how can we best support our first child in the transition to life as a big brother or sister? The key to helping your child prepare for this transition is to understand and appreciate the dramatic changes to family life brought by the birth of a new baby. Loss of the normal routine, having to share the spotlight, and enjoying less undivided attention can leave an older child wondering “What about me?”
The Dear Santa Letter…. What a fabulous activity to do with your kids… a letter to Santa written on old-fashioned stationary can help you figure out what they want for Christmas, and will probably be the first time they’ve used a mailbox. (PS. He’s also on email now so you could flip him a note with your iPhone..) The 11,000 volunteers at Canada Post are awaiting the mail, and if you send something by Dec. 3rd, your child will receive a response. Address correspondence to: Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO. www.canadapost.ca
How many of you are curious to find out how tall your children will be when they reach their final adult height? Will they be tall or short? Who will they take after? There isn’t a magical formula that will provide you with the exact answer. However, according to several calculators, you can get a good idea – or an estimate – of what your child’s height will be when they are an adult.
Attend your holiday gatherings with confidence if you follow our advice on Maternity Evening Wear. Focus on fabric, fit and colour to get a look that flatters and flaunts your pregnant belly.
Needing some Mommy-inspiration? Grab some fluffy slippers and flop on your sofa. You don’t even need lipgloss to check out these flicks. And if you’re interested in getting into a real theatre to see a new release, you needn’t fret. Many cinemas have implemented programs to enable you to come with the babies and kids. You might not be able to hear a pin drop, but at least it’s a dark and comfy place to breastfeed! Be sure to check out Movies for Mommies, Stars and Strollers, and Vids for Kids.
Having just one newborn is enough to set off every aspect of a normal lifestyle, so if you’re having twins – or are already experiencing the tornado of “needs” that comes along with two newborns at the same time – you will have to get used to maximizing your time and resources. Once you have lined up your available resources, figure out a schedule that works for you. We know that you’re thinking: “Easier said than done”, and you’re right, but you would be surprised how much less stressful your life can be, even with newborn twins!
There’s something about a loft bedroom that brings out the kid in even the most mature. And for actual kids? Up, down, up, down. And then sound asleep. Nice. Whistler’s Adara Hotel boasts many loft rooms and funky decor. It’s also pet-friendly and centrally located. (Being right across the street from the Bearfoot Bistro is also a huge plus..) We loved the red, brown, leather and wood style in every area of the Adara. The lobby’s rundlestone walls, shiny red vinyl sofas and wine bar made for a contemporary and stylish atmosphere. (The music was so funky I wish I could have bought the playlist.) With wireless access, super-soft linens, furry bedspreads and valet service, it might just be the next place for a Mommy Retreat.
From time to time we visit a very special city, where people, food, attractions, accommodations and the arts are all so exceptional that the place has its own soul. (We’ve been trying to find a North American locale to match Paris for a while.) Success! It is without a doubt, New Orleans. When I travel I take notes. How’s this for an interesting list.. Cuisine – turtle soup, jazz, horses and buggies, gracious southern manners, gas lanterns outside every building, mardi gras beads laying in the streets, voodoo, fortune tellers and cheap fedoras.