TestDrives: Porsche Cayenne

auto, GEAR By October 3, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

The Porsche Cayenne as a Family Vehicle:  As we begin our roundup of luxury family vehicles, we’re making a few assumptions, like you can afford drop the coin on the hefty pricetags (or like to dream), and also that you don’t care much about juice boxes flinging over the seats and Cheerios smushed into the carpet.  That being said, the safety, convenience, and luxury of the cars we’ve been test driving will absolutely make you feel like the super-star Mom you are.

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A Better Kid's Height Chart

GEAR, home By October 3, 2010 Tags: , , , No Comments

Rather than the usual devices that need to be attached to the wall, or the door way, this is basically a folding measuring rod with cute little illustrations and a place to put the name and the date of birth and you can measure and record whenever you want to. And when you are moving, well, then you just take it along and don’t worry about finding another spot for the permanent one…  Cute, practical, perfect for kids to play around with!  Available at Charles and Marie.

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Fairmont Pacific Rim

Canada, ROAM By September 26, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Heading to the car with luggage, 2 screaming toddlers and wearing a ducky backpack (that quacks), I wasn’t too sure about the whole vacation-in-my-own-city.  Pulling up to the stunning Fairmont Pacific Rim, though, things improved quickly.  We were greeted with juice boxes, and the doorman remembered the kids (by name) from the time we had come to Oru for lunch.  (Orange chopsticks and the best kids menu ever keep us coming back).

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can stress cause miscarriages

Can Stress Cause Miscarriages?

FAM, health By September 21, 2010 Tags: , 4 Comments

Although some miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities, sperm antibodies, blood clotting disorders and anti-nuclear antibodies, 50 % of miscarriages are due to an unknown cause. Our chronic life stresses, ie. traffic, bosses, finances, will limit non-essential bodily functions, one of which is reproduction. Stress releases cortisol hormones which in turn suppresses progesterone. Progesterone is essential to maintain the uterine lining and the pregnancy. The question many pregnant moms ask is – can stress cause miscarriages?

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kids shoe size chart

Kid’s Shoe Size Chart

FAM, kids By September 15, 2010 1 Comment

Do you ever see a great deal on cute little leather Mary Janes or winter snow boots and then, well, AAAGH.  You can’t remember the exact size of your children’s’ feet! They change so fast – don’t they? Well, with our little cheat sheet Shoe Size Chart, you will be fine.  Cross off their current size as they are wearing it, and you’ll be one step ahead.

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Family Meal Planner

eat, LIVE By September 15, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you hit the grocery store at 4pm with screaming kids and gray hairs emerging by the minute?  Try our new Family Meal Planner.  With days of the week across the top and even a space to plan snacks, you can make it part of your weekly routine, and even incorporate some of our fab family recipes.  Family Meal Planner. Bon Appetit!

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Google for Kids

apps, GEAR By September 13, 2010 Tags: , , No Comments

Do your kids beg to use the computer and you rack your brain trying to find educational opportunities instead of games?  With a few tips from Google you can keep your kids busy and stimulated. Check out the following list of online activities kids can do using free web tools to explore the world, travel through time, and use their imaginations.

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Real Hot Chocolate

EAT, snacks By September 12, 2010 Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

Remember those days as a child, coming in from the rain and snow and sitting down to a huge mug of hot cocoa?  If you’re going to indulge, you might as well do it from scratch.  It’s easy, healthier, and you can’t beat the taste.  Fill a pot on the stove with the desired amount of milk.  Next, mix equal parts sugar and cocoa with a bit of the hot liquid.  This prevents clumping.  (You can also use Callebaut chocolate, chocolate chips, honey or brown sugar).  Add the chocolate mixture to the hot milk and pour into cocoa cups.  We like the china kind, but for kids, try mini tin camping mugs.  Warm memories and special traditions.  Try it with our shortbread if you dare!

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Healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry

Healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry

eat, LIVE By September 12, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Ever look at a healthy recipe and think, ‘Wow.  I’d love to be able to throw some quinoa or kamut into these muffins but I don’t have any…’ 

Our nutrition expert weighs in which healthy basics to keep stocked in your pantry to make your whole family healthier.  You need these things on hand before you can stick them in meatballs, spaghetti sauce or pancakes. And it’s a great excuse to buy funky jars.

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