No App for That! A Parent’s Guide to Explaining Simpler Times

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Feb 09 08:26:24 PST 2016

From online shopping to on-demand video, our lifestyles have evolved drastically over the last couple decades from simple pleasures to instant gratification and handheld convenience. As a new mom, I often find myself wondering how I’ll ever explain life pre-iPhone to my children; it sounds borderline unconscionable even as I type! I rely on technology as much as the next person, but I’m still nostalgic for a simpler time before social media governed our lives and things weren’t handed to us on a smartphone silver platter. Below are just some examples of the bygone era we adults once enjoyed, I wish you luck as you try and describe them to your kids! Libraries Who remembers the Dewey Decimal System? If you answered yes – congratulations! You’re old. Believe it or not, kids, there was a time when ‘Googling It’ wasn’t an option and these ancient edifices known as Libraries housed all the available research on a particular subject. Mind-blowing, I know! Video Rental Just for the fun of it, try explaining to your child how you once left the comfort of your couch to rent a movie, only to realize that your first choice was out of stock and you had to settle for second best. Report back on their dumbfounded look as they come to terms with a world before Netflix. Home Phones “What do you mean there was only one phone line for the entire house and everyone shared it?” I can practically hear the horror in your teenager’s voice as you explain this wildly outrageous concept. Snail Mail Back in the day, people used actual paper to send notes back and forth in a process that also involved walking to a mailbox. Mail that was sent it off on a Wednesday usually arrived circa the following Friday. Your kids are probably Snapchatting their friends right now about how prehistoric and strange you are. Milk Delivery They’ll flip out when they hear there was such a thing as home delivery by someone other than Amazon.com! Cameras Once upon a time, there was completely separate device used to take photos that you couldn’t also use to call your best friend and play Angry Birds. Inside this gadget was something called film, a sheet of plastic with a finite number of images that had to be developed and printed in a process that took about a week; is their mind blown yet? Wait until they find out there was no Instagram! For all the conveniences of technology, I’m grateful to have been raised in an era before anyone uttered the phrase “there’s an app for that.” I maintain there’s nothing more gratifying than getting a piece of handwritten mail and no replacement for a photo you can put in a frame. We can’t stop the world from moving forward, but every so often we can take a (humorous) look back on what once was and bring our kids in on the far-fetched tale of a much simpler time. RELATED LINKS:

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Strathcona Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Wed Apr 26 10:27:23 PDT 2017

Appearance was great, very clean. Beds were comfy, but not the softest. Pillows were my fav part of the stay. I love my pillows, and the more pillows the merrier. Would recommend it, especially for downtown. If you really want to stay right in the heart of the city, this is the place. The hotel … Continue reading Strathcona Hotel Victoria →

Sandman Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Tue Apr 25 11:16:20 PDT 2017

We hosted a meeting at the Sandman Hotel in Victoria and were very impressed with the staff and their ability to accommodate us and last minute changes. The facility had wifi available, the projector and screen were ready and waiting for us, water service was well situated and the layout was done to our specifications. … Continue reading Sandman Hotel Victoria →

Strathcona Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Wed Apr 26 10:27:23 PDT 2017

Appearance was great, very clean. Beds were comfy, but not the softest. Pillows were my fav part of the stay. I love my pillows, and the more pillows the merrier. Would recommend it, especially for downtown. If you really want to stay right in the heart of the city, this is the place. The hotel … Continue reading Strathcona Hotel Victoria →

The Heart Amidst the Heartbreak

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Mon May 09 06:12:23 PDT 2016

As a born and raised Albertan, I feel emotionally struck by the images emerging out of my home province this past week.  The scenes of burned-out neighbourhoods – in a region already reeling from a slumping economy – are incredibly disheartening. Amidst the wreckage, however, there has been an unprecedented outpouring of support from across the country which has added a desperately needed sense of optimism and hope for better days ahead.  As of Monday morning, the Red Cross is reporting that a staggering $54 million has been raised to help the people of Fort McMurray. It makes me so proud as an Albertan, as a Canadian and especially as a parent to see the country’s generosity on full display. At a time when television airwaves are flooded with derisive soundbites from unnamed American politicians, it fills my heart with so much joy to see examples of unbridled kindness from coast to coast in our great country. My favourite illustrations of Canadian compassion from this past week are those involving children.  From an ice-cream stand in Nova Scotia to a car wash in Niagara Falls, kids across the nation are helping turn tragedy into a teachable moment of caring for all of us. A quick Twitter search yields some amazing examples of philanthropic efforts initiated by kids, parents and teachers to help Fort McMurray rebuild, see below: This family drove 6 hrs from Coaldale, AB with 600 flowers. Mother wanted make to evacuees smile. #ymmfire #yeg pic.twitter.com/9vofzcH69m — Travis McEwan (@TravisMcEwanCBC) May 8, 2016 If you are in #YEG, T is raising $ for the #RedCross. #donations come with a free #lemonade! #ymmfire #ymm #yeghelps pic.twitter.com/tfTO3RsNYl — C Paige Bozarth (@CherylBozarth) May 7, 2016 Yrs of kids selling ice cream = Westlock Elem donating $10,000 to #ymm Red Cross. https://t.co/V0utMdCdQR #phrd7 pic.twitter.com/5p8KHonvsx — Suzanne Lundrigan (@newalberta) May 7, 2016 What an amazing shift in perspective for the thousands of people directly impacted by the flames and the millions more watching from home, to see a story of unimaginable loss become a story of unprecedented support, generosity and hope. Congratulations to everyone who has donated their time and money to helping the people of Fort McMurray, especially the many kids across Canada who have shown tremendous heart amidst the heartbreak. RELATED LINKS: “Meanest Mom Ever” Teaches Kids a Hard Lesson on Manners The Magic Words A Family’s Strength

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Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Fri Apr 28 10:23:46 PDT 2017

This hotel is located on a relatively quiet street close to downtown. I found it comfortable and clean. Shout out to guest services and housekeeping. Two things would have earned five bubbles on this review. My room had what appeared to be an older style heating unit complete with night “rattle”….and the towel rack placed … Continue reading Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour →

What Families Can Learn From Muhammad Ali

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Jun 09 16:46:18 PDT 2016

The worldwide eulogizing of arguably the greatest personality of the 20th Century has been simply riveting to observe, on so many levels and for so many reasons. Each of us should make time, regardless of age or interest, and take in a little bit of the more-than-full life lived with passion, purpose and principle that Muhammad Ali led. And the heavy, weighty legacy he leaves behind. What struck me about the self-professed ‘greatest of all time’, or #GOAT as one of my kids reminded me is something I hope that my children will embody in their own lives: Muhammad Ali was his own man. Love him or hate him, question him or applaud him — he did his own thing. That ‘own thing’ was usually rooted in a commitment to doing the right thing — and often against definite, daunting odds. Doing the right thing for him was a mirror reflection of his personal beliefs, hewn from his upbringing and environment. After all, we are all ultimately products of how we were raised and the environment we are exposed to — are we not? His unwavering principle is something to marvel at. Principle supported by action. He didn’t just talk the talk (which in itself he was highly-skilled it and evidenced in a litany of piercing quotes). He backed it up with action — which was usually followed by some degree of conviction and courage — cause being your own man is usually a road riddled with potholes, even in the best of times. Just think about the pockmarked backdrop that defined Ali’s formative years: racial strife and social injustice (the plight of ‘colored’ people in the United States at that time), political unrest (the Vietnam War for which Ali refused to be conscripted) — all this and much more as the fire ignited in the 12-year-old boy who set out to be the architect of his own destiny, emerging as a confident, outspoken boxer of ‘colour’ whose drive, diligence and desire propelled him to international fame, glory and controversy. Muhammad Ali had many reasons to throw in the towel (something he rarely if ever did in the boxing ring) — in his life. Instead he persevered to pursue his beliefs, seemingly never swayed by anything or anyone but his strong sense of self and his personal convictions. That is something to be admired. And definitely something to emulate. And in my opinion, sadly, a dying breed. Today, doing the right thing, is also widely tested but in different ways. Measured against opinion from our family, friends, classmates, social media, the internet, what the Joneses are doing — it’s a robust, often influential list. It is easy to get sidetracked and even sideswiped. Staying the course is not a matter of course. The tide of ‘peer pressure’ ebbs, flows and usually devours those who hesitate. At the end of the day, the only real measure of any consequence should be doing the right thing. Easier said then done. As a

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Royal Scot Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Mon Apr 24 10:09:04 PDT 2017

Quiet comfortable rooms, clean, professional, and the location was excellent. We walked to dinner each evening, walked down to the waterfront for New Year’s Eve fireworks, short walk to shops. We had a one bedroom suite that was exactly as advertised. The front desk was very friendly and competent. My go to place in Victoria … Continue reading Royal Scot Hotel Victoria →

Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 29 14:28:00 PDT 2017

Location was great, quiet, green leafy street, walkable to sites and restaurants. Property was beautiful, decor was attractive and interesting, and ‘Penthouse suite’ was fabulous! Hosts were very welcoming and helpful and knowledgeable about the area, attractions, restaurants, and events. Breakfast was incredible, it’s the first time I had ‘courses’ for breakfast. 🙂 They even … Continue reading Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn →

Swans Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Thu Apr 27 11:19:11 PDT 2017

We had a wonderful lunch of Reuben sandwiches and beer. Thank you Eugenie for the attentive service. We stop at the Swans when we are in Victoria as the food quality and service is consistent, so it was a return visit. Swans was recommended to me by several co-workers. Swans is in a great location. … Continue reading Swans Hotel Victoria →

Website Design Forums?

by Mavecryst @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 22:11:26 PST 2018

Hi all, need some advice on where to go / what to look for if I have not learned HTML / HTML5 before but need some basics on what I can/cannot do. ...

Fare Choice

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Apr 11 03:51:52 PDT 2013

by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com I was recently privileged to be invited to a food photography workshop, which was organized in tandem with a taste-testing session for a line of new healthy menu options at one of Canada's leading quick service restaurants.   As we speak, Wendy's Restaurants of Canada is rolling out flat-bread sandwiches, made with artisan breads, grilled and filled with lighter, more nutritional fare. It certainly is great to see another chain broadening their menu choices for the increasingly discerning customer palate.   The sandwiches I sampled were flavourful, aesthetically pleasing and most filling. I commend Wendy's and other restaurants in their category for evolving their menus and for displaying a keen interest in following customer trends and accepting customer feedback. At the end of the day, their mainstay is burgers and fries and they are not compelled to offer anything more. Hamburgers will always sell. Nothing wrong with having one from their grill or your backyard barbecue from time to time, despite what the nutritional zealots may say.  My opinion only. It brings up a rather hot-button parenting topic — moderation and limits. Many nutritional militants (and I respect their stance, though don't always agree with the all or nothing approach) will argue that this category of restaurants should either cease to exist or reduce their bread and butter offerrings (burgers and fries) to an after-thought.  I have never understood this.  People can eat what they want.  The key, in my opinion, is to teach a baby, then a child to understand moderation and limits. I don't know a soul who does not enjoy a burger once in a while, including my vegetarian friends who feast on the non-meat variety. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, provided it is made as advertised — with pure ingredients. However, if that particular food is consumed too frequently or incessantly, problems will occur.  Too much broccoli is not good for you either. Moderation. Limits. I am not defending fast-food chains (which is a term we are hearing less these days), I am defending exposure to healthy food and ultimately choice. As one of the producers of an award-winning DVD on healthy eating for babies and toddlers and the author of a book on the same subject, I consider myself to have an educated opinion on the subject.  A child should be exposed to healthy foods from their very first bite.  I'm talking about a majority of natural ingredients, freshly prepared, not pre-packaged.  If this occurs consistenly, over time, you will have likely raised a person who is mindful about what they eat. Nothing is wrong with the occasional pre-packaged meal, restaurant visit or the like.  Banning it completely is a mistake and that's where the nutritional zealots need to perhaps revise some of their approach. Consistent exposure. Moderation. Limits.  The key ingredients in fare choice.    

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Week 5: Make it Stick!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Mar 31 16:11:32 PDT 2016

By: Corey Etherington Nutrition Month has come and gone but our healthy eating journey is just beginning! I have learned so much over this past month and my goal moving forward is exactly what Dietitians of Canada has set out for all of the participants – to Make it Stick! This past month gave me confidence in the kitchen that I didn’t know was possible. I overcame my own fears and self-doubt and realized that I actually CAN cook. That is a great accomplishment but the biggest feat by far was that I managed to successfully feed my family something fresh, new and tasty almost every night. Prior to this challenge, I was feeding my toddler Edie in her high-chair while hurriedly trying to prepare something for Ross and I to eat once Edie was asleep. Being able to eat together over the last few weeks was awesome and Edie absolutely loved it. She looked forward to it and ate so much more than before. Eating as a family definitely made a difference for her and I know I want to keep that up! I plan on taking all that I’ve learned and applying these healthy new habits moving forward. Below are just some of my favourite nutrition tips: Create weekly meal plans Write a detailed grocery list and stick to it! Buy quality ingredients including more local ingredients whenever possible Ensure I am cooking enough for next-day leftovers! Continue to try new things and new cooking techniques Amanda showed me that cooking at home is possible even with a busy lifestyle. Her guidance and encouragement really helped and I’m so thankful for the nudge she gave me to participate in the 100 Meal Journey. Working with a dietitian doesn’t have to be something we save for when there’s a health problem. I hope you have enjoyed following along and I hope you too can Make it Stick! For more expert advice on healthy eating, contact: Amanda Lapidus, RD, BSc.Registered Dietitian, Simply Nutrition 416-805-2584, amanda@simplynutrition.ca, www.simplynutrition.ca RELATED LINKS: Week 4: Tips and Tricks for Trying Something New! Week 3 Recap: Prioritizing Portion Size Week 3: Prioritize Portions Week 2 Recap: Quality Counts! Week 1 Recap: Meal Plan Your Way to Success! Stocking-Up On Nutrition Month Essentials! Following One Family’s Journey to Healthier Eating

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Royal Scot Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Mon Apr 24 10:09:04 PDT 2017

Quiet comfortable rooms, clean, professional, and the location was excellent. We walked to dinner each evening, walked down to the waterfront for New Year’s Eve fireworks, short walk to shops. We had a one bedroom suite that was exactly as advertised. The front desk was very friendly and competent. My go to place in Victoria … Continue reading Royal Scot Hotel Victoria →

Policing the Internet

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu May 02 03:47:02 PDT 2013

by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com Had the most intriguing chat with a business acquaintance a few days ago.  He is not married, and doesn't have children.  But at one point the conversation turned to parenting.  He brought it up. I listened intently, agreeing and shaking my head in affirmation (inside my head of course), so as not to appear overzealous about what was perplexing this person and why I agreed so completely with his stance. Whether parents want to admit it or not, and frankly it doesn't really matter what age your child is, the innappropriate content that exists online and the ease of access to it is, in a word, frightening. Firewalls, restrictive software, YouTube disclaimers, scoldings and warnings only get so far.  The question that this gentleman and I (many times especially in recent years) are asking — why is porn not being policed on the net?  In a world where homemade bombs, terrorist plots, jihadist training, murderous plans and schemes, cyberbulling seem to preoccupy the waking moments of many of us, it seems that butt naked men and women performing unspeakable acts have eluded our attention.  It is most definitely time to shed light on this growing concern. As the parent of two teen boys and a nine-year-old girl, this topic is on my radar.  Not because I have had to address it in my household so far (goodness help us if and when that time comes), but because it is part of the reality of parenting in 2013.  Period.  If you do not come to grips with the p-word, it just may put you in a vice grip and have you flailing helplessly. Regardless of your opinion on the existence of porn in the world at large, children of any age SHOULD NOT have access to it.   Add that to the idea that children these days seem to know too much from a young age, then add to that the idea that they seem to mature at a rapid rate, throw in the reality that girls seem to mature at a more accelerated rate than boys and you suddenly have a pretty potent mix.  Once you throw in unrestricted access to porn on the internet — CRINGE, we all should cringe. I don't pretend to know the answer but whatever that answer is has to be quite stern and sweeping in nature.  No exceptions. This is serious stuff.  It deserves our undivided attention.  Especially because kids, by and large, learn much by modelling behaviour they see.  What is scary is when they feel the need to model behaviour that they likely do NOT understand. Enough said.  

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Member of the Month: Emily Mak

by Julia Cherkassky @ Terminal City Club

Fri Feb 02 09:52:04 PST 2018

From a young age, Ms. Emily Mak’s parents could already tell that she had the chops to be a lawyer. “I was opinionated, stubborn, and I liked to debate,” she says. “It’s funny now, because I really did become a lawyer, and I married a lawyer, too!” Born and raised in Vancouver, Ms. Mak studied urban geography at UBC. “I’ve Read More

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Cooking Pig Blood Inexpensive Healthy Soup

by @ Case Mariastromvik Recipes

Mon Feb 12 20:45:03 PST 2018

When I was a girl I was often told I would not be able to cook because I am blind. Cooking Pig Blood Inexpensive Healthy Soup julie Power was spot on when she exclaimed “I’ve been cooking mushrooms wrong this whole time!” JC does not offer any unexpected advice on the matter. Look no further […]

Summer Health Tips

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon May 04 20:43:38 PDT 2015

Dr Benjamin Burko, our resident pediatrician, assistant professor of pediatrics at McGillUniversity and Medical Director of the Tiny Tots Medical Centre talks about Summer Prevention! Everything you need to know to keep your kids safe outdoors this summer – from West Nilevirus, to swimmer’s ear and avoiding food poisoning, Dr Burko has easy tips and practical advice for parents.

The post Summer Health Tips appeared first on Where Parents Talk.

Red Lion Inn Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 10:54:02 PDT 2017

We arrived at this hotel July 21, 2016. Nice looking from the outside, but that’s where it ended. Room was a terrible left over from the 80’s and falling apart. We went out for the evening and returned at 12:30am to a room that was about 84 degrees. AC had stopped working. Went to the … Continue reading Red Lion Inn Victoria →

Citrus Yogurt Sauce

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Mar 26 20:00:05 PDT 2015

Citrus yogurt sauce recipe. For full recipe see our recipe section,

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WhereParentsTalk.com on The Lynne Russell Show on NewsTalk 1010

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon May 04 20:36:32 PDT 2015

Lianne Castelino of WhereParentsTalk.com is interviewed live, in-studio on The Lynne Russell Show on NewsTalk 1010 on June 5, 2010. Lynne and Lianne talk about how to keep the kids occupied in the summer, cost-effective summer fun, parenting tips and advice, working in a male-dominated field so much more! A former anchor on CNN Headlines News, Lynne hosts a weekly show, Saturdays from 1-3pm on NewsTalk 1010. Learn more about Lynne: http://www.newstalk1010.com/shows/1001529  

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Seasonal Allergies and your Children

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Wed May 22 14:09:56 PDT 2013

It seems like allergies this spring and entering summer are on the rise, both in children and adults. While weather is most certainly a leading contributor to the amount of pollen floating around, there are a host of other factors.  The following links provide information, tips and advice on how to prevent and treat allergies. Allergy Prevention Tips Fact Sheet  Allergy Survey  Kids Allergy Fact Sheet      

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Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Fri Apr 28 10:23:46 PDT 2017

This hotel is located on a relatively quiet street close to downtown. I found it comfortable and clean. Shout out to guest services and housekeeping. Two things would have earned five bubbles on this review. My room had what appeared to be an older style heating unit complete with night “rattle”….and the towel rack placed … Continue reading Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour →

Swans Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Thu Apr 27 11:19:11 PDT 2017

We had a wonderful lunch of Reuben sandwiches and beer. Thank you Eugenie for the attentive service. We stop at the Swans when we are in Victoria as the food quality and service is consistent, so it was a return visit. Swans was recommended to me by several co-workers. Swans is in a great location. … Continue reading Swans Hotel Victoria →

Week 4: Tips and Tricks for Trying Something New!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Mar 21 11:14:19 PDT 2016

By: Amanda Lapidus, RD, BSc The theme for nutrition month this week is Try Something New! So I’m encouraging all of you to join the journey and try something different. Here are a few kitchen hacks to test out this week: Monday  Become a Garlic Guru Q: Love using fresh garlic but hate that it takes so long to peel? A: Microwave the head of garlic for about 20 seconds and the peels will slip right off. Q: Can’t stand that your hands smell like garlic all day? A: Try rubbing your hands on your stainless steel sink.  The stainless steel molecules  bind to the garlic molecules getting rid of that pesky smell.  Isn’t science cool!? Tuesday Cooking Gingerly:  Chop fresh ginger into one-inch pieces and freeze them for use at a later time! A microplane grater (like the one below from William Sonoma) is ideal for adding finely-grated ginger flavour to some of your favourite dishes! How to Peel Ginger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9zgXSdnPGI Wednesday Skinning a Tomato: Make an X on the bottom of your tomatoes Throw them into a pot of boiling water for 1 minute Take the tomatoes out with a slotted spoon and put them into a bowl of cold water or an ice bath. Lift them directly back out, peel back the skin with a knife or your fingers. The skin will slip off like a charm.  Thursday Trim the Fat! Have you ever noticed a thin layer of oil on the top of a soup or stew? If you drop a couple of ice cubes into a soup, stew or casserole, you’ll see easy to scoop globs of fat form. This is because the fat will begin to congeal in the colder areas. Friday Don’t Boil Over! Ever walk away from the stove only to hear the sizzle of water boiling over on to the burner? Place a wooden spoon across the pot or pan of boiling water and it stops it from boiling over. Problem solved! Saturday Freeze-in the Freshness! Use ice cube trays to save fresh herbs, sauces and stocks to use for future meals. Just pop them out and reheat as part of your next meal. This cuts down on waste and helps save money too! Sunday A Juicy Tip! I love when a recipe calls for lemon or lime juice but some lemons and limes are a little more difficult to juice. The trick? Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to make juicing them much easier. I hope you find these tips both fun and useful in your journey to eating healthier meals at home! For more expert advice on healthy eating, contact: Amanda Lapidus, RD, BSc.Registered Dietitian, Simply Nutrition416-805-2584, amanda@simplynutrition.ca, simplynutrition.ca    RELATED LINKS: Week 3 Recap: Prioritizing Portion Size Week 3: Prioritize Portions Week 2 Recap: Quality Counts! Week 1 Recap: Meal Plan Your Way to Success! Stocking-Up On Nutrition Month Essentials! Following One Family’s Journey to Healthier Eating 5 Ways to Teach Kids About Nutrition Reading Nutrition

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Ramada Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 22 13:46:58 PDT 2017

Management does try, but both times we stayed we had problems. We stayed here because it was cheap. It was for training I had to do and it accepts pets (we have 2 dogs). The rooms look decent, nice up-to-date linens, furnishings, etc. but the walls have stains/marks on them (age)? There were no glasses … Continue reading Ramada Victoria →

Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Fri Apr 28 10:23:46 PDT 2017

This hotel is located on a relatively quiet street close to downtown. I found it comfortable and clean. Shout out to guest services and housekeeping. Two things would have earned five bubbles on this review. My room had what appeared to be an older style heating unit complete with night “rattle”….and the towel rack placed … Continue reading Victoria Marriott Inner Harbour →

Cambridgeshire blackmailer jailed for punching toddler

by adam86shadow @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 09:17:10 PST 2018

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-43031991 ---Quote--- A man who punched a toddler in the face in a bid to blackmail the...

Royal Scot Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Mon Apr 24 10:09:04 PDT 2017

Quiet comfortable rooms, clean, professional, and the location was excellent. We walked to dinner each evening, walked down to the waterfront for New Year’s Eve fireworks, short walk to shops. We had a one bedroom suite that was exactly as advertised. The front desk was very friendly and competent. My go to place in Victoria … Continue reading Royal Scot Hotel Victoria →

Red Lion Inn Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 10:54:02 PDT 2017

We arrived at this hotel July 21, 2016. Nice looking from the outside, but that’s where it ended. Room was a terrible left over from the 80’s and falling apart. We went out for the evening and returned at 12:30am to a room that was about 84 degrees. AC had stopped working. Went to the … Continue reading Red Lion Inn Victoria →

Sandman Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Tue Apr 25 11:16:20 PDT 2017

We hosted a meeting at the Sandman Hotel in Victoria and were very impressed with the staff and their ability to accommodate us and last minute changes. The facility had wifi available, the projector and screen were ready and waiting for us, water service was well situated and the layout was done to our specifications. … Continue reading Sandman Hotel Victoria →

Swans Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Thu Apr 27 11:19:11 PDT 2017

We had a wonderful lunch of Reuben sandwiches and beer. Thank you Eugenie for the attentive service. We stop at the Swans when we are in Victoria as the food quality and service is consistent, so it was a return visit. Swans was recommended to me by several co-workers. Swans is in a great location. … Continue reading Swans Hotel Victoria →

Teach Kids The Values London Victim Christine Archibald Lived By

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Feb 03 06:38:19 PST 2018

The story of Christine Archibald’s final moments are wrenching, plain and simple. Not ONLY because she is Canadian. But because of the way she died. How she chose to spend her short life. And the tangible way her family wants everyone to remember her. Christine Archibald. (Photo: Twitter) The 30-year-old from B.C. died in her fiance’s arms — struck down by a careening van on the London Bridge — presumably the work of terrorists. Chrissy, as she was commonly known, was a social worker, caring for the homeless and people with addictions. Compassionate and empathetic. Two words that appear repeatedly in quotes about her. Two traits that are so lacking in the world today. Two important characteristics that parents should be teaching and modelling to their children — for their own lives and for the communities in which they live. In the midst of unimaginable shock and pain, Chrissy’s family released a statement whose message should move us and be seared into our psyche as individuals and as a society that continues to reel from brazen acts of outright hatred and the wanton disregard for human life. “She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected.” – Archibald family statement A society that is increasingly focused on individual pursuits and less on the common good: A society that is increasingly focused on individual pursuits and less on the common good: “She had room in her heart for everyone and believed strongly that every person was to be valued and respected,” the statement said. “She would have had no understanding of the callous cruelty that caused her death.” The family asked that people honour her memory by making the community a better place. “Volunteer your time and labour or donate to a homeless shelter,” the statement said. “Tell them Chrissy sent you.” Value. Respect. Community. Volunteer. Time. Labour. Donate. These are all important principles that children need to be exposed to from a young age, that should come automatically as they get older, because it is part of the fibre of their being. That’s because their parents — who are their first, most important and life-long teachers — have taught them these important lessons. At the same time, parents should be seeking these very values and striving to embody them in their children.   Why parent from the sidelines? Too many parents in 2017 are on the sidelines, in my opinion. Pointing their fingers, judging others, offering their opinion when it is not requested, worried about what other parents might think. Letting devices, nannies, televisions, social media and others play a key role in raising their children — rather than rolling up their own sleeves and doing the hard work that is raising empathetic, compassionate, humble, respectful children. Yes, that’s right, it is HARD work, so if you are planning to have children and want to raise solid human beings, get ready to work for it. Just like professional athletes spend countless

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Back-to-school for parents – Workplace re-integration.

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Sep 22 13:15:21 PDT 2014

Lianne Castelino of whereparentstalk.com speaks to Marija Pavkovic-Tovissi, CEO of MaKami College about tips and advice for parents looking to re-integrate into the workforce after staying home with their children.

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Triple Lemon Cupcakes

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Mar 31 20:05:09 PDT 2015

Triple Lemon Cupcakes – We admit it! These super lemon-y, moist cupcakes aren’t really for the kids – enjoy! – Plain Organic Yogurt, Sugar, Egg, Canola Oil, Lemon Zest, Pure Vanilla Extract, Unbleached Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Sugar (Icing sugar), Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed), Sugar, – In a large bowl whisk the eggs, sugar, yogurt, lemon zest, oil and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Combine the 2 mixtures and scrape into 12 greased and floured muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Make the glaze: combine the 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Take cupcakes out of tins, poke a few holes in each with bamboo skewer and spoon glaze over top. make the icing: combine the icing sugar with 2-3 tbsp lemon juice and spread on top of each cupcake. Triple Lemon Cupcakes We admit it! These super lemon-y, moist cupcakes aren't really for the kids - enjoy! Servings Prep Time 12cupcakes 20minutes Cook Time 15-20 minutes Servings Prep Time 12cupcakes 20minutes Cook Time 15-20 minutes Ingredients 1cup Plain Organic Yogurt 1cup Sugar 3 Egg 1/2cup Canola Oil 2 Lemon Zest 1/2tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 1 1/2cup Unbleached Flour 2tsp Baking Powder 1/2tsp Salt 3/4cup SugarIcing sugar 7tbsp Lemon Juicefreshly squeezed 1/4cup Sugar Recipe Notes In a large bowl whisk the eggs, sugar, yogurt, lemon zest, oil and vanilla. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Combine the 2 mixtures and scrape into 12 greased and floured muffin tins. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Make the glaze: combine the 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/4 cup sugar in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Take cupcakes out of tins, poke a few holes in each with bamboo skewer and spoon glaze over top. make the icing: combine the icing sugar with 2-3 tbsp lemon juice and spread on top of each cupcake.

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Baby Led Weaning: An Introduction

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Wed Feb 03 07:25:20 PST 2016

Introducing solid foods into your infant’s diet can be a source of trepidation for parents. It seems health guidelines for what you should feed babies and when you should start are constantly changing, creating a feeling of confusion and even fear around the process. One philosophy of introducing solids stands in contrast to other theories because it encourages novice eaters to self- feed rather than be fed by a parent or caregiver. This technique has become known as Baby Led Weaning (BLW), a term coined by UK healthcare professional Gill Rapley. We spoke with Toronto-based dietitian and Baby Led Weaning consultant Amanda Lapidus who explained the basic tenets of this method and addressed some common misconceptions. 1. What is Baby Led Weaning? Baby Led Weaning is an alternative method for introducing complementary foods to infants where the infants actually feed themselves, meaning they self-feed as opposed to being spoon-fed by a caregiver. 2. Please describe some of the research behind Baby Led Weaning? In terms of the gold-standard of research (a double-blind, randomized control study) there hasn’t been any but I don’t think that type of research is possible or necessary for this. Observational evidence suggests Baby Led Weaning encourages improved eating patterns and can lead to healthier body weights because babies were able to self-moderate. They were also seeing in observational studies that babies were developing better chewing skills, better dexterity and better hand-eye coordination. 3. Will we see that type of “gold standard” research next? I think randomized studies will be done which is what most of the studies have suggested in terms of future research in this area. 4. At what age are babies typically ready to feed themselves? I recommend 6 months with Baby Led Weaning, which goes along with World Health Organization recommendations. The reason is at six months, babies have the developmental skills to get food into their mouths and should be able to sit upright. 5. Some parents are worried about the possibility of choking? Is this a concern? The risk of choking goes along with feeding regardless of whether you practice Baby Led Weaning or you feed with purees. The risk is more related to what you’re feeding your child. If you’re feeding them foods that are choking hazards, then they will be at an increased risk. With Baby Led Weaning, as long as you’re offering them safe foods they’re not at an increased risk. Their gums are strong enough to chew soft food. There is some observational evidence that you’re actually decreasing a baby’s risk of choking as you’re working with their gag reflex to improve their ability to handle foods. When you’re pureeing food, they’re just learning to swallow as opposed to manipulating the food on their own. When they put the food in their mouths, they might gag a little but gagging is good. Gagging is a safety mechanism to prevent choking. It’s a retching movement that actually pushes food away from their airway. It’s mostly just scary for

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Westin Bear Mountain Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 30 13:33:21 PDT 2017

Stayed for one night with a room with a balcony over looking the golf course and ice rink , lovely view. Room and bed were very comfortable. We enjoyed an excellent breakfast in the morning in the restaurant . It is a bit remote but that is it’s charm with golf , swimming and soon … Continue reading Westin Bear Mountain Victoria →

Mothering in Midlife – An Interview with Cyma Shapiro

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Mar 28 04:05:03 PDT 2013

Lianne Castelino Cyma Shapiro is a 55-year-old mother of an 8 and 10-year-old and step-mother of a 28 and 30-year-old.  1-What are some common characteristics of midlife moms? First and foremost would be the incredible amount of dedication, perseverance, conviction, willpower,determination and intention that we've used just to become mothers – in many ways against all odds. Very few of us simply became pregnant or easily adopted a child. And, nearly all of us employed huge amounts of money, time and energy to get here. Secondly, we're often coming into this new journey during times of enormous personal (hormonal) changes. That factor, alone, separates us from our younger “sisters.” Some of us are not only “Baby Boomers,” but we're also the “Sandwich Generation” – that is, nearly all of us have aging parents, or our parents are no longer with us – a loss of both emotional support and familial strength for ourselves and for our children. Lastly, many of us also have two generations of children. While our middle-aged counterparts are often celebrating the fruits of an empty nest or a possible “reinvention” in midlife, for most midlife mothers, our children are our reinvention! 2-Tell us about your art gallery show, NURTURE: Stories of New Midlife Mothers. The first show of its kind, now traveling North America, NURTURE is intended to: dispel myths, create a dialogue regarding this burgeoning group, redefine women in middle age and provide role models for women choosing motherhood over 40. The show is comprised of both dramatic black and white photos of 25 out of 58 women from across the country and their families, combined with the pared-down narrative text (hundreds of hours of discussions). My journey from support group to show is long and winding! My original desire was just to create a community of mothers over 40. Nearly five years ago, I formed a support group in my area for new mothers over 40, but quickly realized that none of the women felt simpatico with each other. Searching for answers to both my own sense of isolation and confusion over our mothering life-choices in midlife, I decided to network across the country interviewing women who had also chosen new midlife motherhood. The end result, originally intended as a book, became the show. The women subjects range in age from 41-63, represent every possible family unit and have come to motherhood in seven differing ways:  IVF, natural childbirth, surrogacy, adoption, fostering, guardianship and blending stepfamilies. Some of the women subjects are “pioneers” – that is, the first women in our country to employ: surrogates, IVF, etc. Although my intention was to convey their truthful, poignant, and often painful stories of love and loss, the end result, en masse, is actually a testament to the power of love, the creation of family and the desire to just be a mother. 3- What made you decide to start your blog? As a journalist, my inclination was to add my own writings and the writings of others to this body of work. Our Midlife Mother mission

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Kids Talk – the ABC’s of Cancer: Have you heard about cancer? (Part 1)

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Feb 01 09:51:29 PST 2014

Kids hear about cancer. We all do. Experts say it’s important to talk about it. In this first part of our World Cancer Day video series, ‘Kids Talk- the ABC’s of Cancer’, we ask kids, “Have you heard about cancer? If so, how?” Don’t miss their answers. Plus, Dr. Mary Gospodarowicz, Medical Director, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, tells us why it’s important to talk about cancer.

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Cambridgeshire blackmailer jailed for punching toddler

by adam86shadow @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 09:17:10 PST 2018

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-43031991 ---Quote--- A man who punched a toddler in the face in a bid to blackmail the...

Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 29 14:28:00 PDT 2017

Location was great, quiet, green leafy street, walkable to sites and restaurants. Property was beautiful, decor was attractive and interesting, and ‘Penthouse suite’ was fabulous! Hosts were very welcoming and helpful and knowledgeable about the area, attractions, restaurants, and events. Breakfast was incredible, it’s the first time I had ‘courses’ for breakfast. 🙂 They even … Continue reading Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn →

Ontario Minister: Let the Kids Play!

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Jul 11 08:34:03 PDT 2016

Ontario’s Minister of Children and Youth Services has penned an open letter to Toronto’s City Council making his case for why the city’s current street hockey ban should be lifted.  Council is expected to debate the issue later this week. Michael Coteau says Ontario’s capital city can lead the way for other places around the province to encourage outdoor play. “Road hockey bans are commonplace in municipalities across Ontario and I am hoping your council will show leadership by making it clear that children can and should play safely on neighbourhood streets,” he said.  “A vote to overturn the prohibition and let kids play will challenge other municipalities to abolish similar road hockey bans in their own communities.” In his letter, Coteau, a father to two young daughters and MPP for Toronto’s Don Valley East constituency, stressed the many upsides of physical activity that go beyond on the obvious health and wellness benefits.  He said life skills such as communication, patience, perseverance and teamwork go hand-in-hand with an active lifestyle. Tomorrow at Toronto City Council, I hope all councillors will agree: we need to #letthekidsplay pic.twitter.com/wsA6Z8BxsH — Michael Coteau (@coteau) July 11, 2016 At paramount issue in this debate is the safety risk posed to children who are playing in the street. Council will also weigh the potential hazard for motorists as well as possible interference with city maintenance.  A city staff report recommends keeping the ban in place for those reasons. “Transportation Services believes that the “Status Quo” option represents the best balance of competing needs. Recognizing that street hockey, basketball, and other sports activities do occur on public roadways, there are legitimate safety and liability concerns with permitting this activity,” the report states. Coteau says he’s taken safety under consideration in his proposal and believes there are ways to encourage physical activity while also ensuring the well-being of children across the city. “The obvious issue at hand is the safety of our children, and I agree that our kids need to be safe, but there has to be a better way than denying them of their right to play,” he said.  “That’s why I am urging all City Councillors to think carefully about this debate.” RELATED POSTS: Play On Terrible Report Card Summer Fun  

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Ramada Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 22 13:46:58 PDT 2017

Management does try, but both times we stayed we had problems. We stayed here because it was cheap. It was for training I had to do and it accepts pets (we have 2 dogs). The rooms look decent, nice up-to-date linens, furnishings, etc. but the walls have stains/marks on them (age)? There were no glasses … Continue reading Ramada Victoria →

Family-Friendly Summer Treats!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Aug 04 06:13:54 PDT 2016

Lazy summer days wouldn’t be complete with our favourite warm-weather treats, but this summer, consider mixing up your family’s snacking routine with a variety of delicious – yet nutritious – bites. Contrary to popular belief, nutritious foods don’t have to be a total yawn fest.  There are several ways to put a fun and delicious spin on healthy alternatives, see below for some inspirational ideas! Summer Salsa! Turn melon, strawberries and pineapple into a colourful salsa and serve it up with whole grain pita triangles sprinkled with cinnamon. Savvy Skewers! Layer a variety of fruit and berries onto a skewer with a dip of plain Greek yogurt spiked with honey, cinnamon and a dash of vanilla. T Popsicle Fun! Think of your favourite flavour combinations and freeze them in popsicle moulds or blend up a frozen banana with honey and a few tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and you have instant chocolate banana ice cream. Delicious Dippin’! Kids love to dip, offer cut up vegetables along side a protein packed new spin on hummus by blending together edamame, tahini, roasted garlic and lemon juice, it’ll also taste great with some whole grain crackers. Hungry yet? Mixing in some nutritious alternatives will give your family that burst of energy they need to enjoy the rest of summer to its fullest! Enjoy! Melinda Lamarche has been working as a Registered Dietitian for more than 10 years.  After completing her dietetic internship at the University Health Network in 2005 she went on to complete a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition at the University of Toronto.  Melinda has experience working with Toronto Public Health and various Family Health Teams in the Toronto area.  Melinda recently completed a Culinary program and is using her new skills to prepare yummy and healthy dishes for her husband, daughter and new baby. RELATED LINKS Your Nutritional Guide to a Summer Full of Freshness Delight Your Senses with Our Summer Produce Guide Buy Local to Add “Spring” to Your Diet! Why Pulses are the Family-Friendly Food of 2016 Incorporating Pulses Into Your Family’s Diet Fall Foods Your Family Should Try Real Food: Feeding Your Children Right

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Sandman Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Tue Apr 25 11:16:20 PDT 2017

We hosted a meeting at the Sandman Hotel in Victoria and were very impressed with the staff and their ability to accommodate us and last minute changes. The facility had wifi available, the projector and screen were ready and waiting for us, water service was well situated and the layout was done to our specifications. … Continue reading Sandman Hotel Victoria →

Tax Tips for Parents with Cynthia Caskey

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Apr 30 00:19:52 PDT 2013

Lianne Castelino speaks to Cynthia Caskey, CFA, Vice-President, Portfolio Manager & Sales Manager, TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice to get some tips on options parents should consider before filing their taxes in order to maximize their tax return and refund for their children.

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Saving grace

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Sun May 03 21:06:20 PDT 2015

Do you spend too much time chasing your tail? These organizational tips will help you save time and stress. Does this sound familiar? “Mom, where’s my sock/guitar/soccer ball?” or “I have three lunches to make and the school bus will be here in five minutes!” With the school year underway, now is the perfect time to bring some order into your home and keep needless stress-producers at bay. What’s the biggest time waster and stress producer? For us, it’s looking for stuff. Stuff we need and stuff our kids need. Right now. For advice on how to stay on top of the gear and paperwork of parenting, we turned to professional organizer Kerri Lewin of Clutterbug.ca, a company that provides organizing solutions for every area of the home or office by helping families establish systems that can reduce stress and save time. To read more click here

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Westin Bear Mountain Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 30 13:33:21 PDT 2017

Stayed for one night with a room with a balcony over looking the golf course and ice rink , lovely view. Room and bed were very comfortable. We enjoyed an excellent breakfast in the morning in the restaurant . It is a bit remote but that is it’s charm with golf , swimming and soon … Continue reading Westin Bear Mountain Victoria →

Red Lion Inn Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 10:54:02 PDT 2017

We arrived at this hotel July 21, 2016. Nice looking from the outside, but that’s where it ended. Room was a terrible left over from the 80’s and falling apart. We went out for the evening and returned at 12:30am to a room that was about 84 degrees. AC had stopped working. Went to the … Continue reading Red Lion Inn Victoria →

What's the Crisis?

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Mar 08 06:52:07 PST 2013

by Lianne Castelino, whereparentstalk.com Had the pleasure of interviewing one of Canada's leading thinkers on the issue of childhood obesity.  Dr. Mark Tremblay is Director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research at CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) in Ottawa.   We'd first spoken several years ago when the 'c' word was not being used to describe the situation.  That word, that journalists know to be wary of, is now the adjective of choice when referring to childhood obesity.  Yes, it is a full-blown crisis in this country. We used to point to our American neighbours with judgmental little fingers when it came to the obesity epidemic.  Why are their portion sizes so large, why are they not active, why do they make such poor nutrition choices — stereotypes that now Canadians, and a new generation of young Canadians also find themselves mired in, with no quick-fix solution on the horizon. This is not brain surgery, rocket science or reinventing of any wheel.  But apparently we seem to think so. I have written on this issue many times over the years and have shared some of the experiments I've done in my own neighbourhood and community to address it, but as I look at the stats — which are getting significantly worse —- I cannot help but zero in on one aspect of this debate that is getting generally overlooked and yet (in my opinion) lies at the very heart of the matter. In 2006, my business partner Andrea Howick and I produced a DVD called 'Yummy In My Tummy' — 45 minutes of golden information (recipes, nutritional advice, tips from medical experts) designed to educate and empower parents to set a foundation of healthy eating habits in their children.  It featured the past-President of the Canadian Paediatric Society, Dr. Denis Leduc, and one of Canada's foremost nutritional experts, Louise Lambert-Lagace — whose books remain the bible for parents from several generations. As my mom told me when I was pregant with my first child (almost 16 years ago), “children are born with no habits, whatever habits they develop are the ones we create for them.”  Sooooo true.  The 'we' here is us 'parents'. The goal of “Yummy In My TUmmy” was to give parents a simple, trusted and easy-to-use tool to refer to when they are about to begin feeding their children solid foods.  THIS IS SO IMPERATIVE.  It is somewhere around the 5-6 month mark that regular visits to the pediatrician with your baby are no longer required, however, I would argue it is at this time that you need your pediatrician the most — when you are about to begin feeding your baby real food. Let's face it, prior to entering the world of solid foods, most first-time parents are likely hanging on, eating whatever is in sight for their own dinner, not terribly fussed about preparing a balanced healthy meal (in many cases).  The transition from eating as a couple to eating as a family

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There’s No Time Like the Present When You’re a Parent

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Jul 08 06:16:22 PDT 2016

No one revels in the art of taking smart shortcuts more than yours truly. You know the one that leads from point A to D with expedience and without sacrificing quality. It’s a thrilling thing! And when you master it, there is no turning back. The sheer delight in increased efficiency, timely turnarounds and NOT wasting time is, “in short” — phenomenal! The convenience industry which characterizes much of society today includes a fulsome range of neat businesses and “hard-to-live-without” services running the gamut. From healthy daily meal preparation with delivery to your door, to grocery shopping online and the endless variety of cleaning services, personal trainers, landscaping artists — the list goes on and on. Then there are the veritably endless apps that can conveniently keep you honest with food intake and weight loss, sleep trackers and the enabling gifts of all kinds to magically appear at the front door of family and friends marking a special occasion — and within swipe or click or tap range, or flashing from a wearable device. It’s truly head-spinning material. Which brings me to a newly discovered convenience, one that may very revolutionize an entire industry: buying a car — from loan to purchase — entirely ONLINE. Honestly, I found the concept truly amazing. Making one of the largest purchases one has to make in their life, using the click, tap, swipe method. Whoa! It all got me thinking, as I watched my 16-year-old son climb into the gleaming taupe-coloured Driver’s Education car, with the instructor in the passenger seat, poised to begin the lesson. The convenience industry has definitely enabled efficiency to a large extent which means in theory we should be able to spend more time doing more of what we love and hopefully less time, doing the opposite. That should presumably give us more time to chase those creative pursuits, do more of what brings up happiness, free up time to spend on what matters — family, friends, fitness, faith, to-do lists before they become bucket lists on a time limit, etc. For parents, being able to tap into some of what makes up the convenience industry — hopefully the free or less-costly things — should mean freeing up time to spend that ever-elusive “quality” time with our children, spouses and partners. But does it? Or do we somehow resist the benefits of the convenience industry and fill up that newly gained time with more stuff — that “stuff” that renders us all busy, ALL.THE. TIME. The B word that forms the common refrain to questions like: How’ve you been? How is life treating you? What have you been up to? Time management is an ongoing odyssey for many of us, but for parents, it must be mastered quickly and on an ongoing basis as a matter of pure survival. Working parents understand this best. No time to waste. The clock is ticking. Drop-offs, pick-ups, schedules, nap time, calendars, activities, snack, meal and potty time, and of course timeouts.

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Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 29 14:28:00 PDT 2017

Location was great, quiet, green leafy street, walkable to sites and restaurants. Property was beautiful, decor was attractive and interesting, and ‘Penthouse suite’ was fabulous! Hosts were very welcoming and helpful and knowledgeable about the area, attractions, restaurants, and events. Breakfast was incredible, it’s the first time I had ‘courses’ for breakfast. 🙂 They even … Continue reading Villa Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast Inn →

Tax Tips for Parents: Maximizing your Refund for your Children

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Apr 22 04:05:15 PDT 2013

WhereParentsTalk.com speaks to Cynthia Caskey, CFA, Vice-President, Portofolio Manager & Sales Manager, TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice to get some tips on options parents should consider before filing their taxes in order to maximize their tax return and refund for their children. The benefits of an RESP, considering specific deductions at source, and more, Ms. Caskey breaks it down in simple terms, offering advice for both parents and grandparents and how they can make the best use of their tax refund for their children and grandchildren, rather than simply ‘spending or splurging’. Lianne Castelino interview with Cynthia Caskey, CFA Vice-President, Portofolio Manager & Sales Manager TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice Cynthia Caskey Bio    

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Peter Rabbit film producers apologise over allergy scene

by adam86shadow @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 09:13:47 PST 2018

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-43027764 ---Quote--- The makers of the new film Peter Rabbit have apologised after facing a backlash...

Savvy Snacks for Summer Road Trips!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Jun 07 06:36:23 PDT 2016

By: Melinda Lamarche Summer is here and it’s time to hit the road!  Whether exploring new places or rediscovering old favourites, family road trips can be loads of fun and a chance to create lifelong memories. To keep everyone’s spirits up throughout the journey, it’s a good idea to pack some delicious snacks to keep little tummies happy during those long stretches of highway.  Not only do homemade snacks save time and money along the way, they are also your best bet in terms of offering your family a healthy and satisfying nibble. Below are some tips and tricks to keep you and your family well-fed while on the road, here’s to a happy (and healthy) journey! SNACKING BASICS Choose snacks those that contain a source of carbohydrate for energy and some protein to keep you feeling fuller longer, examples include: yogurt and fruit, cheese and crackers, nuts and dried fruit. Before you hit the road, invest in a small cooler and ice packs. Look for reusable containers like mason jars and don’t forget to stock the napkins, wet wipes and utensils. SNACK IDEAS Yogurt, berry and granola parfait Layer plain yogurt, berries and granola in a mason jar, sprinkle with cinnamon and a squirt of honey before sealing the lid Hummus, veggies and bread sticks Spoon a few tablespoons of your favourite storebought or homemade hummus into the bottom of a mason jar, place cut up vegetables in the hummus and place the lid on top. Serve with whole grain breadsticks or crackers on the side Fruity tortilla roll ups Mix softened cream cheese with a little bit of cinnamon, vanilla extract and maple syrup, spread on a whole grain tortilla. Place a mix of cut up fruit and berries on top of cream cheese, roll up and cut into 1” circles Homemade mini muffins and fruit Make a batch of your families favourite muffins, be sure to use whole wheat flour and keep the amount of sugar low, sneak in some mashed bananas or applesauce to hike up the nutritional value, for some fun stir in some nuts or dried fruit and chocolate chips, bake in a mini muffin tin to get more and keep portions snack sized. Roasted chickpeas and cut up veggies Rinse and drain a can of chickpeas, place on a parchment lined backing sheet. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of olive oil, roast in a 400degrees for 30minutes, stirring occasionally, then sprinkle with your favourite flavours, try cumin, garlic powder and thyme. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the tried and true snacks, think cheese and crackers, fruit and nuts and granola bars. When buying crackers look for those that are low in fat, containing less than 5g of fat per serving, low in salt and containing at least 2-4g of fibre per serving. Choose unsalted and dry roasted nuts. Granola bars can be tricky, they are one of those foods with a health halo, meaning they are often marketed as being healthier than

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Spiralize Your Way to Healthier Home Cooking!

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Jan 22 07:58:25 PST 2016

Like practically everyone else on the planet, I committed to eating healthier in 2016 as part of my New Year’s resolution. I’ve made this pledge in the past, but this is the first year I have a child whose diet also depends on my dietary choices, so I’m more determined than ever to stick with it. During the course of my healthy-eating research to find nutritious, delicious and somewhat simple ideas, I stumbled upon a recipe for zucchini noodles or zoodles that looked incredibly tasty and well within my skillset as a novice chef. The next day, I purchased a spiralizer (a handheld and inexpensive tool for turning vegetables into pasta-like ribbons) and before I knew it, I was making Pasta Bolognese and Pesto linguine using fresh zucchini in place of pre-packaged noodles. Talk about a time saver! Because you don’t have to boil any pasta, you save yourself the preparation time in addition to the extra dishes. Simply spiralize your zucchini (I used two large zucchinis to feed my family of three) and mix the noodles into your sauce long enough for them to absorb the flavor. I know what you’re thinking, ‘there’s no way spiralized zucchini noodles taste as good or as filling as a hearty bowl of spaghetti.’ Wrong! It is just as satisfying and because you’re saving so many empty calories on the pasta, you can load up on healthy stuff like meat sauce, cheese and even a slice or two of (whole grain) garlic bread. Once you get into it, you’ll realize the list of fruits and vegetables you can spiralize is long and the possibilities are endless. Not only is it a healthy and fun way to incorporate vegetables into your family’s diet, it’s an excellent time-saver and leaves more room for everyone to focus on the important things, like…dessert! RELATED LINKS: ARTICLES: 5 Ways to Teach Kids About Nutrition Routines for Healthy Learning VIDEO ARCHIVES:    

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Personal Story: The Worst Gluten-Poisoning We Fear the Most

by noreply@blogger.com (Blaise Bazuik) @ Eat Your Heart Out--Gluten-Free Victoria

Sun Jun 19 09:56:00 PDT 2011

Thursday will go down in history as literally, and quite possibly, the worst day I've ever had. Aside from struggling that morning to take a very difficult exam, and being notified my August Sociology class got cancelled (potentially disrupting my funding), I was super starving, and the University Centre cafeteria was closed because of convocation events (this is usually where I grab some fruit and yogurt). I went to the Biblio Cafe once I finished my exam, and decided to try their gluten-free bagel with lox and cream cheese, called the West Coast Classic.

Westin Bear Mountain Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 30 13:33:21 PDT 2017

Stayed for one night with a room with a balcony over looking the golf course and ice rink , lovely view. Room and bed were very comfortable. We enjoyed an excellent breakfast in the morning in the restaurant . It is a bit remote but that is it’s charm with golf , swimming and soon … Continue reading Westin Bear Mountain Victoria →

One Question That Needs To Be Asked About Mental Health

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Feb 03 07:05:16 PST 2018

Mental illness, mental wellness, mental health — whatever your preferred reference — is increasingly on society’s radar. (And, yes, the subject in general is less taboo. We’re talking about it more, which in turn leads to it seeming more prevalent.) Health-care professionals, governments, academia, socially-responsible corporations, social service institutions — have heard the alarm being sounded and are scrambling to do their part to address this veritable “epidemic.” Research, education, increased support service offerings, budgets and fundraising are all areas of intense focus when it comes to addressing the onslaught of mental illness — be that in the young or old. And as this machine moves forward, there appears to be one question that isn’t grabbing the attention it likely deserves. What is the root cause of this incredibly sharp increase in mental illness? There certainly must be many people studying the question from a clinical perspective and lay people who have endured the clutches of mental illness who have their own reasons for why it happened to them, their spouse, partners, or children. And there certainly are those individuals for whom mental illness was borne from a clear medical diagnosis. But the core questions remain — where is it coming from? Why seemingly all of a sudden? What is at the heart of the issue? Mental illness is most certainly not a new construct or concept. Why so prevalent now? One of the most striking things about this subject matter is how far this serious issue has evolved in a relatively short period of time. As a young journalist in the mid-90s and 2000s, my colleagues and I were NEVER allowed to use the ‘S’ word. Even if the police, the fire department, the family, yourself — even if the entire world knew that the cause of a death was suicide — reporters were never permitted to utter the word in their script, stories, voice-overs — in anything. It was an unwritten but well-understood rule. There are parts of me that wish this was still the case, truthfully. In the era of ‘everything being out there’, of 13 Reasons Why, of citizen journalism, infotainment and sensationalized pseudo-journalism, unfiltered and raw social media — the ‘S’ word is no longer sacred. It’s in your face and mine. Pinning down the root cause or causes of mental health is/are pivotal. It/they will ultimately enable a more proactive, deliberate approach to addressing the issue, rather than what we seem to be living now — scrambling in reaction — once the damage is already done. Some of the potential root causes of mental illness — from anxiety, panic and eating disorders to depression, addiction, etc., — that are NOT diagnosed as a clinical medical, deserve our attention. As a keen observer, concerned citizen, colleague, friend and mother, I have my own theories on what some of these root causes may be: 1. Questionable parenting. Parents need more help and support now more than ever. And that has been case in the last 10-15 years. Yet,

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Parenting to Win

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Tue May 14 04:13:10 PDT 2013

As we look high and low for consistent signs of spring, our three offspring are well-entrenched in summer sports activities, namely, baseball, softball, soccer and ball hockey.  They love it, we love them loving it.  It’s all good.  Mercifully, our boys are on the same soccer and baseball teams and are able to transport themselves when required, so the schedule is very manageable. What is increasingly unmanageable though is the behavior that after all these years of participating in, watching my kids play and hearing about my friends’ kids experiences is — parental behavior.  Questionable, largely unethical, disrespectful words, thoughts and actions carried out by (thankfully) a minority of individuals, who are increasingly growing in number, ever so slowly. You may have met some of them.  They stack teams, yell comments, usually don’t lift a finger to volunteer as a coach, assistant coach, vociferously question calls, coaching decisions, bend the rules left, right and centre, slyly encourage cheating, winning at all cost, or they run everything and control teams, games, outcomes, standings and the like from their lofty perch. Tons o’ fun. Our family has watched this behavior at various venues and against a litany of backdrops/arenas/fields for years.  We usually don’t say anything and watch these people derail themselves.  But still, to this day it still amazes me. When adults display an overt need to WIN vicariously through their children no matter the circumstances, something must be said.  They are fashioning children who will likely do the same.  Great — a whole new generation of cheaters awaits. Note to them:  get over yourselves, it is only a game, remember your age, and finally, if you can’t do any of these, STAY HOME. The problem with saying nothing, as I have said to my kids on occasion, is that inaction, inevitably supports this cheating behavior.  By the same token, saying something, anything pits a RATIONAL mind against an IRRATIONAL one. Who do you think will ‘win’ that debate? In our family, we joke about it.  Not ideal, but you’ve gotta laugh to keep your sanity. Fortunately, for whatever reason, my kids have always landed on teams with fair and sane coaches.  We tell them to accept whatever team they are on and whomever their teammates are, even though most other teams feature stacked lineups built for minor sports supremacy.  We tend to repeat to them the refrain — ‘you get what you get and you don’t get upset’.  None of these factors ever seems to bother them.  Even the few times they have the option to choose friends/teammates to play with, they elect to choose one with the belief that selecting more than one is not fair to everyone else.  I don’t know where this all comes from, but we support it wholeheartedly. Apart from the infantile behavior of these ‘over-zealously competitive parents’, the people I feel bad for most are their children.  They will likely grow up to expect their mom or dad to gallop in on a white

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In Defence of Daycare

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Jun 20 05:47:13 PDT 2016

It seems we can’t go more than a few days without hearing a daycare-related horror story. From incidents of disturbing neglect to overcrowding, the daycare industry as a whole has come under serious fire in recent years. As a result of some of this negative press and my own preconceived notions, I really grappled with the prospect of enrolling my daughter in a daycare program when she turned a year old.  I downright resisted it for a while. In my mind, daycare wasn’t a place with a lot of rhyme or reason. I pictured dropping off my child in carpeted room with a few toys and basic supervision where she’d largely be left to her own devices for the duration of the day.  In short, I was expecting little more than a glorified and rather expensive babysitting service. I’m happy to report I was wrong. In the months since our daughter began attending daycare, I’ve noticed such positive developments in her growth and demeanor.  Beyond the obvious displays of maturity – from learning to eat with a spoon to expanding her vocabulary and learning to put her toys away – it’s been a joy to see her evolve socially into a tiny person with a life of her own. So much thought and care goes into the daycare’s daily curriculum, from indoor sensory activities to physical outdoor play, she is constantly stimulated by new and challenging activities to exercise her body and mind. Suffice it to say that seeing her thrive in her new environment has completely changed my perspective on what daycare’s all about.  The care and attention she receives coupled with the top notch programming has turned that “glorified babysitting” stereotype I once believed right on its head. At this point, I’d even be willing to say that choosing to go the daycare route was one of the best parenting decisions we’ve ever made. I realize my family’s experience isn’t universal and that plenty of daycares across Canada are the focus of justifiable anxiety, concern and in some cases – legal trouble.  We are extremely fortunate with our daycare experience thus far and it isn’t lost on me that many people in the system are not so lucky. The point of this post is simply to shed light on the other side of the issue and reassure any of the non-believers out there (I used to be one of them!) that beyond the disturbing headlines we so often read, are the many wonderful upsides of sending your child to daycare. RELATED LINKS: Tips for Choosing Childcare or Daycare Private School vs. Public School 6 Options to Make Private School Affordable

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“Meanest Mom Ever” Trashes Ice-Cream to Teach Her Kids a Hard Lesson on Manners

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Apr 21 08:33:23 PDT 2016

A U.S. reality TV star is garnering online attention and praise for her tough-love approach to parenting. Jaime Primak Sullivan, star of Bravo’s Jersey Belle, was appalled by her kids’ dismissive treatment of a Dairy Queen employee when the family was out for ice-cream this past weekend.   Not one of them said “thank you” to the young lady behind the counter or to their mom for purchasing the treat. In an online post that has since gone viral, Sullivan explained how she calmly counted to 10, gave herself a silent pep-talk, then collected each of the desserts and threw them in the garbage while her children  looked on in confusion and horror. Once everyone settled down, Sullivan says she explained to them the importance of treating people with respect and to really “look them in the eye and say thank you.”  At ages eight, seven and five, she says her kids are too old to overlook the importance of basic manners in everyday life. The reaction to Sullivan’s post has been overwhelmingly positive with many posters praising her tough-love approach to parenting and sharing similar experiences from their own lives.  The post has been shared 44, 000 times on Facebook and has drawn more than 350,000 ‘likes’ in just four days. In a subsequent video blog on her Facebook page, Sullivan says she viewed the Dairy Queen experience as a “teachable moment” and that a more measured response would not have yielded the kind of long-term impact she’s was looking for. “I would like them to treat people with basic human decency, perhaps more than basic – forever,” Sullivan said. “Because if I die tomorrow, I’m leaving you with my three children, so I would like for the world to be better because they’re in it.” RELATED LINKS: Are Manners Passe? Teaching Civility & Manners Service with a Smile Keeping Up in the in Era of Social Media No App for That! A Parent’s Guide to Explaining Simpler Times    

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Consumer mentality and the family

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Jan 29 18:11:46 PST 2013

Dr. Maha Broum, Guest Contributor, Author, “Parenting Under Stress” If you go into any child’s room today you will find it hoarded with toys. Parents buy their children too many toys for a number of reasons: Guilt, as parents feel guilty for not spending time or giving needed attention to their children. Advertisers take advantage of parental guilt as a source for sales. Competitiveness and keeping up with the Joneses. Parents will buy any toy for their children because “all other kids have it. How can I not buy it for my kid? He might feel isolated of the other kids”. Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. Some parents think they can have it all, and that they can give everything to their children. Psychologists believe that too many toys does not allow for the full development of children’s imagination.  They prohibit the full exploration of a toy, and causes children to be superficial. But before parents control buying toys for their kids, they need to control their own consumption. Think, how many things you buy that you do not need? How many shirts you have? Pairs of shoes? Cars? Parents are caught in a vicious circle of work-buy-work-buy encouraged by advertisements that transfers any want to a need. In industrial countries like USA and Canada, the government encourages this cycle for more income and sales tax. Parents find it extremely hard to stop their consumer habits, not only because media set new values and create needs, but also because of a psychological need to impress others with symbols of higher social class. Consumerism and material possessions divert the individual from the true meaning of happiness and the value of relationships, and keeps people further from achieving self actualization. Brand names do not have a value in themselves, but they are social signals that some people use to identify themselves and find like-minded people. Many parents use their children as status symbols by dressing them in brand clothing and enrolling them in ‘classy’ activities like music and foreign languages. Adult children of such parents grow up feeling entitled to what they have and do not develop readiness for hard work. Consumer mentality makes us feel insecure with low self worth, even the most affluent of us.  The more we have, the more we need. We find that excessive seeking-wealth nations suffer of higher rates of mental disorders. They deal with artificial needs and place high value on money, possessions, looks and fame instead of connecting and sustaining meaningful relationships. To avoid the trap of consumerism we need to know who we are, what we value and what creative activities fulfill us, and value relationships. Dr. Maha Broum, author of ‘Parenting under Stress’ works as a parent/student guidance counselor in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Visit the book’s website at: www.parentingunderstress.com; follow its page on Facebook: Facebook.com/parenting under stress; follow us on Twitter: Parenting Stress. Watch WhereParentsTalk video interview with Dr. Maha Broum

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The PP effect

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Mar 11 06:49:51 PST 2016

Shhh. Listen closely. Do you hear the eye-rolling?  If it’s not audible to you, then hooray. Keep doing what you’re doing. Twenty-four hours later, the love-in between Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and US President Barack Obama continues. A toasty reception, glittering dinner, downright sizzling interaction and tons of media coverage generously heaped with — wait for it — positive statements and sentiments. There it is, that P-word. The one that gives many fits. Positive. And what in the world is so wrong with it, I’ve always wondered. Positive politics. Positive parenting. What could be negative about positive anything?  But the naysayers loom, of that you can be sure. You are what you attract and you attract what you are.  Take a look around. Such a true sentiment. Several years ago now, I made a conscious decision to politely walk away from negative energy. The younger, vibrant version of myself would have worked tirelessly to get to the bottom of why an individual was negative. The older, grizzled version of myself simply does not have the energy, time or desire. The naysayers can fend for themselves, I declared to myself a few decades ago. When I meet negative people, I spew positivity…if it kills me.  And it ain’t easy.  Exactly like parenting. What’s fascinating and disturbing to me is most negative people don’t know why they are in such a grey-black-dark state. Then there are those who I am convinced choose that mindset and revel in it. The same people who try to attract new recruits and often succeed. Having worked in television newsrooms for the better part of 20 years, both as a full-time employee and freelancer, I can count on two hands the number of positive people I’ve met.  We’re talking about finding brightness and energy within a stressful, competitive, constantly-changing, deadline-driven environment where largely negative human dramas are unfolding before your eyes and your responsibility is to tell that story. It’s not sunshine and daisies.  Yet, the positive people I’ve known from this environment over the years remain consistent in their action and mindset — fending off that tidal wave of negative energy deftly, swiftly and with every fibre of their being. It ain’t easy.  After all, ‘if it bleeds, it leads’, still holds true in media. I continue to hope for that to change. For parents, there is no greater challenge than to be positive with understanding your child’s behaviour, disciplining them or staying the course on punishment. Positive parenting requires patience, forethought, patience, example-setting and um, PATIENCE.  I fail at this more than I succeed, without question, but I never stop trying. I did not vote for the Liberals and Justin Trudeau, primarily because I was not crystal clear on his platform. My voting choice had nothing to do with personality and everything to do with pure politics — vision, plan of action, ability to inspire confidence in others and most importantly execution of the plan. Since his historic election victory, I have become increasingly

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Website Design Forums?

by Mavecryst @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 22:11:26 PST 2018

Hi all, need some advice on where to go / what to look for if I have not learned HTML / HTML5 before but need some basics on what I can/cannot do. ...

“Dads Don’t Babysit” Campaign Takes On Parenting Sterotypes

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Apr 29 06:52:26 PDT 2016

An advocacy group representing fathers who are their family’s primary caregivers is in the spotlight this week for its “Dads Don’t Babysit” campaign. The grassroots project went viral on social media after a Reddit user wearing a “Dads Don’t Babysit (It’s Called “Parenting”)” t-shirt posted his picture on the site under the heading “Important Message From a Dad to Society.” Since being posted, the photo has generated more than 3000 comments, including from men who say they can identify with the stereotype often imposed on them when they look after their kids. “It hurt really bad when I was a new, stay-at-home, dad and people would say or ask about me babysitting,” one user wrote. “My wife’s job had 70% travel and she’s going back to school for her masters, and we were in a new city with no family and only a couple friends, so I was “on” 24/7. The organization behind the t-shirt is the National At-Home Dad Network, a non-profit group that seeks to “empower fathers and champion a culture that recognizes them as capable and competent parents.” You can see the photo of the t-shirt below: RELATED LINKS: CBC Host Mark Kelley Talks About Fatherhood Keeping Up in the in Era of Social Media No App for That! A Parent’s Guide to Explaining Simpler Times            

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Peter Rabbit film producers apologise over allergy scene

by adam86shadow @ MMO-Champion

Mon Feb 12 09:13:47 PST 2018

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-43027764 ---Quote--- The makers of the new film Peter Rabbit have apologised after facing a backlash...

The Ultimate Oatmeal Cookie

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Tue Mar 31 17:27:07 PDT 2015

The Ultimate Oatmeal Cookie – Crispy or chewy? Chocolate chips or raisins? Large-flake or quick oats? It seems with oatmeal cookies, everyone has an opinion. a secret ingredient makes these a great chewy version. – Unbleached Flour, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Unsalted Butter, Shortening, Brown Sugar, Egg, Plain Yogurt (or Applesauce), Pure Vanilla Extract, Large-flake Rolled Oats, Raisins (or Chocolate Chips), – Preheat oven to 350F. Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Cream the shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add in the yogurt or applesauce and vanilla. Blend in the oats and flour mixture. Finally, stir in raisins or chips. OR you can divide the batter then add half the amount to each half. Drop by small tablespoon onto cookie sheets and bake 11 minutes approx. Don’t let them brown! Cool and serve The Ultimate Oatmeal Cookie Crispy or chewy? Chocolate chips or raisins? Large-flake or quick oats? It seems with oatmeal cookies, everyone has an opinion. a secret ingredient makes these a great chewy version. Servings Prep Time 6dozen cookies 20minutes Cook Time 11minutes Servings Prep Time 6dozen cookies 20minutes Cook Time 11minutes Ingredients 2 1/4cups Unbleached Flour 1tsp Baking Soda 1tsp Cinnamon 6tbsp Unsalted Butter 1/2cup Shortening 2,25cup Brown Sugar 2 Egg 1/2cup Plain Yogurtor Applesauce 2tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 3cup Large-flake Rolled Oats 1cup Raisinsor Chocolate Chips Recipe Notes Preheat oven to 350F. Mix dry ingredients together and set aside. Cream the shortening, butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Add in the yogurt or applesauce and vanilla. Blend in the oats and flour mixture. Finally, stir in raisins or chips. OR you can divide the batter then add half the amount to each half. Drop by small tablespoon onto cookie sheets and bake 11 minutes approx. Don't let them brown! Cool and serve

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Ramada Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Sat Apr 22 13:46:58 PDT 2017

Management does try, but both times we stayed we had problems. We stayed here because it was cheap. It was for training I had to do and it accepts pets (we have 2 dogs). The rooms look decent, nice up-to-date linens, furnishings, etc. but the walls have stains/marks on them (age)? There were no glasses … Continue reading Ramada Victoria →

Regent Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 09:59:29 PDT 2017

Lovely hotel, great location, friendly staff. Walking distance to great shopping and fun pubs. Room was ready when we arrived earlier than expected and we were allowed access immediately. Breakfast cafe has a great view of the water. Our second stay at this hotel. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite with views from … Continue reading Regent Hotel Victoria →

Why We Need to Ask Why

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Dec 17 20:32:01 PST 2012

by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com There will never be an answer to WHY? Not one answer that will justify the heinous act, not one answer that could possibly satisfy any one on the planet struggling to understand what would propel a 20-year-old boy to spray bullets through the bodies of helpless young children, gathered in a place where safety should never be questioned. For more than two days now, I have dragged myself around with my soul carved right out of me — thinking about the horror those children and teachers faced, about the terrifying reality 20 parents faced when arriving at Sandy Hook elementary to discover their child would not be going home with them.  What is happening? What makes a parent enjoy guns so much that they take their kids to a shooting range with them?   What propels a mother to keep guns in the house, with children in the same space? What makes a school principal and school psychologist risk their lives, then lose their lives to save their children? What kind of altercation sets of a 20-year-old to commit mass murder of the most innocent of victims? What signs were there if any that went unheeded — to get Adam Lanza the help he clearly needed? What sets people off to that degree? Why do lawmakers NOT get it.  Guns KILL.  People with guns can become KILLERS. How many more lives will it take to convey this message? Twenty young lives snuffed out so callously, inexplicably, so savagely — what will those sweet, precious lives be worth in the end?   At the very heart of this story is a less 'sexy' symptom or potential cause of this mass killing – the breakdown of the family. From what is known, the killer did not react well to his parents' divorce. His parents lived in different cities. His brother did not live with him. While none of this can be directly traced to Adam Lanza's actions, it certainly contributed to the person he was who then decided to commit this unspeakable act. When are we going to start prioritizing family again, giving parents the tools to succeed in their role as parents, empowering mothers and fathers with the critical responsibility of raising happy, healthy children.  Maybe Nancy Lanza was a model mother.  Perhaps Paul Lanza was a fabulous father. But their marriage failed, their family was broken and their youngest son driven to shatter the lives of 27 families and to send chills through the lives of many others. We need to ask why, then we need to roll up our sleeves and fix it, because it hasn't always been like this and it does NOT have to continue.            

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Brown Rice and Lentils

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Apr 04 22:47:30 PDT 2015

Brown Rice and Lentils – – Lentils (dry), Brown Rice, Olive Oil, Water, – Rinse lentils and discard any debris. Place lentils in a saucepan with water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the rice and cook another 30 minutes, until tender and all water is absorbed. Serve with a scoop of plain, full fat yogurt. Makes 2 cups (500 ml) rice and lentils. Brown Rice and Lentils Servings Prep Time 2cups 10minutes Cook Time 50minutes Servings Prep Time 2cups 10minutes Cook Time 50minutes Ingredients 1cup Lentilsdry 1cup Brown Rice 1tbsp Olive Oil 8cup Water Recipe Notes Rinse lentils and discard any debris. Place lentils in a saucepan with water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add the rice and cook another 30 minutes, until tender and all water is absorbed. Serve with a scoop of plain, full fat yogurt. Makes 2 cups (500 ml) rice and lentils.

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Great Expectations

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu May 09 04:05:30 PDT 2013

by Lianne Castelino www.whereparentstalk.com Several years ago now, I learned a term within a business setting, taught by a consultant who was brought in to educate us on a bunch of different things. He was good, his message most interesting.  I took several things away from it.  One of them was one of the 'golden rules' in business, but you could easily argue in life and most certainly in parenting. Under promise. Over deliver. Succinct, powerful, logical and rational. And absolutely bang on. Lately, and perhaps there is a correlation between the nuttiness of life these days, the speed at which we all seem to be moving, whether by choice or necessity, I have experienced a litany of people, situations, circumstances where people are NOT doing what they say they are going to do. I personally have a 3-strike rule.  People get three chances to screw up in my book (weighed by the level of the screw up), before I start to write them off and spend less time, energy or anything else on them. But when it comes to bigger, more official people in positions of power who are merely paying lip service, saying they will 'get back to you by…', 'call you on this date', 'follow up with you tomorrow at 4pm', etc., etc., and then turn around and DO NOT DO what they say they are going to do, I slowly become irate. Why commit yourself to such specifics, if you likely have absolutely no intention of fulfilling it?  Or if you know you aren't going to be able to fulfill the promise, for goodness sake let that person who is expecting the promise to be delivered — KNOW ABOUT IT. Have we become so ignorant as a society, do we lack empathy to such a degree that we need to behave like this? We are always telling our kids —- 'do what you say you are going to do'.  If that is to clean your room, take out the garbage, whatever.  Don't tell us what you think we want to hear, and then under-deliver.  That is irritating. For people who set their personal bars high (which I do), under promising and over-delivering can be a frightful and foreign concept.  I have come to learn that is it more a lifeline and a reality check.   It makes far more sense to set a realistic bar, deliver on it, then incrementally lift that bar higher as you move forward. No different in parenting.  Just when you think your kids are not paying attention, they remember what you said in frustration last Saturday when you promised to buy ice cream or a toy or whatever — when your offspring finally settled down or did their chores, etc. There is nothing more aggravating than over promising and under delivering.  It shows a blatant lack of respect, in my view for everyone involved.  It seems to be sport these with people aided and assisted by technology — hiding behind technology

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Cooking Large Prime Rib Roast Broiler Ribeye

by @ Case Mariastromvik Recipes

Mon Feb 12 20:12:07 PST 2018

Our unrefined red palm oil has a mild carrot-like flavor with a rich buttery texture. Cooking Large Prime Rib Roast Broiler Ribeye may 24 2014 by the appetizer chick Leave a Comment. Garlic-Yogurt Baked Chicken. Thin flexible tongs are better than thicker ones for some tasks. Mascarpone Nut and Berry Layered Dessert. On the trail: […]

Study: Parents Use Facebook More than Non-Parents

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Jan 21 05:51:37 PST 2016

Parents access Facebook on their mobile devices 1.3 times more often than their childless counterparts, according to a recent multinational study. Facebook IQ, the social network’s consumer research arm, surveyed more than 8000 parents aged 25 to 65 across eight international markets to gather its findings. “Having a child changes everything, including parents’ relationship with their mobile phone,” wrote Facebook IQ in an online post. “Moms’ and dads’ mobile phones have become their lifeline to managing schedules, keeping tabs on teens and sharing their kids’ key milestones.” The research also found that parents are using Facebook mobile to become better consumers, leveraging the site to gather opinions and reviews before making new purchases. That trend is particularly true for parents aged 18-34 who, according the study, are 30% more likely than older parents to consult their mobile devices before buying something new. “With their attachment to mobile and to technology in general, parents today have greater access to more information and opinions on everything from breastfeeding to education, allowing them to validate, reinforce or question their perspectives and actions,” the post reads, adding that 83% of those surveyed said they have greater access to information than their parents did. The study also reveals that as parents become increasingly informed, so do their kids. More than half of those surveyed say their children have more influence on household purchases than they did growing up.

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How the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit can help you

by Akiva Medjuck @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Oct 08 16:54:39 PDT 2015

If you are a disabled person in Canada, there are many resources available to you at both the provincial and the federal level. If you suddenly find yourself unable to work due to a long-term or permanent disability, you could be eligible to access the pension you have been paying into throughout your working life. If you have been employed, your CPP contributions have been deducted from your paycheques. If you are self-employed, your contribution is included in the taxes you pay – either way, it’s based on your income, so the longer you’ve been in the work force, the higher it’s going to be. The basic federal disability benefit is $453.52, and is a fixed amount for all recipients. Your CPP contributions are what will make up the difference in what they will pay you. The total amount you will receive will be somewhere between the minimum of $841.95 and a maximum of $1212.90. If the disabled applicant has a dependent child, the child may be eligible to receive an additional monthly amount of $228.66. Apply for the CPP disability benefit as soon as you know that a disability is of issue. The date your application is received will be the date your benefits are prorated to, so it is definitely advantageous to apply as soon as possible. The requirements state that you must be under sixty-five years of age, and you must meet the definition of a ‘severe and prolonged’ or terminal medical condition. Conditions that would apply under these circumstances are: Late stage cancers Cancer that has a terminal prognosis Severe head injuries Any mental or physical disabilities that prevent you from working in any significant capacity In defining ‘prolonged’, at least for the purposes of this program, it will be determined that the disability is expected to last indefinitely, or for an extended period of not less than one year, or is likely to result in the eventual death of the applicant. Your doctor must complete the medical portion of the application, which will be assessed by the program’s adjudicators, who will consider several factors when reviewing your condition. These factors include: The nature of your medical condition as well as the severity The impact of your condition on your ability to work The impact of treatment on your ability to work Your long-term prognosis Age, work history, education and other personal details that may be a factor Your income, productivity and your overall work performance The adjudicators are qualified health care professionals, including nurses who have extensive knowledge in CPP legislation, and are supported by physicians and specialists who provide expert advice on complex medical issues. Some other things to note about the CPP Disability benefit program: You may still be eligible to receive benefits even if you are already receiving disability benefits from another source, insurance or otherwise. The amount may be adjusted for this reason, but it does not disqualify you You must be under the age of 65 and not yet receiving

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Nutrition Month Featured Recipe: Fish Taco Bowl

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Apr 02 10:52:40 PDT 2016

Servings: 4 Ingredients For the Slaw ¼ cup Grapeseed oil ¼ cup water ½ cup chopped green onions ½ cup cilantro leaves (optional) 1-2 cloves garlic ½ teaspoon salt 2 limes juiced ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream 3-4 cups shredded purple and green cabbage For the Fish Taco Bowls 1 cup quinoa 1 lb cod or other white fish ½ cup brown rice flour or whole wheat flour (can use white all purpose flour if that’s what you have) 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons olive oil avocado, salsa, lime wedges and shredded mozzarella cheese for serving INSTRUCTIONS SLAW: Blend the oil, water, green onions, cilantro (if using), garlic, salt and lime juice in a blender or food processor until chopped/chunky. Add the sour cream and pulse again until just combined (you don’t want it totally smooth more like an herby creamy sauce). Toss the sauce with the cabbage and Let it sit in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients.  QUINOA: Prepare the quinoa according to package directions.  FISH: Pat the cod dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces. Combine the flour, spices, and salt in a shallow dish. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Dredge each piece of fish in the flour and add it to the hot pan, frying for a few minutes on each side. When the fish is golden brown, remove from pan and sprinkle with the salt.  SERVING: Plate each dish with a scoop of quinoa, a few pieces of fish, a scoop of lime cabbage slaw, and avocado, salsa, grated cheese or any other toppings you like. Serve with lime wedges Inspired by: http://pinchofyum.com/spicy-fish-taco-bowls-with-cilantro-lime-slaw

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5 Easy Tips for Streamlining Life with a Newborn

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Jan 25 05:53:01 PST 2016

Whether you like it or not, giving birth exposes you to a myriad of tips and a mountain of advice courtesy of your fellow parents. From breastfeeding to sleep habits and everything in between, it seems everyone is an expert when it comes to surviving those postpartum days. I found myself on the receiving end of many mommy pro-tips when I was pregnant and have to admit that some came in pretty handy (others not so much…others not at all). In my experience, the best advice was rooted in pragmatism rather than platitude, meaning anything in the vain of “Sleep when the baby sleeps” was pretty much useless. It’s in that spirit of practicality and sensible support, that I give you my 5 easy tips for streamlining life with a newborn: Family room essentials: Keep a duplicate stash of necessities (i.e. diapers, wipes, etc.) in the family room to keep from running to the nursery every time the baby needs a change. Save Space: To prevent the bottomless pile of outgrown newborn attire from overtaking your house, invest in some vacuum bags that shrink when the air is sucked out, a real space saver! Dim those lights: Installing a dimmer switch in the nursery will avoid the need to turn on jarring overhead lights or bright table lamps for those overnight feedings. Pump-it: Baby shampoo, hand-sanitizer and anything of the sort should be in a pump bottle providing for convenient one-handed dispensing when you’re holding onto a squirmy infant. Hassle-free hydration: In case you haven’t discovered it already, breastfeeding can be extremely dehydrating. To avoid feeling parched in the middle of the night, keep a water bottle in the baby’s room and refill it after every use so it’s ready to go. Having a newborn can be an uphill challenge at times, testing a parent’s patience and endurance beyond their wildest imagination. It is comforting in those early days to be able to draw on the wisdom and experience of the parenting community to smooth the way for all the amazing moments ahead; trust me, there are too many to count. RELATED LINKS: Things I Never Thought I’d Miss About Having a Newborn Practical Tips for Flying with a Baby RELATED VIDEO: Diapering Newborns and Crying  

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Week 3: Prioritize Portions!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Mon Mar 14 16:33:49 PDT 2016

By: Amanda Lapidus, RD, BSc Today we enter week three of Nutrition Month and the theme of this week is to Prioritize Portions. In my work as a private practice dietitian many of my clients are familiar with what portion sizes are but struggle with how to feel satisfied once they’ve completed those portion sizes. Portion control is far more complicated than just knowing how much we are supposed to eat, it depends a great deal on satiation and satiety. According to Merriam-Webster satiety is to fully satisfy a need or desire (1). Satiation is when the desire is met and this happens you have started eating. If we are not satiated, we will continue to eat until we reach that point. That leads me to question, what helps satisfy this need or desire, so that we can prioritize our portions and avoid eating too much? After a lot of research and distilling it all down here are some important things to consider when looking to manage your portions. NUTRIENT CONTENT Eat your protein but don’t go overboard Tip: At each meal try to fill about 1/3rd of your plate with a protein-rich item like meat/poultry, fish/seafood or eggs. Fiber Fiber bulks up your food without bulking up your calories meaning you get more food without adding more calories. Tip: Increase you fiber intake slowly to avoid gas, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea and make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids to avoid constipation. Sources: Whole Fruit and Vegetables Legumes: Lentils and beans Nuts and Seeds Whole grains Tip: Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meal time, Ex. Leafy green vegetables, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, rapini, gai lan or mixed peppers Tip: Add beans or lentils to your soups, stews and casseroles as a source of fibre and protein and a break from animal protein Tip: Roast chickpeas or steam edamame as an easy, high fibre snack Tip: Add a tablespoons of slivered almonds, sesame seeds or pine nuts to your salad or yogurt Tip: Grab a handful of raw unsalted almonds as a snack NON-NUTRIENT CONTRIBUTORS How we view our food before we even take our first bite has an important affect on its satiating power. Believe it or not a study published this year in the Journal of Consumer Marketing has shown that all of those #foodgrams are on to something. APPEARANCE The mere act of taking photos of your food and taking the time to make it look beautiful actually makes it taste better and affects our appetite.  Have you ever been browsing Instagram, Pinterest or Food52 only to find your mouth watering? Tip: Take the time to set your table and plate your food. Tip: Think about the combinations of foods your making. Are you using different colours? Varied textures? Vibrant colours? TEXTURE The texture of the food plays a role in in our appetite by way of expectations and time commitment. The amount of time required to chew a meal slows the consumption

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Fuel for School!

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Thu Sep 01 16:35:15 PDT 2016

By: Melinda Lamarche We now find ourselves at the end of the summer holidays and the start of the school routine is upon us.  It is at this time of year that many parents are scratching their heads thinking about how to keep up with packing lunches and looking for ideas and inspiration to keep things interesting in the lunchbox. With working parents and extracurricular activities, kids are spending a lot of time outside of the home during the school week and are in need of nourishing foods to keep them going all day long.  Keeping kids well nourished not only gives them an edge in the classroom but also gives them the energy they need to keep up with school and after school fun. Where to start Breakfast is great for filling bellies and providing much needed nutrients after a long fast over night.   Plenty of research shows that breakfast is also key in promoting healthy development and contributing to children’s concentration and learning abilities in the classroom.  Skipping breakfast makes it hard for kids to stay focused and concentrate throughout the morning as they wait for lunch. Start the day off with a nutritious breakfast that is not only delicious but also helps keep kids sharp and ready for learning. As for any meal, aim to include three of the four food groups to ensure that nutritional requirements are met. If possible, prepare breakfast the night before to make the morning routine even quicker, set the table or have things ready to take breakfast to go. Some great breakfast ideas include the following: Oatmeal made with milk or milk alternative, sliced bananas and berries Whole grain homemade muffin (make large batches and freeze individually wrapped for easy, on the go breakfasts) fresh fruit and a hard-boiled egg Fruit and yogurt smoothie with a homemade breakfast cookie Going the distance Snacking is essential in helping kids meet their nutritional requirements.  Kids have smaller tummies than adults so they are unable to eat a lot at meal times, therefore snacks are essential for meeting their needs and giving them energy boosts throughout the day.  Snacks are meant to be smaller than meals, that means we should be aiming for two of the four food groups at each snack.  Try combining a source of carbohydrates with protein to not only provide energy but to also to keep small bellies feeling full until the next meal. Some quick, easy and kid friendly snacks are: Whole grain crackers with cheese Fruit salad and yogurt or cottage cheese Homemade muffin and dried fruit and mixed seeds Vegetables and pita triangles with dip (i.e. hummus or tzatziki) English muffin pizza with your little ones favourite toppings Yogurt with homemade granola or whole grain cereal and raisins Getting over the midday slump Lunch is the main event.  As with any meal, lunch should include 3 of the 4 food groups.  Some parents find it tricky to include so much variety in the lunch bag every day,

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Fruit Smoothie

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Sat Apr 04 23:51:24 PDT 2015

Fruit Smoothie – – Banana, Tofu (smooth silken tofu), Pure Vanilla Extract, – Put all ingredients in the blender and puree till smooth. Babies love to sip this from a cup or straw! Variation: Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie – 12 months and up Replace tofu with 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) rinsed, hulled and sliced strawberries Fruit Smoothie Servings Prep Time 4servings 5minutes Cook Time 2minutes Servings Prep Time 4servings 5minutes Cook Time 2minutes Ingredients 1 Banana 1/4cup Tofusmooth silken tofu 1/4tsp Pure Vanilla Extract Recipe Notes Put all ingredients in the blender and puree till smooth. Babies love to sip this from a cup or straw! Variation: Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie - 12 months and up Replace tofu with 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt Add 1/2 cup (125 ml) rinsed, hulled and sliced strawberries

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The Challenge of Taking a Stand

by Lianne Castelino @ Where Parents Talk

Wed Feb 03 08:16:25 PST 2016

Teaching a child how to advocate for themselves is one of the most important tools a parent can provide their youth, tween, pre-teen, teen or adult offspring. There is absolutely NO debate here, in my opinion. Understanding why this is integral is also important. Showing them how this is done is a vastly different story. One things is for certain: the uses and usefulness of these tools are limitless. With a solid understanding of right versus wrong, followed by the ability to think independently and make thoughtful decisions, the next natural step becomes advocating for oneself — on that all-important parent check-list of life lessons and wisdom to impart. Let’s take the Jian Ghomeshi trial currently underway, involving a coveted, former CBC radio host, on trial for sexual assault. How courageous do you suspect those victims had to be to come forward? How much time, thought and fortitude do you think they needed to even decide to come forward, advocate for themselves — in the face of all forms of painful, targeted, likely harsh scrutiny from a variety of sources. IT TAKES COURAGE. In the same vein, a child who is bullied at school, a student who may be the victim of some kind of wrongdoing (from assault to physical, racial or some other form discrimination) — a child who endures some injustice that clearly contravenes the law, school policy, basic respect and kindness — what do you tell that child about how to red flag their situation? It’s very easy to say ‘talk to someone’. That is just so hard to do. The key, I believe, is who you talk to. Having enough respect, trust and faith that whoever that child approaches will act, and act rationally to address the issue, to move it forward, to seek a solution. Therein lies the greatest challenge. Finding THAT person. Workplace bullying and harassment policies take up tons of bandwidth of the human resources staff in companies these days — big and small enterprieses. But when an employee experiences this, confides in a colleague, investigates and discovers others feeling the wrath of similar behaviour, then thinks about what approach to follow to red flag the behaviour — what should they be told? What should this employee be advised if they don’t have an avenue to seek objective counsel, within that company? What should they be told if they don’t trust any of their senior leadership enough to approach them with the situation? What if the HR department resources are highly politicized and would leave the employee feeling more like the perpetrator than the victim. Suddenly, you have someone who wants to advocate for themselves but cannot. Failure of the entire system. Point scored for the perpetrator and the enablers. Sweeping serious situations as described above under the rug— whether at home, at school or at work —- simply creates more enablers and less accountability. And guess what, print and online media — the world we live in — are FULL OF STORIES

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Regent Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotel – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 09:59:29 PDT 2017

Lovely hotel, great location, friendly staff. Walking distance to great shopping and fun pubs. Room was ready when we arrived earlier than expected and we were allowed access immediately. Breakfast cafe has a great view of the water. Our second stay at this hotel. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite with views from … Continue reading Regent Hotel Victoria →

U.S. Panel Recommends Depression Screening for Expectant and Postpartum Women

by Cara Scholl @ Where Parents Talk

Wed Jan 27 11:51:06 PST 2016

Pregnant and postpartum populations should be screened for signs of depression, according to a study by an influential U.S. panel. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updated its 2009 findings on depression screening for adults to include, for the first time, expectant and postnatal women. The panel also recommended treatment and follow-up plans post-delivery. “The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends collaborative care for the management of depressive disorders based on strong evidence of effectiveness in improving depression symptoms, adherence to treatment, response to treatment, and remission and recovery from depression” read the report published in The Journal of the American Medical Association in reference to the study’s findings of all adults. “This collaboration is designed to improve the routine screening and diagnosis of depressive disorders, as well as the management of diagnosed depression.” The study recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a form of treatment for pregnant or breastfeeding women because of the potential harms to a fetus or newborn from certain pharmaceutical drugs. According to the findings, the risk of harms associated with CBT treatment in postpartum and pregnant women is “small to none.” Other medical associations, including The American Academy of Pediatrics and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend depression screening at least once during the perinatal period. RELATED LINKS: Part 1: Understanding Postpartum Depression Part 2: A Snapshot into Life with Postpartum Depression

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Message: Sorry for the lack of posts....

by noreply@blogger.com (Blaise Bazuik) @ Eat Your Heart Out--Gluten-Free Victoria

Mon Jun 20 14:22:00 PDT 2011

Today is Day 5 of gluten-rehab and I'm STILL super sick. I'm not really eating anything, or going anywhere...so ya....no posts really. I'll hopefully start eating real food again by the end of the week.

All this downtime is just fueling my passion of ensuring that gluten-free food can be accessible in Victoria. Furthermore, I'm considering taking action at UVIC to provide more gluten-free options, and hopefully educate food staff properly regarding allergies. We will see when I'm finally able to leave the house :p

I'm looking forward to potentially going out for a delicious lunch this upcoming weekend. I'm so hungry...it's been days without a good meal. Fingers are crossed.

Strathcona Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria BC Hotels

Wed Apr 26 10:27:23 PDT 2017

Appearance was great, very clean. Beds were comfy, but not the softest. Pillows were my fav part of the stay. I love my pillows, and the more pillows the merrier. Would recommend it, especially for downtown. If you really want to stay right in the heart of the city, this is the place. The hotel … Continue reading Strathcona Hotel Victoria →

Regent Hotel Victoria

by victoriablog @ Victoria Hotels – Victoria BC Hotels

Sun Apr 23 09:59:29 PDT 2017

Lovely hotel, great location, friendly staff. Walking distance to great shopping and fun pubs. Room was ready when we arrived earlier than expected and we were allowed access immediately. Breakfast cafe has a great view of the water. Our second stay at this hotel. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite with views from … Continue reading Regent Hotel Victoria →

Q&A: Naturopathic Medicine and Children’s Health

by Where Parents Talk @ Where Parents Talk

Fri Jun 03 05:24:38 PDT 2016

Please Note: The below Q&A is for informational purposes only and shouldn’t be considered a substitute for seeking advice from a healthcare practitioner regarding your child’s unique health needs. WhereParentsTalk.com spoke with Dr. Jessica Burke Browman, a licensed and board certified Naturopathic Doctor based in Toronto, about the practice of Naturopathic Medicine as it relates to children’s health. Can you provide a brief overview and explanation of Naturopathic medicine? Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system combining modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. Built on a patient-centred approach it emphasizes prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that support the body’s natural ability to heal and help the patient achieve sustainable health and wellness.The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. There is also a strong focus disease prevention and health promotion. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are able to work with each patient or family to create a health plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Naturopathic Doctors will work with your other healthcare providers to ensure a collaborative and complementary approach to your health. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments. In Ontario, NDs are regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act and are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). What type of pediatric health issues can be treated by Naturopathic medicine? NDs are primary healthcare practitioners in Ontario, and can treat the same conditions as a family doctors, including  both acute and chronic health conditions. Some common pediatric health concerns may include skin conditions (i.e. eczema, psoriasis), immune response (i.e. frequent colds, ear infections), dietary or food issues, digestive concerns, and basic preventative health measures. How do parents know if Naturopathic medicine is the right course of treatment for their child? Many parents want to make sure they are making the best choices for their child’s health. Whether parents are seeking alternative options or are looking to complement existing health care measures, naturopathic medicine can play a role in all treatment plans. Parents typically bring their children in for three primary reasons; they are seeking health promotion and disease prevention strategies, their child has symptoms that cannot be addressed by another health care provider, or their child has been diagnosed with a disease or disorder and parents are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing side effects to drugs, surgery or conventional treatments. At what age can a child first visit a Naturopathic Doctor? Naturopathic Doctors are qualified to see children of all ages. From newborns struggling with feeding issues to children scraping knees, and teenagers dealing with hormonal changes, NDs can play a vital role at any stage of your child’s life. When might a parent want to consult a Naturopath or alternative courses of treatment for their child’s

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