Lower Your Bills Just By...Asking?

Some bills are non-negotiable (heat, electrical) and if you want to save money, it's up to you to adjust your usage accordingly. However, as I have recently learned, some bills are up for very worthwhile discussion.

I called Bell to ask how I could lower my monthly costs. I already know that my BlackBerry plan is amazing, as I made sure to drive a hard bargain when I got it just over a year ago, so I wasn't even going to go there.




So I started by asking if I could speak to someone about lowering my home phone costs. Long story short, the agent was able to save me $6 per month by switching me to a different plan, and $5 by lowering my monthly long distance minutes allotment from 1000 to 500. (Our records showed we usually use between 100-200 minutes, so we didn't really lose anything.) 11 bucks might not sound like much, but spread over the year that's $132 saved. (I'm sure you had already calculated that in your head.)

Next, we moved on to our ExpressVu satellite. (I was transferred to a Customer Loyalty agent for this conversation.) We were paying $20 per month to rent our HD PVR. While HD is certainly an upgrade, I couldn't live (contentedly) without PVR now. But guess what? For some reason, they were able to waive that fee, and we now own the receiver. (I'm sure it's an old model now, but who cares?) The agent was also able to find a way to save us some money on our programming package each month (without eliminating any channels).

Altogether, half an hour on the phone is going to save us over $40 per month, and about $500 per year. That's significant.

Now, I also tried our Internet provider (when we went high-speed Bell wasn't able to serve our area, so we have Xplornet), but without having a record of what our monthly data usage is (apparently the company doesn't keep track) there's no way to know whether we can downgrade to a cheaper package or not without being penalized for extra usage, and they weren't up for offering any discounts.

But hey...you'll never know until you try! I'd love to hear any other success (or lack of) stories, so feel free to comment. This Mom Loves saving money, and I'm sure that you do too!

Paint the Town Red This Halloween With Nestlé

Forget about tacking on the "Disclosure" at the end of this post: I'm going to be upfront and tell you that Nestlé sent me a box of their assorted snack size bars as an incentive to share the information below with you.

While I will work for chocolate (it it weren't for my blogging ethics, a box of Nestlé would probably be enough to convince me to write about pretty much anything) when it comes to the safety of children, I require no bribery to spread the message. (Though I am slowly - okay, quickly - making my way through the delicious contents of the red box. Okay, fine, it's all gone.)

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Halloween is an exciting time for children to let their creativity run wild and live out their dreams of being (or at least looking like!) an astronaut, princess or superhero, for just one day.

It’s also a time for communities to connect and parents to indulge their kids – and themselves – with their favourite treats. After all, who can honestly say they haven’t dipped into a few bite-sized chocolate bars on or leading up to October 31st?

For years, the Nestlé Assorted red box filled with Kit Kat, Aero, Smarties and Coffee Crisp has been the go-to favourite for trick-or-treaters because it provides a delicious variety of everyone’s favourite brands. But did you know these leading snack size bars are made in a peanut-free factory too?

According to Anaphylaxis Canada, peanut allergy affects about two in 100 children and half of Canadians know someone with a serious food allergy (www.anaphylaxis.ca). It’s easy to make Halloween safer for everyone involved - including kids and their family and friends - by making the right choices.

This year, Nestlé is asking Canadians to Paint the Town Red by purchasing Nestlé’s Assorted snack size bars in the iconic red box, place the box in their window, and visit YummyMummyClub.ca to make their pledge that they will provide peanut-free treats made in a peanut free facility this Halloween.

All individual pledges will be entered into a contest to win a supply of Nestlé Assorted snack size bars made in a peanut-free facility for their street for Halloween (up to 50 households).

“As a parent of a child with severe peanut allergies, a program like this really alleviates some of the fear I have every year as I comb through my kids’ treats they recieve from door to door trick-or-treating,” says Erica Ehm, founder of YummyMummyClub.ca. “If everyone gets involved and chooses a Nestlé Assorted snack size box this October, we can really make Halloween fun, delicious AND safer for all.”

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So please - think of those children for whom peanuts are a life-and-death issue, and hand out peanut-free candy this Halloween.

KIDZ BOP Halloween Hits!

You already know I'm a fan of KIDZ Bop (versions of the songs we love, cleaned up and sung by kids, for kids).

This Halloween season, the fun continues with KIDZ Bop Halloween, featuring many "monster" hits!

I can't wait to use this for October gym lessons, and have it on in the class as we work on Halloween activities. It even comes with spooky party sounds!

I doubt my six and four year old daughters would recognize many of the titles, but if past experience is any indication, this KIDZ Bop CD will soon become a favourite in our house (and car) as well!

Available now where CDs are sold!

Disclosure: I received a copy of the CD for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

What Counts As Swearing?

My husband and I have been disagreeing lately over whether or not our girls should be permitted to use the word "heck". While hubby concedes that it's not actually a swear word, he feels it's still inappropriate and not "ladylike" enough for our six and four year olds.

When the word came up in a read-aloud I was doing at school, I asked the students if they were allowed to use "heck", and most said yes. (You can always count on Roald Dahl titles to provide teachable moments. "While this author thinks it's funny to use the word fat/stupid/heck, we know that it's not appopriate for us to do so, right? Right.")

What counts as swearing? How picky should we be? Maggie has brought home "What the heck?" and "Holy crap!" since she began kindergarten last month. I allow the former, but not the latter.

There are also the "I-didn't-really-say-it" partial expressions that children at school love to employ, like "Holy -!" and "Son of a -!". I know one student who is partial to saying (word for word, as he censors himself) "What the BEEP?"

This of course is different from innocent fouls, like when my learning-to-talk nephew received a new watch, and wasn't able to pronounce things quite perfectly when encouraging others to look at his clock. Though I don't think his parents can plead innocence regarding the time he commented, as he noticed a car turning but didn't understand it had an advanced green, "Look at this stupid bastard turning left on a red!" (He was four.)

I encourage the kids to use proper names for parts of the anatomy, but I sometimes turn a deaf ear when they are playing together and using silly expressions like "poopy bum". Kids have to have some fun,  especially if I can pretend I didn't even hear them. However, I certainly don't want them to refer to anyone's "poopy bum" when greeting Monsignor Mike on Sundays. A lot has to do with the context.

To date (and this is subject to change) I have yet to hear the f-word from either girl (let me know if you have!), and I would wager that they have never heard it in our home. (I'm not saying I've never SAID it, just that they've never HEARD it.) That seems like the worst one to me, but really I suppose it's the Lord's-name-in-vain ones that we should be most concerned about.

That said, I am often heard exclaiming (in adult company) "Oh my God!" about matters that certainly aren't worthwhile of the Lord's consideration, and in those cases I don't feel that I'm "swearing". However, I wouldn't allow my daughters or students to use that expression.

What's allowable in your house? Do you have to watch what you say in front of the kids, or do you always keep your language clean? Are there different rules for different circumstances? I'd love to know what you think!

Halloween From Hallmark: Scary, Fun and Educational!

As a clutter-phobe, you'd think I would avoid accumulating more holiday-themed decor, but cheesy seasonal decorations are a bit of a weakness of mine, especially with young daughters and students who deserve some inspiration to get into the spirit!

My autumn/Thanksgiving decor made its appearance on Labour Day, and I'll be pulling out my Halloween bin on the first of October. (And putting everything away before midnight on the 31st, which is where my neat-freakiness kicks in.)

Hallmark recently sent me some Halloween goodies to check out, thanks to my role on their Press Pause Panel. Here are my faves:

Door Decor Witch's Hat ($19.95)

A motion-activated item, as unsuspecting kids (and adults!) draw near, an evil witch's face appears and cackling sound plays. So hard to decide whether this would be a bigger hit in my home or my classroom!

Ghostly Singing Duo ($15.95 with the purchase of 3 cards)

Push a button to hear the plush ghost sing a parody of "The Addams Family" theme song. My four year old's mouth dropped when she first saw this one in action, and she will surely have the batteries worn out well before the big day actually arrives.

Trick and Treat's Book of Frightfully Fun Halloween Activities ($4.95)

Reasonably priced for an activity book (it would keep my six year old busy for several hours), you can get your kids in the mood (or keep the fun going after Halloween) with colouring pages, mazes, connect-the-dots and all kinds of playfully spooky activities. (If only the neighbourhood children would find this an acceptable alternative to candy, I would be putting this on their loot bags!)

Disclosure: I received the above items for review from Hallmark for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Rainbow Magic Fairy Books: Get Girls Reading!

My six year old daughter (a strong reader) is absolutely addicted to the Rainbow Magic Fairy chapter books from Scholastic. They have been her exclusive library selections for the past year, and she has reread the titles she owns multiple times.

As a teacher, I see firsthand that series are a great way to motivate readers. Once they love the first book, it makes future selections easier, and kids love to revisit favourite characters and settings when they know what to expect. You can also find the Fairies in Easy Readers for those not yet ready to hit the chapter books.
Recently Frannie received a few titles from the Petal Fairies series arc, including Charlotte the Sunflower Fairy and Tia the Tulip Fairy (other 'mini-series' include Music Fairies, Ocean Fairies, Holiday Fairies, etc.)

Petal Fairies Series Arc

Each book finds human friends Kirsty and Rachel encountering a different fairy and helping with some sort of problem, while avoiding the evil Jack Frost!

Frannie's thoughts on the books:

"The fairy books have characters that are interesting. In the Petal Fairies Kirsty and Rachel have to help find the different special items, and it's an adventure every time. I bet a lot of boys wouldn't like them but lots of girls would. Oh, and if some people don't believe in the tooth fairy and they read these books then you'll start believing fairies are real." (Huh? Not sure where that came from.)
I find that many of my Grade 3 students love this series as well. When asked why, several mentioned getting to know the characters (Rachel, Kirsty, their parents, King Oberon, Queen Titania, Jack Frost, etc.) and meeting a new fairy in each book. The chapters are short and accessible (making it easy to read a chapter before bed, especially if you're the one reading aloud. Some books have chapter lengths that are downright painful for moms who want to get the kids to sleep and get something else done!)

Levelled Scholastic Reader

Another neat perk about the books is that each one is named after that particular fairy, which means that from Abigail to Zara, dozens of girls' names are included in the series. While I don't use my girls' real names on the blog, I will say that they are both represented by the fairy books (I was quite surprised to see Maggie's real name used) which really makes the girls feel special.

Frannie was unimpressed this month when I wouldn't allow her to buy the complete set of "Rainbow Fairies" books from the Scholastic book order (a steal at $19.99 for seven books, but she already read that arc last year from the library!) however I made it up to her when I picked up "Trixie the Halloween Fairy" with the book orders for my own class.

If you're looking for a series to get your daughter going (and to make library visits and book shopping very straightforward for a while) I strongly suggest the Rainbow Magic titles. Certainly not prize-winning literature (and I'm pretty sure author "Daisy Meadows" - a collective pseudonym - would not take offense to that), but there are valuable lessons in the books, and if you can get kids to love reading, what more can you ask for?

Disclosure: We received some Petal Fairies titles from Scholastic for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, our own.

How Much Do You Know About Your Insurance?

When I was presented with the challenge of answering some questions about insurance, I was pretty confident.

Having worked for an insurance company throughout university, I figured I would know a lot. I processed thousands of new homeowner policies, and typed countless descriptions for scheduled items. While the motorboats and furs didn't interest me much, it's always helpful for a 20 year old girl to be fluent in the language used to describe the 4 C's of diamonds: carats, cut, clarity and colour!

However, once the questions were posed, I was surprised by how unsure I was of my responses. Check out the questions below, with my answers and the actual truths about insurance from the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
Question 1: Are Ontarians paying more for auto-insurance, but getting less coverage? 

My Answer: Well, I know my rates continue to rise, but I honestly don't know about the coverage. I am going on the naive assumption that my coverage remains the same.

Real Answer:  Well, I was close! According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, auto insurance premiums have gone up, and coverage has changed. The reason is the increasing cost of accident benefit payouts (would you believe it rose 180% between 2004 and 2010?) mainly because the costs of assessing, not treating, an injury, rose 235% during the same period. During the same six years, premiums rose, on average, only 5.6%. Yet despite the huge increase in accident benefit injury claims, Ontario roads are safer with a 12% reduction in severe collisions that require hospitalization.

I wasn't surprised to learn that a lot of this claims money is going to many (opportunistic - my word) medical rehabilitation clinics, lawyers and paralegals, tow truck operators and body shops that make their money from Ontario’s generous auto insurance system. They believe that if the money is there, they should use it regardless of specific needs.

To stop insurance rates from increasing, reforms were made to the cap on minor injuries and the definition of catastrophic impairment. So yes, rates have gone up, with coverage adjusted.

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Question 2: Is the money I pay for insurance set aside just for me to cover any claims I may have in the future? 

My Answer: No, as I assume it all goes into one pot (where I imagine it is invested until any policyholder needs it for a claim).

Real Answer:  I was right on - there is no such insurance “account” building up with your name on it. But, don’t worry, you’re still covered. (Considering I have never made a homeowner claim, and perhaps one or two small auto claims, I kind of wish that there was a pot building up...and that perhaps I could get some sort of rebate for not using it!)

Every year, your insurance dollars go into a pool along with the dollars from other policyholders. Out of that pool, insurers pay the claims of the few people who suffer an insured loss – an auto collision, a fire, wind damage -- in that year.

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Question 3: Is flood damage caused by a spring thaw covered by your home insurance?

My Answer: I am guessing no...but maybe you can pay extra and choose to have that protection? I know when there was a huge flood in our area several years ago, people were able to make claims, but that's different from a spring thaw flood. I'm torn about this one.

Real Answer: Generally, overland flooding is not covered. This kind of flooding can be caused by a spring thaw. Here water overflowing from rivers, streams or other bodies of water flows onto dry land and causes damage to homes.

Flood coverage isn’t available because only a small percentage of the population is at risk. Since the purpose of insurance is to spread risk among many policyholders, this type of insurance for those at risk would be unaffordable.

However, water-related damage and insurance claims are rising across Canada due to the increase in severe weather. Damage from heavy rainfalls can be extensive to your home and result in the loss of irreplaceable keepsakes. (This is what happened in our area - record rainfalls led to a declared emergency, and homeowners were covered.)

The IBC stresses that it’s more important than ever for you to learn how you can protect your property and stay dry when the heavy rains come.

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Considering the amount of money we pay for insurance, it's surprising how little many of us know about our coverage. I skim the paperwork when it arrives in the mail, but I also go on faith that information is accurate, and that we would be informed about any important changes. I think I'll be a bit more thorough now.

I'd also like to add, as a potential money-saving tidbit, that before your insurance renews each year you should shop around for the best deal (making sure you're comparing the same coverage) and consider contacting your current provider to see if there are any ways to save. Perhaps the distance of your commute has changed, or you've upgraded your home security system...there are many ways to get discounts, but you won't know unless you try!

For more insurance information and other myths debunked, please visit http://getintheknow.ibc.ca/Insurance-Explained.aspx

Disclosure: Although this post has generously been sponsored by the Insurance Bureau of Canada , the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect the Insurance Bureau of Canada .

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau: The Momterview

Update: Sophie and Justin are expecting their third child in March 2014.

You may know Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau as the wife of Liberal  MP (and son of former Prime Minister Pierre) Justin Trudeau. Perhaps you recognize her from her onscreen gig as Quebec correspondent for CTV's eTalk. My image of Sophie is based on her tireless philanthropic work, including her role as Ambassador for Plan Canada's Because I am A Girl campaign, which will celebrate the hard-earned first International Day of the Girl on October 11th.

Sophie kindly agreed to open up to This Mom Loves' readers about her charity work, family, and what she loves most.

This Mom: You're involved with many charitable organizations. Why did you want to add "ambassador for Because I am a Girl" to the list?

Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau: My heart can't say no when it comes to women's or children's issues. We are still living in an unbalanced "masculine-feminine" society and world. Women will and will always be the nucleus of the family. They foster democracy through their biology and their spirit. And as a mother, I have become even more aware of the importance to reach out to our youth and get them involved in what matters most. This builds enriching relationships from which they can learn, become more aware, and grow as human beings.

So when I found out about Because I am a Girl, Plan’s global campaign to end gender inequality focusing on girls’ rights, becoming a national ambassador seemed like a natural move for me since female empowerment has always been an issue close to my heart. In Canada, I want to be a part of raising awareness and addressing the issue of girls’ rights and to make sure that men are part of the equation as well. We would undermine the beauty of their spirit and intelligence if we didn't.

I’m a proud advocate for the cause because the idea that investing in girls can change the world truly resonates with me. In developing countries, girls face double discrimination simply because they are young and female. In particular, they are faced with barriers to a good education – something we all need to succeed.

Previously, right here in Montreal, I’ve worked with the Shield of Athena, a non-profit organization for victims of family violence, and I’ve witnessed how investing in the potential of girls and women can lead to positive impacts on our community. Research has also shown that by investing in girls we can support a generation of empowered women, mothers, workers and leaders who will improve the lives of everyone around them and lift entire nations out of poverty. I would encourage people to learn more about this issue at www.becauseiamagirl.ca.

TM:  After a great deal of campaigning from Plan Canada, and also through its innovative Because I am a Girl initiative, the first annual International Day of the Girl will take place October 11th. Why is this so important, and what do you hope it will accomplish?

SGT: I see it as a day of "heightened awareness"; for me and for all Canadians. Obviously, one could argue that it's kind of sad to "need" this day but I think it's proof that more and more people are coming together to fight against injustice and also to celebrate all the "female qualities" we possess, whether you are a man or a woman. I truly believe that the world needs more of it. Humanity longs for more compassion, more emotional intelligence, and less "ego-driven" super powers.

Also, I feel I should explain a bit of the history leading up to this day, because I want your readers to know that Canadians played a big part in making the day happen: As part of the Because I am a Girl initiative, Plan Canada launched a campaign in 2009 to establish an International Day of the Girl – a day to focus on girls’ rights globally. During the next two years, this campaign garnered huge support from thousands of young and adult Canadians, leading Canadian non-profit organizations, and girls and boys worldwide. Following unanimous all-party support by the Canadian Government, and a final vote at the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of the Girl Child was officially announced on December 19, 2011.

The day is important to us because it’s about bringing world attention and focus to the barrier and challenges girls face but it will also draw attention to the fact that girls can be powerful agents of social change in their communities and countries. It’s a day to inspire and drive action.

I hope this day will advance equality for all girls and women, in developing countries and across the world. There are going to be quite a few celebratory events taking place to mark the first official day on October 11, 2012.

TM: Why do you devote so much of your time to philanthropy, and what inspiration or tips can you offer busy moms who just don't think they have the time to get involved?

SGT: I think for those of us in the public spotlight there is a responsibility to lead by example or bring attention to certain issues. We have so many opportunities to use our voice and our influence to create positive change for others and to serve those in need. There’s always more that we can do – it depends on how conscious we choose to be of what goes on around us.

I always say "think small"! I know how busy life gets and sometimes it can get overwhelming. But there is always a way to find balance within. Start by giving a small amount of time, even a drop-in into a women's shelter for half an hour. You will feel something moving deep inside you and that can become truly powerful. Nurturing a philanthropic heart starts right at home. Giving your children opportunities to perform small acts of service will develop their sense of compassion and kindness and only encourage them to want to connect with others, such as in their school or community.

I'm thinking of bringing my kids to help out this year to make Christmas baskets for those in need. My husband Justin does it every year and my kids are now old enough to understand. It's not about how much volunteering work you do, it's about human connection. Human compassion. Bottom line.

Whether it’s raising money for girls’ rights with a Because I am a Girl Pink LemonAID stand, donating hair for cancer patients’ wigs, or participating at an annual Cure for Cancer walk, starting small and building up from there can lead to valuable and amazing work.

TM: Justin is away Monday to Friday. Who do you count on for support with the kids, and what keeps you sane during the week when you're parenting on your own?

SGT: I miss him. The kids miss him. He also works on the weekends in the riding so it's not always easy. But we are slowly finding a "rhythm" and are trying to create more time to be just the four of us... in our little bubble filled with laughter, adventure, and love.

I don't have a nanny but both grandmothers are helping out. I also found an amazing babysitter who can help out at night time when we have events to attend.

My priority is my family. Everything else comes second. So I have to decline many invitations, work opportunities, etc. I know and feel that it's the right thing to do.

I've been practicing yoga for six years now and I'll become a certified teacher this December. This discipline and mean for "expanding and exploring our consciousness" has helped me create balance in my life—a true blessing that I want to share with as many people as possible. Imagine what kind of politicians we could have if more of them meditated and practiced yoga! Trust me; I'm on my husband's case!

Sophie with Justin, Xavier (5) and Ella-Grace (3)

TM: I'm an anglophone with a French major, so I'm curious to know if both English and French are spoken in your home, and whether the kids are bilingual?

SGT: Yes. This was a given for us. We were both raised that way. We speak to the kids in French but they are also learning English as they -and we!- have many anglophone friends and family members! I also try to teach them a bit of Spanish, which I love to speak. They're like sponges at that age and learn so quickly.

French is my mother tongue and Justin's father, Pierre Trudeau, always told him "Tu es plus élégant en Français!" It's just such a poetic and romantic language...

TM:  How would you complete the sentence "This Mom Loves..."?

SGT: My children glancing at me from their backseats through the car mirror when I'm driving and seeing joy and love in their eyes...pure bliss!

Gardening with Ella-Grace and Xavier; they helped me "seed" this spring and are picking their own carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, beets, beans, etc. They love it and eat everything!

Spending time at the beach in New Brunswick this summer building sandcastles...for which Justin won a contest!

Swimming with the kids, biking with them, hiking with them...anything in nature!

Singing with my daughter - she has a beautiful voice and sings "in tune"! She learned my Sanskrit yoga invocation chant and surprised me with it! I thought I was going to faint when I heard her!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to share your inspirational message, Sophie! We will be thinking of you on October 11th, the first International Day of the Girl.