Montreal: Habs + Shopping = Fabulous Family Trip

I am so thankful for the wonderful Family Day weekend we just enjoyed. We planned a trip to Montreal with my parents and my brother's family, and it went off without a hitch! The highlights:

• We hit the road directly from school on Friday, grabbing a fast-food dinner along the way, and arriving at our hotel, Square Phillips, around 9 pm. We unpacked and settled into our little suite, complete with kitchenette and pullout couch for the girls.

• Saturday morning was so cool - after the free continental breakfast at the hotel, we went out to Brossard (about 15 minutes away) and watched the Montreal Canadiens' practice. Dad had been before, but we weren't sure if the team would be skating on a game day. Thankfully Montreal Gazette columnist Dave Stubbs was kind enough to give me the details for that day's practice, so we arrived right on time to get prime spots in the viewing area. It gave me a great chance to try out my new stalker DSLR camera, and I got some awesome shots. 

First on the ice: Max Pacioretty

The team warms up

While the girls were disappointed that PK Subban wasn't out that morning, 

we got lots of shots of another favourite player, goaltender Carey Price:

If only I had remembered my Media Pass...

(we were right outside this door, so the view wouldn't have been any different!)

Full disclosure: Maggie was SO ready to go by the time the hour-long practice wrapped up, 

but she's always quick to turn on the high-wattage smile for the camera!

• After the practice, it was time for a trip down memory lane. Montreal was a very common destination for our childhood trips (Dad being a lifelong Habs fan and all) and my brother and I have fond memories of our usual dinner spot: The Barb-B Barn! While it's not upscale, the food is cheap and delicious, and the downtown location is very convenient. It's a fun family joint, and it was neat to share it with our spouses and children. (Even nicer that Mom and Dad picked up the bill. Thanks for that!)

• No trip to Montreal would be complete without a little bit of shopping. My dilemma, however, was the record-breaking cold. I bundled up and braved the three whole blocks that it took before I could get into one mall and then continue underground. My main destination was Simons, because I had so much luck there on last year's trip. I am very pleased to say that I made it through the entire transaction without the salesperson switching over to English on me. To be fair, I only said "Bonjour", "Visa" and "Merci", but still, I must have sounded like a native on those three words!

• The main event of the weekend was our trip to the Bell Centre Saturday night to watch the Habs take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. While we did take Frannie last year, this time around we decided to leave both girls with their Grandma, aunt, and two younger cousins back at the hotel (they were fine to swim, eat treats, and enjoy the new books/activities Grandma had purchased for them that afternoon at Indigo!) I believe I mentioned the brutal cold (my sister-in-law tried to be encouraging: "It's warmed up! It's only -22 now") but we walked as fast as my seven year old nephew could go (which was pretty quickly!) It was a close game, if fairly uneventful, but it was fun to see overtime and a shootout, from which our Habs emerged victorious (you can see them celebrating below; sorry no fancy camera here, just my BlackBerry!)

While Montreal is one of my favourite cities at any time of year, I'd really like to take the kids back when it's warmer to get more out of the shopping, history, and family destinations (amusement park, zoo, science centre, museums, etc.). Perhaps you can look forward to a great travel story this summer!

How Much Do You Know About the Ontario College of Teachers?

I know a fair bit about the Ontario College of Teachers, probably because I've been a proud card-carrying member since 2000.

I was surprised to learn, however, that a lot of Ontario parents don't know that not only are their children's teachers regulated by the College, but that there is also a range of parent resources available to them at the Ontario College of Teachers website.

First, it's important to know that teachers in publicly-funded (which includes Catholic) elementary or secondary schools in Ontario must complete a teacher education program at an accredited university, and then apply for certification through the College. You can find more details about Ontario teacher certification here.

A very handy website tool for parents is the College's "Find a Teacher" feature. This is their public register, and lists everyone who has been certified to teach in Ontario's publicly funded schools. If you enter the name or registration number of a certified teacher, their record comes up, including the initial date of certification, qualifications (initial degree plus additional qualifications - for example you can see that I hold Specialist qualifications in Special Education and Religious Education), status with the college (I'm in "Good Standing" - whew!), and any applicable disciplinary history (none for me).

While at first I had mixed feelings about parents knowing where I went to university (Trent for my B.A. and the Trent/Queen's Concurrent Education program, in case you're interested) or how long I've been teaching, I realize that as public employees, there is some information about us that is important to our "clients" (the parents and students), and transparency is necessary. That said, privacy is certainly maintained, as there are no addresses or other contact information for teachers, nor is the employment history shown.

By the way, I can attest to the fact that teachers look up other teachers too - but don't say that I told you! Sometimes I'm curious about where someone went to school, or I'm trying to guess their age by the date they graduated. (Just being honest!)

Ontario parents are encouraged to sign up for the Ontario College of Teachers free electronic newsletter, TheStandard which includes information such as:

• College services that help you learn more about teacher qualifications
• How the College works to ensure high standards in education
• Reports on trends in education
• Changes in education legislation

If you have a particular interest in education, I also recommend you check out the College's excellent quarterly magazine, Professionally Speaking. Regular readers know that I've written for PS a couple of times, including one of my favourite articles ever, where Canada AM's Marci Ien spoke about a remarkable teacher who had a huge impact on her. They were even reunited at a photo shoot for the story!

To find out more about the free resources the Ontario College of Teachers offers parents, please visit oct.ca.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Ontario College of Teachers. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Truly "Heart"felt Valentine's Day Gifts from SickKids

Incredible work happens at SickKids in Toronto. I have several friends and family members whose children's lives were changed and even saved by the wonderful work done by the SickKids team, so when I was asked to help share this original Valentine's Day gift idea, I just couldn't turn down the opportunity.

Before I pass along the information about their SickKids Get Better Gifts program, I first want to share how my friend, a mom of a child who has faced life-threatening cardiac issues, feels about SickKids:

"Without the Hospital for Sick Children, our beloved son William would not be alive today. When William was recovering from his second surgery, a couple beside us was with their baby daughter, who sadly had been there for several months. We talked about how much the hospital had done for both of our children, and the husband said to us 'If you ever want to see a miracle, all you have to do is come here.' The children, whose lives are saved every day there, are living, breathing miracles."

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February is Heart Month, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, visions of red roses, romantic dinners and cinnamon hearts are no doubt dancing in your head. If you’re looking to give something beyond a box of chocolates, look no further.  

The SickKids Get Better Gifts program offers a symbolic alternative to traditional gift-giving and a meaningful way of showing someone you care, while making a positive impact on children and families at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). It’s a great way to honour friends and loved ones while supporting families and children with serious illnesses or injuries.

Your gift will help patients like Liam.

Featured in our recent brand campaign, Liam has undergone two heart surgeries and may need a third procedure one day. While in the hospital, he spent time playing doctor to learn about what he was going through. He not only had the comfort of his parents and some of the country’s top medical staff, but also had his trusty blanket to protect him during check-ups, overnight stays and open-heart surgery. Watch Liam’s videos here and here.

Did you know?

·         Congenital heart defects are among the most common birth defect. Each year, about 1 out of every 100 babies born has a heart defect.

·         Of the children requiring cardiac surgery at SickKids, 21 per cent are under a month old and 40 per cent are under a year old.

·         Each year in Ontario alone, SickKids performs more than 85 per cent of paediatric cardiovascular surgery.

·         The Labatt Family Heart Centre is one of the largest paediatric heart transplant centres in the world.

 

For a full list of ideas, including Valentine’s craft supplies, 30 days on a heart saturation monitor, or a treasure trove of toys, visit our online gift catalogue.

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Gifts available online start as low as a $10 gift certificate, and include worthy causes like Books for the Children’s Library at the Family Centre, Supplies for Cooking and Baking Programs, A Memory of a Visit from a Furry Friend, Teaching Dolls and Sleeper Chairs. By the way - not only are these great Valentine's Day gifts, but something to consider for other occasions as well - teacher gifts perhaps?

It's Report Card Time!

Term 1 report cards go home this month for elementary students in Ontario, which made it the perfect topic for my latest visit to CHEX Daily. What's covered on the report card? How is it different from the progress report that was sent home earlier in the year? And how can you use it to help your child improve?




I am thrilled to say that my reports have been written, submitted and edited...so now I can put my full focus back on the rewarding part of teaching! (Don't get me wrong - communicating with parents is essential. This just isn't my favourite way to do it.)

My Olay Regenerist Experiment: Six Week Update

Right before Christmas, I was thrilled to receive several products from the Olay Regenerist line to try out (my first reactions can be found here: My Olay Regenerist Experiment Begins). I've been using the line for six weeks now, so I figured it was time to give you an update. Please remember that this is my experience - I'm very cautious about sharing my opinions after recently reading "Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?", in which author Timothy Caulfield tests out various celebrity diet, health and beauty claims, finding that almost all are incorrect.

When it comes to my face, I am satisfied with the science that tells me that there are benefits to cleaning, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin, and very happy that I can find reasonably-priced drugstore products to do those jobs for me.

Read on for the details!

The products:

1. Micro-Sculpting Scrub Cleanser 
2. Fragrance-Free Renerating Serum 
3. Anti-Aging Eye Roller 
4. Fragrance-Free Micro-Sculpting Cream
5. Wrinkle and Pore Vanisher 


The routine:

I've used the Micro-Sculpting Scrub Cleanser every morning in the shower, using a lighter touch on my more sensitive cheeks. (I still use my trusty Cetaphil to wash face and remove makeup before bed.)

The Serum and Micro-Sculpting Cream go on morning and night, and I've been pretty religious about using both. I have to make sure to give the Serum time to absorb before putting the cream on top, and to remember that less is more - or else I end up a bit sticky.

I haven't been as consistent about the Anti-Aging Eye Roller (you click the bottom and a bit of product comes out the top where the tiny rollers are, and then you roll over the eye area), and I think it's because the instructions say to do the rolling for 30 seconds (which I assume means per eye) for a total of one whole minute of eye-rolling time (an image which calls to mind teenage girls, but in a different sense of the eye roll). Whether it's the rushed pace of the morning or the too-tired-to-care bedtime feeling, I haven't been able to motivate myself to add that part to either routine on a daily basis - but I use it at least a few times per week. Just not 14.

I've used the Wrinkle and Pore Vanisher (which gives instant results) a handful of times just to experiment, and I put it on when I'm going somewhere special or doing a TV appearance.


The results:

Overall, I'm very pleased with the results I'm seeing. I will openly admit that the change has not been "miraculous" - no at-home treatments can do that, I know, but I always hope!

Some specifics:

• After just a couple of days my skin felt softer and smoother to the touch.
• I'm happy with how clean and smooth my face feels after using the Micro-Sculpting Scrub Cleanser. I feel like over time the dull skin really has been scrubbed away.
• Over the last 6 weeks I've noticed that my skin tone is more even (especially under the harsh fluorescent lights of the staff washrooms at school, which can easily throw someone into a skin-related depression).
• In particular, I had one pencil-eraser-sized dark spot intensifying on my right cheekbone over the past few months, and it has faded noticeably.
• I didn't have many deep wrinkles, but the one running across the middle of my forehead since my 20's has been smoothed out considerably, which I'm very pleased with. (Just to show you how serious sun damage is: the wrinkle was definitely deeper on the side of my forehead that hasn't been covered for years by my sideswept bangs! The whole thing looks much more subtle now.)
• My crows' feet do look better too, but I'm sure I need to be more consistent with the eye product if I want to see the benefits there (though I do apply the serum and micro-sculpting cream in that area as well.)
• The closest thing to a miracle (though temporary) product is the Wrinkle and Pore Vanisher. As I mentioned when I first posted about Regenerist, this item is like spackle for the face. You dab it in creases or areas with large pores, and it instantly fills them in, providing a more flawless finish. This has worked well on the aforementioned big forehead wrinkle, as well as spots where my pores are noticeable.

So:

I will continue to happily use these products until they run out, and I will definitely purchase the Scrub Cleanser, Serum and Micro-Sculpting Cream when that happens - though I'm hoping there might be a version of the cream with SPF which I can use for daytime. At this point I don't think I'll need to buy any more of the Anti-Aging Eye Roller, because it's going to last me a long time if I don't get more consistent with it! 

Disclosure: I was provided with the Olay Regenerist products for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Valentine's Day from Hallmark - With Giveaway Preview!

My girls now recognize the Hallmark boxes that arrive on our doorstep, and are always excited for me to open them right up. This time was no exception, and we were all eager to see what Hallmark has in store for Valentine's Day this year - but mommy always gets to look through the box first!

I always choose one or two items for the girls to keep, and the rest become prizes for students in my class (I like to spread the wealth). As soon as I saw the Penny Paperheart Bake Shop Mini Play Set ($17.95) I knew it would be THE item to give my daughters. The set includes Penny and her friend Patti, story card, paper outfits, and more! It has already kept them busy for hours!

Before I move on to my other Hallmark faves, consider this your fair warning that I'm going to be giving away the same Penny Paperheart set to one lucky This Mom Loves social media follower later this week. I'll be posting on Facebook and Twitter, with one entry for every like, comment and retweet - so stay tuned!

Other great items for the kids:

Hug-Loving Hippo Techno Plush ($17.95 with the purchase of 3 cards) - it has been my experience that little ones love these dancing and singing plush items, and this one sings a parody of the hit 90's song "Baby Got Back". (Don't pretend you don't know what song I mean!) My students are VERY excited about this one.

Doggone Sweet Lady and the Tramp Plush ($24.95) and Hardcover Book ($9.95) - one of the greatest Disney love stories.

For the grownups:

Love Cup with Marker ($12.95) - erasable notes can be written on this cute ceramic cup.

Die-Cut Heart Memo Pad ($7.95 with any purchase) - this 300 sheet memo pad features the classic style of Dutch artist Marjolein Bastin.

Finally, the Valentines...of course! You may be thinking how nice it is that my daughters can give these cards to their friends, but you would be mistaken. Don't forget I'm a primary teacher - and Mrs. Winn is going to be so cool when she hands out cards featuring Frozen and the Avengers! ($2.99 per box).

Disclosure: I was provided with the above products by Hallmark for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.

Chantal Kreviazuk: The Momterview

We all know Canadian star Chantal Kreviazuk from hit songs like Surrounded, Before You and In This Life, as well as her covers of Feels Like Home and Leaving On a Jet Plane (part of the movie soundtracks of How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Armageddon, respectively).

She is also a musical force behind-the-scenes, and has written or co-written songs for huge names like Kelly Clarkson (Walk Away), Pitbull with Christina Aguilera (Feel This Moment), Gwen Stefani (Rich Girl), Drake (Over My Dead Body), as well as songs for Jennifer Lopez and Carrie Underwood.

In her personal life, Chantal has been married to fellow Canadian musician Raine Maida of Our Lady Peace (they met at a Pearl Jam concert in Toronto) since 1999 and they are the parents of three boys, Rowan (11), Lucca (9) and Salvador (6).

I was thrilled to have the chance to send a few questions Chantal's way on behalf of This Mom Loves and SavvyMom.

Your new single I Will Be - in partnership with Kids Help Phone International - is so powerful, and I've heard you feel it's your favourite song to date. Why is it so special to you?

I guess it just really feels authentic to who I am right now.

Is there a different process when you're songwriting for other artists than when you're writing for yourself?

It's getting easier for me to not reserve a part of myself when writing for others. 

Has there ever been a song you wish you'd kept for yourself?

So far I am honoring that quest pretty well I would say. But it's hard.

What will we see next from you, career-wise?

I never know.... I just keep moving forward and see what comes.

Can you describe your emotions when you learned you and Raine were being appointed to the Order of Canada? {The two received the appointments for their achievements as Canadian musicians and for their extensive charitable and humanitarian work with groups like War Child.}

I was very surprised and felt so honoured of course.

You've been married for 15 years. What tips can you share for making marriage work?

Just because we take vows and profess our love when marrying someone doesn't mean it stops there. We have to constantly douse our spouse in love...we have to see and hear them and validate their process and their emotions. That is what makes a marriage work. It's not about "you" getting what you need, it's about giving your spouse what they need.

I was interested to read about your involvement in your sons' L.A. school and why you chose it{Chantal told The Ottawa Citizen that “For the same price, my kids could go to school with the kids of actors and heads of mutual funds. But ...we wanted them somewhere completely obscure where they could make their way that has nothing to do with Raine or myself. Our MO at the school is to raise critical thinkers, compassionate human beings and committed citizens.”} Plus, I was also pleased to hear your strong feelings towards teachers. Can you elaborate on that?

I am in awe of what teachers do. Plain and simple. I think that they should be ranked among our highest civil servants. Everyday they are our children's models and are preparing them for the path. There is not a greater responsibility or challenge.

What do you feel are your strengths and areas for improvement as a mom?

Just because I may have not loved what my son just did, doesn't mean I stop loving the boy....I have to be a little "all business" about parenting sometimes but that can be difficult because I am sensitive.

Chantal and Raine renewed their vows in 2009

How would you finish the sentence "This mom loves..." (apart from your family, of course)?

This mom loves Aromatherapy Associates serums, traditional Swedana treatment at Vida Spa Vancouver, Ong Namo by Snatam Kaur (the most healing musical experience ever) and knitting in cashmere (e.g. The Purl Bee, Jennifer Knits, Americo Original).

{Chantal really is a knitter - see photo of one of her projects below which she shared on her website!}

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Thanks so much, Chantal! You can follow Chantal Kreviazuk on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and find tons of information at ChantalKrevizuk.com 

Growth Mindset: Your Kids Need This (So Do You!)

In my latest CHEX Daily segment, I chat with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson about fostering a growth mindset in your children - it's so important! We talk about:

• What do "growth mindset" - and its opposite, "fixed mindset" - mean anyway?
• What are some specific ways parents can help? (Hint: saying "You take after me, I can't do Math" is not helpful.)
• How does growth mindset apply in areas other than academics (for kids and adults)?

P.S. Thanks to Chabot Elementary in Oakland, California for putting some great resources on their website for random Canadian teachers to Google and find, including a Powerpoint presentation for parents, parent tip sheet and student handout. You can find it all here:

http://www.chabotelementary.org/archives/560