Adapt your “new” routine so that it saves you some time, some money and strengthens your health and well-being…we could all use that for our families! By challenging yourself to create new, eco-happier habits, you’ll be inspired to live a healthier life, you’ll be making the world a better place,  supporting good people and companies and not creating excess litter and waste! Always remember that your money is your power and what you spend is a vote for something, so make every penny count.

Here are a 10 “easy” things to get in the swing of doing better – try as many as you can and pass it on…you know there are others to come!

1. Take your shoes off at your front door – why bring that outdoor road gunk inside (lead included)?

2. Don’t buy unnecessary and un-NEEDED school supplies and toys and make sure all is  pvc, lead & phthalate free. Why are they in our stuff in the first place?  Read Slow Death by Rubber Duck to learn more.

3. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth…there is NO reason why this can’t start happening today!

4. Make sure your tires are properly inflated before your carpools start – just ask how to check at your next service call if you don’t know how.

5. I’m hoping that you’re excited knowing that this next point was checked off your list ages ago - NO PLASTIC water bottles…disposable or reusable…use a Klean Kanteen

6. Pack waste-free lunches – Oprah, Martha Stewart and Rachel Ray all agree. And, if you are not packing your own lunch, remember to TakeOut WithOut

7. Inspire your school or organization to run an eco-friendly, intelligent fundraiser like the one from www.ecause.ca

8. Source one new and very safe personal care item…maybe mascara, toothpaste or a shampoo…wondering why only one? I know once you get started,  you’ll keep going. Try Green Beauty or your local health food store.

9. Use a triclosan-free and safe hand sanitizer for on the go – my choices are Quash, Clean George or Cleanwell – all available from www.goneshopping.ca

10. Donate some stuff! As we buy new shoes, jeans and winter boots and school supplies (how lucky are we to be privileged enough to do this?!), recycle stuff you don’t use and give it to someone who needs it.

Happy falling back into it all – and best wishes for a healthy and successful school year!

Lisa Borden is an eco-advocate and mother of three, whose business is a direct reflection of her commitment to better, more responsible living. She is a dedicated workaholic, admitting that it takes a lot of time and effort to change the world, especially in her non-preachy, fun, engaging and inspiring ways. Lisa consults, writes, engages the media, runs private workshops, and enjoys speaking to large and small groups. Her full-service marketing firm, Borden Communications + Design Inc. is based in Toronto and takes great pride in being an ethical business providing exceptional ideas. You can sign up for Lisa’s rants and raves at www.bordencom.com or reach her directly at lisa@bordencom.com.

© Lisa Borden 2010

Jazz it up! Instead of buying a new lunchbox and pencil case, try decorating last year’s! Give it a whole new look. Start by taking a trip to your nearest arts and crafts supply store and picking up some glitter glue or fabric paint along with other decorations. Spend an afternoon transforming last years boring lunchbox in to this year’s super cool, uniquely self-decorated lunch box. It will be different to everyone else’s, and you will have less trouble finding it amongst all of the others!!

Mighty muffins!  Reduce the morning breakfast chaos by making a variety of muffins in advance and then freezing them. Of course, everyone has a favourite. Below I have included my favourite oatmeal muffin recipe.  It is from a cook book that I worked on with cookbook author Norene Gilletz (Norene’s Healthy Kitchen). The recipes calls for ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins, but you can substitute that for a ½ cup of your family’s favourite add-in (see notes below for ideas). If you are not an experienced baker and would prefer, you can purchase a muffin mix from the store. I would recommend an oatmeal or an all-purpose mix. These two will taste great with any additions.

Double Oats Cranberry Muffins
You will need:
1 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
¾ cup rolled oats
¼ cup oat bran cereal
1 ¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon (I use 2-3 tsp…my kids love cinnamon!!!)
1 large egg (or 2 egg whites)
1/3 cup canola oil
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 cup plain non-fat yogurt (flavoured yogurt would work too!)
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray compartments of a muffin pan with a non-stick cooking spray (or line with paper liners).
2. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the flour, oats, oat bran, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon; process for 5 seconds to blend. Add the egg, oil, brown sugar and yogurt; process for 25-30 seconds or until smooth and blended. Stir in the cranberries or your own additional ingredient with a rubber spatula.
3. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each compartment three quarters full. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Yield: 12 muffins.

Notes:
 This recipe scan be doubled easily
 The muffins freeze well for up to 3 months
 Some delicious add-ins include: shredded carrots, semi-sweet chocolate chips, blueberries, strawberries or raspberries or mixed berries, grated apple and / or shredded cheese.
 Use re-sealable plastic bags and labels, when freezing…that way, on a busy morning you know exactly which muffins are where!

Lessen the stress! Here are some tips to help make the transition into the new school year a little easier on everyone…

1. Getting back to basics with bedtime: If your children have been keeping summer hours, like mine, and going to bed later than usual… try to start putting them into bed at a more “school suitable” time. 

2. Becoming locker savvy: This year my daughter has a locker for the first time… I have taken the time to let her practice with her combination lock, so that on the first day she will not be anxious about it!

3. Friendly faces make for a great first day…During the summer, kids often go to camp with different kids than with whom they go to school. Take an afternoon and plan a play date with another child with whom your child will be going to school.  By spending time beforehand with a child that may be in their class, they will have a friend to “hang with” on their first day.

4. Everything in moderation…Take your kids to the grocery store and let them pick out some fruits, vegetables and other yummy items that they would like to take in their lunch boxes. They are more likely to eat a lunch that they have played a part in planning. Don’t forget the treats!

5. Fashion Frenzy! Take some time the night before to help the children pick out their clothes for the next day. There is nothing worse than a child wanting to wear their favourite t-shirt for the first day only to find out that it is in the wash!

6. Question Session:  Ask your child about their concerns about going back to school…see if you can give them some ideas or answers that may alleviate their anxiety.  Some common concerns for kids, especially kids new to a school, include:  Where is the bathroom? Will I have a friend in my class? Will I like my new teachers? How does drop-off and pick-up work?

There is definitely a lot of joy and trepidation associated with the start of a new school year. I find that being organized and maintaining consistency seems to lessen my anxiety and the whole family’s. Kids are smart and very perceptive. If we appear calm, ready and confident, they will feel the same way. Their attitude towards the start of the school year will be one filled with positivity and excitement.  Full Steam Ahead!!! (… and good luck!!)

Shelley Sefton is a chef, recipe developer & creator of “Yummy in my Tummy” - classes for kids that  offers them the opportunity to  experience exciting adventures in the kitchen – combining education, art,  food and most important of all FUN! Contact: (905) 597-0672 or sdsefton@rogers.com.

©Shelley Sefton 2010

While eating breakfast today, I watched as young models paraded up and down the set of a popular television program. Trudy, wearing skinny black jeans and a black t shirt stopped to pose and smile as the host oohed and aahed over her cool back to school look. Her puffy pink vest matched her backpack and her new sneakers with skulls and pink trim were the perfect accessory to complete the outfit. I was grateful that my eleven year old was fast asleep in bed or I imagined that she too would join the throngs of children viewers begging their parents for that same sporty outfit for their first day back to school. It’s difficult to escape the frenzied buzz of chatter as children excitedly swap stories of what they will be wearing, carrying and using their first day back. The trick is to balance your budget with your child’s desires for the latest and greatest in new clothing and supplies as the first day of school approaches.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. It’s normal for children to want to dress to impress their first day back to school  - especially as they reach grades 4 and up. No more are they willing to accept their older siblings hand me downs or what you’ve selected for them.  While acknowledging their desire to make a good first day impression, try not to be coerced into buying the most expensive label on the rack. Help your child to realize that even items that are more reasonably priced can look great. Give your child an allowance for their first day back to school outfit that fits your means and stick to it.

2. It’s also normal for your child to want fresh new markers, pencil crayons, rulers, erasers, pens, pencils, binders and the list goes on. However, my guess is that if your house is anything like mine (and especially if you have more than one school aged child), you could probably open a stationery store with all the items stuck away in drawers. Let your child know that you are willing to purchase new only once he or she has sorted through drawers and organized items by category. Then decide which items are absolutely necessary to purchase. So that they can experience the thrill of walking through the aisles of their favourite stationery store and buying something new (even if they don’t need anything), you may again offer an allowance to purchase something small such as a new pencil case or binder.

3. If your child’s backpack is truly tattered or torn and in need of being replaced, try to resist buying only those with a popular logo or icon on it. These items generally become outdated before those with none. If your child is stuck on a particular backpack and it does have an icon that you fear he will outgrow, then make sure that he or she knows your position on not replacing it until it is no longer usable.

4. So that you don’t have too many duplicates of the same item in the house, offer some of what you don’t need to families who cannot afford to purchase new. So many of us buy new because we cant find the old and then realize, when organizing, that we have 20 erasers, for example, that we had forgotten about. The easiest way to keep track of what we have and what we need is to keep organized. Rulers with rulers, paper with paper and glue with glue, for example.

5. If your child is insistent on an item that you feel is unnecessary, first explain your rationale for not purchasing it and then ask him or her to try to convince you why you should change your mind. If your child makes a convincing argument but you still see the item as a luxury, make a plan for your child to contribute towards the item or work towards saving for it or paying you back. It’s wise for children to learn how to delay gratification by saving towards something they want and also for them to appreciate the value of the item by using their own money.

Sara Dimerman, Dip.C.S., C.Psych.Assoc., is registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and provides counselling to individuals, couples and families. A parent herself, she is the author of two parenting books, ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’ and ‘Character Is the Key.’ Find out more at www.helpmesara.com       

© Sara Dimerman 2010 

We just heard about an interested dinner table game, that can help encourage these stories from everyone … Rose & Thorn.

Each person around the table (including parents) shares a rose and thorn from their day. The Rose is something really good that happened, and the thorn is something that made them upset.

This game could bring out positive roses and thorns!

Help keep your toiletries organized with a clear travel over the door shoe organizer. Simply hang it up when you arrive in your hotel room, and organize your toiletries into the different shoe compartments. It is a great space saver, and makes it easy to keep track of everything from your hair brush to toothpaste, make-up and more.

Thanks Tricia and bon voyage to everyone travelling soon!

EDMONTON, AB— It’s one of the biggest issues parents face when it comes to sending their kids back to school: packing a lunch that will pass school allergy policies, score high in nutrition, and still end up in kids’ tummies.  While brown bagging may seem like a simple task, the concerns are significant: 6% of young children have food allergies*, and in a recent study of adolescents suffering from food allergies, 54% admitted to knowingly eating potentially unsafe food.  And while 6% suffer from allergies, a whopping 86% of children consume less than four of the recommended 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day.  Likely one of the reasons obesity rates in children have almost tripled in the last 25 years.

As Canada’s largest natural and organic food retailer, Planet Organic Market is showing parents how to pack a lunch that is safe, nutritious and delicious, all in one box with their Top 10 essentials for Lunchbox Gourmands:

1)      Sandwich Spreads: Peanuts are the number one allergy of school kids.  Alternative nut spreads include almond or cashew butter, both healthier choices.  If you want to stay away from nuts altogether, hummus made from chickpeas is high in protein and flavour.

2)      Avocado: Often referred to as nature’s mayonnaise, avocado can either be spread on, mixed in smoothly or cut up to add a velvety texture.  One of our favourites: substitute mayo with avocado for a DE-LISH tuna salad.

3)      Berries: More than any other food, berries are associated with a remarkably long list of health benefits. Considering their size, berries contain a giant portion of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

4)      Trail Mix: Snacking on trail mix is a great way to consume essential fatty acids. If nut allergies are not an issue, make this healthy treat with kids at home using your favourite variety of nuts and dried fruits.

5)      100% fruit juice: Skip sugary juice beverages and opt for 100% fruit juices that are nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins and minerals to help quench lunch-time thirst.

6)      Whole grains: Don’t just think white bread versus brown. Incorporate whole grains into lunches in a variety of ways: turn sandwiches into wraps using tortillas and stuff salads into pita bread pockets.

7)      Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and pineapples are known to have therapeutic benefits due to their detoxifying nature and also help to boost immune system function.

8       Dark Chocolate: Don’t get us wrong—kids deserve a treat every now and then. Made from cocoa plants, chocolate contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables including flavonoids which act as antioxidants.

9)      Raw vegetables: Raw vegetables are extremely rich in minerals, vitamins, trace elements, natural sugars, and enzymes. We know it’s tough to get kids to eat their veggies, eating them raw packs more crunch and are more flavourful. Try veggies and dip as a lunchtime side.

10)  Yogurt: Perfect for a snack or as a dip, yogurt is rich in calcium and protein, making it the perfect blank canvas for kids’ culinary creations. Let them dress it up with their favourite ingredients like granola, fruit and/or nuts.

 Planet Organic Markets offers in-store ongoing workshops on health-related issues, including the upcoming Edmonton event “Lunchbox Love” with author Sally J. King. 
                  

About Planet Organic Market

Planet Organic Market is a recognized leader in Canada’s natural foods industry. Founded in 2001, formerly Terra Natural Food Market in Edmonton, Alberta, Planet Organic Market has grown to become Canada’s largest natural food and personal care products supermarket chain. Currently, the company operates eight natural food supermarkets throughout Canada under the Planet Organic banner and eleven natural food supermarkets in the U.S. under Mrs. Green’s Natural Markets banner. For more information, visit www.planetorganic.ca.

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm is pleased to share their Apple Health Benefits wisdom:                                       

• Reduces plaque build-up in arteries, protecting against heart problems.
• Nutrients found in apples protect the brain against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Soluble and insoluble fibre contained in apples aids digestion, resulting in weight control and a healthy digestive system.
• Assists with cholesterol control.
• Research suggests that apples may reduce the risks of many cancers including colon, breast, prostate and lung.
• Apples contain many antioxidants like Phlorizidin.

Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm                     

Head over to Chudleigh’s in August for the first fruit of the season- Tydeman, Sunrise, Jersey Mac and Vista Bella. Chudleigh’s is open 7 days a week in August from 10am-5pm. Admission is $5.50 for ages 4 and up. A family of four can visit for just $17.50. Chudleigh’s is located at: 9528 Hwy 25 in Halton Hills, Ontario. For more info please visit www.chudleighs.com.

Shoppers Drug Mart_® OMNIMAX^® Theatre:

Legends of Flight Opens Sept. 24, 2010

Featured Exhibitions

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids Oct. 9, 2010 to Jan. 9, 2011

Whales/Tohora Nov. 6, 2010 to Mar. 20, 2011

Nature Unleashed Late Jan. 2010

Seasonal Offerings

Dream Machines Dec. 2010

About the Ontario Science Centre

Leading off Music & Truffles’ 2010-11 season is the internationally heralded string orchestra, I Musici di Montréal, making its first Toronto visit in four years, Sunday, October 3 at 1:15 p.m. at MacMillan Theatre, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park Crescent.

Canadian pianist Katherine Chi, gold medal winner of the Honens International Competition, is special guest soloist.  Their program features selections from the full-length Mooredale Concerts presentation later that afternoon (at 3:15 p.m.) – in which I Musici plays gorgeous serenades by Elgar and Tchaikovsky. Ms. Chi joins the orchestra for the brilliant Rapsodia Sinfonica, Op.66 by Turina and plays a solo tour-de-force, the Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes from Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” by Leopold Godowsky

Subscriptions for six Music & Truffles concerts are only $50, and include a chocolate truffle at the end of each concert.  Single tickets are $12, available September 1. Subscriptions and single tickets may be ordered on line at http://www.mooredaleconcerts.com/ or by calling 416-587-9411.

MUSIC & TRUFFLES – REMAINDER OF 2010-11 SEASON:

With the exceptions as noted below, concerts take place Sundays, 1:15 p.m. at Walter Hall, Edward Johnson Building, 80 Queen’s Park Crescent.  All but the last concert feature the same artists who perform in the full-length Mooredale Concerts.  The 2010-11 line-up is as follows:

Sunday, October 31, 1:15 p.m. – Walter Hall:  The first-ever joint performance by the celebrated young Afiara String Quartet (a hit at Mooredale Concerts in April) and pianist Wonny Song – both winners of the 2010 Young Canadian Musicians Award.  The concert features excerpts from the great Shostakovich Piano Quintet, Beethoven’s majestic String Quartet Op. 59 No. 1, and piano solos by Chopin and Debussy.

Sunday, January 16, 2011, 1:15 p.m. – ***Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St.*** (just north of St. Clair/wheelchair accessible):  Trombonist Alain Trudel and organist Patrick Wedd offer a program of original compositions for this unusual combination by Holst and Guilmant, plus organ solos by Messiaen and Bach.

Sunday, February 20, 1:15 p.m. – Walter Hall: The Debussy String Quartet from Lyons, France, makes its Canadian debut, with quartets by Puccini, Brahms, and of course Debussy.

Sunday, March 20, 1:15 p.m. – Walter Hall: Distinguished Canadian pianist Jane Coop makes her long-awaited Toronto return after an absence of seven years, performing Beethoven’s towering Eroica Variations, Op. 35 and selections by Scriabin.

***SATURDAY, April 30,*** 1:15 p.m. – Walter Hall:  Celebrated pianist Andrew Rangell returns with his unforgettable show, The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, complete with the original music by Francis Poulenc. The multi-talented Rangell illustrates, narrates, and plays to tell the story.  Rangell has made more than 20 CDs, including all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas, Bach’s Goldberg Variations and works by many other composers.  His performance of Babar four years ago was a huge success.) 

Rusonik is concerned that most people don’t seem to realize that children as young as twelve, can not only be charged with a criminal offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, but that these youth can also be charged and tried as adults.

He urges parents to consult an experienced criminal lawyer at the very first moment of contact by the criminal justice system with their child. While the record of a minor criminal conviction as a child will be eventually destroyed, Rusonik worries the experience of being dragged through the criminal justice system without proper counsel can cause much greater and lasting psychological damage.

Reid Rusonik can be contacted through his website at http://www.acquitted.ca.