And while there’s some excitement about having completed one more chapter of their lives and moving towards the next, I believe that for Chloe especially, the loss of what she’s leaving behind overshadows the excitement of what’s to come. Her apprehension about her segue into High School along with her sadness at leaving her familiar and safe school environment behind are reflected in her words: “Mom, after ten years at the same school, I feel like I’m leaving home and all my siblings behind.” Her words reminded me that transitions like the one from grade eight into High School can be challenging, difficult, frightening and sad.

For Chloe, there’s worry about her very closely knit group of friends becoming unravelled as they integrate into a much larger school environment with students from many other schools coming together. She knows it’s going to be different going from one new class to another, uncertain about which familiar faces she will see. In part she looks forward to increased independence but a bigger part of her wants to hold onto the familiarity of old friends and teachers who have become like extended family.

Along with thousands of other graduates, as Chloe prepares to make this bold leap into the world of High School, she is engaged in lots of closing rituals and preparations such as joining her friends for a tour of the new school and meeting new teachers to help bridge the gap. Graduation ceremonies and parties, signing year books, taking pictures of one another and taping a picture of the graduating class to her wall – all ways of saying goodbye and beginning to accept what is just around the corner.

The leap from grade eight into High School is perhaps one of the most dramatic. Perhaps because of the number of years that the children – now teenagers - have been in the same place and the relationships that they have developed as each child has undergone many changes. Graduating from senior kindergarten, while not as dramatic, may still be anxiety provoking for many. For some children, it means going from a half to a full day program, less play time and more structured work activities. Transitioning from High School to College or University requires great adjustment too. Then, it’s not just about one’s group of friends being diluted, but dealing with the loss of friendships as many journey to different cities and towns to pursue higher education. Suddenly, friends your children may have spent their entire growing up years with, are scattered. This again can certainly create feelings of loss, sadness and uncertainty.

So, if your child is a senior kindergartner, in grade eight, twelve or about to complete college or university, don’t be surprised to see changes in his or her behaviour or emotional tone around now. Normalize his or her mixed emotions and recognize that even during transitional celebrations, there are pangs of longing for what one has held so close and dear for so many years.

Sara Dimerman has been an individual, couple and family therapist for over twenty years. She is one of North America’s most trusted parenting and relationship experts and the author of three books - ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’, ‘Character Is the Key’ and a book for couples – ‘How can I be your Lover when I’m too Busy Being your Mother?’ Learn more or listen to advice from Sara and her colleagues by searching for ‘helpmesara’ podcasts on iTunes or by visiting www.helpmesara.com. Check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/saradimermanhelpmesara or follow Sara on Twitter @helpmesara.

(c) Sara Dimerman 2013

But while many concepts are transferrable between home and office, Mother’s Day is an event that is really only celebrated at home, not in the workplace. I don’t think it’s a mistake that it always lands on a Sunday, where it can’t take up precious billable hours between Monday and Friday.  But what if we could re-write the calendar and have Mother’s Day land on a workday? How would we be able to tell it’s Mother’s Day versus any other day in the office? I’ve been thinking about this. 

You know how moms always tell their kids “every day is Kid’s Day”? First of all, that’s crap, or at least it should be, or they truly are the boss of you and you need to rethink a few things. 

But it seems to me that Mother’s Day is pretty much every day in the work world, and not in a good way.  Hear me out.

At home moms are privileged to receive the time honoured traditional offering of burnt toast and cold coffee from our own junior employees, which ostensibly is a “treat” and intended so save mom the trouble of doing this herself. Of course the dichotomy is that more often than not, this causes mom more work in the cleaning of the kitchen’s aftermath, or maybe an extra half hour at the gym after breaking her ‘no carbs’ diet just to keep the smile on her proud child’s face.  

How might this manifest itself at work?  It happens all the time.  A badly written proposal can easily cause more work for the mom-manager as she works to get the employee to rewrite it in the way that will be acceptable. And how about a subordinate, who offers to attend a meeting on her behalf, but then makes inappropriate comments or, worse, commits the department to completing extra projects. 

I’m not suggesting we tell our kids to stop making us a bad breakfast, or that we don’t assign tasks to learning employees. In fact, it’s the reverse. We need to keep doing this so that they can learn from their mistakes and one day graduate to making an entire unburned meal or being 100% responsible for a professionally executed strategic plan.  In this, we are still mothering them every day, all day. So let’s take that second Sunday in May and celebrate Mother’s Day the way it should be celebrated; with other moms, while we assign our employees to eat the toast themselves.

Kathy Buckworth’s latest book “I Am So The Boss Of You: An 8 Step Guide To Giving Your Family “The Business” is available at bookstores everywhere. Visit www.kathybuckworth.com or follow Kathy on Twitter @KathyBuckworth.

(c) Kathy Buckworth 2013

There seems to be no limit to how far us moms will go for our kids, or how much we’ll do for our families, but we can’t forget or neglect to take time to care for ourselves too. When we are healthy, happy, and strong, we can do more good, all around. Clear a little time in that busy schedule to do something that makes you feel better than ever, and you’ll be able to pack even more in the rest of the time! (Plus, we deserve it, and our sanity depends on it!).

Get Moving + Shaking

Take a walk or ride a bike with your family around the block, or further. There’s no easier way to get fresh air in your lungs, raise your heart rate, move your muscles, and get friendly with your neighbours! It’s also a fast way to get places and parking is always free! If you’re looking for a change of scenery, try searching online for some great bike trails in your area. 

Spend time in the Garden

Not only does growing your own food mean fewer trips to the grocery store, tastier produce, and more money in your pocket, but it’s also incredibly therapeutic,  and great for our physical, mental, and spiritual health to dig your hands in the dirt, and plant your own organic fruits and veggies for your family and friends to enjoy. You can visit the market or search online for an incredible variety of organic and heirloom seeds. And for those who don’t have a green thumb (myself included), I call Young Urban Farmers to help me plan, plant, and harvest, and I’m sure you have a service like this near you too if you ask around.

UnDiet your Life

Crunch on carrots. Dance like a four year old. And break rules. All solid advice for an “awesometown” day from nutritionista Meghan Telpner, who is inspiring positive change around the globe with her recently released book, UnDiet. You can forget everything you’ve been taught about dieting or losing weight (best.news.ever.), and discover how amazing and sustainable true health can be as a family!

Lend a Helping Hand

Whether it’s putting up an organic lemonade stand with your kids, volunteering at a local fun fair, or campaigning for a charity (one where you know and approve where the money’s going), giving back is just plain good for the soul. You’ll get connected to your community, teach your children the importance of helping others, and show them that you’re never too small to make a difference in someone’s day.

It’s so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to.  - Annie Gottlier

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2013

IN THE PLAYROOM
This is the fun room- the room to let loose, feel creative and imaginative, and be care free! So why fill it stuff that looks fun, but is truly dangerous? Don’t pollute your playroom with toxic toys and stale air. Play with less stuff (we all need to rid our space of clutter!), better and healthier toys and games (bonus points for locally and ethically made), and let the fresh air in to clean out the stale winter air (the best air freshener is actually fresh air!)

IN THE KIDS BEDROOM
When you think of how much time you spend laying on your pillows and sheets, it’s pretty scary to think that most are doused in toxic flame retardants (which are somehow allowed!?!). I agree with Annie Leonard when she said in The Story of Stuff that“…it seems to me that in this country with so much potential, we could think of a better way to stop our heads from catching on fire at night.” Give your kids sweet dreams, and you, as a parent, a good night’s sleep, with a chemical free mattress, organic sheets, and safe and comfortable pillows.  

IN THE BATHROOM
Just because you think your bathroom looks or smells squeaky clean, doesn’t really mean it’s clean at all. Scrub that tub with trustworthy eco-friendly cleaners, or simply use microfibre cloths with water. Or if you are inclined, (it’s so easy and inexpensive) – just make your own cleaning potions. You do NOT have to sacrifice the cleanliness of your bathroom or your home (trust me; I’m a completely neurotic mother of 3!). Note that clean air really doesn’t smell like anything at all!

IN THE KITCHEN
If you keep healthy food in your kitchen, you will eat healthy food (and so will the rest of your family!). So, swap sugary fruit juices for homemade concoctions instead. All you need is a juicer (it pays for itself quickly!). Then choose your favourite organic fruits and veggies with your kids and make juicing a family affair (the kids love it!). Pop in a Strawesome glass straw for safe and happy sipping. (Take a look at my other essentials in my Kitchen Guide.

Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. —William Morris

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2013

1. Bring some instant eats. To avoid yucky airplane food (re: fake stuff wrapped in plastic) bring your own. Get a dose of leafy greens, with a side of calcium, magnesium, iron and fiber, all with a delicious “chip” taste and crunch. Kids can polish off an entire bag - it’s that good.

2. Use your reusables. No matter where you’re off to, smart and reliable reusables will take you from A - B to C and back again. Pack your Klean Kanteen bottle in your carry-ons and fill at the airport (after going through security of course), and you’ll never have to worry about waiting in lines for a pricy, sugary soda. Plus, staying hydrated during air travel helps fight fatigue and helps fight the munchies too.

3. Multi-purpose care-to-go. Less is always more, but even more so when you’re traveling, and multi-purpose products make for lighter luggage and a lighter (travel) footprint.  The worldTRIO comes with a shampoo, body wash, conditioner, moisturizer and all-purpose balm (all in 3 little bottles!) that are safe and effective for the entire fam. They can be used interchangeably on both skin and hair, and all three “travel” bottles are under 100ml so you can even pack them in your carry-on. 
 
4. Smart takeoff toteables. Choosing the right luggage and travel accessories is just as important as choosing the right destination. I use Nau’s Lightbeam Tote because it can transform from a backpack, to a single strap shoulder bag, to an organizer bag inside a suitcase, making it the ultimate all-in-one travel bag for moms. This featherweight tote doesn’t weigh you down on your travels, and bonus, it’s made from 100% recycled polyester.

5. Clean lightweight luggables. You won’t have to worry about leaving this travel essential behind. Berryplus laundry soap is only 55mls (under airplane liquid standards), yet this highly concentrated small bottle (think the size of your cell phone) effectively cleans 20 loads of laundry. Small and lightweight, you can pack it in your carry on, and know that this tiny lifesaver will come in handy at some point during your travels.

Elbert Hubbard  said “No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” I think he may have just needed a great travel guide to help him plan ahead.

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2013

1. When your 12 year old child has a hockey tournament scheduled on exactly the same weekend as your six-years-in-the-making Girls Getaway do you:
a. Delete the email and disable the computer and phones so your son can’t  find out when/where the tournament will be
b. Convince a team-mate’s parents that your child will be a welcome addition to their road trip (neglecting to tell them about that pesky lice condition which just came up)
c. Tell him about the tournament and let him know he could go if only Granny weren’t so selfish with her dialysis appointments.
d. Cancel the weekend, take him to the tournament, cheer at every goal, stay in the world’s crappiest motel room in Upper Armpit Ontario and then tell everyone you had the best time. Maybe in another six years…

2. You have five minutes to get out of the house and drop your two year old daughter at the babysitter before your overdue hair appointment.  She’s just fallen asleep and is showing the first signs of a cold.  You decide to:
a. Slip a warm hat, sweater and boots on her before she wakes up and whisk her into the car, willing her not to cough until you’ve left the babysitters.
b. Trick a passing neighbour into coming into your house and watching TV for an hour while your daughter catches up on some well needed sleep.
c. Call the hairdresser and arrange for another appointment later that day – and throw in an extra couple of highlights just because.
d. Cancel the hair appointment, dump a box of store bought colour on your head and pray that the lighting will be dim at the gala dinner tomorrow night.

3. Your five year old is having a screaming fit in the store about the $50.00 piece of crap toy he desperately wants you to buy:
a. You say “No” and leave the store.
b. You say “Ask Daddy when you come here on the weekend”
c. You say “Yes”, put it in the cart and then take it out at the checkout when you distract him with a 25 cent lollipop
d. You say “Yes if you’ll just shut up.  But only this one time.”…“And don’t tell your Dad”

4. You’re at a “kids invited” dinner party and your children are the only ones not interested in the movie in another room that has the others quiet.  You:
a. Lead them back into the movie room and tell them that their alternative is sitting in a dark room upstairs that you’re pretty sure the Rottweiler never goes into.
b. Pour yourself another glass of wine, and tell your husband to deal with it.
c. Tell them if they’ll be quiet for just half an hour longer they can stay up for an extra hour and candy tomorrow night (you’re lying, FYI)
d. Explain to the other dinner guests that your precious children are not entertained by mindless spoon fed drivel and that they should be more than welcome at the dinner table with the adults as part of their developmental skills training.

5. Your Grade One daughter comes home with a flyer and a request for parental volunteers for a field trip – tomorrow – the same day you have arranged to catch up with an old girlfriend in the trendy restaurant du jour.  You:
a. Tell her you’re pretty sure the keener moms will have already filled those slots.
b. Call your husband and guilt him into doing “just this one trip that means so much”
c. Reluctantly promise in lieu, to attend the school’s spring play the following week (where none of your children are performing, but want to go to see their best friend speak 2 lines) which you had previously slated for a fake flu night.
d. Call the girlfriend, set another date 6 ½ months away at a suburban chain restaurant five minutes from your house, and call the teacher to help organize the snack drill for the trip.

How did you score? If you’re the boss, you already know.

Kathy’s new book, “I Am So The Boss Of You: An 8 Step Guide To Giving Your Family “The Business” will be on bookshelves everywhere March 26, 2013. Follow Kathy on Twitter @KathyBuckworth or visit www.kathybuckworth.com.

(c) Kathy Buckworth 2013

Now that we have been there, done that, we are glad we did. I’m not sure that we will become like some of my friends and people we met on board (one couple spend eight months of the year on board, another eight weeks and many do back to back cruises) who count down the days between one cruise and the next, but we will certainly add cruising to our list of vacation options. Although there were many couples cruising without kids, there were also just as many with their families – sometimes multi generational. Children ranged in age from infants (although our ship didn’t really cater to families with infants as some do), all the way through to young adults. The programs at ‘Adventure Ocean’ allow children the option of participating in activities with peers when they’re not hanging out with their families. Some children even prefer to stay back to play mini golf, participate in rock climbing, skating or swimming with their friends and counsellors rather than join their parents on island excursions.

One thing you will never hear onboard a cruise is “I’m bored.” Figuring out how you’re going to manage to do everything that is offered is more of a problem than finding something to keep everyone happy and occupied. Another thing you’re never going to hear onboard is “I’m hungry.” Everything you’ve heard about cruising and food is true. The food was excellent and the choices huge and there was barely enough time to get hungry between one meal and the next, especially with so much snacking in between. It was a common sight, for example, to see families commune around 11pm in restaurants along the ship’s “promenade” after the main shows of the evening were over. Sandwiches, pizza, cookies, cakes and refreshments were flowing like the sea around us. One night, a midnight buffet beckoned with rows and rows of hot and cold food. It had throngs of guests out around the pool on one of the upper decks, eating as if they had never seen food before.

Here are some tips I’d like to pass onto you following my first voyage atop the no longer scary waters.

    * Book your own flights. Next time we cruise I will arrange to arrive at the destination we are sailing from with at least a day to spare. Since we booked our cruise and flight as part of a single package, we weren’t given a choice as to time and date to fly out. As a result of a five hour delay in our flight the day we were to set sail, we arrived at the ship with an hour to spare before sailing. We missed the orientation and muster drill, which allows you to know what to do in the case of an emergency. In regards to the flight home, I would prefer to arrive home at a reasonable time, such as mid afternoon, for example. We didn’t get home until 10pm on Sunday evening so there was no time to catch our breath before having to get our kids ready for bed and Monday morning at school. Returning home on a Saturday is ideal, if possible.

    * Read and complete custom forms carefully. Take special note of what you can and can’t bring on board your flight. Whether cruising or not, fruits and vegetables, for example, need to be declared. We inadvertently didn’t declare an apple and were interrogated in a secondary screening room. When the US agriculture customs official spied a US sticker on our apple, we were suddenly free and clear. Apparently, US apples are allowed into the States. Canadian apples not. Make sure to complete the customs forms carefully and accurately. I don’t think my children will ever look at an apple the same way again.

    * Be tourist savvy. Beware that tourists (especially those coming from cruise ships) are like prey to some locals. Twice we were intentionally misled as to the cost of our taxi fare in Puerto Rico. Another time in St. Kitts we were handed the most irresistible green monkeys to stroke but before we knew what was happening, we were asked for ten dollars in exchange for the photo we had taken. I understand that this is how some of the locals make money to survive, but don’t assume anything is free – not even directions – on some of the islands.

    * Making connections. Everyone is required to carry a set sail pass with them at all times. An excellent system allows computers to scan in your personal electronic bar code on it so that ship personnel know who is onboard and who is not. This pass is also used in place of cash on board since ships are cashless. It’s also the “key” to your cabin. We asked guest relations (open 24/7) to punch a hole through the corners of ours so that we could wear them on lanyards around our necks. Prior to leaving Canada, we purposely purchased dollar store red and white lanyards with “Canada” on them so that we could proudly identify our nationality. This proved to be a great way to meet people. Other Canadians made themselves known – one person even lived in the same community as ours.

    * Communication. Christian Franco, Adventure Ocean Manager, suggests bringing walkie talkies with. These are great ways to keep in touch with your kids, in particular, and vice versa. He also suggests another simple but great idea for communication - a white board left in the cabin so that family members can leave messages for one another such as “meet me at pool.”

    * Cabins. Although inside cabins are slightly less expensive, it’s worth paying the extra bit for a cabin with a balcony. Even though our standard balcony room was very tight for space (and I had to keep reminding the girls to keep organized so we didn’t misplace anything), it was great even leaving our empty suitcases on the balcony. It was especially nice just standing out at night looking up at the stars in a clear sky or leaving the door open slightly to hear the breaking of the waves against the ship. Better yet, if you can afford a junior suite or the crème de la crème, an owner’s suite, you will experience true luxury.

    * Footwear. Christian Franco recommends that each family member brings along at least a pair of waterproof shoes such as Crocs – these are great for around the pool, at the beach or at the kids club.

    * Excursions. Before leaving, I did a lot of research on various excursions offered through the ship as well as by local companies. I also researched places of interest that we could get to by foot. I’d recommend internet sites such as cruisecritic.com and tripadvisor.com to learn about excursions at the various ports of call that others have taken. Ultimately, I booked a combination of tours – one through the ship to the amazing Dolphin Academy in Curacao where we hugged, stroked and kissed dolphins, another through Island Marketing Tours for an excursion in St. Thomas and a third through a wonderful woman, Beulah Mills, who you can contact through Welcome Tours in St. Kitts. Both these companies offered reasonably priced tours, the guides were incredibly knowledgeable about their islands, very friendly and extremely familiar with how to manage cruise guests such as making sure that we got back to the ship on time. I corresponded with Beulah and island marketing tours several times via email before leaving and felt good about supporting locals. Resortforaday.com, operating on various islands, also allows outside guests to take advantage of their facilities for the day, should you choose.

    * Leave all technology at home. Connecting to the internet or sending texts or emails from a ship is extremely expensive and the perfect reason to leave all technology behind. If you really need to connect with others or check emails, you can find eating places on the islands that offer wi fi connections.

    * Dining. On board you can choose to sit at the same table at the same time every evening or you can choose My Time Dining which allows you the freedom of choosing when you want to dine. The benefit to sitting at the same table each night is that you avoid line ups, get to know your waiter and him/her your family, and if you choose the earlier time slot, have a longer time for entertainment in the evening. If you’re travelling with an only child or have children who would like to meet others their age while, request a larger table with a family who have children of similar ages.

Overall, I highly recommend cruising with kids. Explore which lines and ships will best suit your family’s needs and then sail away, leaving all your worries behind you.

Sara Dimerman has been an individual, couple and family therapist for over twenty years. She is one of North America’s most trusted parenting and relationship experts and the author of three books - ‘Am I A Normal Parent?’, ‘Character Is the Key’ and a book for couples – ‘How can I be your Lover when I’m too Busy Being your Mother?’ Learn more or listen to advice from Sara and her colleagues by searching for ‘helpmesara’ podcasts on iTunes or by visiting www.helpmesara.com. Check out her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/saradimermanhelpmesara or follow Sara on Twitter @helpmesara.

(c) Sara Dimerman 2013

PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY!
Sponsored Listing:
March Break Special - Playdium Playcard packed with 220 credits for $30.00 + HST. That’s an extra $5 of credits FREE!  Available March 9 - 17th, 2013 only. The Ultimate March Break Destination! Playdium Mississauga, 99 Rathburn Road West, Mississauga.

Contact: 905-273-9000, info@playdium.com or www.playdium.com.
 
 
Cool Kicks!  March Break Sneaker Fun at the Bata Shoe Museum
Sponsored Listing
Lace up for some sneaker fun during March Break at the Bata Shoe Museum!  Try on cool sneakers, decorate a sneaker-shaped cookie, place your footprint on our walk of fame, make a sneaker friendship pin, tie dye some shoelaces, win prizes and much more!  

Contact: 416-979-7799 or www.batashoemuseum.ca. 

 
Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries: Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, Mar. 15 - 16, sonycentre.ca
Sponsored Listing
Jeepers! SCOOBY-DOO and the gang have been called in to solve a mystery in Toronto. A trouble-making ghost is haunting the theatre and SHAGGY, FRED, DAPHNE, VELMA and SCOOBY-DOO are on their way in the MYSTERY MACHINE to solve it!

Contact: http://www.ticketmaster.ca.
 

Camp Wabikon - A Fantastic Summer Opportunity! 
Sponsored Listing
An experience kids love. A family parents trust. We are one of Canada’s finest international camps for youth ages 6 -17. Join us at Wabikon for a summer you’ll never forget! Contact us today for a free DVD package and references in your area.

Contact: (416) 483-3172, info@wabikon.com, www.wabikon.com or www.facebook.com/campwabikon.
 

DISNEY ON ICE “ROCKIN’ EVER AFTER”
Sponsored Listing:
Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, an all-new live production coming to Toronto from March 13-17 at the Rogers Centre. Get ready to rock out with some of the most magical idols across the kingdom! Save up to $15 and eliminate extra fees and taxes when you purchase tickets from AV Communications. Use promo code AV4100 to get 4 tickets for $100 ($42 value per ticket) only on Ticketmaster.ca.

Contact: www.avcommunications.ca/disneyonice, disneyonice@avcommunications.ca or 416-866-8882 ext 113.
  

Exciting & Full Service March Break and Passover Camp for all GTA
Sponsored Listing
Adventure Valley welcomes children from JK through Grade 6 for our most dynamic School Holiday camp ever! Kinder kids will enjoy a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities, special guests, and theme days! Our older campers will design their own schedule from an incredible list of choices.  Lunch and snack included, bussing available to most areas of the GTA.

Contact: www.adventurevalley.ca or 905-731-2267.
 

Getting Creative this School Holiday
Sponsored Listing:
Get creative with your children this March or Passover Break, and inspire some special memories by bringing the exciting activities in Creative IQ: Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World to life together. Activities relate to fitness, cooking, art, drama, music, science and more. Limited time FREE SHIPPING OFFER.

Contact: www.creativeiq.ca

Mini Manis - There are few luxuries more relaxing than a great mani-pedi, but it’s even more relaxing when you don’t have to worry about winter driving, toxic fumes, or ruing your polish when you step into your winter boots to leave the spa.  Take turns giving each other great hand and foot massages, and painting each other’s nails- just make sure that what you’re putting on your nails is safe. Dazzle your digits with cruelty free polishes that are made without harsh chems, like HopScotch and Scotch.

Bend and Stretch - Get your zen on with some yoga on a family of Affirmats. Line up these beautiful, non-slip mats in your home, and yogis of all ages can reach for another level of awareness, or simply work out on a really sweet mat. They’re made from high quality, eco-friendly materials, and the inspiring messages on them will bring positivity into your consciousness and your home.

Smell great, don’t stink! - I try to keep synthetic fragrances as far away from my family as possible, but that doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy a beautiful scent as much as the next family. A subtle hint of a great natural scent made with safe ingredients can leave a long lasting impression, without any long lasting health concerns. Making your own is as simple as adding a couple drops of your favourite blend of pure essential oils to miniOrganics Superfine Jojoba Oil, and you have an instant (and easy!) custom, homemade perfume that is great for you and those closest to you. Or rub worldCANDY all over for a citrus blast!

Massage Train - Rub away each other’s tension or stress with a silky smooth body oil that leaves you all feeling peaceful, and your skin hydrated (but not greasy!). Graydon’s Clinical Luxury by Nature All over Body Oil is perfect for massages, treating dry skin, and calming you with a pure blend of lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood.

Spa Lunch - What’s a spa day without some fresh organic fruits and vegetables, lemon water, and herbal teas? Ask everyone to choose their favourite healthy ingredients, and enjoy preparing a meal together that’s sure to nourish everyone’s body, mind, and soul. 

“There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort.” ― Jane Austen

Lisa Borden, owner of marketing firm, Borden Communications, offers a holistic approach to consciously marketing responsible brands and services. She encourages everyone to be their own expert by offering new perspectives, and helping them find the clarity to uncover simple solutions to daily challenges. She claims that she is not a coach, a consultant, or a concierge, but rather a strategic blend of all of these roles - working to increase efficiencies, revenue, health and happiness. As a consultant to small businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, school groups and individuals as well as a dynamic campaign and brand ambassador and motivational speaker, her message is always clear. Every action and every dollar matters and has an impact - so we’d better take each step wisely. Together. Follow Lisa on twitter @LisaBorden.

(c) Lisa Borden 2013

What are the benefits of moms and dads working fitness into their lifestyle?

• Increase productivity
• Improve self-esteem
• Enhance sex drive
• Increase energy
• Reduce stress
• Fewer sick days
• Improve/increase metabolism
• Improve/increase bone density
• Improve body composition (more lean muscle/less fat)
• Lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels
• Lower risk of diabetes
• Chance to spend more time with family (exercise together)
• Set example for kids

Kids who are active will:

•     Have stronger muscles and bones
•     Have a leaner body
•     Be less likely to become overweight
•     Decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
•     Have a better outlook on life

Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit sleep better and are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges. Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful.

What better gift can one pass down than the desire to lead a healthy lifestyle and the enhanced quality of life that goes with it?

In addition to influencing your children, this can apply to friends, parents, co-workers and employees.  The reasons are many but the end result is still the same. Your healthy way of life will inspire others around you to take better care of themselves.   
 
What is the amount of exercise needed each week to maintain a healthy lifestyle?

The Total Body Fitness definition of “healthy”:                            

The ability to complete everyday tasks vigorously with energy to do more with a resting heart rate of 60 bpm or less.

Vigorous Lifestyle - 5 times/week hard core strength training and cardio training

Average Person (Adult), Healthy Lifestyle - 3 or 4 times/week, 1 hour/day min.
 
Children, Healthy Lifestyle - 1 hour/day min.

For kids, exercise means playing and being physically active. Kids exercise when they have gym class at school, during recess, at dance class or soccer practice, while riding bikes, or when playing tag.
 
Where do you spend your time?  Just like keeping a food journal can be eye-opening, try tracking your time over the next few days. How much time do you spend on the computer, watching TV, etc.? 

We have 168 hours in a week.  Your priorities are where you choose to spend those hours.  Make the most of them!  It’s amazing how much time you can find when you minimize the things that aren’t important to make room for the things that are.

Total Body Fitness & Nutrition is owned and operated by Rick Court. Rick Court is accredited by: (i) International Sports Sciences Association, (ii) National Federation of Professional Trainers, (iii) Specialist in Performance Nutrition, (iv) A member of Toast Masters International and (iv) Over 30 years nutrition and exercise experience. You can contact Rick at 647-838-7778.

(c) Rick Court 2013