Author Archives: Cheryl
Keeping Track of Your Family’s Schedule
Cheryl in For the love of parenting - 3 comments - posted on May 13th, 2013I’m an old school organizer in a high tech world when it comes to keep track of my family’s schedule. I currently have 3 calendars/planners that I use on a daily basis. One planner for work, one for family that is kept in the diaper bag or purse and a family calendar in the kitchen. There are times when I have too write the same activity or appointment several times in different places. There’s something about writing it down instead of typing it out on a keyboard that makes it easier for me to remember things. I’ve tried to use … Continue reading
HELP! How To Travel Without Your Kids
Cheryl in For the love of parenting - 2 comments - posted on Apr 23rd, 2013I have a serious case of wanderlust. Before I had children, I was travelling quite often – with girlfriends and my husband. Now that I have two young ones, my travel plans always involve them and we plan our trips around their likes and interests. I rarely travel without my kids as my travel companions (my husband too!) even though I know alone time is good for my health and sanity and every magazine says “every mom needs some alone time blah blah blah”. A few years ago, my husband bought me a ticket to a concert and thought it … Continue reading
Planning an Unplanned Playdate
Cheryl in For the love of parenting - 2 comments - posted on Apr 3rd, 2013A few days ago I found a stack of papers resembling the photo below in my daughter’s school bag. I asked her what they were and why were email addresses, random dates and phone numbers on the drawings. Her reply “Remember that time you were cooking spaghetti for dinner and I asked you if I could have a playdate at our house? You said yes so I told my friends they could come over”. I *vaguely* remember this conversation but I believe her – her memory is pretty good for a 4 year old. She went on to tell explain … Continue reading
Planning a Staycation for March Break
Cheryl in Deal-Seeking Blogaholics, For the love of parenting - 1 comment - posted on Feb 13th, 2013Spring Break is quickly approaching for many kids and families in Canada. If you aren’t part of the group who will be exchanging cold winter weather for sunny skies but would still like a few days of R&R and quality family time, consider planning a staycation. What is it? A staycation is a budget friendly version of a vacation. Like a weekend getaway or week long getaway in your own city. Benefits of planning a staycation: 1. Staycations are less stressful than a vacation It’s definitely stressful having to figure out how to get the entire family plus luggage to … Continue reading
Saving for Travel (Or Any Big Purchase)
Cheryl in Deal-Seeking Blogaholics, For the love of parenting - 4 comments - posted on Jan 16th, 2013A new year brings a new savings plan and goals for my family. My husband and I have chosen to make travel a priority – planning at least one big trip and several road trips throughout the year. We have had to make sacrifices in many areas of our lives to make these trips possible – the “money doesn’t grow on trees, Cheryl” that I heard all throughout my childhood is actually true! Here are some ways we save for travel (or any big purchases, really): 1. Automatic Deposits into a High Interest Savings Account We have a high interest … Continue reading
Winter is here! Forecasters are predicting a very cold and snowy winter here in Canada. This means we should be expecting several daycare, school and office closures in the upcoming weeks (or months!). Here are a few inexpensive activities to keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained, amused and occupied before boredom sets in and they start destroying the house. Also known as SNOW DAY SANITY SAVERS. 1. Make a Cardboard City This is a great activity after the holidays. Save the boxes and wrapping paper to create a cardboard village or city. What you will need: boxes tape wrapping paper, stickers, … Continue reading
Affordable Family Entertainment – Family Game Night
Cheryl in For the love of parenting - 4 comments - posted on Nov 29th, 2012Growing up, family game night was my favourite day of the week. Family game night usually kicked into high gear in the Fall and Winter months because it would get dark early and it was too cold to play outside for long periods of time. I loved game night because it was a chance for us to disconnect from technology (although we only had video game consoles at the time – it’s much different than today when there are video game systems, tablets, social networks, instant messaging etc competing for our attention) and connect with each other. Now that I … Continue reading
Can you believe it? December is almost here. I don’t know if I’m getting old or if I’m just having too much fun but this year flew by quickly. All the malls have their holiday decor up and people are gearing up to do some serious shopping. Midnight madness flyers have already started showing up in our mailbox! Every year (since becoming a mom) I say I’m not going to the mall in December. For the past 4 years I have kept my word and have not been in a mall after November 30. I just refuse to stress over … Continue reading