Vancouver Mom » For Mom

Get Yourself Together Organization Tips: Double Duty Organization

VancouverMom.ca — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:30:11 +0000

Getting organized doesn’t necessarily mean buying out IKEA’s entire stock of magazine racks, shelves and baskets. Everyday items that you thought were only good for one or two things can be transformed into ultimate organizing tools all while saving time and money.

Imagination and an open mind are the keys to converting common household items into tools for organization through out the home. Try on these 10 household item transformations in your own home:

1. Ice Cube Trays

Ice cube trays can be purchased at most dollar stores in an array of colors to suit anyone’s tastes. Use the small, separated compartments to keep jewelry untangled, vitamins separated or even give to the kids for paints and knick knacks.

2. Pizza Boxes

Don’t forget to use clean pizza boxes! Pizza boxes are thin and lightweight and are perfect for storing photos, documents, drawings etc. and are easy to slide under beds or dressers.

3. Nail Polish

Raid your teenage daughter’s colorful nail polish collection! Nail polish can be used to color code items such as keys, toys etc. so every knows what’s what and what belongs to whom.

4. Clipboard

Hang up a clipboard permanently in a busy part of the home like by the front door or in the kitchen and rotate important messages on the board. Remind yourself to sign the kids field trip notice or remind everyone to call Grandma.

5. Rubber bands

Rubber bands are already a useful organization item keeping rolls of papers in place. Take your rubber bands to the closet to keep your clothes from falling off hangers by wrapping rubber bands securely at each end of the hanger.

6. Pack Beer Carton

An excuse to drink beer! Use the empty beer caddy during your next outdoor meal as a condiment or cutlery holder.

7. ‘Jaw’ Hair Clips

These squeezable clips can be used to keep electrical cords from tangling while streamlining them together. Use the clips to hold cords together to create a more streamlined and organized look.

8. Cardboard Boxes

Use a cardboard box beyond the box! Find a drawer that needs some organization. Measure and cut out card board strips to create ‘compartments’ to tame an unruly drawer.

9. Cans and Jars

Cans and jars can be used to hold almost everything from paintbrushes to tools. Make them more ‘display friendly’ by wrapping them in cloth or decorative paper.

10. Cork Boards

Add fabric and pretty pins to your cork board to create a beautiful jewelry holder that keeps necklaces untangled and jewelry easy to see.

Organizing doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive, you just have to be creative. Happy organizing!

Kayleigh Lum is the owner of Get Yourself Together, Professional Organizers in Vancouver, BC. For more information visit www.getyourselftogether.ca.

Entrepreneur to Watch: Karen Di Venanzo of Sunlife Financial

Diane Wild — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:30:55 +0000

Karen Di Venanzo, an Advisor with Sunlife Financial, helps families and business owners put plans in place to protect what really matters.

What inspired you to start your company?

Personal experience lead me to this business. I want to make sure that no one has to go through what I did.

What is your company all about?

Helping people reach lifetime financial security.

What’s your vision for your company?

That everyone work with a professional to keep focused on tomorrow while still managing to get through today. That everyone find the value in working with someone who understands their family and will help them stay on track with a plan that is geared to what really matters to them.

What excites you about what you’re doing?

I have changed people’s lives when they have needed it the most. I am making a huge difference in their lives and their families today and in the future. When a devastating incident hits close to home, I am there to deliver some good news.

What are some early examples of success?

Delivering a health insurance cheque to a mom with a young child. Making sure that during this rough time in her life, she only had to focus on recovery. That is what it is all about.

What about challenges?

Many people find it difficult to discuss illness and death with their family. Time is also another challenge. We are all so busy with the day to day routines that we sometimes put these crucial tasks off. My job is to make sure they get crossed off sooner than later.

What’s next for you?

My Registered Health Underwriter (RHU) designation, as well as monthly discussions and public speaking.

Karen Di Venanzo of Sunlife Financial

Website | Twitter: @karendivenanzo | Facebook

Sue Sinclair’s Favourite Things

Diane Wild — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:30:18 +0000

Every few weeks, we’ll introduce you to a local Vancouver mom who’ll share with you some of her favourite essentials.

This week: Sue Sinclair, Founder and “Chief Executive Mom” of Raspberry Kids, which sells new and unique children’s products. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children.

Favourite Thing For Your Kids:

Walking them to school & going to movies in the cinema. One gives me the chance to talk to them one on one and the other allows me to observe them in a setting that promotes make believe and imagination.

Favourite Thing For You:

A massage. Would have one every day if I could.

Favourite Thing For Work:

Coffee. Loving our new espresso machine in the office I share with my hubby’s company. It is a real game saver some days!

Favourite Place in Vancouver:

Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s close to home and where we got married so it holds lots of special memories for us.

Favourite Birthday Gift Idea:

Depends on the recipient but I’m a big fan of giving photos in frames for adults and really nice quality wooden toys for kids.

Favourite Kids Book:

Dr. Seuss. Can’t go wrong with the classics.

Favourite Restaurant:

Cobre on Powell. The flavors are amazing and they serve my all-time fave beverage, the Michelada.

Want to be featured in an upcoming article of Favourite Things? Feel free to contact us!

Kids of Vancouver

Rebekah Nathan — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:30:12 +0000

If you have yet to have taken the plunge into getting professional portraits of your wee ones, Kids of Vancouver and Veridamo Photography might be just the ticket. Tanya and Jeff Harrison started Veridamo Photography back in 2001 primarily shooting weddings and have since grown into one of Metro Vancouver’s top children and family portrait photography studios. Not only do they offer fun, child centered portrait sessions, but as of last year they now also use their photographic skills to raise money and awareness for two fantastic local charities, Share‘s Tiny Bundles program and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Kids Picks, through the Kids of Vancouver project.

Kids of Vancouver is a beautiful coffee table style book featuring the portrait photography of children all around Metro Vancouver, at beaches, favourite parks, playing soccer or cuddling a teddy. Parents donate $100 to either of the two charities and receive a professional photo session, the opportunity to purchase any of the prints taken at the shoot and then of course their child will have a one page feature in the book that gets printed just in time for Christmas. What more could you ask for!

After seeing a photographer friend of theirs run a similar project in Australia successfully for a number of years, and after taking a bit of a break from working on and promoting their photography business in 2008 due to the birth of their daughter Alexia, Tanya and Jeff decided to give it a go here in Vancouver, “We chose the project because of its win/win/win – charity receives donations and awareness, clients finally get a professional portrait sitting of their children, and we receive new clients” Jeff explains. They were absolutely right, too, raising over $9000 last year while at the same time creating a stunning debut edition. After the success of their first book, they have set a goal of raising $15,000 for this year, which would purchase a whopping $45,000 worth of food for needy kids. Tanya and Jeff chose Share and the Greater Vancouver Food Bank partly because of that very reason, that they focus on children but also because they have a local community presence and receive a lot of exposure at Christmas but not as much during the summer months when financial support is still vitally important.

Make sure you check out the Veridamo Facebook page to keep track of what they’re up to, and nominate your child on the Kids of Vancouver site to be photographed and featured in this years book. You can even have your portrait session done up on beautiful Grouse Mountain, and as part of a cross promotion Grouse Mountain will provide free day passes for the entire family! An excellent deal considering adult passes are around $40.

Veridamo have also generously offered a free 16×20 print to one Vancouvermom.ca reader who nominates their child and follows through with a portrait, which they will receive at the end of the year.

The Sum of Great Style: Ready For the Summer Heat

VancouverMom.ca — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:30:58 +0000

By VancouverMom.ca Contributor Joyce Lau

Summer is finally here.

So what does that mean? Lots of BBQs, outdoor activities and trips to the beach. Here’s how you can beat the heat with this sizzling summer look.

Don’t just show up to the next BBQ in a boring pair of khaki shorts and a linty tank top. It’s super easy to look pulled together with a classic stripe and adding a pop of colour. But first things first. You need to understand your body shape. This outfit is perfect for the mom who has a slimmer upper body and womanly hips. The key is to draw the focus towards your face. So have fun and wear lots of colour and patterns on top. Just remember to keep your bottoms simple.

We fell in love with this dark denim skirt. At less than $30, you can replace those boring shorts and matronly skirts. The clean lines and strong structure of the fabric will tighten up those buns while letting you show off some leg (and yes, you’re allowed to be sexy!) Going perfectly with all your colourful t-shirts and shirts, you’ll be putting this $30 to good use.

Change things up a bit and play around in this cute striped T. The ruffle sleeves adds a unique detail to this nautical look. But don’t just wear it one way. Wear it underneath a jacket or a blazer and pair it with trousers for a whole new look.

Now instead of wearing the usual flip flips or black sandals, go bold and go red! Sexy shoes works for all shapes & sizes. Every woman needs to have a go-to pair of shoes that will sizzle things up in no time. Not only is this pair of sandals a steal at $34.50 but you can strut comfortably in this the low wedge heel too! Finally, complete this outfit by wearing a set of pretty bangles. The touch of metal make it ultra chic and shows you have great attention to detail.

Summer, bring it on. We’ll show you who’s really hot.

Joyce Lau is the founder of Yummy Mummy Makeovers. She gives style coaching in her fun mummy playdates and gives moms a fresh new look. Learn more at: www.yummymummymakeovers.com.

Get Yourself Together Organization Tips – The Kitchen

VancouverMom.ca — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:30:22 +0000

Guest post by Kayleigh Lum.

Dun, dun, dun! The kitchen can be one of the most welcoming – albeit scariest places in the home for organization. If you regularly cook at home (which I encourage!) the kitchen is likely one of the most used rooms in the home, and with frequent usage comes disorganization and mess. Recipe books, utensils, containers and knick knacks fill most kitchens hiding away in random drawers and cupboards.

A kitchen should be warm, welcoming and somewhat relaxing which are hard feelings to holster when you’re scrambling to find that damn spatula! Utilize these ten simple, cheap and cheerful tips for turning your kitchen into a place of peace.

Purge your kitchen of any useless, broken, or duplicate items. For tips on purging your home, click here.
Group items by purpose. Designate cupboards and drawers as “baking”, “pots and pans”, “spices” etc.
Throw out the worn out shoe box! Store recipes the easy way using one of these techniques:

a) Type out your recipes and file them on your computer. That way you don’t have to worry about spillage, they are easy to share and modify.
b) Rolodexes aren’t just for business cards. Use a Rolodex to divide your recipe cards alphabetically.

Hole punch take-out menus and store them in a binder with tabs. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is whether it will be pizza or Chinese.
Reuse plastic grocery bags and store them by putting them into a large facial tissue box. Pull one out when you need them!
Keep track of grocery and to-do lists by either purchasing a magnetic white board for the fridge or painting a cupboard with chalk paint.
Arrange your kitchenware by how often you use it. If you don’t bake muffins more than once a month, put the muffin tin on a higher shelf.
Save counter space by hanging your pots and pans, using a magnetic knife strip or installing a paper towel holder under your cupboards.
Keep pantry items like pasta and flour in clear, reusable, labeled containers.
Skip the bulk store and head to your local farmers market. Buying groceries daily prevents needless overstock of your pantry and fridge.

Put these tips to the test or think of your own additions to the list to keep your kitchen organized. Enjoy creating meals and memories in your freshly organized kitchen. Happy organizing!

Kayleigh Lum is the owner of Get Yourself Together, Professional Organizers in Vancouver, BC. For more information visit www.getyourselftogether.ca.

Entrepreneur to Watch: Yoga with Lori Lucas

Diane Wild — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 15:30:53 +0000

Former doula turned yoga teacher Lori Lucas believes in the motto: “Breathe and let go, and remember that nothing happens next: this is it!”

What inspired you to start your company?

I was working as a birth doula here and had enjoyed a yoga practice of my own for many years, so it was a natural progression for me to teach yoga and share it with others.

What is your company all about?

I teach yoga to everyone from pregnant and postpartum mothers and their babies, to athletes, seniors, children, and everyone in between. I started with prenatal yoga to help my moms prepare for their labour and delivery, and now I teach all levels of hatha yoga, yin yoga, prenatal yoga, baby and me, and even children’s yoga.

What’s your vision for your company?

My vision is to keep yoga affordable, accessible and available to not only moms and dads and babes, but to folks of every demographic. You can never be too young or too old to practice yoga.

What excites you about what you’re doing?

Everything excites me! Everyone from the expectant and new moms who repeatedly tell me how their yoga practice was invaluable to them through their labour and delivery, recovery, and transition to motherhood … to the student who has forever suffered with back pain that “magically disappeared” since coming to class … to that student who has struggled with crippling anxiety attacks and now has the tools to help deal with their fight-or-flight response. And there are the sports enthusiasts who gush about how yoga has improved their golf game … the executives who have very high-stress jobs who come to yoga for the stress reduction aspect.

The list literally goes on and on. And it’s not me! It’s yoga. And there are the beautiful children whose art work, cards and letters adorn my fridge: drawings of their favourite yoga poses and cards of thanks for teaching them the ocean spirit breath, telling me “it really works Lori, it really works!” Ahh, yoga. I hate to think where I would be without it.

What are some early examples of success?

Lucky for me it’s the yoga that does all the work, so every class is a success for the person who practices yoga. There are miracles in every class. Every time someone learns to breathe and let go and self regulate, every time one learns to practice mindfulness, every time someone ditches their aches and pains, experiences inner peace, strength, vitality and the clarity of mind that yoga brings. The benefits of yoga are immediately felt. It is really like magic. It sells itself. It’s body-work you give yourself. Yoga helps to bring you into balance. It doesn’t matter who you are.

What about challenges?

The challenges yoga-wise are the misconceptions about yoga, for example that it’s a religion. It is not. Or that you’re not flexible enough to do yoga. You do not need to be flexible — that’s why you do yoga! Another thing that can be challenging for some is feeling intimidated to attend that first yoga class. I have never heard of a soul who regretted practicing yoga.

Business-wise, the challenges of working for yourself are that you need to be disciplined, organized, committed and willing to face any challenge that comes your way. And of course perseverance. I teach the classes, study and plan the classes, fill out the invoices, set my schedule and price structures and do much of my own administration, marketing and advertising. Thankfully the places where I teach share the administrative duties. Finding study time is a big one for me – daily study and practice time, as well as attending yoga conferences, workshops and teacher trainings to upgrade my education.

What’s next for you?

My wish is to continue providing non-threatening, accessible and affordable yoga classes to folks of all walks and stages of life in this beautiful city of ours. In the future I may put on some workshops. I have been toying with the idea of starting a YouTube channel or making some yoga podcasts. When people ask me why I practice yoga, I always tell them: none of us know how long we’re going to be here, so why not feel as good, healthy and unburdened as you possibly can? Quite simply that’s why I love yoga.

Yoga with Lori Lucas

Website | Twitter: @LorilLucas | Facebook

Jill Earthy’s Favourite Things

Christine — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:00:14 +0000

Welcome to our first article in our new Favourite Things series! Every few weeks, we’ll introduce you to a local Vancouver mom, who’ll share with you some of her favourite essentials.

First up: Jill Earthy, the Executive Director of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and the co-founder of MomCafe. Jill lives in Vancouver with her husband and two young daughters.

Favourite Thing For Your Kids:

Two things: Bubbles – endless entertainment for kids of all ages! For an actual product, this one is really fun: EcoTronic – Eco Mic (available at www.raspberrykids.com). My kids love creating their own songs and routines and rockin’ it!

Favourite Thing For You:

A great glass of wine with friends and Lululemon big sweatshirt.

Favourite Thing For Work:

Blackberry. I know it is not as funky as an iPhone but it works for me.

Favourite Place in Vancouver:

Jericho beach at sunset with an ice cream cone.

Favourite Birthday Gift Idea:

An experience. Something special depending on the unique qualities of each person.

Favourite Kids Book:

Time for Bed by Mem Fox. This was the first book I read to both of my girls when they were wee babies. I love the rhythm and now I love listening to my five-year-old reading it to her little sister.

Favourite Restaurant:

CRAVE on Main Street, a cozy intimate neighbourhood restaurant with yummy food, a nice wine selection and a great patio!

Want to be featured in an upcoming article of Favourite Things? Feel free to contact us!

How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

Christine — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:00:51 +0000

There is surprisingly passionate debate about the Right Way to teach your child to ride a bike. If you remember learning how to ride, chances are you also remember getting a few bumps and bruises. (Am I the only one who crashed into a lamp post?) A few scrapes are practically unavoidable, which brings us to step one:

Start with a Helmet

You know how little kids love playing dress-up? Use that to your advantage. A helmet is still Really Cool to little kids. Your child may even want to wear a helmet when he is not actually riding the bike. Even if your child is simply riding a trike or a push bike, have him wear a helmet. That way, a helmet will just become an expected part of cycling rather than something you have to nag him to do later on. You can help by always wearing a helmet while biking yourself—your child is sure to notice.

Find a Place to Practice

You’ll need a large flat area, such as an empty parking lot away from traffic or a field with short grass (a slight downward grade can be useful in a field.)

Try Different Bikes

Depending on your child’s age, motivation, and comfort level, she will have her own preferences regarding a bike. The youngest riders do well with a trike or a balance bike (a pedal-less bike where their feet can touch the ground—this allows them to gain a sense of balance before they learn to pedal). If you can, spend a few weekends with borrowed bikes to see what your child prefers.

Decide How To Teach

Now, the tricky part: which teaching method do you use? With one method, you can use a bike with training wheels, which teaches your child about pedaling before balance. With a training wheel bike, you can raise up the wheels over time so that they still provide some stability, but begin to show your child about balance.

When you remove the training wheels, you may still be compelled to use the second method: holding your child’s shoulders and running alongside while she learns to bike. Make sure she knows how to brake first and never let go unless she says it’s ok.

An alternative to these two methods involves the use of a balance bike (or any bike where her feet can touch the ground easily—you can simply remove the pedals). This helps her gain a sense of balance, and can be a good choice for kids who have already learned to pedal on a trike.

Chances are, you may end up using a combination of these three methods. Regardless of your choice, your child will soon be cruising happily along and waiting for you to catch up!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

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The Sum of Great Style: Comfort Without Sacrificing Style

Christine — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:00:02 +0000

Guest post by Joyce Lau.

Who said frumpy comes with being a mom?

You’re exhausted from chasing the kids around all day, the mountain of laundry doesn’t seem to go down and you can’t remember the last time you had a full night sleep. The last thing you think about is how you look. So to console yourself, you say, “Well, at least I took a shower!” Let’s stop making excuses and start taking care of ourselves. Looking great can be fast, easy and affordable!

Here’s a simple way to feel absolutely comfortable without sacrificing style. Freshen up your wardrobe this summer with this versatile stretchy T. The cute bow gives it a fun & feminine feel and the peep hole detail is a little flirty. The extra length won’t have you pulling your top all day long. And the best part is, you can dress it up or wear it casual everyday. Pair it with a pencil skirt and heels for an evening out or throw on a pair of trousers and a jacket to the office.

Here’s a fun way to add some flare the next time you take the kids out to play. Instead of opting for jeans again, wear it with this pair of sports capris. It’s super comfy and will keep up with your go-go-go schedule. Stay away from a loose and plain t-shirt unless you’re heading to the gym. Otherwise, you’ll look frumpy and have the “I don’t care” look. When paired with this dressy top, it gives it a smart and casual image.

The finishing touches are so important when completing an outfit and looking put together. So revamp your boring shoe collection and pick up a pair of ankle sandals. The interesting beading on the straps of this one, makes for a pretty bracelet for your feet! Last but not least, add a great pair of earrings to top off your outfit. Sticking with the rugged but feminine look, these earrings have a delicate touch but dark & strong too.

For less than $70, you can be dressed from head-to-toe. Now, there’s definitely no excuses.

Joyce Lau is the Fashion Doula of Yummy Mummy Makeovers. She gives style coaching in her fun mummy playdates and gives moms a fresh new look. Learn more at: www.yummymummymakeovers.com.