Mother's Day Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies with Anchor Studio - REGISTER NOW!

This awful cold weather sure doesn't feel like spring, but in just a few weeks May will be here and it will be time to celebrate the best holiday of the year...Mother's Day of course ;) 

If you would love to get a beautiful photo of you and your little one, join me at Movies for Mommies this April. Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at the theatre for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Mommy & Me Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (April 23rd & 30th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, April 23rd or 30th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

*The movie being screened April 23rd is I Feel Pretty. The movie being screened April 30th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

- Care

Family Friendly Homemade Meatballs - Perfect Iron Rich Recipe for Starting Solids

Meatballs are a great option for a healthy family dinner and a perfect way to start incorporating iron rich meats into your baby's diet. They can be paired with a whole grain pasta, tomato sauce and veggies, or some roasted or steamed veggies for a quick dinner. I usually make a double batch with fresh ground beef, and freeze a bunch for future evenings when we need a fast healthy meal. 

Meatballs are great because they can be made out of a variety of types of ground meats, plus you can add finely chopped herbs and greens without most kids being bothered by them. The one thing my kids always complained about was the diced onion, so I recently started grating the onion and it has worked wonders. They never know it's in there, but the meatballs still get the onion flavour and moisture. #momwin

Family Friendly Meatball Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins          Cooktime: 17-20 mins          Makes about 20 meatballs

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or alternative ground meat)

• 1 whole egg (or flax egg)

• 1/2 cup whole grain bread crumbs soaked in 3 tbs milk (I make them with the end of a loaf of bread in the vitamix)

• 1-2 garlic cloves mashed (depending on preference)

• 1/4 cup onion grated (small onion or ~1/3 large red onion)

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh basil

• handful of spinach finely chopped *optional

• salt & pepper to taste

• 2 drops of tabasco sauce *optional

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Preheat Oven to 400°F

• Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until combined. Do not overwork meat.

• Scoop out 1 generous Tbsp at a time and roll into meatballs (you can always change the shape or size of these meatballs to suit your needs, just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly)

• *If your ground beef is fresh you can freeze raw meatballs for future use

• Bake meatballs on a rack over a baking pan for 17-20 mins. Turn once while baking.

• Remove from oven and serve immediately, or allow to cool and refrigerate or freeze

I absolutely love paring these iron rich meatballs with homemade vitamin C rich tomato sauce. I'll be sure to share my favourite sauce recipe soon. 

Don't hesitate to ask any questions below. Hope your family enjoys these as much as ours does. 

Care

From Caterpillar to Butterfly - Take Part in Junction Wings 2018

It's that time of year again. Time for the most fun community fundraiser ever - Junction Wings! For anyone who isn't familiar, it's basically the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (without the inappropriate food choices) come to life in your very own home. 

For only $10 you get a caterpillar in a little container with some caterpillar food. We always get a few caterpillars. In nature not everything works out, so think of extras as an insurance policy to avoid a disappointed kid. Your fuzzy friend(s) will remain in the little cup eating until they're nice and big and tired. Then it will attach to the lid of the container and spin it's cocoon. At this time you can move the container lid with the attached cocoon to an appropriate butterfly habitat.

Check out my post from last year about a simple Ikea Hack for a perfect butterfly enclosure. 

About 10 days later a beautiful painted lady butterfly emerges. Your butterfly will need to remain in the butterfly habitat for a few days while it's wings dry out and it gains strength. Then it can be released outside. (Don't worry, all the details are included in the instructions that come with your little critter) 

The whole experience is so magical and such a fun activity to do with your kids. We look forward to this event every year and are so excited that it's almost time to bring a few hungry caterpillars home. 

If you live in the area and are willing to drive to the Junction to pick up your little fuzzy friend(s), you are more than welcome to take part in this event. Simply Buy Your Caterpillars Here by Tuesday April 10th. 

Please Note: Caterpillar pickup will take place on Saturday May 12th from 12pm-4pm on the 2nd floor of the Legion in the Junction 3591 Dundas Street West. If you can't make this pickup time you will need to arrange for someone to pick them up for you. 

Make sure to share your caterpillar adventures on instagram and facebook with #junctionwings so we can all follow along. 

Care

Kegel's are NOT always the Answer! Pelvic Floor Recovery for Moms - Register Now for The April Breastfeeding Cafe

I am so excited to have Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Trang Bui from West End Mamas joining me at The Breastfeeding Cafe in April to discuss Postpartum Recovery and the Pelvic Floor.

Before pregnancy the pelvic floor doesn't mean much to most people, but after having a baby, it can play a huge part in your recovery and wellbeing. So many people (well meaning health care providers included) believe that the answer to all Pelvic floor issues is kegel exercises, but did you know that these exercises can actually worsen symptoms for some women? That's why it's so important to speak to a skilled care provider and have an individualized assessment, so you can better understand how to best help your personal situation. As a midwife and mom of 3, I believe that all pregnant women should see a pelvic floor physiotherapist prenatally, so they can prepare for their delivery and understand what to be looking for in their postpartum recovery.

If you have questions about your pelvic floor and recovery since having a baby, or just want to learn something new about your body, join us at The Breastfeeding Cafe on April 3rd at West End Mamas at 9:30am. Come and learn what your pelvic floor is all about, find out what's normal versus what's common after having a baby, and how Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help in your postpartum recovery. Trang will be available to answer your questions about common issues including incontinence, painful intercourse, pressure in your bottom, and back pain, just to name a few. So many women suffer silently in pain and discomfort, when simple treatment can be very effective.

If you want to join Me and Trang at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in April please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait!  

This session is mainly focused on postpartum recovery but pregnant people are always welcome to join this Free Community Event. If you're expecting, please make sure you check out West End Mamas FREE monthly sessions on Pelvic Health Basics for Birth with their amazing team of physiotherapists. Space is very limited for these events, so don't wait to register.

If you're in need of some one-on-one treatment mention With Care to receive 20% off your 1st Wellness Service at West End Mamas. I can speak from personal experience when I say that their on-site childcare is the answer to all of your mama wellness woes. Plus check out their Postpartum Restore Your Core Fitness Classes with Laura Wood if you're needing some help getting moving and reconnecting to your core.

Hope to see you at the Cafe! Register Here

- Care 

How to Safely Clean Your Car Seat with Today's Parent

I was so excited when Many Milks from Today's Parent asked me to collaborate on a video for her Easy ish series about Safe Car Seat Cleaning. As a Certified Passenger Safety Technician and mom of 3, I'm pretty passionate about this stuff (I know I'm a total nerd), and since almost every parent will have to face a disaster car seat situation at one point or another, this video seemed absolutely essential.

Many parents I teach are shocked to learn that some cleaning products and cleaning techniques can actually impact the integrity and long term safety of their car seat. That's why this is a must watch for all parents. Hopefully this video helps you feel more confident the next time you have to battle a gross car seat. Watch it and let me know what you think. 

New episodes of Easy ish come out each Friday. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any amazing Easy ish parenting hacks. Plus stay tuned for lots of new content coming to my Youtube channel this spring! I can't wait to start sharing more educational videos with you guys. Feel free to comment below with any topics or questions you want covered.

- Care 

Easter Mini Sessions at Movies for Mommies Humber Cinema - Register Now!

Easter is around the corner, so you know what that means? Time for some ridiculously cute pics of babies in bunny ears! Anchor Studio Photography will be joining me at Movies for Mommies for 2 weeks to offer complimentary Easter Mini Photo Sessions. Appointments will be scheduled between 12pm-1pm on each day (March 5th & 19th). Photo sessions are free and attendees have the option to purchase photos for $25/digital image (discounted packages for more photos are also vailable). **PLEASE NOTE: Sessions are reserved for Movie Attendees Only**

Space is very limited for these sessions, so please email care@with-care.ca ASAP to request a spot. Don't forget to let me know which day you prefer, March 5th or March 19th. If the date you prefer is full I will offer you a time on the other day, or a spot on the wait list. These sessions fill up very fast, so please don't wait!

*If you can't make it to the Movies for photos during these times check out these beautiful Mom & Me Mini Sessions that Anchor Studio is hosting at the gorgeous Mint Studio April 7th & 8th. Sessions are $199 plus HST for a 20 minute session with 5 edited digital images available for download (or $299 for 8 images). Space is limited for these sessions REGISTER HERE.

*The movie being screened March 5th is Game Night & the movie for the 19th is still TBD (I will update this post as it becomes available). If you would like to receive notice of our weekly screenings and special events please join my Movies for Mommies Humber Cinemas Newsletter.

- Care

3 Things You Need to Know About Breastfeeding Beyond 6 Months + Register for The March Breastfeeding Cafe

Taya & Baby Mabel photo credit: four bees photography

Breastfeeding isn't always straightforward, so it's essential to have amazing support along the way. I find that there tends to be a lot of support for parents with newborns, but with older babies, breastfeeding questions are often overlooked. That's why I'm so excited to have Taya Griffin joining me as guest speaker at the March Breastfeeding Cafe, to answer questions about breastfeeding babies of all ages.

Taya is an incredible Lactation Consultant and mom of 2 beautiful girls. She is my go-to referral for all breastfeeding related issues because she is so gentle and caring, but also incredibly knowledgeable. Taya offers amazing Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes at West End Mamas (Register for her next session May 29th), as well as Private In-Home Education & Support, and sees clients at Kidcrew Medical & Dental Clinic.

As a little sneak peak to the amazing advice parents will receive at the Cafe, Taya has provided me with answers to 3 of the questions she gets asked most often about nursing an older baby and returning to work. This is amazing advice and so important for parents to know, so make sure you read it below.

If you want to join Me and Taya at the Breastfeeding Cafe at West End Mamas in March please Register Here. Remaining space is extremely limited, so don't wait! (Edited to Note that the Cafe is now Full! Please email care@with-care.ca to be placed on the waitlist.) *See post for full details

3 Things You Need To Know About Nursing Beyond 6 Months - By Taya Griffin

"As a Lactation Consultant who works in a clinic and community setting, I see babies of all different ages, and answer questions from mothers about nursing well beyond the first and second year. Breastfeeding an older baby is fun, as they are full of personality and their own special quirks, but it definitely comes with its own set of questions that are very different from the newborn stage! Here are three of the top questions that I get asked about nursing an older baby."

1) Do I need to pump when I go back to work?

"Should you be returning to work before the 1 year mark the answer is yes.  You will need to pump each time that baby feeds while you are away from them.  However the luxury that many Canadian mothers have of staying home for a year (and now 18 months for some mamas!) means that upon a return to the workforce there is no need to pump.  Baby will likely want to breastfeed as soon as they see you, and throughout their time with you, but while you are away your breasts will figure out that they are no longer needed. If mother feels some discomfort in the first few weeks of returning to work, hand expressing off a little milk will help to relieve the breasts until they get used to the time away from baby."

2) If I am still breastfeeding will my baby need cow’s milk? 

"This is one of the best aspects of breastfeeding beyond the year mark.  If your baby is breastfeeding at least three times a day there is no need to worry about them receiving any other kind of milk.  Between your breastmilk and a well- balanced diet they will receive more than enough of the vitamins and minerals that they need."

3) My baby won’t take a bottle – how will they drink liquid if I am not around?

"Health Canada’s new guidelines recommend that babies are introduced to a cup at the six month mark. Drinking from a cup, not a bottle, is a life-long skill that we all need and is better for the teeth and palate.  As a transition I have helped many families move from breast to doidy cup (a cup with a small spout) to an open faced cup with a lot of success." 

Thanks for this great advice Taya. For all of the local West End parents, don't forget to Register for the Cafe so you can ask Taya all of your questions in person. Plus we'll be doing fun Giveaway at the Cafe for some delicious Booby Boon Lactation Cookies. You can also get in touch with Taya directly via Email or call her at 416-996-0321 with any questions. 

- Care 

Westside FUN Day Camp GIVEAWAY! ENTER For a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp! + Discount Code Included! (CONTEST CLOSED)

This winter has already been a tough one, and if the groundhog is right we still have several more weeks of battling our kids into snow suits, hats, mitts and boots...argh. I'm already so done with the cold and snow, and totally dreaming of summer weather. Soooo... as a little reminder that summer will arrive (seriously, it has to!!) I have an amazing GIVEAWAY with Westside FUN Day Camp!

You can Enter for a Chance to WIN A Week of FREE Camp for your kiddo at this amazing West End Day Camp. This prize is valued at $390+tax!! Plus get a code below for $40 off your 1st Week!

Westside FUN offers day camp programs to kid's ages 4 and up and has a great combo of activities, so every kid will have fun! That's what really drew me to the camp. Activities include: Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama & Puppetry to name a few. The camp operates out of King George Junior Pubic School at 25 Rexford Road (main intersection: Jane & Dundas St W), right here in the Bloor West/Junction neighbourhood and has a really great community feel. 

My big kids, Ben and Lucy, are so excited to be going to Westside FUN this year. They've already checked out the website and can't wait to join the Blue Birds & Golden Stars.  Plus Mommy is pretty darn happy that they'll be in a quiet neighbourhood, and within walking distance for easy drop off and pick up. It's a win win for us all!

To ENTER for a Chance to WIN a Week of FREE Camp at Westside FUN Simply comment below with your name and email address. (Alternatively you may comment below with your name and then submit your email address to care@with-care.ca for entry). Plus make sure to check out my Facebook page & Instagram feed for 2 more ways to enter! 

Contest is open to all Canadians* 18+ and closes **EXTENDED to Wednesday February 21st at 11pm EST** A winner will be chosen at random and contacted within 24 hours. *Westside FUN Day Camp is located in Toronto Canada. No travel or accommodation costs will be covered. CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Learn More about Westside FUN's Programs & Register Here. Please note that Westside FUN only runs programs in July, so space in their programs is Extremely Limited. Don't wait to register! Use code CARE40 for $40 off your 1st week at Westside FUN! Multi-week and sibling discounts are available, so make sure to check those out!

Good luck and enjoy dreaming of summer :) 

- Care

*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.