Home Grown Parenting in the North by HomeGrown Parenting in the North

HOME GROWN Parenting in the North

A Camping Checklist What to pack when you go camping this summer.

Ten Family Friendly Hot Spots to Hit This Summer

Home Decorating Summer Style: Cool Decorating Ideas For HOT Days

Living Green

Interview With Chantal Warren Of Sweet Face

COUPONING IN THE NORTH 1

JULY 1 2011 - Issue #1

Volume 1

Summer in Northern Ontario

Lady of the House

Why Is Staying Home Worth It?

Overwhelmed by colour choices?

Unsure about furniture placement?

Wish your home looked better?

Don't know where to start? SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY &

REDUCE STRESS with Stylish Solutions!

Easy!

Affordable!

Stress-free!

Call or email today to book your consultation for a home that makes you happy! (705) 262-0804 heather@stylishsolutions.biz Save 10% on your first consultation when you mention Home Grown!

Bonus: visit www.stylishsolutions.biz for your free report “65 Decorating Solutions: Easy & Affordable Ways to Update Your Home”

TABLE OF CONTENTS Home Decorating Summer Style: Cool Decorating Ideas For HOT Days Page 7 Northern Couponing Page 9 Bellies And Babies Summer Time Page 11

CAMPING CHECKLIST Page 14 Living Green Enjoying a Greener Summer Page 16 MOMMY MOMENTS! Page 18

Entertainment RAINY DAYS Page 23 Top Ten: Family Friendly Hot Spots to Hit This Summer Page 24 Lady of the House Staying Home Is Worth It! Page 25 Birth Tales A VBAC Page 27

Chantal Warren Owner Of Sweet Face And Our Eco-Friendly Guru Page 6

PRODUCT REVIEW Seven Slings Page 19 Through The Stages: A Growing Family Page 22

Sweet Face Has a great inventory of eco-friendly products.

Welcome! Our first issue By Kayleigh May

Welcome to our first issue! And if you are reading this on our launch date let me wish you a Happy Canada Day, for yesterday. We ran a little behind schedule, as usual when you are trying to start something up you never take all the little mis-haps into account. It was 15 years ago on July 1st 2011, I moved to Canada with my family from South Africa, I was 9 years old.( My father is in the mining industry.) We landed in Timmins Ontario on July 1st 1996, Canada Day! A few months later we lived in Thunderbay, then to Red Lake On, Then to Sudbury where I met my now husband, I moved back to Timmins with him, Then back to Sudbury where we married and had our first son, and now I live in Timmins again where we have two young sons, a dog and two cats. It was about a month ago that I decided that the North needed its own magazine. There are many parenting magazines, but none that are dedicated to the Northern parent. So I hope you enjoy reading the articles that our writers have put together and worked so hard on. If there is anything you wish to read about let us know. We are also looking for more writers at the moment. If you are interested please forward your resume and idea to either Chantal Warren or myself. We will be happy to review your ideas. Before you read on I would like to Congratulate our Writer Christine South and her family on the new addition. A Canada Day baby born yesterday, The ONLY baby in Timmins born on Canada day 2011. So on Behalf of us here at Home Grown Congratulations!

EDITOR: Kayleigh May De Cecco Assistant Editor: Chantal Warren

Kayleigh May, Is the editor of Home Grown Parenting in the North. She is the owner of All Things That Grow Photography. With two boys aged 2 and 10 months old. She is a very busy mother, wife and photographer. Kayleigh loves working with pregnant women and newborns.

Writers Christine South Christine.homegrown@gmail.com Lady of the House, Bellies and Babies - Julie-Anne Mauno Julieanne.homegrown@gmail.com Living Green - Chantal Warren Chantal.homegrown@gmail.com Home Decorating - Heather Cote Heather.homegrown@gmail.com Editors Notes, - Kayleigh May De Cecco Kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com

Here at Home Grown we are always looking for Writers. If you have an interesting topic that you think would benefit the magazine please e-mail either Kayleigh May or Chantal and we will be happy to review your idea.

Meet Our Writers ! Chantal Warren: Chantal is an eco-conscious entrepreneur who splits her time between being a mom to

two and operating a natural baby boutique in the City of Timmins. Her desires to

live a more natural life have provided her the knowledge, experience and contacts to

reduce her family’s carbon footprint on the planet.

Julie-Anne Mauno Julie-Anne is a stay-at-home mom to six beautiful children in rural Northern Ontario. Her adventures include large family mothering, homeschooling, and rural living. As an experienced childbirth educator and doula, she desires to encourage other mothers, especially through the childbearing years. She also writes at www.fruitfulvines.blogspot.com.

Christine South Christine South is a married mother of 4 beautiful children. She is a qualiﬁed teacher and works occasionally with the NCDSB in Timmins. She spends most of her time with her family, enjoying the roller coaster ride of being a mother. Her husband works out of town as a Mechanic 4 weeks at a time, so she holds down the fort at home, juggling a 9 year old, a 5 year old, a 2 year old and a newborn. If there's one thing this lady is good at it's multitasking!

Heather Cote Heather is mom to 2 school-aged kids and works from home as an interior decorator. She is the owner of Stylish Solutions, a decorating business in Timmins.

Chantal Warren Owner Of Sweet Face And Our Eco-Friendly Guru Name: Chantal Warren Home Town: North Bay, On What made you move to Timmins: Work. My husband got a great job here and we decided it was best for the family to relocate. We picked up and moved December 2010. What is your favourite thing about Timmins? I’m really loving how progressive the city is with it’s efforts on being environmentally responsible. Not just the city though, the residents as well. I’m amazed by the number of full service organic farms servicing the area. How long have you been passionate about being green? I’ve been actively looking for more ways to ‘go green’ for about 5 or 6 years but I’ve always been the type to reduce and reuse whenever possible. I think it comes from my crafty side; I’m always looking for other uses for things. Why is it so important to you to be green? For me, it all started with saving money. The more research I did, the more I realized how important it was for the planet but also for our health. It’s amazing what ignorance will lead people to do and use; the chemicals we cover our lives with, it`s no wonder why so many people are having major health issues. How did you get the idea to open the store Sweet Face? After my first child was born, I wanted to be a stay home mom, but financially, it wasn’t possible. When we decided to move to Timmins, the opportunity arose for me to be able

to stay home with my boy and also bring some of the great products that I`d come to depend on as a parent to the market here that were currently not available.

What advice do you have for people who want to get into cloth diapering? The best way to find out about cloth is to talk to someone who has used them or to do a trial run on your own. We`re not talking about your grandmother`s cloth diapers either. Diapering today is as easy as disposable, no more pins and plastic pants. Diapers now have Velcro or snap closures, come in a ton of colours and cute prints and, with a minimal upfront investment, you will save you nearly $2,000 over using disposable diapers. Not to mention the health benefits by reducing exposure to chemicals on your newborn and the tons of garbage that are being diverted from landfills... What are some GREAT items that your store sells? All of the products that I sell are items that I use daily in my home. Some of my favourite items are bumGenius and GroVia cloth diapers, our amber teething Many people won't cloth diaper because they say it is too hard and and adult necklaces and our own too much laundry, is it? I think the locally-made line of wool dryer balls, Northern Alps. I`m also biggest problem with cloth diapers excited to receive our new line of all is that there is not enough natural skin care products ‘delish information readily available for new parents. If you are interested in Naturals`, made right here in Canada. We are a full service cloth using cloth, there are mountains of information available on the web, so diaper store, so we carry everything you need to cloth diaper, all the much that it quickly becomes necessities as well as the fancy little overwhelming for people who are extras. new to the game. In our house, we What is your favourite thing do an extra load every three days. about being a mom? The hugs. That`s it. And, NO, it`s not gross. And being able to watch this Changing a baby is a dirty job, no matter what kind of diaper you use. amazing little person that we created grow and learn new things. Dealing with dirty cloth diapers is way easier than changing the bag of It`s awesome to experience things a diaper genie; now THAT is gross. that we’ve taken for granted through new eyes.

Volume 1 HG - Issue #1

Home Decorating Summer Style: Cool Decorating Ideas For HOT Days

way to bring summer to

By Heather Cote

your home. “

Now that summer is here, it’s time to sweep the winter blahs out of our homes and add some pizzazz. The key to summer decorating is to lighten and brighten. Try some of these tips to transform your rooms and get your home ready for summer: Bring the Outdoors In One of the easiest ways to bring summer indoors is with natural accents – and the best part is they’re usually readily available (and free!). Nothing says summer like a vase full of fresh flowers (a summer alternative to a heavy vase: a brightly coloured metal pail or watering can). Or for a bit of variety on the standard floral display, use a collection of small glass vases and put one bloom in each. Bring in as many natural elements as you can find – the possibilities are endless. Shells, rocks, beach glass, starfish, branches, bamboo and driftwood can all be used to recreate the feeling of summer indoors. Combine pieces to create interesting and unique arrangements. Fill large apothecary jars with sand then add shells and small pieces of coral. One of my favorite accessories in my own living room is a shallow wooden bowl filled with stones – simple yet attractive. What's nice about these

“Just as we pack away our heavy sweaters once the snow is gone, we can do the same for our rooms. “

“Colour is another terriﬁc

accessories is that the kids can help gather the supplies – take a nature walk and have them help you select the stones, shells, etc. Just Add Colour Colour is another terrific way to bring summer to your home. To create a beachy feeling, combine lots of cool white with watery blues and greens. These colours work especially well with the neutral sandy browns found in many homes. Other great summer colour schemes include melon hues (think cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon) and cool pastels (pale lilac, soft blues and teals). For a bold change, paint your walls in one of these summer shades. Not ready to repaint a whole room? Try painting an accent wall in a summer colour that coordinates with the rest of your space. For an even more subtle hit of colour, liven up a bookshelf or built-in unit by painting the backs of the shelves a summery shade. Little touches of colour throughout your space can go a long way toward a great summer makeover! You can also introduce summer hues through your accessories. Add a few

throw cushions in vibrant colours and fabrics. Hang a bright straw hat on a hook by the front door. A brightly coloured wicker basket makes a great magazine holder - put a smaller one in the entryway to hold mail and keys. Get some coloured glass vases or bowls in lively shades. Create a grouping of candles in fresh summer colours and scents (my favorite: fresh linen…the smell of line-dried laundry without the housework!). A large white bowl filled with bright yellow lemons is a simple yet colourful centerpiece. Empty out the fireplace and fill it with beautiful greenery. In the bathroom, add a basket filled with hand towels or facecloths in light pastels or bright, cheery hues, and throw down a colourful new bath mat. In addition to these dashes of colour, add several touches of white throughout a room to really liven up the space.

Volume 1 HG - Issue #1

Remove Layers Just as we pack away our heavy sweaters once the snow is gone, we can do the same for our rooms. Warm, fuzzy throws draped over the sofa bring warmth to a room in the winter, but can add too much visual heat once the hot weather arrives. Replace heavy throws with lighter, airier fabrics for a more summery feel. Do the same for large area rugs and the smaller runners in the entryway and kitchen – replace them with lighter rugs (look for any of the following: jute, cotton, bamboo or sisal), or even remove them completely for the season. Tablecloths and table runners can also be replaced with lightweight versions. A white runner really lightens up a dark wood table. Summer is a great time to go sheer with window treatments as well. It can really make your space feel more open. Cover Up If you have a dark, heavy sofa or chairs, a slipcover in a lighter colour and fabric can dramatically change the appearance of your room. This trick also works in the bedroom - slipcover your headboard for a whole new look. Look for lighter, cooler fabrics in a summery pattern like “take a sheer scarf and tie it around the a light stripe or floral pillow for an instant no-sew cover” print. For a more casual feel, try white canvas. A lot of parents like white slipcovers because they can be bleached if they become stained. Throw cushions can also benefit from the slipcover treatment. Use sheer fabric (for added detail, try an

embroidered sheer) to make covers for your dark throw pillows. Even easier – take a sheer scarf and tie it around the pillow for an instant no-sew cover. For pillows that really say summer, try this easy DIY project: Sew two standard-size towels together along three sides to make super soft, comfortable pillowcases. Smaller towels can be used to cover throw cushions. Add Some Artwork Replace your heavier artwork with lighter pieces – go for summer landscapes, florals and botanicals, shells and water scenes. White picture frames can help to lighten things up as well. Gather up outdoor photos of family and friends (beach shots are great for this). Put them in coordinating frames and hang them in a grouping to create a photo wall. You can also fashion your own summer artwork in a few simple steps – pick a few flowers and leaves from the garden, press them in a book for a week or two, then place them in a picture frame (for those that share my fear of bugs, check flowers before pressing to avoid any unpleasant surprises!). This is a fun one for the kids to help with! Another kid-friendly option for summer artwork: grab some sidewalk chalk and let the kids draw outside. Take photos of their work, then enlarge and frame them. Any of these simple tips will have your home ready for summer in no time!

mom. So I did a bit of searching and found out that the short answer to By Julie-anne Mauno that question is, unfortunately, no. The main reason for this is found in small print on almost every coupon I’ve picked up, cut up or looked at recently that reads: Limit: One coupon per purchase. Extreme couponing works mainly because, in the United States, retailers allow you to double up on coupons so that you can reduce the price of an item as low as possible, sometimes enabling you to make money on the purchase of an item. This explains why extreme couponers will If you haven’t seen it, TLC’s Extreme buy everything in large, impractical quantities. And, while it might be Couponing is a new series that comforting to know you’ve got 80 features folks (mostly moms) who boxes of cereal in your pantry, expiry take couponing to the, um, extreme. dates would limit how many of those It’s a mesmerizing show that makes boxes you would actually be able to you wonder how many boxes of croutons a person really needs? Most enjoy. of these women were motivated to So, what’s a northern mom to do? I start couponing when they came have to admit that this show has upon hard times. Some spend as opened my eyes to the money saving much time buying, cutting and organizing coupons as they would at possibilities that do exist here for me. I’m noticing coupons everywhere a full time job. They have minuscule now; on coffee cream containers, grocery budgets and check out hundreds of dollars worth of food and inside boxes of freezies, on bulletin household items for just a few dollars boards, in grocery store aisles and the list goes on. You can search with the help of their stacks of online to find printable coupons and coupons. A quick tour around their sign up to receive coupons in the homes reveals hundreds of items mail (electronic or snail) with various carefully stored and stockpiled. companies for everything from mops, diapers, shampoo and food items. What I love about this show is the Just google your favourite item and ingenuity of moms who found a way include the word “coupon”. There are to overcome their tight budget to meet the needs of their family. These even websites and blogs dedicated women are determined, creative and entirely to coupons. Another great resourceful. But, while this series has way to save is by “Liking” Facebook got me noticing coupons everywhere pages set up for your favourite I go now, I admit I was left wondering products. I recently got free Tetley tea in the mail after I joined their if extreme couponing could really be Facebook page. I’ve also entered possible for me, a northern Ontario

HG - Issue #1

Volume 1

Northern Couponing

and won giveaways on blogs (a fun way to get free stuff). In fact, I’ve gone online searching for giveaways for specific items I have wanted. For example, I entered many giveaways for the baby carrier I wanted to buy. Although I never won, it was fun knowing I had found a way to possibly get the carrier for free! I’ve also gotten great deals on baby items and clothing online by using coupon codes at online checkouts. You can get codes by signing up for a store’s newsletter or getting on their e-mail list. I’ve combined coupons (online and in stores) with a sale and that adds up to big savings too. So, before you run out or click the checkout button to purchase something on sale, check for coupons to save even more! It does takes a little research and a little time, but there are savings to be had, even here in Northern Ontario! Thankfully, some of these extreme couponing moms are happy to donate some of their couponing spoils, which helps when you’ve got 86 packages of gravy mix. And, that’s something that we northern moms can take home too. Generosity is not limited by coupon policies. No matter where life has us, we can always find a way to save a little and share a lot! Here at Home Grown, we love sharing with our readers! You’ll find some great deals tucked inside this first issue! Enjoy!

All Things That Grow%

Photography( By Kayleigh May

705.264.2023 dececco.km@gmail.com www.allthingsthatgrow.smugmug.com

Save 5% off of your sitting fee when you mention Home Grown in July

By: Julie-Anne Mauno

HG - Issue #1

Volume 1

Bellies And Babies Summer Time

Bellies and Babies: Summertime! Welcome to Bellies & Babies! This column is full of advice and information to help you celebrate the childbearing years. Our Bellies section if for pregnancy and birth while our Babies section discusses life with babies. And, we love babies! Grab a cup of tea and some encouragement along with a few insights in our Bellies& Babies column!

mosquitos and black flies. Just mix a few drops into some olive oil and rub onto your skin. Not only will you be repelling unwanted bugs but you will also get the wonderful hydrating benefits of olive oil on your skin!

Check your fish facts! I am married to an avid fisherman and we get to eat a lot of fresh fish, especially in the summer! I remember teaching a prenatal class at a health unit in downtown Montreal when our guest nutritionist was talking about mercury in fish. One fatherBELLIES: to-be was surprised to learn that the fish he was catching off the shores of Montreal had unsafe levels of mercury Being pregnant in the summer is no easy task! But you for his pregnant wife and unborn child. While the lakes don’t have to give up on summertime fun. Just remember and rivers in the North are a far cry from the polluted St. some basic tips to get you through! Lawrence, I was surprised to learn that there are still Stay Hydrated! Always keep a water bottle with you and some restrictions in our neck of the woods for pregnant women. Every time my husband brings home a good drink lots of fluids, especially on those really hot days. catch, we pull up the Government of Ontario’s Guide to Dehydration can bring on unwanted contractions so it’s Eating Sportfish. We look up the lake he caught his fish really important to drink a lot! You can also boost your fluids by snacking on super watery treats like watermelon in. The guide gives us a list of species and what size is or cucumbers. Not fond of cucumbers? Try dressing them considered safe or unsafe for consumption by expecting and nursing women as well as young children. Typically, up by mixing chopped cucumbers and tomatoes with bigger fish have higher levels of mercury making them sunflower seeds and your favourite dressing. unsafe to eat. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to hang onto a smaller catch for you to safely enjoy in pregnancy Consider alternatives to Bug Spray! I confess I have used bug spray while pregnant, especially in really buggy and when in doubt, check the guide! You can find the guide at http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/environment/en/ situations. But, your skin does absorb whatever resources/collection/guide_to_eating_ontario_sport_fish/ chemicals you put on it so you might want to consider STDPROD_075994.html making your own bug spray using olive oil and essential oils. Lemon Balm oil (citronella) is great for repelling

Volume 1 HG - Issue #1 BABIES

Nets are best! A great way to keep the bugs away from your baby while outdoors is to use a net over his car Keep your baby hydrated without water! Well meaning seat, stroller and even his crib or playpen. You can buy friends and family will often advise breastfeeding mothers small nets at your local department store. These are to supplement their young baby’s feedings with water. designed to fit well over strollers, car seats and This advice seems sound, especially in the heat of bassinets. We have even used a large mosquito net my summer. But the truth is it isn’t wise to give your husband bought on a trip to Africa to cover our baby’s breastfeeding baby water, especially if he is under 6 crib or hang over our toddler’s bed to keep the mosquitos months old and being fed breastmilk exclusively. away. You can buy larger mosquito nets at sporting Breastmilk is really all your baby needs to stay hydrated, goods stores and outdoors supply stores. even in the worst heatwave. Giving your baby water will fill up his stomach, causing him to feel full and nurse less. INSIGHTS: This can lead to weight loss because water just doesn’t I’ve had 4 summer babies and I have to admit that I love have the calories your baby needs to thrive. In fact, being pregnant in the summer! I find it easier to be active breastmilk contains all the fluids and electrolytes your and that helps relieve stiff and aching joints and baby needs to stay hydrated. 1 Because breastmilk is made up of electrolytes, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and ligaments. Fresh fruit and vegetables abound so it’s easy to eat healthy. I also love to go for a refreshing swim or vitamins while still containing over 80% water, it is the rest by a cozy campfire. And my favourite go-to summer best choice for keeping your baby hydrated and helping skirts always made for cool, stylish and easy wardrobe him thrive. In especially hot weather, breastfeeding your baby more often is the best defence against dehydration. options! So, while I often received a lot of sympathy for my summer pregnancies, I always found a way to make Breastfeeding mothers are the only ones who should be the best of it and enjoy all the benefits summer can offer drinking lots of water in the summer to help them stay hydrated and produce all the milk required to satisfy their to a very pregnant mamma! If you’re expecting this summer, I hope you can make the best of it too! baby. It’s truly important to pay attention to your baby’s needs in the summer heat, but giving your baby water to prevent dehydration is just bad advice!

Print out ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

CAMPING CHECKLIST With camping season upon us, it always seems to take more time to get the vehicle loaded than anything just to arrive at the campsite and realize you forgot to pack the tent. In order to help remove the stress from the ordeal of packing for the big trip, we’ve compiled a list of the main items you will need to remember for an enjoyable experience.

The Basics



Tent



Folding Chairs



Sleeping bags and Blankets



Pillows



Food



Water Containers and Bottles



Beverages (for adults and children)



Coﬀee



Ice Packs and Cooler



Cooking stuﬀ: o

Knives, Forks and Spoons

Plates, cups

Pots and/or pans

Storage Containers



Firewood or Charcoal/Propane for Barbeque



Flashlights (with extra batteries)



Headlamp and/or Lantern



Mobile Phone and (Car) Chargers



Camera



Maps, Compass/GPS



Bug Spray and After-bite lotion

Clothing: 

Sun Glasses



Hat



Comfortable clothes



Bathing suit



Warm Night time clothes, Sweater



PJs



Rain Gear, Coat



Umbrella



Sandals



Running shoes



Extra Socks

Toiletries: 

Toothbrush & Toothpaste



Towels



Washcloth



Soaps



First Aid Kit including: • Bandages • Antiseptic Cream or lotion • Allergy Medication • Headache medication • Sunscreen and After-Sun lotions

The things we always forget:



Garbage Bags



Lighter and/or Matches



Pocket Knife



Bottle Opener



Tin Foil Wrap



Dish Soap



Toilet paper

Living Green Enjoying a Greener Summer

HG - Issue #1

Volume 1

“Ditch the styrofoam plates and cups for a reusable plastic set. BPA free sets are readily available at dollar stores.”

Summer in Northern Ontario is a mere couple of months long, but that doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on good, clean summer fun. There are a lot of local activities that are not only fun and interesting for the whole family, but they are also better for Mother Nature than your standard water fight or bon fire. Enjoying a greener summer doesn’t have to be complicated; it’s the opposite really. Here are some ideas to get you going on your fun, educational and green summer.

Eat Out And I don’t mean at a fast food restaurant. Pack a picnic and hit one of the many parks, green spaces or conservation areas in the district. But let’s not stop there. When packing your meal, substitute paper for cloth; loose the paper towels in place for cloth napkins easily made at home by cutting up all those baby swaddle blankets you no longer use. Ditch the styrofoam plates and cups for a reusable plastic set. BPA free sets are readily available at dollar stores. Or check out the growing selection of biodegradable dishes available online made from potato, corn or sugar. Now that you’ve prepared your litter-less picnic, kick it up a notch by purchasing locally grown food at local farms or the farmers market, opening this month at the Mountjoy Farmers Market. Not only are you reducing the carbon emission used to deliver the food to the store, but you’re also getting a fresher product and supporting your local economy.

Volume 1 HG - Issue #1

Find the Wild Things Get outside and enjoy the nature in your backyard. Walk through trails and see what you can find; learn about the different homes that animals have. Encouraging kids with simple activities like making a recycled bird feeder or feeding the squirrels are great ways to teach them about local wildlife. For a fun project that is not only simple for even amateur carpenters, but is also a natural pest control, build a bat house. Looking to attract some more colourful garden friends, try planting a butterfly bush, they grow quickly and require little maintenance. Aside from butterflies, they also attract bees, which should help to naturally pollinate your other plants. Getting outside with your kids to learn more about all that lives around them is a great way to enjoy summer; check out the local library for books to learn more about nature. The more kids learn, the more they will respect the planet.

Roughin’ it Since you’ve now spent the whole day outside, why not spend the night out there too. Pop up a tent in your backyard and camp out, listening to the sounds of the night that usually go unheard. Better yet, head out for the weekend to one of the many camp sites nearby. Camping is a great way to become one with the earth and is a truly relaxing experience. Make this camping trip as natural as possible by ensuring that you use natural/biodegradable soaps for dishes and bathing; opt for citronella bug repellents in place of deet-based bug sprays which are bad for both the environment and your health. If you must use a campfire for heat and cooking purposes, the best wood to use is purchased hardwoods. Downed wood, twigs and ‘kindling’ are important to the environment to maintain a healthy, nourished forest. Also, don’t burn garbage or woods that have been treated with paint or chemicals, they expel toxins that pollute the air that you are breathing in. Most importantly, when camping, make sure that you leave the land as you found it.

Become a Farmer For the summer or for the day, slip on the rubber boots and go play in the dirt. Planting a garden in your back yard may be a little daunting for some, but starting small in planters is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and reap the rewards of your efforts. Teach your children how to care for a living thing by helping with watering and weeding. Not so sure your thumb is green enough? Join the community garden and work with others. Community gardens provide fresh produce to its gardeners but also to the local food banks and shelters. This is a great opportunity to teach children about giving back to the community. Not interested in getting your hands dirty, take a day trip to one of the local farms. Find out where all that wonderfully fresh, local food comes from and how it’s grown. There are several local farms that you can visit like Naturally Pure Farm, B&G’s Goats and Bee Farm, Dream Acres Alpacas and Mother Cluckers. Being environmentally conscious isn’t extra work; it just takes a little creativity and forethought. With so many great resources just outside your front door, this should prove to be fun-filled, educational and green summer for the whole family.

Send in your mommy moments to kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com and share the laughs.

MOMMY MOMENTS! Caramelized Laundry By Kayleigh May

As a mother of two boys aged 2 and 9 months, I am always cleaning. The laundry piles are never ending, and the dust bunnies keep moving back in after they have been evicted. One busy morning of many I had brought two beautifully folded laundry hampers upstairs ready to pack away, As I arrived in the kitchen I put the heavy hampers down and went to breastfeed my youngest son Connor, Hayden my oldest was playing in the kitchen with his train track and the dog, which is within earshot of where I was feeding Connor. While feeding Connor I could hear laughing and giggles. I smiled as I thought of Hayden playing with his trains, And then I realized ..... MY LAUNDRY! No the laundry was not safe, I ran to the kitchen with Connor still attached. Hayden my dear son, had mixed the brown sugar from the bakery pantry with the laundry. To top it all off he poured the dogs water on top. He was sanding with sugar all over his head, the poor dog was covered in brown sugar, and my laundry was scattered right across the kitchen floor.

Hayden smiled at me, he knew that he had done something horrible... But it was just to funny to not smile. I cleaned up the mess and had a little laugh to myself. I Carried the hampers downstairs and started the machines again. No use making a fuss of something so small. Remember to smile at the small things that you will laugh at in the weeks, months, and years to come.

my sling in my mail box, my nine month old was sitting comfortably inside the sling. By Kayleigh De Cecco I like that the seven sling is sized The product that I reviewed this for you. It is very easy to use just fold in half put it on and slip your baby month is the Seven Slings. A few months ago through an e- in the way you intend on holding him/her. Babies love being close to mail I was directed to their mommy and this sling makes it www.sevenslings.com the slings so much easier for them to do so. looked great. I purchased myself a Sevenslings.com offer size gift set, (A sling, bracelet, and a pair of baby legs.) just because I loved the insurance incase the sling is not the right size for a very small fee. fact that the bracelet matched the Home Grown contacted Seven sling and I love baby leggings, they Slings and was able to get our come in handy for the mom who readers a free sling all you pay is the uses slings. shipping, or get a gift set for an In the summer I like to pop my additional $5.00 plus shipping. nine month old in the sling in a onesie with baby leggings to keep his legs nice and warm. I received my seven sling a few weeks later in the mail. Only ten minutes after the mail man dropped

PRODUCT REVIEW Seven Slings

Go To www.sevenslings.com enter code : Homegrown To get your free Sling, Just Pay S&H, Or get a Gift Set for ONLY $5.00 +S&H

When to use a sling: 1.Shopping. It is so much easier to go shopping whether it be shopping in the mall or shopping for groceries. It is so much easier than hauling the car seat around or the stroller (which you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit much in.) 2.Cleaning your home. A fussy baby who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to go down is no excuse to not clean. Doing dishes and folding laundry while baby sleeps close to mama is never been easier than with a sling. 3.Going for a walk. When you go for a walk take the sling instead of the big stroller.

Is there a product that you would like reviewed? Send an e-mail to kayleighmay.homegrown@gmail.com and let me know! 19

The perfect "Coming Home from the Hospital" outfit! Practical, adorable and bound to have people talking! •

Made in Canada

•

Open bottom for easy changes

•

Built in scratch mitts

•

Made specifically to fit preemies and newborns

•

Have skin to skin contact with baby for breastfeeding but still keep baby dressed by opening the two front ties of kimono.

•

Take to the hospital and make it the first thing your baby wears

•

Made of Bamboo

264 Third Ave., Timmins, ON P4N 1A3 (705) 264-2225 21

Use coupon ‘HomeGrown” for 15% off your order

Through The Stages: A Growing Family By Christine South-Villeneuve

INFANT (0-12 months) As much as you are still enjoying getting to know your little one, this first year is also about getting to know yourself all over again too! As your baby grows and matures over this first incredible life changing year, you will also be growing as a new person, as a mother! We as mothers often forget that we need to take the time to remember that we are still important too! So, this summer, get out there with your little one, whether at a park, a play center or just out walking, and really reflect on all the changes going on in your life. Share your feelings with a friend or family member and enjoy growing with your baby this first year of their life! TODDLER (12-36 months) Wow! A whole year has passed already! I'm sure at times you felt like you would never make it through, but here you are, with a toddler! Many things are changing now, as your little one really starts to show their personality and explore the world around them. Encourage them to try new things by making it fun! Make pictures or shapes out of new foods, play clapping games, go on a nature walk, introduce new games and textures that are age appropriate and do it together! Laugh, smile and stay close to your little one as they attempt new and exciting things such as swinging on a swing at the park, or playing in a pool in the backyard. The more encouragement they get from you, the more confidence they will build. These first few years will help to shape this incredible little person into who they will become! YOUNG CHILD (3-8 years) Can you say "Mr/Ms Independent"? There are times where you might feel like they don't even need you anymore, but pay close attention and be patient, you'll see many opportunities throughout the day where you are still very much needed! Summer brings a whole new adventure to

energetic children this age who want to run, play and experience everything all at once! Keep them occupied by taking them to different parks, beaches or play centers. It is beneficial to try to plan ahead as much as possible because these little balls of energy still thrive on routine and love to know what's coming next. Don't forget all the fun you can have in your own backyard! A small wading pool is often enough to keep a child entertained for hours! Water balloons, water guns or even a slip'n'slide are all great fun for a young child. Not sure what else to do with your child? ASK THEM! They certainly have an opinion and love to share it, you never know what they will come up with next! PRE-TEEN (9-12 years) Your once sweet and innocent child has developed something new and a little scary: ATTITUDE! Though some are still pretty meek at this age, others are raging with raw hormones! Summer often presents challenges for pre-teens as they are often "board" and just want to sit around and watch television. Try to keep them involved as much as possible by letting them help plan days out or even dinner menus. Also, just as it is with younger children, you might want to keep a reward system in place! Let them pick a place that they want to go the following weekend (a certain beach, or maybe a restaurant) and remind them during the week that this event is coming and they must behave in order to go. A summer vacation is also a great way to keep these pre-teens motivated! Going camping, planning an out of town visit with friends or relatives, or maybe visiting a theme park could really keep them in line! If possible, allow them to bring a friend. Friends are very important to pre-teens, they become like a second family and keeping them close could prove very beneficial in the long run. In the words of a pre-teen, "BRING IT ON"!!

Entertainment RAINY DAYS By Kayleigh May

Families sometimes can get so focused on their individual lives that they forget that they are a family, It is so important for mom and dad to get the kids together. Board Games: A Great way to get the family together and teach your kids valuable life lessons. Don’t forget the classics when playing board games, Such as Pictionary and Charades, these board games are easy to play and you don’t need to go out and buy anything for it.

Baking: Baking with your little ones is a great way to spend the rainy day. There is something for each age group. Allow Toddlers to pour in pre-measured items. Allow older children to mix, and measure out the ingredients. Also teach your children how to crack an egg. Your child will remember baking Crafts: I have never met a kid who doesn’t with you forever, and this will be knowledge that like crafts. There are so many easy to do crafts, a they will take in to their adult life. favorite website of mine is: www.familyfun.go.com There are lots of crafts organized by age groups so there is something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to make a mess either.

Top Ten: Family Friendly Hot Spots to Hit This Summer By Christine South

10. Timmins Cinema Six - under renovations, but still a great place to bring the family for a little "together time". New titles coming in every few weeks! 9. Ontario Early Years Center - A child-focused place that both parents and children up to the age of 6 will surely enjoy! 8. Archie Dillon Sportsplex - An indoor swim area which includes 3 pools: a hot pool, a cool pool and a deep diving pool; great for those needing a place to cool off without the sun beating down. 7. Timmins Gold Mine Tour/Shania Twain Center - You will find something here that interests everyone and learn a little bit about the history of Timmins, all while having lots of family oriented fun! 6. The Timmins Public Library - it may not actually be "hot" but the cool air in the building will give you the break you need away from that really HOT summer day. 5. Cedar Meadows Resort - Guided tours and hay rides of land which sports some of Northern Ontario's most popular wildlife. 4. White Waterfront - Located on Porcupine Lake, can be an all day adventure including a play area, picnic spots, many opportunities to view wildlife, and a boat launch for those interested. 3. Gillies Lake - with a beachfront area to swim, a children's park, a walking trail which surrounds the lake, a small area for fishing, canoe and kayak friendly, duck feeding area, benches and picnic tables; this place has something for everyone! 2. Hersey Lake - FREE this year for all! Includes a great sandy beach, a beautiful lake to swim and a walking trail which surrounds the lake.

and the number one place to go is: 1. The Hollinger Park - A great place to picnic and play all day: including play structures for kids of all ages, a great sand area to dig, and a water pad to cool off in!

Lady of the House Staying Home Is Worth It! By Julie-Anne Mauno

“My

guidance counsellor

in high school told me I

was wasting my potential

when I shared with her my desire to be a stay-at-home

kindness, respect, hard work, selfcontrol, creativity, and problemsolving. It is true that some moments slip through my fingers yet the ones I do hold tightly remind me of the “why” I am walking this path and that makes it all worthwhile.

Welcome to The Lady of the House column where we will celebrate the joys and challenges of being a stay-athome mom. Leave the sink full of dishes for just a moment and join me here every month as we embrace this totally-worth-it journey. The floor is sticky with watermelon juice, reminding me of the red-stained smile my 1 year old grinned when I gave into his request for “more amamelon”. The house is just now quiet, teenagers finally in bed! I love how my teens make me laugh, especially at the end of a long day. But, the best part of my day was when my 3 year old came to get me at my sink of dirty dishes and led me to the picnic he planned in our basement rec. room. We had popcorn, mixed nuts, juice and bananas all arranged

purposefully on a Lightning McQueen blanket. He served me each snack with the biggest smile. My day is full of joys if I look for them. My guidance counsellor in high school told me I was wasting my potential when I shared with her my desire to be a stay-at-home mom. “You’re so smart! Why would you want to stay home?” she told me. Thankfully my brains are very much needed as I make a home where my children can become out-of-this-world adults! At least that’s the goal. Yes, it involves a lot of menial tasks like laundry, dishes, mopping and changing diapers. But, every moment is an opportunity to teach children values like sharing, cooperation,

My guidance counsellor didn’t understand what an incredibly challenging job staying at home is and just how much skill and talent are needed to do this job. I have learned over the years that with a great deal of perseverance, you can experience much fruit from your labours. The rewards are in the small things, the daily moments, the step-by-step ways of leading your child gently, steadily over the years. So, the next time you have to answer the “what do you do for a living?” question with “I stay home with my children”, remember all the reasons why you are doing this in the first place. Learn to daily look for the joys and I promise they will surprise you.

Birth Tales A VBAC By Kayleigh De Cecco

“Around 32 weeks I found out that my baby was breech. I cried thinking that it was going to be another csection ahead of me.”

Almost 3 years ago I was filled with joy to find out I was pregnant with my first baby. When I was 28 weeks pregnant I had an ultrasound, the results were that the baby was breech. My OBgyn told me at my 32 week appointment that there was no point in trying to turn the baby and that the baby would turn if it wanted to, and if not I would have a csection. From that moment I was disappointed, I wanted a natural birth but was told that it was not an option. The c-section was hard on me, I had a hard time lifting my only 8lb baby, I was always sore and tired.I was like that for 8 weeks. When I found out that I was pregnant again I was worried that I would have to have another csection. I called the local midwife in town and she let me know that there was an option for VBAC (Vaginal birth after cesarian section) I was so happy to hear that. I used a lot of

positive thinking for the next months ahead of me. I visualized my birth. Around 32 weeks I found out that my baby was breech. I cried thinking that it was going to be another c-section ahead of me. I contacted my midwife who helped me by telling me all the different ways there were to help the baby turn on his own. I tried yoga, and different positions. I also ended up trying moxibustion, (A form of chinese acupuncture) 7 days after starting moxibustion and doing everyday I felt the baby turn in the middle of the night. At 39 weeks I woke up at 5 am in labour. With a positive mind. I knew this baby was coming and I promised myself to have as natural a birth as possible. (This was my personal choice as I had such an opposite experience before) My midwife was out of town, I called her in the morning and let her know. She was

helpful and called a doctor to let her know that I was in labour and would be at the hospital later that day. I tried to labour as long as possible at home. I ate watermelon for some odd reason I craved it. I was between 5-6 cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital at 8 am. The contractions were 3 minutes apart and hitting me hard. I progressed to 8 cm by 11 am, and at 1pm the doctor arrived and broke my water. 1:38 pm after a few pushes Connor was born. My beautiful boy. It was a wonderful experience, even though my midwife was out of town, and part of my birth plan was ruined, when I was in labour I didn’t care who delivered the baby, as long as he was healthy.