Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
~ Albert Camus (1913-1960)
There is something to be said for fall—the red and gold on the trees, harvest festivals, apples, pumpkins, Halloween…lots of teeth-rotting candy. My own daughter managed to get quite the haul last year, despite being not yet out of her toddler years. This year, with her new-found status of “big girl,” she is expecting a bigger cloth pumpkin to hold all of her lucre. And this has created a dilemma.
I have always made it a policy to tell my daughter the truth about why she can’t have or do certain things, taking the time to explain, to answer the perpetual “Why?” that is sure to follow said explanation. But how, oh how, to explain the fact that I’m going to eat most of her candy before the “sugar bugs” can ruin her teeth? Because, let’s face it, this will not be done for the greater good or even the good of the munchkin’s baby incisors. It will be done because I really miss a good candy blowout—you know, the one that happened when you somehow magically managed to figure out where your mom stored all of the sweets, then got into a room alone with them and proceeded to demolish a good quarter of the bag, starting with the mini chocolate Kit Kats, and working your way down to the peanut butter cups.
I managed to stay strong last year, and dutifully let the candy slowly dwindle over a six month period until my
your thoughts
Thanks so much for the surfing article in your last issue [Surfin’ Safari in Tofino, September]. My family has always wanted to go surfing together, mainly because of my husband, who has always been a beach bum! After reading this article, we decided to finally give it a try together, so we’ve booked a trip for the spring and are looking forward to catching some waves…even if it is on a foam board.
Jennifer S.
I’m so glad you finally did a summer event listing, way overdue! [Summer Fun, July/August] I used it most of the summer to plan events and day trips for my kids. Sure made my job a lot easier, thanks!
Karina S.
daughter had—sporadically—eaten every last piece. This year, I can already feel the siren call of the Aero bars chanting my name, and I haven’t even bought them yet. There’s only one thing to do. I will keep myself so busy that there will be no time to think about all of the candy that will shortly be filling up my top right pantry cupboard. (Too high for the midget to reach.)
Yes, fall is a beautiful season, and our fall fun listings have many great events throughout the Lower Mainland for your family to enjoy. This is also the issue when we focus on babies and pregnancy, looking at everything from pre-natal exercise to baby carrier safety. And yes, we’ve picked the four winners for our makeover contest, and you can find out more about them on page 26. Stay tuned next month to see their final transformations, and, in the meanwhile, read page 27 for tips on how to bring the sexy back into your own life. I hope you enjoy this issue and the season. I’m going sugar-bug shopping. See you next month!
I’m a single full-time dad of two girls who enjoys reading your magazine, and I was hoping that you might start including more info that is dad-centric, rather than just for moms. While I like the craft projects and cool stuff you include, it would be good to see some stuff that helps dads be better parents.
Jared R.
I’ve always enjoyed your magazine, and found the articles objective and educational, but I was wondering why you never include any recipes? As a busy mom of three who works out of the home, I am always looking for easy recipes for dinner and my kids’ lunches. Any chance you might include some in the future?
Roberta F.
Editor’s Note: Thank you for your letter, Roberta! We are actually starting a recipe column in this issue. Check out page 17 for our inaugural recipe.
Got anything to say, rant about or praise? We want to hear it all!
Email editor@westcoastfamilies.com with your comments, questions and suggestions, and be entered to win monthly prizes!
For distribution inquiries, please contact: Jennifer Bruyns
Contributors:
Brianna Brash-Nyberg, Jennifer Bruyns, Leanne Davis, Cori Howard, Heather Lochner, Shari Pratt, Gina Spanos Photography, Andrea Undseth, What I See Photography.
WestCoast Families (WCF) is an independent, regional parenting publication. As the Lower Mainland’s prime resource for happy, healthy & active families, WCF provides informative and relevant content.
Published nine times per year in British Columbia, Canada. Total circulation: 50,000
For queries about editorial submissions, please view the contributor guidelines on our website.
To submit a community calendar event or share your feedback, please email info@westcoastfamilies.com.
WestCoast Families is proud to have been selected as a mom-friendly employer for the 2010 Progressive Employers of Canada List. And congratulations to our fellow inductees!
Photographed by eclipsephotography.ca
contests
Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Following their critically acclaimed debut in 2009, The Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to the Vancouver stage this December 16 to 19, 2010. Principal dancers from The National Ballet of Canada and Pacific Northwest Ballet will join students from throughout the Lower Mainland on stage amidst opulent sets and mesmerizing costumes. Live music from musicians of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra provides the ideal accompaniment to these visual delights. Explore this magical world of animated mice, magicians, snow palaces and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy, as part of a fantastical start to the Christmas season. WIN! Four (4) tickets to the matinee performance on Sunday, December 19, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. Total retail value $335. Tickets available through ticketmaster.ca. www.gohballet.com
Deadline to Enter: October 31, 2010
Bamboobino
The Wiggles are back with Wiggly Circus Live!
The Fab Four from down under are back with this year’s most anticipated family event. It’s the smell of “Hot Poppin’ Popcorn”! It’s the excitement of a “A Big Big Show”! It’s The Wiggles “Wiggly Circus Live!” Tour. Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers as they bring all the excitement of the big top with a wiggly twist to Vancouver! WIN! Four (4) tickets to this high-energy family show on October 10, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. at the Pacific Coliseum. Total retail value $120. Tickets available through ticketmaster.ca.
Deadline to Enter: October 6, 2010
Jack O’Lantern’s Spooky Stroll
WIN! Four (4) tickets to this gently spooky event, perfect for the whole family—even your little ones! On Saturday, October 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., enjoy the haunted path illuminated by nearly 200 carved pumpkins. After, come on in to Jack O’Lantern’s House, where WestCoast Families Editor Anya Levykh will be reading suitably “spirited” stories. www.vandusengarden.org
Deadline to Enter: October 15, 2010
This local Vancouver company specializes in baby and toddler wear and accessories, plus nursing pads for mom, all made from eco-friendly, hypo-allergenic and super-soft bamboo viscose. WIN! This baby prize package, including: pocket bib; burp cloth; washcloths; after-bath hat; hooded enclosed baby wrap; socks; nursing pads for mom; no-scratch mittens; beanie hat; and Inda the Panda. Total retail value $150. www.bamboobino.com
Deadline to Enter: October 31, 2010
You Name It Baby!
A Canadian company specializing in making and selling personalized kids’ items, You Name It Baby! was founded in August 2005 by mompreneurs Amy Hiltz and Rebecca Lander. The line includes everything from cute plush toys to children’s furniture, clothing, accessories, lunch boxes and more! WIN! A personalized Cozy Kid prize package including: Bambini Embroidered Collection hand towel and bath towel; Navy Aqua nap mat and blanket; and a Dimple Dot robe. All items will be personalized according to the winner’s preferences. Total retail value $164. www.younameitbaby.com
Deadline to Enter: October 31, 2010
Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All
Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey November 13, 1pm Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts November 14, 1pm
A candid look at some of Canada’s national pastimes through the eyes of our favourite pre-schooler, Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All is a brand new musical adventure inspired by skating, playing hockey and being a kid with endless imagination. Filled with original sing-a-long songs, thrilling rollerblade displays and lots of audience participation, Caillou, along with his family and friends, invite you to join them in this charming celebration of a Canadian winter in Caillou’s Greatest Skate of All WIN! A family prize pack including four (4) tickets to either the Surrey or Vancouver performances, plus a book, DVD, and a meet-and-greet with the performers! Total retail value approx. $150. Please state which performance you would prefer to attend when entering.
Deadline to Enter: October 22, 2010
presents
West Coast Women’s Show
Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford
October 22, 1pm-10pm October 23, 10am-9pm October 24, 11am-5:30pm
Laugh, enjoy and get motivated at the largest and most successful women’s event in BC, now in its 10th year! Shop and find free samples at over 400 booths. And don’t miss the Martini Nights on Friday and Saturday night, plus the launch of the 2011 “Hall of Flame” Calendar Firefighters Fashion Show (Oct. 22) and the hot new 911 Fashion Show (Oct. 23). Plus, see Steven and Chris, the original Designer Guys from CBC Television, and Tara-Jean and Vincent from So You Think You Can Dance Canada perform live. With home décor, interior design, food and fashion, this is one show you and your girlfriends won’t want to miss! Adults, $12; Youth (13-17), $9; Children (6-12), $4; Children 5 and under free.
www.westcoastwomen.net
Go
Baby Expo
Eaglequest Golf Club, Surrey
October 23, 11am-4pm
The 5th annual Go Baby Expo is a great event for new and expectant parents, with many vendors selling baby and toddler items, plus valuable information, free samples and lots of prizes to be won! Free parking available. Adults $5; Children free.
www.gobabyexpo.com
Baby and Family Fair
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
November 6, 10am-6pm, November 7, 10am-5pm
The 8th annual Baby and Family Fair is every parent’s dream. With over 100 booths, the show offers an extensive selection of exhibitors, seminars and hands-on demonstrations on the latest information, innovations, products and services for expecting and families with young children. Whether it’s reliable information from industry experts, fun for the little ones in the Creative Corner Area, or an incredible shopping experience, this event has what parents need. Don’t miss the new Dad’s Domain and special guests Shrek and Fiona! Adults, $10; Children under age 10 are free.
www.baby-fair.com
Jack O’Lantern’s Spooky Stroll
VanDusen Botanical Garden
October 30, 5pm-7pm
The whole family can participate in this gently spooky event! Imagine a path twisting through the dark woods illuminated only by the lit faces of nearly 200 creepy, carved pumpkins. It’s a place of mystery and haunted faces—but not too scary for the little ones! The fun is in discovering all the different pumpkin personalities hidden in the dark. At the end of the Spooky Stroll join Anya Levykh, Editor of WestCoast Families Magazine at Jack O’Lantern’s House where she will entertain guests with suitably “spirited” tales. The event happens rain or shine, so dress for the weather—little ones are encouraged to come in costume to help haunt the Garden. Special prices are in effect and tickets may be purchased in advance at The Garden Shop or at the Gate on the night of the event. Adults, $7.25; Children (ages 2-18), $5; Family (2 adults, 2 children), $16. www.vandusengarden.org
Halloween for Hunger
A new concept for trick-or-treaters
In 1988, a small group of university friends wanted to re-live the fun of trick-ortreating on Halloween. The only problem was that because of their age, they were worried they would end up spooking their community a little more than the usual costumed capers. So instead of asking for candy, they decided to ask their neighbours for canned food items, which they could then donate to a local food bank. Twenty years later, the tradition has expanded to include elementary, middle school, high school and university students from all across North America!
The Halloween for Hunger campaign is an easy way to take action in the fight against poverty and hunger in local communities. Each Halloween, thousands of young people across the United States and Canada sign up for this Free the Children campaign and trick-or-treat for tens of thousands of non-perishable food items. The food they collect is then donated to their local food banks to help fight against the problem of hunger in our communities.
When youth sign up for Halloween for Hunger, they gain access to the resources they will need to make a huge difference, including a stepby-step guide, flyers to pass out before the big night to houses on their route, and one-on-one support from a youth programming coordinator at Free The Children. Youth are also provided with important information about poverty, hunger and homelessness in North America. For more information, visit we.freethechildren.com and click on “Get Involved.”
Mitt-Ons from Ons Gear
Do you remember playing in the snow and having cold, wet wrists and hands because snow got in between your coat and your mitten? Problem solved! Designed by a Canadian mom and dad, this mitten stays on and stops snow from getting in. MITT-ONS feature a sleeve to the elbow and a zipper at the wrist for easy access to hands. SRP $24.99. www.onsgear.com
Food Containers from Fill Your Own
These 18/8 stainless steel food containers from a local Burnaby company are an excellent way to break free from plastic, BPA and phthalates! With uniquely designed twist-on stainless steel lids, these containers are airtight and leakproof, ideal for lunches and snacks. They are available in sets of two containers, 8oz/16oz sets and 16oz/24oz sets, for little and big appetites. The containers are both fashionable and fun featuring artwork by Canadian artists and are independently tested in Canada. $20.99-$26.99 at Whole Foods Markets. www.fillyourown.ca
Boys’ Cuffs and Belts from Bugalug
Why should girls have all the accessory fun? Made form super-soft recycled ultra-suede, the Cool Cuffs come in three sizes to fit boys from infants to six years, and in four fun, stylish and “boyish” styles. The Cinch Belts use an elastic, so that little ones can still pull their pants on and off without any “slippage.” Cuffs, $10; Belts, $16. Visit website for retailers. www.bugalugbaby.com
No-Slip Hairclips from Lil’ Sugarplum
Made by a mom, we love these cute little clips, especially for Halloween. Prices vary, see website for details. www.lilsugarplum.com
The Diaper Chronicles by Barack Levin
Humorous and informative, The Diaper Chronicles relates one stay-at-home dad’s quest to raise great kids, and the unique parenting techniques and philosophies he used to raise independent, confident, well-behaved children—while busting some myths along the way. Learn more about Levin at diaperchronicles.blogspot.com. SRP $22.50.
Fix-It
and Forget-It
Kids’ Cookbook: 50 Favorite Recipes to Make in a Slow Cooker by
Phyllis Pellman
Parents eager to introduce kids to the culinary arts need not worry about an open flame or hot stove top with a slow cooker. The easy, step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and kid-friendly recipes are geared to providing a fun and engaging way to bring children into the kitchen. And the pre-tested recipes guarantee a tasty meal for the whole family—getting the budding chef in your household back in the kitchen to cook up more treats for every meal: breakfast, lunch, snack time, dinner and dessert too! Each recipe includes a full-colour photo of the finished dish, along with a list of ingredients and supplies. SRP $19.99.
The Great Katie Kate Tackles Questions About Cancer by M. Maitland DeLand, MD, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
When cancer is discussed in relation to children, parents are distraught and children are confused about what is happening. This book teaches both children and parents that asking questions and keeping a positive attitude are important. Dr. DeLand, an oncologist of 30 years and a leader in cancer treatment, understands the confusion and questions children have when learning about a possible diagnosis. The Great Katie Kate explores all aspects of cancer, from explaining what a biopsy is to watching out for negative thoughts. The child superhero helps children ask questions and open the lines of communication between the parent, child and physicians. SRP $14.95.
Sensitive Tummy Bottles from Tommee Tippee
This popular line from the UK is now available in Canada, including this unique bottle designed for babies with excessive fussiness, spit-up or gas. BPA- and phthalate-free, it features an ultra wide nipple, and an anti-colic vent tube to provide optimum venting during feeding, plus a heat sensing tube shows when the milk is at a safe temperature. SRP $17.99 for a 2-pack at Babies R’ Us. www.tommeetippee.ca
Personalized Accessories from Bopomo
Bopomo Pictures, the popular Vancouver photography studio, has launched a new line of personalized accessories. Customized with a favourite image from your Bopomo photo session, the line of handbags and accessories become a one-of-a-kind fashion statement that’s not only stylish but keeps the little ones you love close at hand. Made from microfiber in classic black, some styles come with leather trim, a second picture on the reverse side, interior detail, and different coloured solid or patterned lining. Line includes diaper bags, satchel handbags, backpacks, shaving kits, and more. Prices range between $65 and $160. www.bopomo.ca
parenting
Baby Culture
By Cori Howard
Here’s the difference between our baby culture in the West and baby culture in, say, every other country south of the U.S. border and on the other side of the puddle:
I was babysitting my seven-month-old nephew and my two-year-old niece. It was a gorgeous, late summer afternoon in Vancouver, so I decided to take them for a walk to Kits beach. My own children, ages five and nine, came along, and so did my mom, so I wasn’t too outnumbered.
So there we were, a ragtag team of harried adults and crazed kids running down the street, enjoying the sun. Of course, it took about 80 hours longer than I expected to walk the six blocks and by the time we got there, the kids were starving. We stopped for sushi and I sat with the baby on my lap, trying to eat and watching my own children run around the restaurant misbehaving. The toddler was on my mother’s lap. And I sat there thinking how grateful I was that I hadn’t listened to my instinct to have more children because clearly, I couldn’t handle it.
But I’m getting to the point. The dinner was fine. We all ate. Nothing was broken, except the quiet of the room. It all started when we went to leave. As all parents know, the meltdowns come quick and this night was no exception. The baby started mewling, the toddler escaped and ran down the hall for the open door to the street, my five-year-old daughter ran after her and my son was in the bathroom. My mom went to get him and pay the bill. And I went after the others.
Somehow, I managed to get them all into the side room where we had stored the two strollers, and somehow, I managed to carry one stroller up the stairs with one hand and a baby in my other. The toddler and my daughter followed close behind, finally behaving, perhaps sensing the onslaught of my own meltdown.
I put the stroller beside the packed outdoor patio and tried to get the toddler into her seat. But no, she took that moment to decide that she wanted to play ball. She started to empty the contents of the stroller bag and when I attempted to abort her efforts, she started to cry. But still, with the childfree patrons looking on in disgust, I got the crying toddler into her seat, got my five-year-old to buckle her in, while I took that time to run back into the restaurant for the other stroller. Up and down the stairs and back up again
and the girls were still there! I put the baby in his stroller—that was easy—and then ran back again, leaving the three kids outside alone, to claim the rest of our stuff: the two diaper bags, my purse, and the jackets.
It wasn’t more than a few minutes later that my mom and son appeared. But in the intervening time, no one so much as raised a hand to help me. No one offered to help me carry either of the two strollers, help watch the kids, nothing. Instead, I was watched with mild to extreme horror, as if I was some form of really bad reality show entertainment.
We are infatuated with motherhood... and, at the same time, horrified by it.
Now, I would wager that in a country like Thailand, for example, that would never have happened. Someone would have taken the baby, held the toddler’s hand, asked me some questions, started a conversation, helped me to feel as though I was human, a mother doing a good job of handling all these kids and making sure they didn’t run out into the busy street. Not here. Here, in the highly-coveted city of Vancouver, I get silence and steely stares. I get disrespect and disgust. And I don’t get it. How can we continue to devalue motherhood in this way? And, what are the consequences of raising children in a culture that is so un-baby-friendly?
The recent and gorgeous movie, Babies, brings out some of these cultural differences without so much as a word of dialogue. But if offers no solutions, no creative ideas, about how we, in the West, can emerge from our very disconcerting hatred of mothers. We are infatuated with motherhood (celebrity pregnancies on the cover of every tabloid) and, at the same time, horrified by it. Mothers in our culture are left to fend for themselves in isolation. (The same could be said of our elderly, but that’s another story.)
I wish I had the solution, but I would never pretend to be so wise. What I do know is that the vast cultural abyss in the treatment of mothers and their babies in Western culture is hurting everyone. I know the answer has to start with our own children. We must teach them to help other mothers, to respect other mothers, even just to be aware of other mothers and the contribution they make, every day, to raising the next generation.
Instead of inwardly hissing the next time no one helps me, I might just ask for help. “Here,” I’ll say, kindly. “Can you hold the baby for a moment, while I grab the other stroller? Thank you so much. I really needed a hand. Isn’t he cute?”
Cori Howard is the founder of The Momoir Project and an award-winning journalist whose work is regularly published in magazines like Reader’s Digest, Today’s Parent and Chatelaine, and she is the editor of Between Interruptions: Thirty Women Tell the Truth about Motherhood.
Nuts for Hazelnuts!
By Andrea Undseth
Hazelnuts are only commercially grown in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. Sometimes confused with its cousin, the filbert, the hazelnut is the only nut commercially harvested in British Columbia. Farms can be found in the Eastern Fraser Valley, Chilliwack and Agassiz. Agassiz is the center of our hazelnut production.
October is the season for harvesting hazelnuts. A mature hazelnut tree produces eight to 10 kilograms of nuts per season. There are a variety of ways that the hazelnut can be utilized. You can find flours, oils, candied and chocolate-covered hazelnuts, butters and spreads. A local producer, Canadian Hazelnut Inc., offers u-pick for an adventurous afternoon with the family.
The health benefits of the hazelnut make it a welcome addition to many meals. The heart healthy nut is packed with protein, vitamins B and E, phosphorus, potassium and iron. A cup of hazelnuts supplies one-third of the daily iron requirements. Their rich, browned-buttery flavour and brittle texture are a wondrous addition to salads, desserts, chutneys and, considering the season, stuffing. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, include these extra special locally grown pleasures on your menu.
The Urban Chef™ Hazelnut-Orange Stuffing
1 lb ground pork sausage
1 cup chopped shallots
1 cup chopped celery
1 tbsp herbes de Provence
1 minced large garlic clove
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp poultry seasoning
12-13 cups day-old cubed bread, cut up day before and leave out uncovered
2 cups toasted sliced hazelnuts/filberts
1 cup dried currents
½ cup dried blueberries or cranberries
½ cup chicken stock
¼ cup sherry or red wine or Madeira wine
Grated rind of one whole orange
1. Over medium heat, cook the sausage breaking up the meat so it is crumbly. While cooking, add the shallots, celery, herbes de Provence and garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink in colour.
2. In a bowl big enough for everything, combine the remaining ingredients with the sausage mixture.
3. Taste the stuffing to adjust the seasoning.
Cook’s Note: This stuffing can be made 2 days ahead and kept in the fridge until you are ready to stuff your turkey.
Andrea Undseth is a local personal chef who provides meal service and other culinary solutions for busy families. A parent herself, she understands the gift of time. For more information visit her at www.theurbanchef.ca.
health Exercise and pregnancy… still taboo?
By Leanne Davis
WWhat if? It’s the most haunting question for every pregnant woman. Without a port-hole into our womb, the effects of our choices are a hazy mixture of guesswork, science and a healthy dose of myth, fear and cultural influence. Although getting pregnant is a private affair, being pregnant suddenly means you are a public commodity and at the mercy of unsolicited advice. Nothing brings more judgement than an exercising pregnant woman. So what are the rumours? What is true? Fact: You can exercise throughout pregnancy safely with a few guidelines, self-awareness and common sense.
As a fitness class instructor and personal trainer with specific training in pre- and post-natal exercise, I went into pregnancy excited to stay fit. I did research. I had a plan. What I didn’t anticipate was the “tsk, tsk-ing” of my senior step-class students or the concerned wrinkled foreheads of the older gym patrons. In an instant, I was made to feel irresponsible, negligent and rebellious. What a downer! To quote my midwife, “pregnancy is not an illness” and yet, I was feeling suffocated by the elder and cultural bubble-wrap. I teach in Richmond, a city rich in multicultural influences and perspectives. My Hong Kong step-class ladies were not pleased with me. I asked my friends of Chinese and Indian descent what the rules were. No bending. No reaching. No climbing. No lifting. Limited walking and rest, rest, rest. I could lose the baby? Oh my! These restrictions carry on as, naturally, no one wants to be the pregnant lady to test them out. My friend put it best when she told me that attending pre-natal aquafit classes were her dirty little secret. If her Indian mother had found out, she would have “caused a scene at the gym.” Her mom just “couldn’t understand the need to exercise” and my poor friend just avoided the conversation. Exercising incognito. How shameful!
capacity. If you are tired, rest. Common sense. By paying attention to how you are feeling during exercise, you can tailor your workout to your changing condition. There are obvious signs to watch for: major fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, bleeding, sudden swelling of hands and feet, or if something just feels awkward.
Exercising throughout pregnancy offers huge paybacks for you and your baby. Research has shown that regular moderate exercise can result in a larger and better-functioning placenta. In addition to controlling excessive weight gain, working out can prevent pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Additionally, regular activity helps to relieve back pain, improve posture from those ever-growing breasts and can improve circulation to ward off varicose veins. Best of all, exercise helps you cope with stress and you will recover more quickly after your baby is born. What’s not to like?
Although stifling, most cultural pregnancy no-no’s make sense and do correlate with current western pregnancy exercise recommendations. But, I stress the word, correlate. Blanket restrictions are scary and in this modern age, most are simply not true. The guidelines are primarily based on your everchanging centre of gravity, increasing laxity in your joints from the hormone Relaxin, and the fact that soon, you won’t be able to see your feet! You’ll want to avoid uneven surfaces, for example, a hiking trail with roots and rocks. Avoid situations that have a risk of falling, like steps or ice or horseback riding. Unless you are living in Thailand, Peru or other exotic locales, stay away from high altitudes, humidity, heat and under the sea, scuba-diving conditions. If your pregnancy is low-risk, you will not miscarry simply because you had a workout. Is pregnancy a good time to go skiing? No. White-water rafting? No. Jogging? Sure, if you’ve been jogging leading up to pregnancy and it feels good and you’re not getting overheated. Strength training? Great, as long as you consider your blood pressure and avoid heavy weights. Could you fall, slip or get hit with a ball as part of the activity? If yes, best avoided. Pregnancy is not the time to “get fit.” If you were not exercising before pregnancy, experts recommend waiting until the second trimester to start a gentle program. Pregnancy is not the time to set a new record or to “push through” in any
So how hard can you work? The guidelines say to avoid getting overheated and to consider what feels “somewhat hard” on the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) intensity scale. One is very, very light intensity and ten feels very, very hard! Obviously “somewhat hard” will be different for every woman. There are rules about maximum heart rates and the amount of cardio you should be doing, but consider the context. Rules are general for a reason; to protect the general population. Before starting any pregnancy exercise program, talk to your doctor or midwife. If you plan on participating in an organized pre-natal class, you should fill out a Par Med-X for pregnancy form, which will clear you for exercise.
When it comes to weight training, the concerns are blood pressure, stressing your ligaments, and shunting oxygen to your muscles instead of the baby. You’ll be fine if you breathe normally without holding your breath, avoid overhead moves and stick to lighter weights. For me, lifting heavy weights is my passion and I took one for team-baby by lifting lighter, but increasing my repetitions to train my muscles for endurance. Smart girl, as I am now using my strong pregnancy arms to lug around my six-month-old! As for abdominal work, crunches can encourage abdominal separation (diastasis recti). You can train your abs and core muscles on your side, in plank position, standing or by incorporating modified curl-ups. To get up from lying down, roll onto your side first. Experts recommend staying off your back after the fourth month, as the baby and uterus can put pressure on the inferior vena cava vein and the abdominal aorta artery, resulting in one dizzy mama! But again, these recommendations are guidelines. I was fine on my back doing Pilates-type ab-work until my seventh month.
Modern doctors and midwives support and encourage fitness for low-risk pregnancies. The formula is simple: Fitness in equals fitness out. However, clearly exercising through pregnancy has a way to go before it is completely accepted as normal and healthy. What is true? Every “body” is different. Listen to yours as you are the ultimate judge. With some general guidelines, a big ol’ set of ear-muffs and an opinion-of-others force-field, you can stay fit safely during pregnancy.
Wearing Baby Safely
By Brianna Brash-Nyberg
The popularity of “babywearing”—a term coined by attachment parenting guru Dr. William Sears in the 1980s to describe the practice of carrying a child against the parent’s body in a soft carrier—has exploded in North America recently. Modern parents have caught on to what cultures around the world have known for thousands of years: baby carriers can help them hold their babies longer and more often, while leaving their hands free to go about their day.
As babywearing has become mainstream, the market for carriers has grown exponentially. The variety, especially online, is enough to make any parent’s head spin. But take heart—with a bit of research and some savvy shopping, you can find a style that will let you carry your baby in comfort and style.
When you set out to choose a carrier, consider your baby’s age and the amount of time you expect to wear him or her for—some carriers aren’t suitable for newborns, while others don’t work well for older, heavier children. Be sure to check the carrier’s weight limit, as well as the carry positions it accommodates. Breastfeeding? The right carrier can help you nurse your child while giving your arms a rest. Think about whether you want the option of back and hip carries as well as front carries—if so, choose either a single carrier that accommodates all positions, or two or more carriers that allow for a variety of options. For example, the combination of a ring sling and a soft-structured carrier would allow you to carry your baby safely from birth through toddlerhood on your front, back, and hip.
Always look for a carrier that supports your baby’s spine, and covers their legs from the tailbone all the way to their knees. Try to avoid narrow-based carriers that force babies to dangle from their crotch, a position that’s often uncomfortable for both baby and caregiver and may not be ideal for proper hip development. Seek out a carrier that distributes weight over your shoulder(s), back, and hips or waist. And don’t neglect appearances—if you’re sharing a carrier between mom and dad, a solid neutral colour may be best; if you’re a fashionable mama, you might want a flashy customized mei tai or luxurious silk ring sling.
Safety Tips
Modern baby carriers can be broken down into six main categories: Front packs, soft-structured carriers, framed backpacks, mei tais, slings, and wraps.
Front packs include Baby Bjorns and Snuglis, and are probably the most mainstream baby carriers, widely available at chain stores. They consist of a rigid, contoured body with straps that cross behind the wearer’s back. The baby’s weight is carried by the wearer’s shoulders and upper back—as a result, many parents find them uncomfortable once the baby begins to gain weight. Front packs allow for front carries only.
Framed backpacks—Kelty is the best known manufacturer—are large, rigid carriers used only on the back. Framed backpacks are meant for babies with good neck control, who can sit up unassisted. Popular mainly with hikers, framed carriers often include a good-sized storage area, and may offer sun shields and insect screens. Framed backpacks give baby the highest vantage point of all carriers—babies love experiencing forests and meadows from piggyback-level.
Soft-structured carriers, or SSCs, are fabric packs with waist and shoulder straps that fasten with buckles. They’re ideal for front and back carries; hip carries may also be possible. Although most SSCs are best for babies with neck control, some offer features that adapt the carrier for the newborn stage. SSCs with an internal harness make it exceptionally easy and safe to learn to wear your baby on your back without assistance. Well-known brands include Ergo, Boba and Beco.
Mei tais consist of a fabric panel with four long straps that tie around baby and caregiver. Mei tais are excellent for front and back carries; hip carries are also possible. Mei tais can be used from birth (with the baby’s legs tucked inside, in a “frog-leg” position) through to toddlerhood and are only slightly more difficult to use than SSCs. Reputable brands include Babyhawk, Kozy and Freehand.
Regardless of the style you choose, all baby carriers require a practiced user and constant vigilance—just like any other baby holder or transportation device (suffocation, laboured breathing, oxygen deprivation, and other serious injuries and deaths can and do occur in car seats, strollers, baby swings, etc.). All new babywearers should seek out expert instruction—in person, or on reputable websites like TheBabyWearer.com—to ensure they’re using their carriers correctly. Check to see if there’s a local babywearing group in your area, where you can try out carriers and get expert advice in person.
Arie Brentnall-Compton, a certified babywearing educator and owner of the online store Tadpoles and Butterflies, offers the following safety tips: “The baby should be facing inwards, knees higher than bum, with fabric spread from one knee to the other. The spine should be rounded, and the airway not blocked in any way. When you lean forward, the baby should not move away from you at all—if he does, the carrier is too loose to be safe. It is essential to continuously remain aware of the baby—accidents happen when we forget we are carrying a tiny person.” Babywearing International’s slogan, “Close Enough to Kiss,” means the baby should always be high enough that the wearer can easily kiss the top of his or her head. Always check the integrity of your carrier’s fabric, straps, buckles, seams, and connecting points before each use.
For extensive safety information, visit the Safety pages at these non-profit babywearing advocacy organizations: www.babywearinginternational.org, www.thebabywearer.com, www.facebook.com/BabywearingSafety, and www.wearyourbaby.com. Many reputable online vendors also offer instructions and safety information on their websites—cross-check their information with a non-profit organization’s site to be sure of its accuracy.
Slings allow for front and hip carries, and are fast and easy to take on and off. Since slings place the baby’s entire weight on one shoulder, they’re not ideal for extensive stretches of babywearing or for caregivers with back or shoulder problems. Pouch slings, such as HotSlings and Peanut Shell, are a tubular, non-adjustable piece of fabric that must be precisely fitted for the individual wearer. Ring slings such as ZoloWear, Sakura Bloom, and MayaWrap consist of a length of material fed through two specially manufactured rings and can be adjusted to fit a variety of wearers.
Wraps consist of a single piece of cloth that the wearer winds and knots around their body. Stretchy wraps (Moby, CuddlyWrap, SleepyWrap) consist of around five metres of t-shirt-like jersey material, and are best suited for front carries with small babies. Most babywearing instructors feel “stretchies” are insufficiently supportive for safe back carries, although the instruction manuals for some brands of stretchy wraps claim otherwise. Woven wraps (Didymos, Storchenwiege, Girasol, EllaRoo) come in a variety of lengths to suit different wearers and carry positions. The fabric’s weave has some diagonal give but no “stretch.” Woven wraps have a significant learning curve, but are by far the most versatile carriers—over a dozen back, front and hip carries are possible. Many woven wraps are so supportive that adults can use them as hammocks.
Once you’ve settled on a style of carrier, be sure to select a reputable, established brand—check online babywearing websites such as TheBabyWearer.com for reviews. Many excellent carriers are manufactured in small quantities by work-at-home mothers, while some big-name companies’ offerings are of questionable safety and quality; the reverse can also be true, which means it’s up to parents to sift through the mass of options. With some effort and research, you can vacuum the floor, wash the dishes, navigate a busy market or coffee shop, or chase your toddler around the playground, all while keeping your baby safe, close and content.
Sling Warnings and Recalls
On March 13, 2010, Health Canada released an advisory detailing the dangers of improperly used or unsafely manufactured baby carriers, focusing on the risk of suffocation. While all carriers can be used unsafely, certain styles of slings—called “bag slings” by babywearing safety advocates—are impossible for even the most experienced users to wear safely. The most widely available sling of this type, the Infantino SlingRider/Wendy Bellissimo sling, was recalled in both Canada and the U.S. on March 23, 2010. Three American infants died in SlingRiders in 2009. Other brands of bag slings of nearly identical design remain on the market. Bag slings have deep, gathered-elastic edges and flat, stiff bottoms. Visit www.babyslingsafety.blogspot.com and www.sleepingbaby.net/safety.php for more information on bag slings and for images of the style that will help you identify and avoid it when shopping for your carrier.
fun fall events for the whole family!
Kilby’s Haunted Halloween Kilby Historic Site, Harrison Mills October 22-24 & 29-30, 2pm-8pm
The 102-year-old General Store and Hotel is the perfect setting for a bone-chilling night of fright! Ghouls can spook you on a scale from 1 to 10, so it’s great fun for all ages. Other activities on the museum grounds include making crafts, a Halloween movie and of course, lots of treats! Admission $8. Children 3 and under are free.
604.796.9576 | kilby.ca
Haunted Farm Historic Stewart Farm, Surrey
October 23, 7pm-8:30pm
Something creepy is cooking in the farmhouse! The barn has been taken over by ghosts! Wear your costume and join us for a spooky guided tour of the Stewart Farm by night. Must preregister. 1 session is $8 and appropriate for 7-11 year olds.
604.592.6956 | surrey.ca
Farm Fall Harvest Laity Pumpkin Patch, Maple Ridge
October 2-31
See ad in this issue.
Harvest Celebrations Capilano Suspension Bridge
October 9, 10 & 11, 9am–5pm
October 30 & 31, 9am–5pm
On Thanksgiving weekend, enjoy the Rainforest Explorers Program, temporary tattoos, musical entertainment and kids crafts. On Halloween weekend, enjoy a grand Jack-o-lantern display along with fortune telling, temporary tattoos, kids crafts, musical entertainment and trick-or-treating if you show up in costume.
604.985.7474 | capbridge.com
Applefest Apple Barn, Abbotsford
Every weekend until October 31
Pick your own apples, pick your own pumpkins, there is a jumping pillow, tractor trail, zip lines and slides, petting barn and more! Please see website for details.
604.853.3108 | applebarn.ca
Pumpkin Patch at Aldor Acres Aldor Acres Farm, Langley Ongoing until October 31, 9am-5pm
Visit the pumpkin patch any day until Saturday, October 31 to see the farm animal displays, take a hayride and pick the perfect pumpkin you really want to carve from the field. Admission is $7/person or $30/family. Pumpkins sold separately by size.
604.888.0788 | aldoracres.com
Visit this educational farm for plenty of fall fun! See the animals, take a tractor-wagon ride, pan for gold and pick a pumpkin. Weave your way through the “cornfusing” corn maze, shop the farmers’ market, plus there’s so much more to do! $3/person, kids under two are free. Check website for details.
604.467.4302 | laitypumpkinpatch.com
Halloween Ghost Train Stanley Park
October 8-31, 6pm-10pm
Since 1999, the Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train has spooked thousands of families who dared to climb aboard. Each year, the Ghost Train reinvents itself with a new theme, new set, new costumes, and many more surprises dreamed up by the creative and imaginative team at Family Adventures. This year’s Ghost Train will include the always-popular Haunted Children’s Farmyard and its spooky animals, along with other activities. On Thursday through Saturday nights, you can take part in the Creatures of the Night Walks. Adults $11; children and seniors $7.
604.257.8531
Halloween Hoopla Bill Copeland Sports Centre, Burnaby October 30, 12:45pm-3:15pm
Ice-skating, face painting, creepy crafts, and ghostly games are all part of the spine-tingling day. Costumes are optional but encouraged. Regular admission & rental rates apply.
604.291.1261 | burnaby.ca/active
Children’s Halloween Festival Bear Creek Park Train, Surrey
October 15-31, 10am-5pm
Take the train ride through the Halloween Forest Display. Play Halloween games, make special spooky crafts and get a candy treat. Take home a farm-fresh pumpkin. For the older kids, come later in the evening (6:30pm-10pm) and ride the Haunted Forest Scream Train designed to scare and startle older folks and mature youngsters! Please check online for prices. 604.501.1232 | bctrains.com
PNE Fright Nights PNE Fairgrounds
October 15 to 31, 6pm-11pm
Fright Nights at Playland is for the far out, freaked out, fun lovers of the Halloween spirit. Dare your friends to ride the roller coaster at night. Double dare yourself to step foot in one of the many horrifying haunted houses. Your favourite Playland rides will be there with a ghostly twist. Check online for tickets prices. frightnights.ca
Graveyard Musical Surrey Arts Centre
October 6, 7pm
This family event showcases the talents of people who live with disabilities. You will experience a wacky graveyard filled with ghosts, goblins, witches and some of your favourite dead stars that have been dug up for “ghostly encores.” All seats are $15. 604.501.5566 | surrey.ca
Haunted Village Burnaby Village Museum
October 28, 29 & 30, 6pm-9pm
The circus is coming! The ghoul community in the village are hosting a traveling circus. Problems ensue. Come join the dead-folk & help solve the mystery. Come rain, shine or waning moon! Wear your costume and bring your flashlight and camera. Trick or treat at the houses of the ghoulish village folk. Marvel at the fire show. Adults $14, children (2-12 years) $9. Entrance includes unlimited carousel rides and for the children, trick or treating.
604.293.6500 | burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
HALLOWEENIE Kids Market, Granville Island
October 31, 11am-3:30pm
Trick or treat throughout Kids Market’s 28 stores, watch the free magic show, and then enjoy a free hot dog and warm beverage for any child who is in costume. This is perfect for kids of all ages!
kidsmarket.ca
Haunted House Barclay Manor, Vancouver
October 29, 7pm-9pm & 30, 6pm-8pm
For bigger, braver souls (6 years and up), Barclay Manor has been converted into a spooky scary house. Being a heritage home it has it own natural creepiness. It takes about five minutes to make your way through. Pre-purchase your tickets or pay at the door. $3/person.
604.257.8333| barclaymanor.ca
Halloween “Fish or Treat” Vancouver Aquarium
October 29
Bring your costumes to go trick or treating on a night stalkers tour where you will join other families in a quest to find the elusive ghost of Joshua Brown, a former aquarist. Bed down in Arctic Canada as you lull yourself to sleep with our magical Beluga Whales. It includes an evening snack and a continental breakfast. $125 per participant. An adult must accompany children 16 and under. Minimum age is 5 years. Pre-registration is required.
604.659.3552 | visitvanaqua.org
Halloween Carnival & Haunted House
Coal Harbour Community Centre
October 31, 11am-2pm
Join us for this fun, hair-raising afternoon and get into the spooky spirit! Enjoy creepy crafts, terrifying treats, tombstone tumbling, eerie entertainment and much more! Wear your costume and visit our eerie haunted house. Pre-registration is recommended, as space is limited. Parent participation is required. $6/child (2-6 years).
604.718.8222 | coalharbourcc.ca
Halloween Howl False Creek Community Centre
October 30, 10:30am-noon
A spooktacular event that includes Halloween themed games and crafts, a children’s entertainer, treat bags, a pumpkin patch, healthy snack items and more. Come dressed to howl like the wolves or parade with the other princesses. Space is limited so register early (it helps ensure we have enough pumpkins). Parents/guardians must stay with their children during this event. $5 per family member and/or friends (children under 1 year are free).
604.257.8195
Why hire a clown when you can hire a ZOX?
Maskerade Science World
October 23, 6pm-10pm
What’s your masquerade style? Do you prefer a long-nosed mask matched with a debonair suit or something flashy with feathers and a glittery gown? Put on your finest mask and come celebrate the Halloween season under the dome! Enjoy entertainment, food, drinks and treats. Your ticket also includes live music by XLr8! a theatre performance, dancing, street entertainment, delicious food, adult beverages for the 19+ crowd, family photos, spooky projects, face painting, and a great Maskerade trick-ortreat goodie bag. All guests receive free admission to see the all-new Body Worlds & The Brain exhibition. 604.443.7443 | scienceworld.ca
Wagon rides, U-pick pumpkins and gourds, petting zoos, concession, ring toss, face painting and more! Fall fun for everyone! Admission $2.50/person. Come down October 16, 23 and 30, until 9pm for pumpkin picking in the dark! Bring the whole family and your flashlights and join in on the fun!
604.992.7748
Halloween on the Heights Hastings Street, Burnaby October 29 & 30
Start the fun early with fireworks on Friday, Oct. 29 at 8:15 p.m. at Gilmore Community School. Then on Saturday, October 30, from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Hastings Street from Boundary to Gamma, will be buzzing with little ghosts and goblins. Participating Heights merchants will hand out candy and treats to anyone in costume. The adventure continues from 6pm to 9pm at Confederation Park, where you can take a ride on the Halloween Train in the Dark. burnabyheights.com/halloween
Halloween Tricks and Treats Surrey Museum
October 29, 11am-noon or 1pm-2pm
Funny tricks and yummy treats make this Halloween party safe and fun! Decorate a take-home pumpkin, dance the Monster Mash, and make a spooky ghost. Must pre-register. 1 session is $6.25 and appropriate for 3-6year olds.
604.592.6956 | surrey.ca
Playful skits, theatrical storytelling, animal puppet characters & interactive guitar sing-along songs. Zox is perfect for children’s birthday & Christmas parties too! David Cooper (604) 710-4234 | zoxoftheforest.com
Pumpkin Power Surrey Museum
October 30, 12:30pm-2pm
Like pumpkins? Here’s your chance to view, decorate, and EAT them! Design your own take-home Jack O’Lantern, do some crafts, and taste some pie while watching the Cloverdale costume parade. Drop in, by donation. heritage.surrey.ca
Witchy Fun Historic Stewart Farm
October 30, 1pm-3pm
Come in costume to carve your own take-home witch pumpkin. Decorate witchy treats, sample witch’s brew, and attend Witch School to earn your broomstick. Must pre-register. 1 session is $8 and appropriate for 5-9year olds.
604.592.6956 | surrey.ca
Halloween Hootenanny Campbell Valley Regional Park
October 30, 1pm-4pm
Join Witch Hazel and her zany companions as they celebrate the icky, sticky and scary creatures of Halloween. Discover the magic of slugs, spiders and owls through games, stories and activities. Take home a creepy craft, if you dare. Wear your costume and sturdy footwear. Program will run rain or shine. Ages 5+. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 8th Avenue and 204th Street in Langley. 604.530.4983
Jack O’Lantern’s Spooky Stroll VanDusen Botanical Garden
October 30, 5pm-7pm
Follow the pumpkin path to view more than 125 carved and lit pumpkins in the dark and arranged in a circle route through the garden. When you’re done, join our very own editor Anya Levykh in the Glasshouse for story telling. Rain or shine, dress for the weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Adult (19-64): Member $5.50, Non-member $7.25; Children & Youth (2-18): $5.00.
604.257.8335 | vandusengarden.org
Where to pick up your copy of
Love Those Loot Bags
Vancouver East
Killarney Community Centre
Sunset Community Centre
Dandelion Kids
Westcoast Chamber Music
Cirkids
Phoenix Gymnastics
Sunset Community Centre
Vancouver West
TJ’s Kiddies Store
Gator Pit
Toy Jungle
Wiz Zone
West Van Memorial Library
Toys R Us
Classy Kids Consignment
Vancouver Downtown Beansprouts
Mt St Joseph Community Centre
Kidlets Clothing Co
Vancouver Police Museum
Frog Hollow
Wee Ones Reruns
Nannies on Call
Maple Medical Clinic
North Shore
North Shore Winter Club
Maplewood Farms
Kuddel Muddel Kids
Parkgate Community Centre
Creative Kidstuff Toys
Lynn Valley Medical Clinic
Capilano Fish Hatchery
Richmond
Richmond Ice Centre
Clarice Kids Fashion INC
Richmond Public Library
Minoru Aquatic Centre
Sylvan Learning Centre
Brighouse Library
Classy Kids Clothing
Coquitlam/ Poco/Port Moody
Chimo Pool
Burnaby Lake Sports Complex
Siblings Children Boutique
City Centre Aquatic Centre
Sylvan Learning Centre
Terry Fox Library
Surrey/Delta
Newton Community Rec Services
Sungod Aquatic Centre
Strawberry Hill Library
Vertical Reality Climbing
Newton Library
Newton Wave Pool
Amy Beeman
Producer of The Kid Carson Show on The Beat 94.5FM
What’s the lowdown on you?
I live in Vancouver with my husband (Mark), two children (Lucy and Sam) and two cats (Luigi and Olive). I produce The Kid Carson Show on The Beat 94.5, although I am currently on maternity leave with the twins (and I thought morning radio was exhausting!).
In my spare time I enjoy running, dancing and traveling. Mark and I like traveling off the beaten path: in Cuba we stayed with a family in Havana, in Peru we hiked through the jungle and the cloud forest. We’re looking forward to taking the kids on their first big trip!
How did your career come about?
It was a bit of a windy road that led me to The Beat. It included stops in Vancouver to attend BCIT (Broadcast Journalism program), England to work as an au pair, New York City for a year of acting school and an internship at NBC, and Pennsylvania to wait tables. I also worked with some fabulous people in Prince George at PGTV and 101.3 Hits FM before moving to Vancouver.
I was hired at The Beat to do some fill-in work in November of 2004 and I started on the morning show a couple of months later.
What are some of your biggest challenges in work? In life? I think one of the biggest challenges for any mom is to find a balance between family, career and self. It’s not an easy formula to figure out; you have to find what works for you. Right now I have the luxury of being on maternity leave, so it makes things a little easier. It’ll be a whole new ball game when I’m back at work next year. (At least motherhood will give me a ton of things to talk about on air!)
What would you describe as some of the biggest rewards of your work/family?
One of the biggest rewards of my career is all the incredible people I get to meet. I think it’s pretty amazing that I have the opportunity to connect with listeners about personal events happening in my life. After talking about our adoption* on air, I had a ton of emails from listeners who are going through or who have completed adoptions. We even met up with some of them for dinner, and now we see them regularly.
*Mark and I started the paperwork for an Ethiopian adoption in March of 2008. It is on hold right now until the twins are a bit older.
One of the biggest rewards of having an incredible family is the unconditional love that I experience every day. It’s amazing how you fall in love with your children the moment they enter this world, and you can’t imagine life without them. And watching your husband become a father is a pretty fabulous experience.
MAKEOVER CONTEST
bringing back Sexy
Our four winners have been chosen and the makeover contest is well under way! Below are the quick facts on the four moms who will be bringing sexy back for themselves, and you can find out more info on each mom online at westcoastfamilies.com. Also, follow their adventures through the online webisodes at www.sweetcurrant.com/yummymummymakeovers. Stay tuned next month, when we reveal their final transformations!
Name: Patricia (Patty) Hambler
Age: 38
Height: 5’ 4”
Dress Size: 10/12
Occupation: University student affairs officer
# of children: Two, ages 2 and 6
Name: Shirley-Anne Parsons Age: 44
Height: 5’ 2”
Dress Size: 8/10
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
# of children: Two, ages 4 and 6
Name: Rehana Ishmail Age: 29
Height: 5’ 5”
Dress Size: 12/13
Occupation: Pharmacy technician
# of children: Two, ages 1 and 3
Name: Jodelene Weir
Age: 33
Height: 5’ 6”
Dress Size: 10/12
Occupation: Technical support specialist
# of children: One, age 18 months
Do you manage to take time-out for yourself? If so, what does that entail? I have recently become addicted to reflexology! It was the only thing that soothed my aching ankles (or should I say cankles?) while I was pregnant. I still manage to get an appointment in once in awhile (when I can get both babies to sleep at the same time!). And I love putting on my iPod and going for a run by myself. The runs aren’t that long right now, but I’ll work my way back to half marathon distances soon enough!
Any must-haves?
Back-up! You cannot have twins and do it on your own (not if you want to keep your sanity!). Mark took a month off when Sam and Lucy were born and it was so nice to have him around all the time. It gave us a chance to bond as a family and to experience the insanity of newborn twins together. Then my sister came down for a week and my mom is doing the September and October shifts (they both live in Prince George).
Tell us one or two of the most important life lessons you have learned through being a mom/radio producer.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned working in radio, that has helped me as a mom, is to be in the moment. In radio, you have to be in the moment to get the natural, honest segments that we strive for in our show. As a mom, you have to be in the moment with your kids or you’re bound to miss something. I’ve stopped trying to multitask while I’m feeding or changing, and just be in the moment. Those little smiles, funny faces and heart melting moments happen when you least expect them.
Anything else you’d like us to know about you?
At home I like to pretend that my life is an episode of Glee and I break into song at random moments (much to my husband’s dismay) [smiles].
Regain Your Loving Feeling
By Heather Lochner
“You’ve got to be joking,” I giggled as my husband slinked his way across the couch. The look in his eyes said it all. You know the look, the one that screams “Mr. Happy Hour is here.” The kids were in bed, the dinner dishes washed and put away, and there was nothing on television. What else was there to do, but get it on? But, in all honesty, that was the last thing on my mind. Don’t get me wrong, I find my husband very appealing. My lack of desire has nothing to do with him, but everything to do with me.
My day starts at the crack of dawn. If I want to exercise, even earlier. As soon as one kid is up, mommy is awake—giving cuddles, preparing breakfast, changing diapers, and getting the day going. If I find a moment to drink my coffee, there is usually a child’s hand or two pawing at my pyjamas, begging for the television to be turned on. The rest of the day scurries away in a state of blur. By the time night time arrives, feeling desirable is the last thing on my mind. And really, who feels sexy when they are carrying a few extra pounds, have a few additional rolls and see body parts beginning to sag. Like I said, it’s not my husband at all, it is me.
According to relationship expert and mother Lola Augustine, my feelings are not unique. “It is really common for women to struggle with feeling sexy, or wanting sex, once baby comes along,” says Augustine. “Your life has been turned upside down, you are sleep deprived, your body is possibly recovering from a major trauma, there’s all kind of weird emotional stuff going on—everything has changed.” So, what then does she recommend for us moms who would rather curl up under a fleece blanket than under our husbands? “Make time for yourself, and for intimacy,” says Augustine. “Invest in pretty underwear, even if you are nursing (there are some beautiful nursing bras out now), get a pedicure regularly and make sure you have time to be a sensual woman as well as a mom.”
A pedicure? Time to be alone? That is one thing Vancouver mom Gwen makes sure she finds. For Gwen, feeling sexy not only comes from within, but also from a great haircut. “I do make an effort to look nice most of the time. Taking the time to look nice gives me a confidence boost. I am aware that for different people that means different things. I don’t wear a lot (read any) makeup, but I like to get my hair cut and styled regularly.” And after 19 years of being together, Gwen’s husband Anthony knows how to help his wife feel not just like a mom, but also like a woman. “I am lucky in that my husband makes me feel incredibly sexy. Even when I am feeling my worst, he can look at me and make me feel beautiful. He also knows when I need to get out for a time by myself. The time to be alone with me for a couple of hours can make all the difference.”
Needing some relationship advice? Then check out Lola Augutsine’s website. Her advice may just be what you need. personals.sympatico.ca/love_expert
Tart Boutique has a wonderful blog filled with information on everything from how to shave a man to having great sex.
Check it out at tartboutique.wordpress.com.
There are many wonderful stores in Vancouver that sell items to help spice up your life. From books to toys, they may have the item you need.
Tart Boutique Granville Island, 103 – 1551 Johnston St.
Womyn’s Wares 896 Commercial Drive
The Art of Loving 1819 West 5th Ave
To find sexy lingerie, find somewhere that will fit you properly and find the design that best suits your body.
Malena European Lingerie – www.malenalingerie.com
Agent Provocateur – www.agentprovocateur.com
Scarlet – www.scarletshop.com
So in addition to time alone, pedicures, and haircuts, what else can we women do to help reclaim our sexiness? Again, I turn to Augustine, who recommends a naughty night at a hotel may help turn things around. “I don’t wanna look at bath toys, or artwork on the fridge, or be stepping on Legos. I think that there is nothing sexier than getting someone else to care for your child and running away to a hotel for the night. Besides, it feels so naughty!”
It seems Lola isn’t alone in her recommendation to take a walk on the wild side. A while back I stumbled into Tart Boutique while on Granville Island. This store houses many different varieties of intimate items—from clothes to oils to books. While there, I got to speaking with owner Aisling Browne, who gave me a sampling of items women can use to spice up their love life: Massage candles and stones, like those from Jimmy Jane. These soy-based candles are the perfect way to set the mood! As the candle burns, it melts into luxurious massage oil. With a quick snuff of the flame, pour the oil onto your partner’s skin and begin a sensual massage with one of Jimmy Jane’s ergonomically designed ceramic stones. Massage is a wonderful way to communicate with your partner without words. It is an expression of intimacy and trust.
Suede and silk blindfold. When you remove a sense, the others become more heightened. Once blindfolded, your partner will be much more sensitive to touch and arousal. Something as simple as tracing an ice cube along your partner’s skin can send them to the edge of excitement! Get imaginative, warm oil, a feather...anything with sensual texture. This combined with the anticipation of not knowing what is happening next can add to a very sexually charged night’s entertainment!
Imagine Story Time
Active Baby Store, Capilano Mall
Every Wednesday, 10am-10:30am
Adult Events for the Hip Mom Around Town!
This weekly imagination story time is most suited for families with young children (up to 5 years), and is open to any customers of the store and mall, and is no cost to parents. Simply drop by the store every Wednesday morning and enjoy this fun and imaginative moment with your child!
604.986.8977 | activebaby.ca
CIBC Run for the Cure
Multiple locations across BC
October 3, 7:30am registration
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, and education and awareness programs. Each year, thousands of Canadians of all ages and from all walks of life unite to participate in the Run. Their reasons for participating vary, but they all have the same goal, to create a future without breast cancer. Register online today!
cibcrunforthecure.com
Sustainability Community Breakfasts
BCIT Downtown, 555 Seymour Street
October 6, 7:30am-9am
You are welcome to attend our ongoing series of breakfasts to share actions and strategies on building a more sustainable Metro Vancouver. The breakfasts are your opportunity to network with others working in the private, public, academic and not-for-profit sectors. For updates, more information and to register, visit www.metrovancouver.org and search “breakfasts.”
Healthy Kids Preschool Fair
Edmonds Community School, Burnaby
October 7, 9:30am-11:30am
Visit a health nurse, play on our indoor playground and take part in activities and crafts. Community agencies specializing in preschool services are on hand to answer questions. Free Admission.
An Evening of Wine Tastings
Surrey Museum
October 13, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Beginning wine aficionados and seasoned experts will enjoy an evening of learning about local wineries and sampling their wares. Discover what the Fraser Valley wine industry has to offer! Must pre-register and be at least 19 years of age. 1 session $20. surrey.ca
Introduction to Geocaching
Aldergrove Lake Regional Park
October 16, 2pm-4pm
Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers with GPS devices. The idea is to locate outdoor hidden containers, called geocaches, and then share your experiences online. GPS devices will be provided. Ages 16+, families with kids ages 5+ welcome. $10/person/session.
Vancouver Wedding & Honeymoon Show
Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre
October 17, 10am-5pm
With over 150 exhibitors and over 170 booths, brides and grooms-to-be, along with their family and friends, can find inspiration, fresh ideas and reputable industry professionals to help them plan the wedding of their dreams. Featured exhibitors include everything from invitation vendors, gown shops, cakemakers, favours, lingerie, shoes, chocolate fountains, jewellery designers, and photographers, decorators, musicians, wedding planners, honeymoon destinations and representatives from some of Vancouver’s finest venues. vancouverweddingshow.ca
Heart Matters
St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church
October 18, 7pm
This is a workshop for parents, caregivers and those interested with Patti and Colleen Drobot. The Drobots are counsellors and consultants for parents. Based on the work of Dr. Gordon Neufeld, they present workshops for parents and professionals who work with children. “Heart Matters” focuses on why the relationship with our children is the most important factor in their development, and how adults can deepen their attachments with the children in their care. They cover topics such as children’s impulsivity and how to deal with it, why children need to keep soft hearts and have their tears, and how we can reduce separation anxiety. Event is by donation.
604.683.4574 | drobotcounselling.com
West Coast Women’s Show
Tradex Centre, Abbotsford
October 22-24, check website for times
The biggest and most popular women’s event in BC is back for the 10th year! Find hundreds of exhibitors and one-of-a-kind shows and performances. This year’s special guests are CBC Design Gurus Stephen and Chris, and of course the calendar firefighters will be back, too! There will be lots of free samples, fashion shows, and celebrity presentations. Tickets are $12/adult. westcoastwomen.net
Go Baby Expo
Eaglequest Golf Club, Surrey
October 23, 11am-4pm
Come by this baby fair for expectant parents and parents with babies and tots. Free samples, great prizes, and lots of companies participating so that you can view their products, learn information and shop!
gobabyexpo.com
Baby & Me Hiking Club
Capilano River Regional Park
Tuesdays until October 26, 10:30am-noon
These hiking clubs are designed for new parents and their babies (expectant moms are welcome). Enjoy guided moderate level hikes in a beautiful outdoor setting, rain or shine. Parents should have their own comfortable carriers and be able to carry their babies for at least 90 minutes. Expectant moms should be seasoned hikers and have permission from their caregivers. Not suitable for strollers. $10/person per series.
Chocolate Appreciation Workshop
Schokolade Cafe
October 29, 6pm-8pm
Make a moulded 3D chocolate form and decorate with contrasting chocolate. Learn various techniques such as rolling and dipping truffles, dipping fresh fruit, writing with chocolate, etc. Lots of information from our Chocolatier about how cocoa is grown and processed, how chocolate is made, and how to select and store good quality chocolate for home use. Taste our artisan chocolate, sample our signature Ancient Aztec hot chocolates, and bring home all your finished chocolate pieces. All participants enjoy a 10% discount on all chocolates purchased in-store during the class and receive a free membership card valid for one year. Course includes all materials. Cost: $50 per person. 604.253.9411 | schokoladecafe.com
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A book! There is always room for a little extra knowledge like in Blow Him Away by Marcy Michaels. Surprise your partner with something new...like the companion book, The Low Down on Going Down! Lingerie. The importance of a beautiful, expensive piece of lingerie is often neglected by many women once babies/work/responsibilities take over. Silky lingerie is not about wearing something sexy for another person. It is about the feeling of sensual fabric against your skin and spoiling yourself with an expensive treat. Walking around in an exquisite piece of underwear is a sure way to put a secretive smile on your face!
With all this in mind, I am going to give the last word to Lola as I go upstairs and find my husband and reclaim our life. “Sex begets sex, so even if you feel kind of blah about making whoopee, you should do it. Your partner will appreciate it, you’ll most likely enjoy yourself once you are in the throws of passion, and you’ll feel a whole lot sexier if you do. Sex helps us stay connected to our partner, not just the act but the intimacy around it. Sex is a vital part of your relationship and it’s important not to let kids derail it.”
community calendar October 2010
Confederation Park Miniature Railway
Confederation Park, Burnaby
Ongoing until October, 11am-5pm
Ride the miniature train for only $2. Family fun for all ages! Open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through October. Dress appropriately!
604.291.0922
Saturday Family Drop-Ins
Little Mountain Neighbourhood House
3981 Main Street
Every Saturday until December 18, 10am-noon
Parents/caregivers and their children (0-6 years old) are invited to the Saturday Family Drop-Ins. You will meet new friends, make crafts, play, and sing together. For more information about the program and other Family Drop-In dates and locations, please contact the Family Support Worker. Families are asked to bring one piece of fruit to share during snack time. This is a free event. 604.879.7104 ext. 304
Baker’s Market
#115 – 408 East Kent Avenue South
Saturdays from October 2-December 11, 11am-3pm
If you have a “sweet tooth” this is the place for you. Inspired by traditional farmers’ markets in Vancouver, this market is even better since it is indoors with lots of free parking, too. You’ll find talented budding, professional or home bakers selling fresh artisan breads, soft German pretzels, butter croissants, chocolate croissants, cupcakes, yummy cookies, hand made chocolates, brownies, Belgian Liege waffles, vegan cupcakes, mini bundt cakes, muffins, gluten-free baked goods and much more! Enter through the back door. bakersmarket.com
Eensy, Weensy Spiders
Colony Farm Regional Park
October 9, 10:30am-noon
Learn about silken spider cradles and “ballooning” spiderlings. Search for garden-cross orb weavers, crab and zebra jumping spiders. Enjoy the world of non-poisonous spiders with your child. Spider games and crafts included. $12/child, adult pair. Registration required.
604.927.4386
Hallowe’en Fireworks
King George Park, Richmond
October 31, 7:45pm-8:15pm
Pack up some hot chocolate, a blanket and head down to enjoy free fireworks for the entire family. Fireworks start at 8:00 p.m.
Wiggles
Pacific Coliseum
October 10, 12:30pm & 4pm
The Fab Four from Down Under are back with this year’s most anticipated family event. It’s the smell of “Hot Poppin’ Popcorn”! It’s the excitement of a “A Big Big Show”! It’s The Wiggles “Wiggly Circus Live!” Tour. Join The Wiggles, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and all the Wiggly Dancers as they bring all the excitement of the big top with a wiggly twist right to your hometown! Please check website for details. thewiggles.com
Pumpkin Pie Party
Krause Berry Farms
October 10, 9am-5pm
You’re invited to sample delicious pumpkin pies and apple pies. There will be freshly baked pies for you to purchase for your Thanksgiving dinner and also have some frozen for you to purchase and take home to eat at your leisure.
604.856.5757 | krauseberryfarms.com
Turkey Trot
Granville Island
October 11, 8:30am
Make this fun, family friendly 10km run, walk or stroll around the seawall part of your Thanksgiving tradition and celebrate by spending time with family and supporting the food bank while burning off all that yummy, rich turkey dinner. The Turkey Trot is great for racers, walkers, Nordic walkers, strollers, kids, families... everyone!
604.568.8648 | turkeytrot.ca
Light the Night
Lumberman’s Arch, Stanley Park
October 16, 6pm
Whether you’re a cancer survivor, or supporting someone who is battling or have lost a loved one, please support this evening filled with inspiration. Carrying illuminated balloons, walkers will bring light to the dark world of cancer. Fundraise with a team or on your own to help find hope and help to those battling Leukemia, Lymphoma or other blood related cancers. lightthenight.org
West Coast Chocolate Festival
Mackin Heritage House and Toy Museum, Coquitlam
October 20-November 10
From making spooky Halloween chocolate pumpkins, to a family chocolate reception, this annual festival has chocolate for everyone with chocolate seminars and taste pairings daily. chocolatefestival.ca
Spooks and Sparkles Pageant
Seaquam Theatre, North Delta
October 23
Now celebrating their first year, this is B.C.’s first natural pageant. Offering a natural competition, with no fake hair, teeth or tans. No swimsuits or heavy make-up are allowed. These pageants have all the fun of glitz pageants, with prizes, long stem roses, big theatres and even bigger crowns. Each pageant is an event in itself, with different fun themes. There are fun draws and prizes for chaperones, audience members and of course the girls! They’re inviting you to come and share in the fun of pageants at Sweet Pea Pageants! Please pre-register on the website.
604.594.3000 | wix.com
Goh Ballet Youth Company
Scotiabank Dance Centre
October 28, noon
The grace, elegance and precision of ballet comes to life with this exhilarating performance by the Goh Ballet Youth Company, comprised of young dancers who train at the Goh Ballet Academy. The dancers will perform a rich selection of ballets ranging from the classical repertoire to modern works by the choreographers of today. Tickets are $10/$8.
604 606 6400 | thedancecentre.ca
All Creatures Creepy, Slimy and Spooky
Burnaby Lake Regional Park
October 30, 2pm-5pm
Turn “Eww!” into “Ooo!” Experience the world of slimy, spooky critters in the park and discover why bizarre animal behaviours are actually beneficial. Satisfy your curiosity about creepy crawlies and set your senses tingling with activities, stories and games. Drop-in to the Nature House at the end of Piper Avenue off Winston Street.
Cranberry Festival
Village of Fort Langley
October 9, 9am-5pm
The 13th annual Fort Langley Cranberry Festival is free, and it draws 15,000 to 20,000 visitors to the charming area of Fort Langley every year. The Cranberry Festival features sales of all kinds of tasty cranberry items (from popcorn to jam to candles), activities for families and kids, contests, live music and entertainment, and even a canoe regatta! The event also features the annual pancake breakfast. cranberryfest.ca
last look
Scaredy Cat!
Suitable for ages 3-7
Supply List
· Tempera paint
By Shari Pratt
· Watered down black tempera paint (ink consistency)
· Eye dropper
· Brushes, paint tray
· White paper (I used 11 x 17 cardstock)
· Masking tape
· Straws
· Fun foam scraps for eye circles, nose, and ears
· Google eyes
· Pipe cleaners (cut into 1” pieces)
· White liquid glue
· Optional: photographs or books about CATS
Instructions
Preparation
Tape each child’s paper to a surface (can be a table, desk, piece of cardboard from a box) like so:
tape around entire paper
1. First paint the entire paper in a favourite colour (I used yellow, white, and orange). Allow to dry.
2. Talk about what CATS look like. Show pictures or read a book about CATS.
3. Draw the cat onto the painted paper in pencil. Hint: draw the cat’s head first making sure it is BIGGER than the child’s hand. Add a larger oval for the cat’s body. Add 4 legs and a tail
4. Next paint the cat using black paint.
5. Next, teach the children how to blow OUT through the straw.
6. Then fill the eyedropper with the watered down black paint and drop a puddle of paint (about the size of a pea) on the outside edge of the cat’s body.
7. Next place the straw near the puddle of paint and blow the paint away from the cat’s body (this forms a series of small lines, the harder you blow, the more lines it creates).
8. Continue all around the cat, dropping small puddles and blowing through the straw (don’t forget to do his legs and tail too).
9. Attach the fun foam nose, eye circles, ears, and google eyes using white glue. Attach the pipe cleaner whiskers and mouth with white glue.
Artistic
Influence
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (Nov 24, 1864–Sept 9, 1901) was a French painter, printmaker, and illustrator. His work portrays his life while living in Paris where he painted the cafés, cabarets, entertainers, and artists. His prints were among his most powerful works, and his most memorable works are of posters where he captured the effect of the movement of dancers, circus performers, and other entertainers.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Title: Tournée du Chat Noir, colour lithograph, 1896
Shari Pratt is a local artist and teacher, and owner of Creative Kaos School of Art and Imagineering (www.sharipratt.com).
in 6 CHANCES TO WIN
*See complete Game schedule, planned Prize redemption deadlines, Prize and Game details in the Official Rules at participating McDonald’s® restaurants or PlayatMcD.ca. No purchase necessary. Correct answer is required to a skill-testing question.
†At the outset of the Game. Prizes available diminish and chances of winning may change as Prizes are awarded.
