My husband always said that love should be shown every day, not once a year when consumerism is at its finest.
I wholeheartedly agreed.
Then we had kids.
As the kids grew up, they started noticing heart-shaped chocolate boxes, long-stemmed roses, fluffy pink stuffed animals and greeting cards proclaiming “true love” all around them... but never in our home. So, they started asking why we don’t celebrate our love on this day, the most love-filled day of the year.
Oh boy. Here we go.
How do you tell your kids that not buying into all this Valentine's Day hoopla doesn't necessarily mean that you love each other any less?
How do you tell them that you believe businesses are using our very real feelings as another sneaky way of getting us to reach for our wallets?
How do you tell them your thoughts and yet not dampen their excitement of being able to show you their love?
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have the heart.
Love is sharing your strawberries with your friends.
I didn’t want to be labelled the Valentine's Day "Scrooge."
Although I don’t go for all the consumerism, I do love my family a whole lot. So, I pack heart-shaped sandwiches along with little love notes into their lunch bags. When they come home after school, we bake pink cupcakes with red sprinkles on top. We even purchase some Valentine's Day cards for their classmates.
We still express our love often, but now we just add a little extra oomph on this extra special day of love.
On first appearance he looks like your typical golden Labrador. But an article earlier this week from the Daily Mail introduced readers to what really is a seven-year-old Super Dog.
Byron’s owner, Kate Cross, suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome, an inherited disorder that affects her joints, skin and blood vessels. As the article explains, her joints are so weak that she could dislocate a shoulder just from opening a door.
About five or six years ago, Kate’s emotional state began to suffer. She’d been forced to take early retirement from her job as a schoolteacher and had basically sought refuge in the safety of her home. As she says in the Daily Mail:
'When I first got Byron, I hadn’t left the house by myself for almost 18 months. I felt useless, and I hated going outside – people stared and didn’t know how to speak to me.
"Once, I was in my wheelchair going through the park, when a gang of teenage boys playing football decided to use my chair for target practice. I was so upset, I couldn’t imagine going out again. I became afraid of the world."
Then she heard about Canine Partners, a charity that matches assistance dogs with people who need help. Now, thanks to Byron, Kate not only has an easier time with her day-to-day activities but also feels free again. “Byron hasn’t just changed my life; he’s given me my life back,” she says.
Byron knows more than 100 different commands and is able – among other things – to:
open and close doors
load and unload the washing machine
make the bed
take money out of the ATM (Kate just has to key in her pass code)
help with the groceries by fetching items from the lower shelves, loading the conveyor belt and handing Kate’s purse to the cashier
Our second annual Canadian Living Sex Survey just closed and this year the results are sexy… and shocking.
The 2012 Sex Survey results are in!
Here are the three sauciest secrets revealed:
1. You really have a thing for actors named Ryan
Last year, respondents chose Ryan Reynolds as the sexiest Canadian man. He won again this year, by a mere 1 per cent over fellow actor Ryan Gosling. Combined, the two Ryans took 53 per cent of all votes cast, easily beating the other contenders.
2. You think a sexual partner's sexiest trait is… their sense of humour Oh, come on. In fact, a partner's hot body or good looks didn't even make it into the top three. We've all heard that love is blind, but is sex appeal blind, too? Seems counter-intuitive to me.
(In case you were wondering, the top three sexiest traits are: Sense of humour, raw sex appeal and intellect.)
3. Sexting is on the rise
Be sure to put a lock on your smartphone! This year 36 per cent said they'd sent a saucy picture or video of themselves to another -- a rise of 6 per cent over last year's results.
A decadent giveaway -- just in time for Valentine's Day
Looking ahead to Valentine's, the Body Shop has sent over goodies from their new Chocomania line - including their famous body butter, body scrub, shower cream, soap and body lotion. Believe me when I say they smell divine.
This Chocomania gift set smells good enough to eat. Photo credit: The Body Shop
For your chance to win, leave a comment below and let me know what you look forward to most about Valentine's Day. Is it spending time with your main squeeze, getting a cute card from your kids, or indulging in a chocolate treat or two?
I'll announce two winners here next Wed., Feb. 15, 2012.
You carefully track your kids around the playroom, armed with your point-and-shoot camera, waiting for that magic moment when they'll hold still for one second. Just. One. Second. Pleeeease? Hold it, and snap!
You got the shot, only to review it a few seconds later and find that's it's a whirl of blur. Artistic, maybe. But not exactly something you can send to Grandma and Grandpa. It happens to the best of us, doesn't it?
Whether you're an amateur or a professional, mastering a few photography basics can make more of your snapshots worthy of framing and displaying. The following pro tips from Toronto-based photographer, Jennifer Pearson, will help you to take better photos starting...now.
1. Motion It may seem counter-intuitive, but holding your camera as still as possible, while tracking your moving subject, can keep your subject in focus. That's what I didn't do right in this shot:
Moving traffic on Toronto's Gardiner Expressway blurs while the sunset remains clear with a steady hand. Photo by Jen Melo
Had I tracked the traffic with my camera as it zoomed by, I could've gotten a clearer shot of the cars, but that probably would've blurred the lovely sunset. And so, I learned, every shot is a photography lesson.
According to Pearson, manually adjusting camera settings in favour of a quick shutter speed (choose a higher number) can help you to capture your action shots at their best. And that's probably what I should've done to get a clearer shot of the zooming cars. Noted for next time.
But video just might be the best way to capture the action, so consider shooting video clips too. Had I spent more time with my new Panasonic Lumix GF3X's instruction manual, I'd have known that it has an auto-focus function that can lock its focus on a subject while in video mode, and gradually shift its focus to another moving subject at my fingertip's command.
2. Lighting
Light and shadows add dimension to my treasured hibiscus bloom, non? Photo by Jen Melo
Whether you're shooting with a flash indoors or outside in natural lighting, know where your light is and pay attention to those shadows.
When photographing outdoors seek "open shade," a photographer's trick for ensuring a flattering photo. Position your subject under an awning for example, with the sun behind you, and over your shoulder. This magical lighting can help make your subject's eyes look bright and vivid while eliminating squinting and distracting shadows.
When shooting indoors and flash is too harsh, consider manually adjusting your camera's exposure setting or directing the flash upwards, "bouncing" it off a low, light-coloured ceiling.
3. Framing "Pay attention to your background," says Pearson. "It can make or break your shot."
Look for simple and/or interesting backgrounds like a brick wall, for example, to make your subject stand out. For picture-perfect results, look for natural or architectural borders and frames such as archways and door frames.
You can find plenty of framing options at playgrounds too, but if you want to avoid having a bunch of strangers' kids in your shot, follow Pearson's advice: "Get there early."
4. Composition Experiment with the rule of thirds. Break up your frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. As you look through the viewfinder or at your camera's LCD screen, align your subject with the lines or place a focal point such as a person's eyes where the lines intersect. "It can make for a more interesting shot," Pearson explains.
5. Creativity
With digital photography enabling you to photograph and delete without incurring film and photo processing costs (remember those days?), dare to try various approaches and unleash your creativity. Alternate close-up shots with wide shots, people and objects, to help tell a story. Use photo filter options (if available on your camera) and see your photos in new and different ways.
More expert photography tips:
Play with angles. Shoot from above, below and on the same level as your subject.
Forget the fake smiles and try some candid shots. Avoid instructing, "smile!" before every shot. Some of Pearson's most "soulful" portraits come from natural facial expressions, free from coaching.
Use the grid feature on your camera's view, not only to work with the rule of thirds, but also to use the straight lines as guides. Say goodbye to crooked shots of horizons or tall buildings.
I've said it before but it's worth repeating. Read your camera's instruction manual and take time to get to know your camera's settings. There could be plenty of unexplored features just waiting to turn your photos into wonderful works of art. Or at least some answers on how to find that shutter speed setting that'll help you to get that perfect portrait of your active child.
Motion shots are my biggest challenges so some of my favourite subjects -- kids and pets -- are commonly the sources of my photo woes but I'm learning more with every shot I take.
And now, I'd love to hear your thoughts on your most common photography challenges so please post a comment below. Would you rather photograph a squirmy two-year old or a hyperactive dog? How about shooting both the dog and the kid together? I welcome -- and look forward to -- your photography tips.
Valentine's Day is coming. Romance is in the air. And things are heating up in Canmore, Alberta.
Courtesy: Tourism Canmore
The majestic vista of the Canadian Rockies peeking your mountainview window, moonlit snowshoe excursions, mid-mornings on the ski hills followed by fine meal by a fireplace, snuggling under a warm blanket on an afternoon dog-sled ride, and then booking a spa treatment at Chateau Canmore or one of the other chateaux or lodges. Surely this makes Canmore the most romantic Valentine destination in Canada. The highlights of their current "Do It In Canmore Kananaskis" campaign campaign is enough to make you blush - if not book a plane ticket.
Just imagine making your way across a polished sheet of glass covering the floor of a canyon from wall to wall. Your ice cleats grip the surface as you turn to look at your incredible surroundings. You snap a picture, walk another two feet and snap another shot.
If that doesn't entice you, I can only suggest that your heart urgently requires a handful of de-icing salt.
Fine dining in Canmore: options aplenty (Courtesy: Tourism Canmore)
Dining options run the gamut from wallet-friendly to fine international cuisine. Check out the list of Dining and Nightlife options in Canmore.Best bet: You're in Alberta - go for the steak!
One dish = dinner for two: Win a Canadian Living Cook-book
Does Canmore tickle your fancy? Or have you got another suggestion for the Most Romantic Place in Canada to spend Valentine? Post your suggestion below and you'll automatically be entered to win one of 5 of our latest Canadian Living cookbooks, "The One Dish."
I don’t generally get excited over commercials. Except this Sunday will be different. I will be verrrrry excited.
This is what I'll be doing – watching the Super Bowl. No, not for the game, I don't really like watching football. For the commercials. Super Bowl ads can cost millions of dollars for a 30-second spot, so they're usually a cut above the regular ones.
Here’s my favourite Top 10 Superbowl ads. I love the Snickers one with Betty White and the Coke one and the Walmart ad. And the Planter's Peanuts one is pretty funny – but the cat-herding one kills me, I’ve watched it a million times!
I’m having an argument with myself though over the best Super Bowl commercial ever. One part of me says that this was the most amazing one ever and it started the whole debate. It’s the Apple ad that introduced the Macintosh to the world in 1984. It almost gives me goosebumps thinking about the revolution that it started.
But the part of me that loves cars, creativity, kids and their imaginations says this one from last year is the winner hands-down. The kid is so cute and so much is conveyed to the viewer with so little dialogue. Everything pops in this video – especially the kid’s body language.
Seriously, I think they are both brilliant for different reasons. I can’t decide.
And so, I’d love to know, which one is your favourite?
Or am I missing something bigger? Is there a better one than these two and I am totally missing it?
Let me know. Please. As soon as possible. So I can stop the voices in my head.
I fell in love with it from the get go. Actually, I think I loved it even before I saw it (my son was singing it all through dinner - "I got Dorothy in a tank and I ain't afraid to show it... I'm Elmo and I know it").
We must have replayed it a gazzilion times that night. My family loved it so much, I wanted to share it with you.
Kids, look at these crayons,
Kids, look at these crayons,
Kids, look at these crayons,
Uh-huh.
I make art.
I dare you not to have this playing in your head all day long.
“Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
February is Heart Month, and Global Pet Foods is asking you to open yours to the homeless animals in your community.
(image via Wikipedia)
Their seventh annual Show Us Your Heart campaign aims to raise money for local animal shelters. Each Global Pet Food store across Canada has chosen a local shelter to support, so any money you donate goes directly to the homeless pets in your area.
Here are just a few places that will feel the love:
In Sydney, N.S., ABAS Society, an animal rescue for abused and neglected dogs
In Saint John, N.B., Earth Spirit Horse Rescue, a group dedicated to saving horses from abuse, neglect and slaughter
In Crossfield, Alta., animal rescue shelter Tails to Tell
So how do you get involved? There are several ways:
Visit your local Global Pet Foods store between now and Feb. 14 to donate in person. (Global and Hill's Science Diet will give $1 for every donation they receive.)
"No room at the inn, but you can sleep in my stable." Sounds biblical, I know. But those words were actually uttered to me by Helmut, owner of a small auberge in the the little out-of-the-way mountain village of Gimmelwald, Switzerland.
It was the end of a long day, and I had to sleep somewhere. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I climbed up into the loft above his stable - only to find half a dozen other tourists. And that's when a voice piped up through the dark, "Hi there, we're from Ontario. Do you speak English?" I remember feeling surprised but sheepish. There I was, back-packing around the world and I run into folks from my home province.
It never surprises where I'll run into other Canadian travellers. When we take to the big highway we're apt to end up anywhere. But we do have our habits, which is mirrored in this recent list compiled by Hotwire.com, a discount travel site, based on the habits of Canadians who travelled on Family Day weekend 2011 (the third Monday in February).
Here's their list of 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers:
Canadians love New York City. Everyone needs to see Lady Liberty at least once in their lifetime. (Photo: Derek Jensen)
Three Canadian cities made it to the list: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, along with a few American cities (New York, Orlando) which are perennial favourites among Canadians.
The cafe scene and street life of Montreal are tops in Canada -if not the world (Photo: Bonjour Quebec)
If I could choose a weekend getaway from this list my number one pick (on this snowy day in January) would be Las Vegas (not for the gambling strip but for the day trips to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam). Vancouver and Montreal would tie for second (if I could transplant Stanley Park in the heart of Old Montreal I'd move in a nano sec). My third pick? Well, I'd have to say Minneapolis because (a) I've never been there and (b) to out why it appeals to so many Canadians.
Stanley Park, Vancouver. My favourite city green space in all of Canada (Courtesy: Thorfinn Stainforth)
I mean, who comes into work on a Monday and boasts about having gone to Minneapolis for the weekend? Maybe I'm out of the loop. I'd love to know what I'm missing.
So why do Canadians love New York so much? For me, it's an equal mix of Broadway shows, the sites (everyone's gotta get a close-up of Lady Liberty at some point) and the personality of New Yorkers. They're a breed unto themselves - direct, helpful, blunt, a unique urban chutzpah.
Have you been to New York? What's you're No. recommendation?
I've always said, and will continue to say, the best thing you can give your children are memories and your time. Those moments together of laughter, that's what they will cherish - along with an evening of dragon slaying!
We were invited to embark upon an epic journey - the only one of its kind in Canada. MagiQuest - It's a journey fraught with mystery and filled with magic.
Cool or what?
We entered a world of MagiQuest, a live action, interative adventure game that had the whole family casting spells, vanquishing goblins and yes, slaying dragons. With a simple wave of a wand, siblings united, parents and grandparents were a welcomed force in the quest.
Armed with our wands, an extra ounce of courage, and some really cool wizard names, we enbarked on our adventure at Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls. My boys were set in character, not Harry Potter, but Sir Swordhand Darkeyes and Sir Shieldheart Littleknight.
The game is incorporated into the lodge's hallways, landscape and lobby. Medieval characters are flowing throughout the enchanted woods, forgotten halls and tangled woods.
It was a little confusing at first, and we probably didn't follow all the rules, but for a 6 and a 4 year old it was just awesome to make treasure chests magically open, framed photos speak and items light up all in a wave of a wand.
Needless to say, they didn't complete their quest. They got so easily distracted with the other adventures offered at the lodge. Story time in the lobby, Cub Club, Northern Lights Arcade, and oh yeah, the Water Park (again, again, and again)!
So many decisions.............................................for a little wizard.
So for now, we bid thee adieu, till next time.
Image via Wikipedia
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We've married our sumptuous butter chicken recipe with the ease of the slow cooker to create the ultimate Slow Cooker Butter Chicken. Food director Annabelle Waugh walks you through the steps in this video for a restaurant-worthy dinner every time.
