Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 04/29
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 04/22
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Canucks Rock: All Canadian Link up! 04/20
Welcome to our weekly All Canadian Link Up! This weekend and every weekend, Canucks Rock! with our All Canadian Link Up and Candid Canuck feature interview. Brought to you by your hosts: Did you know Canada?, Tales of a Ranting Ginger and Maple Leaf Mommy!
This week's Candid Canuck is Kerrie from Family Food and Travel. Check out our interview with her..
What inspired you to start your blog and where do you see it going in the future?
I started my blog out of a desire to have a consistent outlet to write. I love writing, and don't have enough time to do it in my day job. I also felt I had stories to tell and experiences to share. My family loves travel and food so it made sense to feature those on my blog.
I dream of my blog being a place that people come to for specific travel reviews/advice. A place where people laugh alongside our parenting missteps and a place where food is celebrated, and enjoyed. I would also love to work with other bloggers on a collaborative site, one that showcases our talents and brings them together.
How did your passion for travel develop?
My parents taught me that stepping outside of your comfort zone was so important for growth and development. While most of our travel as a family was road trips, each one reinforced how much fun travel was. But, honestly, I have always had a deep desire to travel to all corners of the world. To experience new cultures, foods, and places.
What is the craziest thing that has happened to you or your family while travelling?
There are so many! I think the one that I still cannot believe happened was an experience I had in Kenya.
While on a trip there I went to use the washroom. Once seated I realized there was a snake curled up sleeping in the corner. Telling myself that loud noises and my fear would wake it I decided to quietly tip toe out of there. As I was leaving it lifted its head and looked at me. I think at that moment I was the most scared I have ever been.
I got out, and found the guard that was nearby and explained as best I could that there was a snake there. He instructed me to stand back, he drew his machete and entered the bathroom. I heard the swoosh of the blade. Then, the guard emerged smiling holding the chopped in half snake over his head - one piece in each hand. Then, he said "Black Mamba, bad, very very bad, have a nice day"
Yep. I was in the bathroom with a snake that's bite is 100 percent fatal. Crazy.
You post about your twin boys often on your blog. Tell us something about life with twins. What do you want other non-twin parents to know?
Twins are the most wonderful gift but also a trying, exhausting and overwhelming experience. Parents of multiples have higher rates of divorce, and depression and I honestly believe it. Multiples are stressful, from raising them, to paying for two of everything, it's tough. It's a hard go for that first year, but having twin three year olds is challenging in a whole other way.
That said, raising twins is such an amazing experience. Watching two people grow up together as best friends (and sometimes partners in crime) is amazing. I am in awe of my boys every single day. Their bond, their understanding of each other and the fun they have together. They are a true miracle. 99.9% of the time I feel like the luckiest woman in world :)
I would want other non-twins to know that if they known anyone having multiples to rush over to their house with food, a desire to hold babies and clean their house. They need all the help they can get!
If you could travel anywhere within Canada where would it be? Who would you go with and why?
I would love to do a trip to PEI and Newfoundland - those are two places that I have never been and always wanted to. I'd either like to make it a girls adventure with some close friends or with my family (if my boys were a bit older).
What stereotype about Canadians drives you nuts? Our readers want to know :)
That we always say sorry for everything. Ooops, sorry, I hope I didn't offend anyone!
What is your must have travel item for families?
Beside a passport - my must have travel item is a sense of adventure, and patience. Without those two you will never be able to tackle the many things that could (and often do) happen when travelling.
Thanks so much Kerrie!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Click here to grab this linky for your site!
This week's Candid Canuck is Kerrie from Family Food and Travel. Check out our interview with her..
What inspired you to start your blog and where do you see it going in the future?
I started my blog out of a desire to have a consistent outlet to write. I love writing, and don't have enough time to do it in my day job. I also felt I had stories to tell and experiences to share. My family loves travel and food so it made sense to feature those on my blog.
I dream of my blog being a place that people come to for specific travel reviews/advice. A place where people laugh alongside our parenting missteps and a place where food is celebrated, and enjoyed. I would also love to work with other bloggers on a collaborative site, one that showcases our talents and brings them together.
How did your passion for travel develop?
My parents taught me that stepping outside of your comfort zone was so important for growth and development. While most of our travel as a family was road trips, each one reinforced how much fun travel was. But, honestly, I have always had a deep desire to travel to all corners of the world. To experience new cultures, foods, and places.
What is the craziest thing that has happened to you or your family while travelling?
There are so many! I think the one that I still cannot believe happened was an experience I had in Kenya.
While on a trip there I went to use the washroom. Once seated I realized there was a snake curled up sleeping in the corner. Telling myself that loud noises and my fear would wake it I decided to quietly tip toe out of there. As I was leaving it lifted its head and looked at me. I think at that moment I was the most scared I have ever been.
I got out, and found the guard that was nearby and explained as best I could that there was a snake there. He instructed me to stand back, he drew his machete and entered the bathroom. I heard the swoosh of the blade. Then, the guard emerged smiling holding the chopped in half snake over his head - one piece in each hand. Then, he said "Black Mamba, bad, very very bad, have a nice day"
Yep. I was in the bathroom with a snake that's bite is 100 percent fatal. Crazy.
You post about your twin boys often on your blog. Tell us something about life with twins. What do you want other non-twin parents to know?
Twins are the most wonderful gift but also a trying, exhausting and overwhelming experience. Parents of multiples have higher rates of divorce, and depression and I honestly believe it. Multiples are stressful, from raising them, to paying for two of everything, it's tough. It's a hard go for that first year, but having twin three year olds is challenging in a whole other way.
That said, raising twins is such an amazing experience. Watching two people grow up together as best friends (and sometimes partners in crime) is amazing. I am in awe of my boys every single day. Their bond, their understanding of each other and the fun they have together. They are a true miracle. 99.9% of the time I feel like the luckiest woman in world :)
I would want other non-twins to know that if they known anyone having multiples to rush over to their house with food, a desire to hold babies and clean their house. They need all the help they can get!
If you could travel anywhere within Canada where would it be? Who would you go with and why?
I would love to do a trip to PEI and Newfoundland - those are two places that I have never been and always wanted to. I'd either like to make it a girls adventure with some close friends or with my family (if my boys were a bit older).
What stereotype about Canadians drives you nuts? Our readers want to know :)
That we always say sorry for everything. Ooops, sorry, I hope I didn't offend anyone!
What is your must have travel item for families?
Beside a passport - my must have travel item is a sense of adventure, and patience. Without those two you will never be able to tackle the many things that could (and often do) happen when travelling.
Thanks so much Kerrie!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Celebrating new Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrushes featuring 1D songs
Did you know Canada.. This weekend we are invited to the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto for kids’ karaoke and brunch to celebrate the launch of Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes toothbrushes. These two new toothbrushes are the only ones featuring two popular One Direction songs: “One Thing” and “What Makes You Beautiful”.
We are also excited to meet Adamo Ruggiero from YTV’s the Next Star who will be hosting this amazing event, a morning of kid’s karaoke where kids will have an opportunity to take a picture with a “virtual” One Direction and belt out favorite 1D or Selena Gomez hits.
Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready
We are also excited to meet Adamo Ruggiero from YTV’s the Next Star who will be hosting this amazing event, a morning of kid’s karaoke where kids will have an opportunity to take a picture with a “virtual” One Direction and belt out favorite 1D or Selena Gomez hits.
Faniya
Teddy Out-Ready
Recipe Round Up! 04/19
Did you know Canada.. I'd love for you to head on over to Canadian Moms Cook for some family tested recipes! And be sure to read about the chance to win an ultimate prize package to Dine with Season 2 Top Chef Canada!
Lemonade Cupcakes
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Kids in the Kitchen
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Earth Day Boutique - DK Canada
Did you know Canada.. Our friends at DK Canada have an awesome group of titles perfect for focusing on the Earth and our natural world in their Earth Day Boutique. Might be a fun idea to have a few on hand for Earth Day as a treat to read by candle light!
My guys have been checking out two books in particular, and they have been big hits! First let me tell you about this little man, he is a rock collector. If you open his backpack, coat pocket, pant pocket, peak at the chair he sits in in the car, pretty much ANY WHERE he has been, you will find rocks. They are all special in some way to him, and goodness help ya if you move any of them.
So I was SO excited to share Pocket Genius: Rocks and Minerals with him! This awesome book profiles nearly 200 types of rocks and minerals from volcanic rocks and granite to sparkling diamonds and explosive sulfur, and tells what they are made of, how they are formed and what they are used for.
In easy to understand terms, every page opened up at least a 10 minute discussion, it's been a great experience, and has him planning on being a rock collection with a kit and tools and everything.
We also enjoyed Everything you need to know about Sharks - this beautiful, fully coloured book is full of quick and interesting facts. My boys are obsessed with numbers right now, so to read things like how the Earth has 369 million trillion gallons of water is really exciting around here! And what kid wouldn't love to know some fish produce electric discharges that can jolt other fish and humans!
I love the fact that both books contain hundreds of REAL pictures, no drawings or cartoons but real life photographs, giving factual information in a way both kids and adults can enjoy. They can also easily be read a bit at a time, and won't these be awesome for future school projects??
Two big hits from DK Canada's Earth Day Boutique and I can only imagine how great their other offerings are - and all the books in the Earth Day Boutique are ON SALE! A great time to share some of these amazing books with your family.
My guys have been checking out two books in particular, and they have been big hits! First let me tell you about this little man, he is a rock collector. If you open his backpack, coat pocket, pant pocket, peak at the chair he sits in in the car, pretty much ANY WHERE he has been, you will find rocks. They are all special in some way to him, and goodness help ya if you move any of them.
So I was SO excited to share Pocket Genius: Rocks and Minerals with him! This awesome book profiles nearly 200 types of rocks and minerals from volcanic rocks and granite to sparkling diamonds and explosive sulfur, and tells what they are made of, how they are formed and what they are used for.
In easy to understand terms, every page opened up at least a 10 minute discussion, it's been a great experience, and has him planning on being a rock collection with a kit and tools and everything.
We also enjoyed Everything you need to know about Sharks - this beautiful, fully coloured book is full of quick and interesting facts. My boys are obsessed with numbers right now, so to read things like how the Earth has 369 million trillion gallons of water is really exciting around here! And what kid wouldn't love to know some fish produce electric discharges that can jolt other fish and humans!
I love the fact that both books contain hundreds of REAL pictures, no drawings or cartoons but real life photographs, giving factual information in a way both kids and adults can enjoy. They can also easily be read a bit at a time, and won't these be awesome for future school projects??
Two big hits from DK Canada's Earth Day Boutique and I can only imagine how great their other offerings are - and all the books in the Earth Day Boutique are ON SALE! A great time to share some of these amazing books with your family.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Spring Cleaning with Gain #PGmom
Did you know Canada.. Spring as sprung, even though it snowed TWICE last week, but regardless it IS time to clean up before the sunlight shows off that dust and makes us feel guilty.
This year, get irresistibly fresh by adding the line-up of Gain scented products to your spring cleaning routine. I'm sure you've heard how GOOD Gain smells, it's been added to our favourite cleaning products to make the whole house smell amazing!
Not sure what to do where?
Upholstery, carpets & curtains: Mist these hard to wash areas with NEW Febreze Fabric Refresher with Gain to eliminate unwanted odours and leave a fresh scent.
Closet clutter: Tuck away your winter wear in organized storage bins to make room for your spring and summer wardrobe. To keep your winter wear smelling fresh, add Gain Fireworks Original Scent Booster to your laundry load, before tucking items away. You can also use a Febreze Fabric Refresher to refresh items being pulled out of storage.
Baseboard & blinds: These areas trap dust and dirt, and can often be neglected. To tackle these tricky areas, run the Swiffer Duster along the surface. (Did you know Swiffer cloths are made in Canada at Brockville, Ontario!!)
Tough to clean places: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a great tool for cleaning away the grime you come across when uncovering those rarely seen spaces and hard to reach places. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removes scuffs, crayon marks and finger prints from walls too! Mr. Clean has plenty of tips to share, check out www.mrclean.ca for details.
Febreze and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are two products I use daily, Febreze helps with stinky dog (especially when wet, yuck!) and those magic erasers get a work out in my house with finger prints everywhere, and I LOVE the bathroom ones, awesome for cleaning the tub after the kids are done with their bubbles and colours and everything else that grimes it up.
P&G has created the fabulous Gain Spring Cleaning Kit with all the tools you need to tackle the mess, while adding some good clean fun to the mix! Bundle (approx value $80) includes:
* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Select-A-Size
* NEW Mr. Clean with Gain Spray
* NEW Swiffer Dust & Shine with Gain
* NEW Swiffer Sweeper with Gain Dry Refills
* NEW Swiffer Sweeper with Gain Wet Refills
* Swiffer Sweeper Kit
* NEW Swiffer WetJet with Gain Solution
* Swiffer WetJet Kit
* Swiffer Duster Refill
* Swiffer Duster Kit
* Gain Fireworks Original Scent Booster
One lucky reader is going to win this Gain Spring Cleaning Kit to help freshen up their spring cleaning, enter below, and good luck Canada!!
Giveaway
This year, get irresistibly fresh by adding the line-up of Gain scented products to your spring cleaning routine. I'm sure you've heard how GOOD Gain smells, it's been added to our favourite cleaning products to make the whole house smell amazing!
Not sure what to do where?
Upholstery, carpets & curtains: Mist these hard to wash areas with NEW Febreze Fabric Refresher with Gain to eliminate unwanted odours and leave a fresh scent.
Closet clutter: Tuck away your winter wear in organized storage bins to make room for your spring and summer wardrobe. To keep your winter wear smelling fresh, add Gain Fireworks Original Scent Booster to your laundry load, before tucking items away. You can also use a Febreze Fabric Refresher to refresh items being pulled out of storage.
Baseboard & blinds: These areas trap dust and dirt, and can often be neglected. To tackle these tricky areas, run the Swiffer Duster along the surface. (Did you know Swiffer cloths are made in Canada at Brockville, Ontario!!)
Tough to clean places: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is a great tool for cleaning away the grime you come across when uncovering those rarely seen spaces and hard to reach places. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removes scuffs, crayon marks and finger prints from walls too! Mr. Clean has plenty of tips to share, check out www.mrclean.ca for details.
Febreze and Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are two products I use daily, Febreze helps with stinky dog (especially when wet, yuck!) and those magic erasers get a work out in my house with finger prints everywhere, and I LOVE the bathroom ones, awesome for cleaning the tub after the kids are done with their bubbles and colours and everything else that grimes it up.
P&G has created the fabulous Gain Spring Cleaning Kit with all the tools you need to tackle the mess, while adding some good clean fun to the mix! Bundle (approx value $80) includes:
* Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Select-A-Size
* NEW Mr. Clean with Gain Spray
* NEW Swiffer Dust & Shine with Gain
* NEW Swiffer Sweeper with Gain Dry Refills
* NEW Swiffer Sweeper with Gain Wet Refills
* Swiffer Sweeper Kit
* NEW Swiffer WetJet with Gain Solution
* Swiffer WetJet Kit
* Swiffer Duster Refill
* Swiffer Duster Kit
* Gain Fireworks Original Scent Booster
One lucky reader is going to win this Gain Spring Cleaning Kit to help freshen up their spring cleaning, enter below, and good luck Canada!!
Giveaway
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
This Saturday - The Made By Hand Show!
Did you know Canada.. the Made By Hand Show is THIS Saturday, April 20th at the International Centre, Hall 1 in Mississauga (with FREE Parking!).
Featuring over 190 Canadian exhibitors, this will make a fun day for the whole family. Children enter free, there's free face-painting, balloon animals and a princess photo booth, lots to do and see for everyone!
What a great way to support local Canadian businesses, with free parking and only $5 to enter, you can browse, snack, chat and shop.
At the Made By Hand Show you'll find original artwork, baby/toys, body, candles, clothing, ceramics, fashion accessories, jewellery, photography, knitting, pottery, paper goods, wood and a range of gourmet goodies. Click here for a preview of the 190 exhibitors; they include some friends we've featured in the past, like Warm Fuzzies and Lala Soap Company!
Buy tickets online for advanced entry, the first 100 families through the door also receive a swag bag!
Featuring over 190 Canadian exhibitors, this will make a fun day for the whole family. Children enter free, there's free face-painting, balloon animals and a princess photo booth, lots to do and see for everyone!
What a great way to support local Canadian businesses, with free parking and only $5 to enter, you can browse, snack, chat and shop.
At the Made By Hand Show you'll find original artwork, baby/toys, body, candles, clothing, ceramics, fashion accessories, jewellery, photography, knitting, pottery, paper goods, wood and a range of gourmet goodies. Click here for a preview of the 190 exhibitors; they include some friends we've featured in the past, like Warm Fuzzies and Lala Soap Company!
Buy tickets online for advanced entry, the first 100 families through the door also receive a swag bag!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Montreal: The Best of Both Worlds
Did you know Canada.. Take a step back in time while you explore centuries of old French heritage, or rumba in the Latin Quarter, see artwork in the Metro, or tour a park in a caliche. On Mount Royal, the city’s panoramic peak, you will be able to scan the horizon all the way to the Laurentian Mountains. If you don’t feel like staying in your rental car, you can explore by walking or cycling along the sun-lit worn paths in Mount Royal Park below, on Ile Notre-Dame. You can return to modern Montreal by visiting the Casino de Montreal, where there are a variety of eateries and a swank cabaret with 120 gaming tables. There is a strict dress code here for the casinos, so be sure to dress the part!
In old Montreal you can relive the city’s vibrant French past along the cobbled stone streets. You can see soft lamps from inside a row of grand Victorian mansions overlooking Square Saint-Louis. Colors of gold and blue stained glass mark the magnificent interior of Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal as they permeate your senses. There are other famous modern architects that have also left their mark on the city, too: I.M. Pei built Galerie Place Ville Marie.
Montreal’s oldest Catholic church is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It was built in 1656 and is known for its detailed designed interior, which includes a stained glass chronicling of the history of the city. Notre-Dame Basilica is in the historic district of Old Montreal, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The church is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West at the corner of Saint Sulpic Street. It is next to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary and faces the Place d'Armes square. As you step again into modern Montreal, you can feel the vibrant city come alive. Take a moment to take in this magnificent city. In 2006, Montreal was named as a “UNESCO City of Design”, one of only six in the world. Even the Montreal Metro is a showcase for public art! You can gain a unique perspective on the city through the walls of a geodesic dome—the Montreal Biosphere.
The Biosphere is a museum in Montreal dedicated to the environment. It is located at Park Jean-Drapeau, on Ile Sainte-Helene, which is in the former pavilion of the United States for the 1967 World Fair Expo 67.
If you didn’t take in enough history already, make your way to Hotel Nelson. This historical building is nestled right in the middle of a 300-year-old neighborhood. Taking its place alongside the Jacques-Cartier, built in 1804. This historic sector of Montreal has buildings dating from 17th, 18th, and 19th century containing one of the largest collections of buildings. You can’t help but feel like you have taken a step back in time. No matter where you go in Montreal, you always can get the best of both worlds. Enjoy!
In old Montreal you can relive the city’s vibrant French past along the cobbled stone streets. You can see soft lamps from inside a row of grand Victorian mansions overlooking Square Saint-Louis. Colors of gold and blue stained glass mark the magnificent interior of Basilique Notre Dame de Montreal as they permeate your senses. There are other famous modern architects that have also left their mark on the city, too: I.M. Pei built Galerie Place Ville Marie.
View of the Basilica from Place d'Armes
Montreal’s oldest Catholic church is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It was built in 1656 and is known for its detailed designed interior, which includes a stained glass chronicling of the history of the city. Notre-Dame Basilica is in the historic district of Old Montreal, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The church is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West at the corner of Saint Sulpic Street. It is next to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary and faces the Place d'Armes square. As you step again into modern Montreal, you can feel the vibrant city come alive. Take a moment to take in this magnificent city. In 2006, Montreal was named as a “UNESCO City of Design”, one of only six in the world. Even the Montreal Metro is a showcase for public art! You can gain a unique perspective on the city through the walls of a geodesic dome—the Montreal Biosphere.
Montreal Biosphere
The Biosphere is a museum in Montreal dedicated to the environment. It is located at Park Jean-Drapeau, on Ile Sainte-Helene, which is in the former pavilion of the United States for the 1967 World Fair Expo 67.
If you didn’t take in enough history already, make your way to Hotel Nelson. This historical building is nestled right in the middle of a 300-year-old neighborhood. Taking its place alongside the Jacques-Cartier, built in 1804. This historic sector of Montreal has buildings dating from 17th, 18th, and 19th century containing one of the largest collections of buildings. You can’t help but feel like you have taken a step back in time. No matter where you go in Montreal, you always can get the best of both worlds. Enjoy!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 04/15
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Friday, April 12, 2013
Canucks Rock: All Canadian Link Up! 04/13
Welcome to our weekly All Canadian Link Up! This weekend and every weekend, Canucks Rock! with our All Canadian Link Up and Candid Canuck feature interview. Brought to you by your hosts: Did you know Canada?, Tales of a Ranting Ginger and Maple Leaf Mommy!
This week's Candid Canuck is Shannon from Shannon's View from Here. Check out our interview with her..
What do you love most about blogging?
I started blogging contests, coupons and freebies for a site that I was a regular visitor to. I blogged coupons, deals and contests for close to two years when I started my own blog. I wanted to explore blogging a little more and play with my creativity. I started sharing family favorite recipes and crafts. I am a proud co-host of Artsy Play Wednesday Link up Party where a new kid friendly craft is shared every week. Eventually I started to work with brands. I love the connections I have made with other bloggers and representatives of brands. The surprising part to me was the community I found and fell in love with.
Is there a company you would love to work with that you have not yet? Why?
I have my eye on a couple of Canadian based tourism boards. Travel Alberta, Hello B.C. and Visit Nova Scotia. All the provinces actually are on my wish list! Sharing family friendly destinations would be so much fun. Working for an airline has its flight privileges and my family is adventurous enough to try anything!
How does your family see your blog? Do they "get" it or wonder what you are doing online all the time?
My husband definitely gets it. Don came along with me to She's Connected Conference last September to support me as well as learn the ropes himself. He is cool like that. My mom tells everyone I have a blog but I am not sure she fully gets it. My daughters hand my business card everyone. They have even suggested some blogging topics for me. I am lucky that my family is very supportive.
If you could change one thing about your blog, what would it be?
I love my design and colours. I think I would change some back end things such as server or platforms. Can you recommend someone? :)
Where do you see your blog a year from now?
I hope to be writing more about family friendly Canadian travel. I would love to share all of Canada with my kids, husband and readers.
Thanks so much Shannon!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Click here to grab this linky for your site!
This week's Candid Canuck is Shannon from Shannon's View from Here. Check out our interview with her..
What do you love most about blogging?
I started blogging contests, coupons and freebies for a site that I was a regular visitor to. I blogged coupons, deals and contests for close to two years when I started my own blog. I wanted to explore blogging a little more and play with my creativity. I started sharing family favorite recipes and crafts. I am a proud co-host of Artsy Play Wednesday Link up Party where a new kid friendly craft is shared every week. Eventually I started to work with brands. I love the connections I have made with other bloggers and representatives of brands. The surprising part to me was the community I found and fell in love with.
Is there a company you would love to work with that you have not yet? Why?
I have my eye on a couple of Canadian based tourism boards. Travel Alberta, Hello B.C. and Visit Nova Scotia. All the provinces actually are on my wish list! Sharing family friendly destinations would be so much fun. Working for an airline has its flight privileges and my family is adventurous enough to try anything!
How does your family see your blog? Do they "get" it or wonder what you are doing online all the time?
My husband definitely gets it. Don came along with me to She's Connected Conference last September to support me as well as learn the ropes himself. He is cool like that. My mom tells everyone I have a blog but I am not sure she fully gets it. My daughters hand my business card everyone. They have even suggested some blogging topics for me. I am lucky that my family is very supportive.
If you could change one thing about your blog, what would it be?
I love my design and colours. I think I would change some back end things such as server or platforms. Can you recommend someone? :)
Where do you see your blog a year from now?
I hope to be writing more about family friendly Canadian travel. I would love to share all of Canada with my kids, husband and readers.
Thanks so much Shannon!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Spring Trends with Luxe Box
Did you know Canada.. The beauty team at Loose Button have been working with Steven and Chris from CBC to create the Spring Luxe Box, and it's a good one! A Luxe Box is a seasonal mail out with 7-8 deluxe size beauty samples, I've received these in the past and have found some awesome products that I now buy all the time. It's a great way to be introduced to new products without spending the big bucks for full size bottles.
Arriving in a awesome shaped box, especially for us that get our mail delivered to community boxes, I also loved the bag the deluxe samples where stored in, both can be repurposed.
First up was browsing the Spring Trends 2013 booklet which gives you info on the products that were sent out in the Spring Luxe Boxes (you do not receive every product listed, everyone gets 7-8 of the available products, so you might end up a bit sad that you didn't get one of the products listed).
Here are my favourites from the box..
Moroccanoil's Body Buff - I'm a huge fan of Moroccanoil's hair products, which I first sampled from Loose Button and have been purchasing ever since. The body buff arrives at the perfect time for spring to buff away our dull winter skin, because we are ready to shine!
Pandora's Makeup Box Mascara - which, check it out, is Made In Canada! Developed for sensitive eyes and an exceptionally long handled brush, it goes on easy and really is clump free. I also loved the clear strip on the side so you can see when it's running low. I was glad to try this mascara, because at $19 a tube, I would have been hesitant to purchase it, but now I know it's a great product.
Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein - I shared this one with my Mom as she is the queen of perfumes, she thought it was nice, light and refreshing.
Blending Sponge - this was a fun treat, not something I would purchase on my own thinking it wouldn't make a difference, but it does, it works fabulous at blending - can be used with liquid, cream, loose powder or pressed powder makeup in a bouncing motion.
I also received..
Lancome's Genefique Youth Activating Serum - while I know an expensive product, this one doesn't do much for me, and I already received one in the Loose Button Advent Calendar so it wasn't much of a treat.
Blue Lagoon Iceland rich nourishing cream - while just kind of a bonus item, I thought the sample packaging was silly and there wasn't enough to really see if it made a difference to your skin or not.
Chroma Captive by Kerastase - great shampoo for colour treated hair, no complaints there, but the price point is extremely high for a full size bottle, I personally wouldn't be able to afford it as a daily shampoo.
Are you a Luxe Box subscriber? What did you think of the Spring Box?
Arriving in a awesome shaped box, especially for us that get our mail delivered to community boxes, I also loved the bag the deluxe samples where stored in, both can be repurposed.
First up was browsing the Spring Trends 2013 booklet which gives you info on the products that were sent out in the Spring Luxe Boxes (you do not receive every product listed, everyone gets 7-8 of the available products, so you might end up a bit sad that you didn't get one of the products listed).
Here are my favourites from the box..
Moroccanoil's Body Buff - I'm a huge fan of Moroccanoil's hair products, which I first sampled from Loose Button and have been purchasing ever since. The body buff arrives at the perfect time for spring to buff away our dull winter skin, because we are ready to shine!
Pandora's Makeup Box Mascara - which, check it out, is Made In Canada! Developed for sensitive eyes and an exceptionally long handled brush, it goes on easy and really is clump free. I also loved the clear strip on the side so you can see when it's running low. I was glad to try this mascara, because at $19 a tube, I would have been hesitant to purchase it, but now I know it's a great product.
Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein - I shared this one with my Mom as she is the queen of perfumes, she thought it was nice, light and refreshing.
Blending Sponge - this was a fun treat, not something I would purchase on my own thinking it wouldn't make a difference, but it does, it works fabulous at blending - can be used with liquid, cream, loose powder or pressed powder makeup in a bouncing motion.
I also received..
Lancome's Genefique Youth Activating Serum - while I know an expensive product, this one doesn't do much for me, and I already received one in the Loose Button Advent Calendar so it wasn't much of a treat.
Blue Lagoon Iceland rich nourishing cream - while just kind of a bonus item, I thought the sample packaging was silly and there wasn't enough to really see if it made a difference to your skin or not.
Chroma Captive by Kerastase - great shampoo for colour treated hair, no complaints there, but the price point is extremely high for a full size bottle, I personally wouldn't be able to afford it as a daily shampoo.
Are you a Luxe Box subscriber? What did you think of the Spring Box?
Recipe Round Up! 04/12
Did you know Canada.. it's time for a recipe round up, we haven't done one in awhile, but we've been cooking like crazy over at Canadian Moms Cook. Visit us for some family tested recipes!
Homemade English Muffins
Stuffed Peppers
Tip for Grating Cheese
Deviled Eggs
Easy as 1-2-3 Candied Nuts
Hard Boiled Eggs in the Oven
I encourage you to head on over to Canadian Mom Cooks where you will find some family tested recipes, food ideas, interesting food products and more. Co-author Multi-Testing Mommy and I have been sharing some of our food adventures with our families over the past couple of months.
Feel free to follow Canadian Moms Cook on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
We've been cooking up a storm in the kitchen!
Homemade English Muffins
Stuffed Peppers
Tip for Grating Cheese
Deviled Eggs
Easy as 1-2-3 Candied Nuts
Hard Boiled Eggs in the Oven
What have you been cooking up in your kitchen?
I encourage you to head on over to Canadian Mom Cooks where you will find some family tested recipes, food ideas, interesting food products and more. Co-author Multi-Testing Mommy and I have been sharing some of our food adventures with our families over the past couple of months.
Feel free to follow Canadian Moms Cook on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers are the #1 choice of Canadian parents! #PGmom
Did you know Canada.. Pampers Swaddlers Diapers are the #1 choice of Canadian parents*. We are a Swaddlers family here, and always have been. They were the perfect fit for my now 5 year old twins, and they are perfect for this little man..
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers are our diaper of choice for a few reasons..
- they are the first diapers we use, right from the get go in the hospital, and I love the umbilical cord notch in the newborn size, an absolute must have
- they are so soft and flexible, like putting on a blanket
- while we've all that hilariously terrible poop explosion, we've never had a true leak
- very breathable, we haven't had a red bum yet with our new little one
- we're also loving the wetness indicator, a yellow line that turns blue as it gets wet (extra awesome for first time parents who aren't always sure when to change, or read an article on the internet and are suddenly worried about dehydration; don't worry, we've all been there)
We want our sweet little miracles to be wrapped in softness, security and love at all times don't we? Whenever I'm dressing my little guy I always think about dressing him in huggable clothes, something soft and cozy so he will feel protected and I feel Pampers Swaddlers Diapers accomplishes that too.
Don't forget those Gift to Grow codes either, have you seen some of the new rewards? I LOVE the LillyBit® Uptown Diaper Clutch - I just can't decide what colour!
If you are planning for a coming little one in your life (maybe working on a diaper cake?!), or have a new little one already; trust us Canadian parents, you won't find anything softer or better fitting! Learn more about Pampers Swaddlers Diapers at Pampers.ca.
* based on Swaddlers size NB and 1
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Pampers Swaddlers Diapers are our diaper of choice for a few reasons..
- they are the first diapers we use, right from the get go in the hospital, and I love the umbilical cord notch in the newborn size, an absolute must have
- they are so soft and flexible, like putting on a blanket
- while we've all that hilariously terrible poop explosion, we've never had a true leak
- very breathable, we haven't had a red bum yet with our new little one
- we're also loving the wetness indicator, a yellow line that turns blue as it gets wet (extra awesome for first time parents who aren't always sure when to change, or read an article on the internet and are suddenly worried about dehydration; don't worry, we've all been there)
We want our sweet little miracles to be wrapped in softness, security and love at all times don't we? Whenever I'm dressing my little guy I always think about dressing him in huggable clothes, something soft and cozy so he will feel protected and I feel Pampers Swaddlers Diapers accomplishes that too.
Don't forget those Gift to Grow codes either, have you seen some of the new rewards? I LOVE the LillyBit® Uptown Diaper Clutch - I just can't decide what colour!
If you are planning for a coming little one in your life (maybe working on a diaper cake?!), or have a new little one already; trust us Canadian parents, you won't find anything softer or better fitting! Learn more about Pampers Swaddlers Diapers at Pampers.ca.
* based on Swaddlers size NB and 1
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
LCBO Strike
Did you know Canada.. possible BAD news for Ontarians, LCBO workers are looking to strike! In fact, 95% voted in favour of a strike. The key issues are said to be increasing part-time wages and upgrades to health and safety standards.
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is accountable to the Ministry of Finance in Ontario and regulates alcohol sales in the province. It's also one of the world's largest single purchasers of beverage alcohol products!
Now they aren't actually going on strike yet, this vote was only if the talks break down. The contract ended March 31st but talks are still scheduled into May (can anyone say May Two-Four! Oh no!)
The possibility of the strike is also bringing the LCBO's monopoly on liquor sales to the fore front. The LCBO is able to dictate which products are available for sale in the province. You'll know of course that local microbreweries, wineries and distilleries sell to the public through their store front location, but to expand across the province they would have to guarantee minimum volume which leaves most out of luck.
How do you feel about the LCBO's control on available liquor products?
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Did you know Canada.. My Little Pony has hit Canadian stores with 2 features: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Adventures in the Crystal Empire and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic - Pinkie Pie Party.
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is the #1 show on Treehouse in Canada! We watch a girl in my boys class on school mornings and I was excited to surprise her with these DVDs this morning. We started watching Pinkie Pie Party (available exclusively at Walmart) which includes 5 episodes, and bonus features include a Sing-Along and a Party Activity Kit and everyone (including the boys) loved it!
I actually enjoyed it too..haha.. if you haven't seen it yet, these ponies got a bit of attitude to them and are funny and enjoyable to watch. It follows the story of Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie as they learn about friendship in the town of Ponyville.
We are looking forward to checking out Adventures in the Crystal Empire (available in store April 16th) later this week, it also includes 5 episodes from the beloved series, and bonus features including a sing-along and colouring sheet. I've read this DVD includes the first 2 episodes of season 3, which is a two-part story, and this is big news for pony lovers! Great gift to surprise a My Little Pony fan in your life.
I love these DVD sets as they include favourite episodes, they are also perfect for a quick watch in the morning or great to bring out in the car if you have a DVD player.
Do you have a My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fan in your life? Enter below for your chance to win these 2 DVDs!
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is the #1 show on Treehouse in Canada! We watch a girl in my boys class on school mornings and I was excited to surprise her with these DVDs this morning. We started watching Pinkie Pie Party (available exclusively at Walmart) which includes 5 episodes, and bonus features include a Sing-Along and a Party Activity Kit and everyone (including the boys) loved it!
I actually enjoyed it too..haha.. if you haven't seen it yet, these ponies got a bit of attitude to them and are funny and enjoyable to watch. It follows the story of Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie as they learn about friendship in the town of Ponyville.
We are looking forward to checking out Adventures in the Crystal Empire (available in store April 16th) later this week, it also includes 5 episodes from the beloved series, and bonus features including a sing-along and colouring sheet. I've read this DVD includes the first 2 episodes of season 3, which is a two-part story, and this is big news for pony lovers! Great gift to surprise a My Little Pony fan in your life.
I love these DVD sets as they include favourite episodes, they are also perfect for a quick watch in the morning or great to bring out in the car if you have a DVD player.
Do you have a My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic fan in your life? Enter below for your chance to win these 2 DVDs!
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Vimy Ridge Day
Did you know Canada.. Today, April 9th, is Vimy Ridge Day, honouring Canadian troops and the First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge 96 years ago.
Not a public holiday, but this day has been observed since 2003. By law, it is required that the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill in Ottawa be lowered to half-mast today. Small ceremonies also take place the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and other areas across Canada.
The Battle was fought April 9-14, Canadian Corps suffered 10,602 casualities, 3598 were killed and the rest injured.
Today, we remember these brave troops and honour them, lest we forget.
Visit the Canadian War Museum for more information on this battle, share it with your family, and discuss it at the dinner table tonight. Some of our grandparents or great-grantparents would have fought in this battle, let's remember them today.
Not a public holiday, but this day has been observed since 2003. By law, it is required that the Canadian flag on the Peace Tower of Parliament Hill in Ottawa be lowered to half-mast today. Small ceremonies also take place the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and other areas across Canada.
The Battle was fought April 9-14, Canadian Corps suffered 10,602 casualities, 3598 were killed and the rest injured.
Today, we remember these brave troops and honour them, lest we forget.
Visit the Canadian War Museum for more information on this battle, share it with your family, and discuss it at the dinner table tonight. Some of our grandparents or great-grantparents would have fought in this battle, let's remember them today.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Scotiabank High Five #ScotiaHighFive
Did you know Canada.. I know I have more than a few hockey fans here, and have I got a contest for you - the Scotiabank High Five!
Here's how it works - fans across Canada can log on to the app from the Scotia Hockey Club Facebook Page. Once in the app it's easy to sign up, you just choose the NHL team you are supporting this season (you can make a trade until April 29), every time your team scores, you have 10 minutes to go to the app to “High Five”. Luckily, even if you are away from the game, you can choose to be notified through real-time goal notifications via email or text (LOVE this feature, I get the texts - the texts even include a link to the app for easy access, and you can turn the notifications off any time). After your team finishes a game, you also have 12 hours to log on for a bonus “High Five”.
Each “High Five” counts as a contest entry. Each week, one random winner will be selected to win 2 tickets to any NHL game of their choice! On June 10th, one grand prize winner will be chosen who will receive a VIP experience for two to a Stanley Cup Final Game (can you even imagine?!).
Contest is open until June 9th, 2013 and is open to all Canadian residents.
We are Leaf fans around here, down to our littlest member! My older boys play minor league hockey, their Grampa coaches their team, and Grampa plays twice a week in his own league. So to say we are a hockey family is an understatement, we love the game and I know many of you do too!
Let's get the High Fives going for our favourite teams and I can't wait to find out who the Grand Prize winner is, sign up today!!
Here's how it works - fans across Canada can log on to the app from the Scotia Hockey Club Facebook Page. Once in the app it's easy to sign up, you just choose the NHL team you are supporting this season (you can make a trade until April 29), every time your team scores, you have 10 minutes to go to the app to “High Five”. Luckily, even if you are away from the game, you can choose to be notified through real-time goal notifications via email or text (LOVE this feature, I get the texts - the texts even include a link to the app for easy access, and you can turn the notifications off any time). After your team finishes a game, you also have 12 hours to log on for a bonus “High Five”.
Each “High Five” counts as a contest entry. Each week, one random winner will be selected to win 2 tickets to any NHL game of their choice! On June 10th, one grand prize winner will be chosen who will receive a VIP experience for two to a Stanley Cup Final Game (can you even imagine?!).
Contest is open until June 9th, 2013 and is open to all Canadian residents.
We are Leaf fans around here, down to our littlest member! My older boys play minor league hockey, their Grampa coaches their team, and Grampa plays twice a week in his own league. So to say we are a hockey family is an understatement, we love the game and I know many of you do too!
Let's get the High Fives going for our favourite teams and I can't wait to find out who the Grand Prize winner is, sign up today!!
G.I. JOE returns with a new mission
Did you know Canada.. Hasbro Canada has you all set for G.I. JOE's return - G.I. Joe: Retaliation is a sequel to G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, and in theatres now!
Every Dad's dream is to share G.I. JOE's with their little one right? Now that he's back, the toy famous from our childhood has been brought back, and better than ever!
My boys (and hubby) have been having from with some new products from Hasbro..
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Masks - the boys have been having fun with this, I think we are going to have to pick up another one so they can each wear one. Awesome for getting in the mood to play!
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Alpha Vehicles - one of my guys had this ripped open and put in his stash before I even had a chance to look at it! A motorcycle with a blasting wheel! Yes Please!
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION 3.75" Action Figure - perfect for recreating favourite scenes of the movie and creating new ones, goes perfect with other action figures for lots of imaginative play!
G.I. JOE Series 1 MICRO FORCE Pack - with more than 40 figures to collect, these are fun to play with by trying to knock your opponent’s figures off the table while you keep your own figures standing, great to collect, compare and chat about, the boys love these guys.
G.I. JOE Series 1 MICRO FORCE Mystery Bag - I've mentioned before that I love these mystery bags, cheap enough to pick up for a quick surprise for the kids, excitement to see who's in there, and fun to collect, happy they are creating these for G.I. JOE!
Will you be seeing the movie?
Every Dad's dream is to share G.I. JOE's with their little one right? Now that he's back, the toy famous from our childhood has been brought back, and better than ever!
My boys (and hubby) have been having from with some new products from Hasbro..
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Masks - the boys have been having fun with this, I think we are going to have to pick up another one so they can each wear one. Awesome for getting in the mood to play!
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION Alpha Vehicles - one of my guys had this ripped open and put in his stash before I even had a chance to look at it! A motorcycle with a blasting wheel! Yes Please!
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION 3.75" Action Figure - perfect for recreating favourite scenes of the movie and creating new ones, goes perfect with other action figures for lots of imaginative play!
G.I. JOE Series 1 MICRO FORCE Pack - with more than 40 figures to collect, these are fun to play with by trying to knock your opponent’s figures off the table while you keep your own figures standing, great to collect, compare and chat about, the boys love these guys.
G.I. JOE Series 1 MICRO FORCE Mystery Bag - I've mentioned before that I love these mystery bags, cheap enough to pick up for a quick surprise for the kids, excitement to see who's in there, and fun to collect, happy they are creating these for G.I. JOE!
Will you be seeing the movie?
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Canadian Giveaway Linky! 04/08
Did you know Canada.. We are so happy to once again bring you this weekly feature with our co-host Tales of a Ranting Ginger - Every Monday we are opening a weekly linky for giveaways open to Canadians. We appreciate everyone's interest and contributions!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Do you have a blog that is running a giveaway and it's open to Canadians?? Link up below!!
Visit here through out the week to find giveaways open to Canadians and get winning!! Good Luck!!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Canucks Rock: All Canadian Link up! 04/06
Welcome to our weekly All Canadian Link Up! This weekend and every weekend, Canucks Rock! with our All Canadian Link Up and Candid Canuck feature interview. Brought to you by your hosts: Did you know Canada?, Tales of a Ranting Ginger and Maple Leaf Mommy!
This week's Candid Canuck is Shayna from Mommy Outside the Box. Check out our interview with her..
Do you feel living where you do helps inspire you with your blogging or does it hinder your opportunities?
This week's Candid Canuck is Shayna from Mommy Outside the Box. Check out our interview with her..
Do you feel living where you do helps inspire you with your blogging or does it hinder your opportunities?
I know that if I really looked closely at it I would find living in Canada does limit opportunities in terms of working with brands but I don't see it as a huge obstacle. We have some truly fabulous brands here, both big and small that know the value of working with bloggers and that is growing all the time. I can tell you that in terms of just pure writing, there is inspiration all around in this great big beautiful country. We have so much to be thankful for.
You have worked with some great companies and had some fab ambasadorships, is there one you have really enjoyed? Why ?
All of my experiences have been positive so far. My biggest shout out would have to be to the lovely folks at Canadian Beef. They took a huge chance on me when my blog was really just a baby and have given me so many opportunities to grow. When I applied to work with them as an Ambassador my blog was just a few months old but Canadian Beef is something very near and dear to me (having grown up on a beef farm)and I was confident I would do a great job. My passion must have shown because I was given the opportunity and I was and still am very grateful for that.
If you could travel anywhere where would it be?
That's a tough one! I've been fortunate enough to do a little bit of traveling in my life already but it is such a big world. I think if I had the chance to go anywhere it would be French Polynesia. I can't imagine a more beautiful place exists. But there are also places in Canada that are on my bucket list. I have yet to travel to the east coast and one day I want to spend Canada Day in the capital with my family.
Tell us your goals for your blog.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I started my blog for me, to write and have a creative outlet. Once in a while I feel that I'm steered a little too far away from that. The drive to do things like increase SEO, page rank, and secure paid opportunities can get in the way of my intent. That's not to say that I think there is anything wrong with focusing on those elements of my blog, or any blog, but I really don't want to lose sight of why I created it in the first place. So one of my goals is to get to back to writing for me.
On the flip side of that, I have the opportunity to give my blog a fresh look and I'm really looking forward to that. Because I didn't start blogging with the intent of it being a source of income I wasn't particularly concerned with it looking "professional." My goal, in terms of design, it to create something that is more inline with my own personal style that also has a clean professional look.
Do you have any advice for new Canadian bloggers just starting out?
My advice for new Canadian bloggers, or any blogger for that matter, is to be patient and do what feels right for you. It takes time to build a blog. There will be times when you get frustrated and think about just walking away. Those are the times when you need to take a step back and take a breath. It doesn't matter if you are blogging for pleasure, for income or a little of both, there are going to be frustrations and days when you are uninspired. Pick yourself up, brush yourself off and refocus. You are going to have dry spells, both in terms of inspiration and opportunities, that's just part of blogging. If you really aren't getting anything out of blogging, and it's become more of a chore than a pleasure then maybe it is time to walk away.
The other key piece of advice I would give is to surround yourself with people who support your goals. That could be friends, family or other bloggers (probably some of each). Don't be afraid to listen to advice or ideas from other people. You won't always follow that advice but you will learn and you will benefit from it. Read other blogs. See what works and what doesn't. This isn't a science. That's one of the great things about blogging. It's creative, it's subjective, and it can be whatever you want it to be.
Thanks so much Shayna!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Click here to grab this linky for your site!
You have worked with some great companies and had some fab ambasadorships, is there one you have really enjoyed? Why ?
All of my experiences have been positive so far. My biggest shout out would have to be to the lovely folks at Canadian Beef. They took a huge chance on me when my blog was really just a baby and have given me so many opportunities to grow. When I applied to work with them as an Ambassador my blog was just a few months old but Canadian Beef is something very near and dear to me (having grown up on a beef farm)and I was confident I would do a great job. My passion must have shown because I was given the opportunity and I was and still am very grateful for that.
If you could travel anywhere where would it be?
That's a tough one! I've been fortunate enough to do a little bit of traveling in my life already but it is such a big world. I think if I had the chance to go anywhere it would be French Polynesia. I can't imagine a more beautiful place exists. But there are also places in Canada that are on my bucket list. I have yet to travel to the east coast and one day I want to spend Canada Day in the capital with my family.
Tell us your goals for your blog.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I started my blog for me, to write and have a creative outlet. Once in a while I feel that I'm steered a little too far away from that. The drive to do things like increase SEO, page rank, and secure paid opportunities can get in the way of my intent. That's not to say that I think there is anything wrong with focusing on those elements of my blog, or any blog, but I really don't want to lose sight of why I created it in the first place. So one of my goals is to get to back to writing for me.
On the flip side of that, I have the opportunity to give my blog a fresh look and I'm really looking forward to that. Because I didn't start blogging with the intent of it being a source of income I wasn't particularly concerned with it looking "professional." My goal, in terms of design, it to create something that is more inline with my own personal style that also has a clean professional look.
Do you have any advice for new Canadian bloggers just starting out?
My advice for new Canadian bloggers, or any blogger for that matter, is to be patient and do what feels right for you. It takes time to build a blog. There will be times when you get frustrated and think about just walking away. Those are the times when you need to take a step back and take a breath. It doesn't matter if you are blogging for pleasure, for income or a little of both, there are going to be frustrations and days when you are uninspired. Pick yourself up, brush yourself off and refocus. You are going to have dry spells, both in terms of inspiration and opportunities, that's just part of blogging. If you really aren't getting anything out of blogging, and it's become more of a chore than a pleasure then maybe it is time to walk away.
The other key piece of advice I would give is to surround yourself with people who support your goals. That could be friends, family or other bloggers (probably some of each). Don't be afraid to listen to advice or ideas from other people. You won't always follow that advice but you will learn and you will benefit from it. Read other blogs. See what works and what doesn't. This isn't a science. That's one of the great things about blogging. It's creative, it's subjective, and it can be whatever you want it to be.
Thanks so much Shayna!
Want to be one of our featured Canucks? Sign up here.
Right now, link up your Canadian blog and social media accounts, find some new reads and new friends!
Tide Pods #PGmom
Did you know Canada.. I mentioned earlier this week laundry is my life right now, since I told you how much I enjoy using Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent for the baby, I also wanted to tell you how much I love Tide Pods!
A life saver for a busy Mom; Tide Pods save time, measuring and mess when throwing in a load. Tide’s reinventing the way you do laundry! 1 pac = 1 laundry load and THAT. IS. IT! I throw the pack in first, then put the laundry on top and I am done, it's beautiful!
The first few times you'll be left looking around wondering what did I forget to do, why was that so quick? But after that you'll just whisper thank you for being done and over with in no time flat so you can move on to the next chore or spend more time with your family.
Since the pods are pre measured, not only is there no mess, but there's also no waste or over use. Tide Pods provide a detergent + stain remover + brightener in one. Coming in 3 scents - spring meadow, ocean mist and mystic forest - we are a spring meadow family right now, it's just nice and light, doesn't bother anyone and saves the day for me.
Have you tried Tide Pods yet?
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
A life saver for a busy Mom; Tide Pods save time, measuring and mess when throwing in a load. Tide’s reinventing the way you do laundry! 1 pac = 1 laundry load and THAT. IS. IT! I throw the pack in first, then put the laundry on top and I am done, it's beautiful!
The first few times you'll be left looking around wondering what did I forget to do, why was that so quick? But after that you'll just whisper thank you for being done and over with in no time flat so you can move on to the next chore or spend more time with your family.
Since the pods are pre measured, not only is there no mess, but there's also no waste or over use. Tide Pods provide a detergent + stain remover + brightener in one. Coming in 3 scents - spring meadow, ocean mist and mystic forest - we are a spring meadow family right now, it's just nice and light, doesn't bother anyone and saves the day for me.
Have you tried Tide Pods yet?
Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
