What is a Strider Bike and why is it different from any other bike? These were all the questions I had when introduced to this innovative balance bike. First off, my youngest has never taken to bikes in general easily, he is now 4 hand still has not even pedalled a tricycle properly. That's why the Strider Bike was my last alternative at having my child enjoy the upcoming summer and attempting to keep up with his older brother....

Strider Bikes are quite simply, bikes that have NO pedals. They are made for balance and co-ordination in its simplest form--a true rock star with talent ;) At first, my son was very skeptical to go on this bike alone without our assistance. Once he felt the lightweight body of the Strider Bike, he quickly glided with ease. It has been a few days since Neigh's first attempt at the Strider, and I am happy to note that he is confident walking with this bike with ease. He is thrilled that he 'looks' like a big boy and can keep up with his older brother without the fear of tipping over or using a tricycle like a 'baby.'

I also have to note that my older son who is 6, has taken to this bike easily. Since he is already a pro at his training wheeled bike, he has now used the Strider with ease. He runs with it, and rests his feet on the side panels to balance on 2 wheels effectively. I really think the Strider Bike will ease his transition to a 2 wheeler in no time. This bike is cool, fun and in my opinion a must-have for any child learning to ride a bike. I have even heard of some 2 year olds riding a 2 wheeler because of their training with the Strider!  AMAZING!

Want to teach your child to ride a bike as early as possible?  Enjoy the fun of riding, while maintaining good coordination with a Strider Bike! Visit: balancebikescanada.ca now, the 2012 Striders are now on sale for $99 (lowest price in Canada) until they sell out. Get them while you can!


Or wait, because the new 2013 Striders will be available third week of April for $124.99!! 


PLUS get 10 % off of any other balance bikes in store or on the new models using code Lilsugar10.

Judging by the pose of my little Neigh, you can clearly see that he LOVES his Stonz Rainboots! These adorable little boots come in 4 stylish colours and can be layered with Stonz' Rain Boot Linerz to keep tiny feet cozy! They are 100% Natural Rubberin too, so that means leeks will never happen!

• 100% Natural Rubber
• Durable and tear resistant, yet flexible and comfortable
• Quick dry 100% cotton liner
• PVC-free
• Phthalate-free
• Lead-free
• Formaldehyde-free

The one thing I absolutely loved about these boots was the height of the shaft. My youngest is a little on the huskier side and it has been impossible to find him proper rain boots that fit! These boots are perfect for wide-calf's and tall enough to get through even the muddiest puddle! Little Neigh will not take them off! He even wants to wear them in the house, so they must be comfy too!

Boots retail for $35.99 CAD and liners (for warmth) are $18.99 CAD to buy at stonzwear.com They also have the sweetest hats and mitts too, not to mention their baby booties are ADORABLE! 

A must-have for all children!

Last week we had the chance to see Disney on Ice's Rockin Ever After with friends....boy were the kids excited! This show was phenomenal  The lights, the music, the sets, everything a little person could ask for!! 

Not to mention, it was equally entertaining for the older kids (like myself) too! Well worth our 2 ours spent watching the show...where else would you get your children to sit for 2 whole hours?


My youngest son, LOVES Beauty and the beast and went totally ballistic when he saw Bell appear on stage. The realistic costumes and magic of Disney was really captured in this show! My only regret is not having a better camera to capture the amazing colours and effects. That, and a little more money to buy all the Ice cones so that we could collect ALL the wonderful Disney cups that they sell at the concessions (so lovely).

Overall, a fantastic show that the whole family can enjoy! We loved Disney on Ice and we look forward to attending so many more of these shows! I really don't think you ever outgrow the magic of Disney! If you get a chance, I highly recommend taking your children...you won't be sorry you did.

How often do your little ones bump, bang or scream from bruised limbs? Mine are almost always covered in bumps and bruises!  The reality is, with active kids, bruises are a guarantee!
 
I was excited to learn that there is a product on the market for kids who bruise easily! Mom's and Kisses is a non-toxic, drug free alternative to ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain & anti-inflammation. PLUS it does not have the same side effects that pharmaceuticals have – not toxic for our liver, kidneys or intestines.

A drug free way to help your kids bodies heal itself resulting from injury or trauma,  The arnica used in the manufacturing Mom's and Kisses is proven to help relieve pain resulting from inflammation.

I have used my sample for quite sometime now, and I have to say that it definitely makes healing time a lot faster. As a bonus, my kiddos love the 'spray' aspect of it. We call it 'Magic Kisses' in our house! This is a new addition to our first-aid package, we just love it! Perfect for emergencies while on the go!

 Mom’s Kisses website has an online store for purchasing. 

Have you heard of Slugs&Snails? A retailer of boys tights....yes, you heard me, BOY'S tights!!

Having 2 boys of my own I wondered if this review would go over well, simply because of the fact that they probably wouldn't want to wear tights!! Boy was I WRONG!! As soon as the package arrived, my boys quickly took interest in these inventive fashion accessories. They were more than willing to try them on for size...but would they actually 'wear' them? 

After trying on these super-stretchy and soft tights, there was no taking them off!! My 2 boys wore them that night to bed, and my oldest (6) even asked to wear them under his uniform the next day at school! 2 weeks later, we are still loving our tights!

Here are a few reason's why a mother would want 'boy tights'; they are warm, super comfy, and the socks are attached! I remember when my children were crawling and I often wished their socks would stay put. Snugs&Snails have solved this problem hands down! PLUS, if your children are anything like my little fashionistas they will find new comfort in this new fashion accessory!

I know what you are going to say...which 'boy' would actually wear these in public right?

Take it from me, I really think more boys would if given the chance. If not as a piece of clothing, but definitely as long-johns under their clothing, or as a pyjama for bedtime. 

Think Kingston and Zuma Rossdale --cool right?

Slugs & Snails combines retro with metro in a wide range of patterns and styles. They also have an adorable leaf embroidered on the outside back panel which looks fab on chunky nappy bums!  The anti-slip soles on all products is genius too! 

With five new designs from ages 0-4 there is plenty to choose from with bright colours and eye catching designs right on trend and uber funky for bright boys and girls.

These are the adorable tights I chose for my boys, next I will order the skulls and crossbones! Just love how convenient they are when packing or simply throwing them in your diaper bag for 'extra' messes! 

For more information visit: http://slugsandsnails.ie/

Snazzits are a great way to get your little fashionista excited about getting dressed!  If you have kids like I do, it is often hard to keep their attention long enough to make any piece of clothing 'fun.' Snazzits do just that, they make getting dressed fun, and ever changing!

Their product line ranges from adorable Tutu's, head bands and hats for girls, to hats and various 'Snazzits' varieties for boys. But what is a 'Snazzit'? It is a cover that stretches right over any button on a child's clothing!  Genius right? GeEach Snazzit costs $1.50 and they can be interchanged to create a whole spectrum of ideas. My boys LOVE their Snazzits to wear on their uniform shirts, my eldest refers them to the 'coolest thing ever.' I predict that this will become the next rage at his school, because uniforms just aren't fun without them! 

Currently, there are 15 available Snazzits as pictured on the left of this paragraph. 

The Tutu combinations are just lovely! I received the one pictured above,, and just fell in love with all the detail! The sequence, the ribbons and bows...oh my!! Any little girl will feel like a princess in one of these, that's for sure!!  Each one of a kid tutu, headband and bow is interchangeable with any Snazzit too, imagine the possibilities....

1 Entry Per IP/Email Address
Contest Closes Jan 8th 2012

I was recently selected to take part in the VH Excite Your Dinner Tour!  A super-exciting tour for me personally because I LOVE sauces! The 'saucier' the better, in my opinion. PLUS I love to cook and try new things too! 

When my package arrived I was so happy to see that VH Sauces also included a bunch of Family games and activities too....great way to keep the kiddos busy while mama prepares a yummy meal, don't you think? 

The first recipe I tried was the Butter Chicken...one of my family faves! Both children LOVED this meal! They asked for seconds and my youngest had left-overs the next day! 

Butter Chicken
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) vegetable oil **I used PAM**
• 1 lb (500 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" cubes
• 2 cups (500 ml) fresh or frozen thawed broccoli florets (optional) **I used Mixed Veggies**
• 1 jar (341 ml) VH® Butter Chicken Sauce

Directions

1. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry 10 minutes. 
   
2. Add broccoli, cover and cook 10 minutes over low heat, until chicken is golden. **I used mixed veggies** 
   
3. Add VH® Butter Chicken Sauce, stir well and cook 5 minutes. Serve with rice or boiled potatoes.

Tip: 
For extra saucy Butter Chicken, use half the ingredients and a full jar of VH® Sauce

Our second recipe was also a huge hit! I really wish I made more of these, the kids and hubby licked the bones! 

Orange and Ginger Asian-Style Ribs
ngredients

• 1 1/2 lb (750 g) pork loin back ribs
• 1 bottle VH® Orange Ginger Stir-Fry Sauce
• 1 tbsp (15mL) VH® Soya Sauce
• 1 tsp (5mL) vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions

1. In a large baking dish stir together VH® Orange Ginger Sauce, VH® Soya Sauce, oil and minced garlic. Add ribs and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. 
   
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (170°C). 
   
3. Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Place all of the ribs and marinade on sheet. Add 1/4 cup (125 mL) water and enlcose everything making sure to seal it well. 
   
4. Bake in oven for 1 1/2 hours, basting occasionally with marinade. 
   
5. Open pack and bake for a further 20 minutes. 
   
6. Serve hot brushed with the leftover sauce from within the foil package.

I'm really thankful to Christine from lifeonmanitoulin for passing the VH Excite Your Dinner opportunity along to me, and now I will pass it onto one of my favourite Canadian bloggers, Nancy from whisperedinspirations. Check out their blogs when you get a chance...they ROCK!

Giveaway is open to CANADA ONLY 
Closes on December 7, 2012. 
Winner will be contacted by email.

Who doesn't have someone incredibly hard to buy for this time of season?

I know I do...actually, I am probably very hard to buy for too! Nowadays, people have EVERYTHING! It makes gift-giving extremely difficult. So, what is the one thing that people LOVE to get? Besides cash, i think you can all agree with me when I say GIFTCARDS! 

A gift card shows you care, it is not as thoughtless as money, and not as useless as a gift you don't want to receive  It is the perfect balance between a great gesture and a thought from the heart.

Enter the perfect gift - CardSwap is rewarding Canadians with gift cards and cash back savings on everyday purchases -- dining, shopping, grocery, and even gas.

So, not only are you purchasing gift cards for your loved ones, but you are attaining points while you are at it! GENIUS! I recently had a chance to test cardswap out for myself, here is what I found:

- Always a great selection of cards for various stores with generous price ranges.
- Valued points are easy to achieve
- Shipping is FREE
- Creating a wishlist for your loved ones is simple and effective.

Initially, I thought there must be 'more' to this company...I mean, how could purchasing a gift card be as simple as turning on your laptop? Well, it is! Simply select the card of choice, purchase, gain points, and your card arrives within a few days!

My ONLY qualm about this service was the fact that the gift cards do not come in any 'fancy' packaging. They are simply adhered to a piece of paper with tape. Since their cards are pre-used by others and recycled (hence the name)....fine with me, since I always wrap the cards myself anyway, plus the cards I received were in perfect condition!

You will love CardSwap!  Try it for yourself!

You have all heard me talk (rave) about Mr Greek's full-service restaurant in the past. Well, I recently had the opportunity to review their Express location with my family and here is what I found....

Mr Greek restaurants, in my opinion are all WONDERFUL! 

The Express location was equally bright, clean and friendly, and the menu was very similar to the full service restaurant--bonus for me, since I don't do very well with change. As soon as you walk through the doors of a Mr Greek restaurant the smell is welcoming and the menu is inciting! Upon arrival we were presently greeted with a warm smile and our order was taken with ease. We waited for a total of 13 minutes for our made-to-order food to be made. My boys really liked that they could watch the chefs prepare their food while waiting too! The whole kitchen is open, so onlookers can see their food prep--waiting with 2 impatient children, this was a bonus! 

 I really love that the Express location I visited had a few tables to sit and enjoy your meal with the family while on the go or for a lunch date. We took our food to go, next time however, I will have to stay for a sit down meal.

I initially pictured an Express location to be much smaller than a full-service restaurant. I found this location to be pretty big and very roomy. The entrance is large enough to have a few people wait for their orders without the bother to families dining in the place. Trays are placed on a counter for faster service when on the go. The placement of the counter-space and tables are perfect to accommodate even the busiest of lunch hours!

We couldn't wait to take our food home and enjoy our favourite Chicken Souvlaki, spinach dip and Saganaki! What a wonderful way to spend a Friday night! I love that Mr Greek now has take-out too! You can call ahead and pick up your meal without the wait! I am definitely keeping this in mind for catering and private functions too!!

Enter to win a $50 Mr Greek Gift Card for you and your family!! 
(may be used at any Mr Greek location – express or full service restaurant).

1 Entry per IP/Email Address
Contest open to Greater Toronto Area residences only. 
Ends December 1, 2012.