How to Avoid the Dangers of Too Much Technology

Did you know Canada..  Technology is great. It makes our lives easier, and in many cases more fun. However, there is a danger to technology as well. When you spend too much time relying on your cell phone, computer, or other device, you lose other knowledge that is helpful. Being too dependent on technology is in no one’s best interest.

How Do You Calculate?

Image via Google Play

Because almost everyone today has a cell phone that means that almost everyone is carrying around a calculator as well. With the calculator so readily available, most people are not using their math skills any longer. Instead of doing simple math in their heads or on a sheet of paper, they instead pull out the cell phone calculator. Why is this a problem? Knowing basic math skills will help you in a variety of situations, and if you only rely on the calculator for the right answer, one day you will have the wrong one.

Are You Always Available?

Image via Flickr by thejimmylittle

With email on our phones, as well as texting, instant messaging, and social networking, many Canadians today are always available to friends, family and coworkers. On the one hand, this can be seen as a great thing, because you never have to worry about missing out on something important. However, constantly being connected to everyone and everything can take its toll. You may start to feel burned out, run down, and stressed out. These are indicators that you may need to take a break from technology for a little while.

Where Do You Find the Perfect Place to Eat?

Image via Google Play

It used to be that if you wanted to eat out, you would ask friends or even just drive around for a bit, to find the perfect establishment. Today there are a variety of review sites that you have access to quickly and easily with your phone. This can be helpful, however, instead of trusting the opinions of friends and family, when you use review sites, you are trusting the taste buds of everyone. The next time you go out to eat, ignore the reviews online. Drive around the area and find something that looks interesting. You may find a whole new experience you otherwise would have missed out on.

Does Texting Cause Illiteracy?

Image via Flickr by jfiess

Well, technically, no. But there have been studies that show that kids that text too often fall below other children in reading and writing. Texting is a great way to instantly connect with people, however, too much could lead to problems in school. Limit the amount of texting your child is allowed, and ensure that they are focusing on their studies.

When Did You Last Go Shopping?

Image via Flickr by Auswandern Malaysia

Online shopping is one of the biggest conveniences and biggest caveats of today’s technological world. You can shop for anything from anywhere at any time or any place. Shopping online is fun and it can ensure that you get products you wouldn’t otherwise have access to. However, when shopping online, you cut out a lot of important steps. You are less likely to browse, and more likely to spend money without considering what you actually need. When possible, check out the physical stores in your area to make better online shopping decisions. If you do shop online, make sure to only purchase trustworthy sites like http://www.pricegrabber.com/ for example.

Technology has done a lot for convenience in our lives. However, sometimes we all need a break from these little conveniences to get our feet back on the ground.

Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit

Did you know Canada..  sadly, tax time is pretty much upon us and it's time to be watching the mail for T4's, digging out receipts, chasing after the ones that don't show up and looking into tax credits.

I wanted to remind folks about one tax credit that you may not know about - the Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is a permanent, refundable personal income tax credit for seniors and family members who live with them. If you qualify, you can claim up to $10,000 worth of eligible home improvements on your tax return. The amount of money you get back for these expenses is calculated as 15 per cent of the eligible expenses you claim. For example, if you spend and then claim $10,000 worth of eligible expenses, you could get $1,500 back.

The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit can help with the costs of improving safety and accessibility in your home.  What's nice is your income doesn’t matter — seniors and their family members at all income levels are eligible!

Here's some great examples of renovations that qualify..

• * Non-slip flooring in the bathroom
• * Installing a hand-held shower
• * Door locks that are easy to operate

If not for 2012 taxes, it's something to think about for 2013.  Making homes safe and accessible for seniors leads to peace of mind.  Visit home renovation stores like rona.ca for products, tools and accessories to make a healthy home for seniors in your life.

Ontario - Free Lotto Ticket!

Did you know Canada..  I found a great deal from the OLG, click here to receive a coupon for a free MEGADICE LOTTO ticket!


MEGADICE LOTTO is a new Daily lotto game that features two chances to win with one ticket - an instant win dice game and a traditional six-number matching lotto draw.  Roll seven one's to win the top instant prize of $7,500.  Win up to $100,000 on the lotto draw.  Available in Ontario only.

Sounds like fun, and now we can all try a game!

Canucks Rock: All Canadian Link Up! 02/23

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 Amanda from Multi-Testing Mommy check out our interview with her..

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background before you started blogging.
Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to become a teacher.  I went through life working with kids as a babysitter, swim instructor, piano teacher, Child Life assistant (in a hospital) and more.  Teaching was who I was until I had a family of my own.  I focused my everything on being a teacher.  I loved teaching Kindergarten and music!  When I had children, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to focus on my family and have enjoyed doing this for the past 8 years!  I got into blogging as a way to stay connected to the outside world when my daughter was born and also as a way that I could share her exciting developments.  Slowly, my blog started taking on new forms of sharing information with other Canadian parents so I re-branded and became what I am now - Multi-Testing Mommy.

Three things that I love to do are hold babies, bake and sing.

One thing that I don't love is seafood, can't stand it!  Never have, never will.

One thing that I strive to figure out is time management and organization.

I am a people pleaser, a mix between an introvert and an extrovert (depending on the situation) and I am sensitive.

I love to give advice when asked and I try to be an open book, if you want to know something, just ask!  I love to share :)

If you went on a trip to the Bahamas what three items would you NEED to take with you?
Can I say my family?  My hubby and my two kids?  LOL! Seriously!  If not, then for sure my computer, a bathing suit and LOTS of sunscreen!

Tell us about Multi-Testing Mommy, what's the theme or idea behind your site?
Multi-Testing Mommy started off as a separate blog from my personal blog, a place where I could share product reviews and giveaways only.  Slowly, over time, it has become a place for me to share everything and anything from crafts, recipes, activities for kids and families, product reviews and of course giveaways (I know the readers love these!).  If I had all the time in the world, I would post more parenting posts and activities for kids.  This year, I am trying to take on less product reviews and write more about the things I love to write.

Last year, I also started up Canadian Moms Cook with Stacey from Did You Know Canada?.  I wanted a place that my readers could go to see all of my recipes in one place and it is always fun to go an adventure with a friend!

Since you often review products, name a few of the favourite items you've reviewed.
Wow - I've been introduced to so many amazing products through my blog, it is hard to name just a few.
I absolutely loved reviewing the Zoku Popsicle Maker.  It has been well used in our house and I cannot wait for the summer, when it will likely be put to use every single day!

My daughter and I loved reviewing the Ford Taurus!  We love testing out different vehicles and talking about whether or not they will work for our family.  This is something we would love to do more often this year, once the weather gets a bit better.

I also love reviewing toys and books for children.  This past summer, we received some Hex Bugs for review.  We had such a fun time testing them out together.

I'm also a skin care junky in that I love to review different products for the hair, body and skin.  This year, I am so excited to be a #PGMom and have had the opportunity to test out all kinds of awesome products, but I have also received many more natural products that I have grown to love as well, for example, Burt's Bees.

What tip would you give to other bloggers who are just starting out?
When starting out, it is so easy to compare yourself to some of the "bigger" blogggers.  Try not to do this.  Network like crazy and make your rounds around the blogosphere, reading other blogs and leaving comments.  Post regularly and interact with your commenters/fans so that they will be encouraged to come back!  As much as we sometimes get bogged down with numbers, it's about the interactions and the readers!

Share a link to one of your favourite posts.
I love to give advice to other parents, especially from a Kindergarten teacher's perspective.  I loved writing this post about Information for New Kindergarten Moms and Dads because I have now experienced Kindergarten from the teacher's and the parent's perspective.



Thanks so much Amanda!  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!

Cord Blood Storage in Canada

Did you know Canada..  with the recent birth of my new little one I read up a lot about Cord Blood Storage in Canada.

Although cord blood storage is still a relatively new process, I hear about many families looking into it these days.  I can see that the benefits of cord blood storage are especially important for families that have a heritage of mixed ethnicities.  Unlike bone marrow transplants, cord blood can be a suitable transplant for people of all genetics.  Families with a history of certain conditions also stand to benefit from cord blood storage, and if your doctor knows your family’s history you will likely be encouraged to consider the benefits of cord blood.


For effective storage and development, cord blood stem cells must be banked using a cord blood program such as Insception Lifebank.  The cord blood collection process is painless, poses no risk to you or your baby’s health, and in no way interferes with your baby’s birth.

Great news - to help make the cost a little easier for you, Insception is offering $100 coupons for its cord blood storage services, which you can redeem by registering with the Insception Lifebank cord blood program. Very easy to do - all you need to provide to obtain a coupon is your name and your baby’s due date (this is so the storage facility has time to reserve a spot for your cord blood sample).  Your coupon is then personalized using your expected due date, which also sets an expiration date for 10 days after the scheduled birth, so in other words, if you do get the coupon, make use of it sooner than later.



Cord blood is a rich source of viable stem cells which are used in clinical trial tests for advancements in possible treatments of several conditions.  Cord blood stem cells have been used to test potential new treatments for conditions such as Type 1 Diabetes, cerebral palsy, autism, spinal cord injuries and dozens of others.  It's a big decision to make as part of your birthing plan, which ever way you decide is best for your family, I am happy we have these options in Canada available to us.

Did you consider storing cord blood as part of your birthing plan?


I was compensated for this sponsored post made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. Coupons for this promotion are available to Canadian residents only. American registrations are welcome but unfortunately do not qualify for the coupons.

Ding Dong Diaper Ditch with Pampers! #PGMom

Did you know Canada..  as a new Mom I know how important it is to have so many supplies on hand, with a new babe at home you can't just run out to the store to grab a forgotten item (even if you really did shower that day!).

Have you heard about Pamper's Ding Dong Diaper Ditch movement? The Ding Dong Diaper Ditch is simply a way to surprise a new Mom with a diaper gift to welcome their new baby.  Items like Pampers Swaddlers Diapers, Pampers Sensitive Wipes, and Ivory Snow Liquid detergent are all musts for a new Mom.  Why not pick these items up, create a sweet little gift basket and "Ding Dong Diaper Ditch" at a new Mom's door?  I can tell you first hand that it would be a welcome surprise.

Not only because the gift comes without having to host a visit which can be hard on Mom the first couple weeks after delivery, but the thoughtfulness of the necessities would be so very nice.  Baby showers are a great time to get cute outfits and fun accessories, but in those first few weeks it's diapers, wipes and laundry that Mom's really concerned about at home.  Use Ivory Snow to wash anything that will come in contact with baby's delicate skin. It's worth the time as it will help remove any fluff or dust that could irritate baby. Your checklist should include baby clothes, cloth diapers, towels/washcloths, bedding, linens - even your own blouses. NOTE: Do not use fabric softener on baby sleepwear that is labeled flame retardant, as this may reduce flame resistance.

We have you covered with supplies to surprise a friend in need - enter below for your chance to win a Ding Dong Diaper Ditch prize pack!  Including Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (size 1)  and Pampers Sensitive Wipes, Ivory Snow Liquid detergent, a copy of “Caring for Kids: The Complete Guide to Children’s Health” and a Canada onesie - you will have everything you need to gift a new Mom!

Giveaway

A night of Monster Jam

Did you know Canada..  last night my guys enjoyed a night of Monster Jam at Budweiser Gardens in London ON.  They had a BLAST!

Already huge fans of Monster Jam, we have about a million monster truck toys at home and the boys know the names of all of them, to see, hear and feel them in the flesh is just an amazing experience for them and I can't even begin to tell you how excited they were.

They also picked up these cool flashing necklaces that they have been having a lot of fun with today chatting about the show and recreating the stunts with their monster trucks at home.

An awesome night of Monster Jam competitions with Grave Digger coming in first place and Canadian Monster Truck Northern Nightmare in second, the boys also loved seeing Brutus and Krazy Train it was so much fun.  Great for the whole family I HIGHLY recommend checking out a Monster Jam show when they come to your neck of the woods.

When the trucks are reving up, jumping through the air spinning out - your heart is in your throat and the excitement builds and builds, it's just a blast!

We would go again in a heartbeat, you have to check out a show!

Who is your favourite Monster Truck?

Family Day with Sears Canada

Did you know Canada..  our Toronto Representative, Faniya, is attending a fantastic event Monday!

This Family Day we are glad to join Sears Canada to celebrate the exciting launch of Carter’s and OshKosh brands. We are invited to the Eaton Center in Toronto to preview the products, shop, meet the buyers and learn about why Carter’s and OshKosh became fabulous new additions to Sears family of products. 

Plus in support of the Sears Canada Charitable Foundation, The Sears Great Canadian Chill will present a custom built Chill pool, heated change tents, hot tubs, live entertainment, face painting, treats and many other activities for families that day at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Can't wait to hear how it went!

Family Day Ideas - Hasbro Canada

Did you know Canada..  this Monday is Family Day across most of Canada.  In Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan, it is observed on the third Monday of February. In the provinces of Manitoba and Prince Edward Island, the statutory holiday on this date is instead termed Louis Riel Day and Islander Day, respectively.

This year British Columbia began to celebrate Family Day on the second Monday of February.  Except in British Columbia, the timing of Family Day coincides with Presidents Day in the United States.

The second and third Mondays in February are regular working days in Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the territories. As Family Day is not currently recognized in the federal sphere, federal employees in all provinces (such as public servants and postal workers) still work on this day. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the third Monday of February is a school board holiday, but not an official provincial holiday.

A little confusing right??

Well if it's a holiday for you Hasbro Canada thinks it's a great day to Play!

This Family Day holiday, Hasbro wants to give families a chance to take a break from hetic schedules.  Switch off the electronic distractions and take part in an evening of game play to reconnect and reenergize relationships and most importantly, create memories together.

Hasbro Canada has games for every family and every age.  We introduced our boys to a fun new version of JENGA, that is perfect for little boys as there's an explosion!  JENGA Boom - Just like in the classic JENGA game, you’ll need a delicate touch to pull blocks out of the stack without knocking it down. But in JENGA Boom, you have to move fast, because you start the detonator before each turn – and you have to get your block out before your time runs out and the stack "explodes!"  We have been having lots of fun with this, and I was kind of surprised the boys actually have the patience and skills to play JENGA - who knew!, we've been having lots of fun!

Another fun family game is Draw Something - have you been playing this one on your phone like hubby and I have?  Now you can play in your living room!  While one player draws, everyone else shouts out their guesses at what they're drawing. Whoever guesses the word earns coins along with the drawer, and the harder the word, the more coins you earn! Collect 15 coins for the win!

My absolute favourite game, and one I am so happy to have (previously we only had The Simpsons version) is the CLUE The Classic Mystery Game.  Ransack the mansion for clues, ask cunning detective questions and leave no card unturned. Solve the murder first to win!  Hubby and I have been enjoying this one at night after the big kids go to bed, I love it!

This Family Day is the perfect day to stay inside and break out a new game.  When we play games in the living room or at the kitchen table we have so much fun and I'm always surprised by how much we begin to talk, the boys are always more open to share things that happened at school the previous week, their thoughts and ideas and something silly always happens that we can reminisce about later.  Why not surprise the family with a new game from Hasbro Canada this Family Day, and enjoy each other!

Canucks Rock: All Canadian Link Up 02/16

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 Trina from Life's a Blog, check out our interview with her..

If you could interview anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
Lady Gaga.  For a girl in her 20’s, she’s got more common sense than most people in their 40’s.  If I would have had half the knowledge and confidence at her age, I’m certain my life would have taken a brave new direction.

You have had some fabulous interviews and attended some great events, is there one that is your favourite? Why? 
The Toronto Film Festival is my favorite event but last year I attended the Boots and Hearts Country Music Festival and it rocked my world.  I can’t stop talking about the great time I had there.  It was all about the people!  The performers were amazing, but the people were out of this world.

In regards to my interviews, I was scared to death to interview Ian Astbury of the Cult during his media tour last year.  I asked myself several times who I thought I was to deserve this? The interview went great and he was such a great person to listen to and learn from.  I believe it was also the interview that I realized that my personality allowed me to find out truths that were never truly discovered.  After my interview, I read reviews that it was a “revealing” interview with Ian Astbury.

What goals do you have for your blog for 2013?
Two goals actually.

In 2012, I was catering to too many companies and hosted too many giveaways.  This is NOT who I am.  In 2013, it’s strictly those brands who I truly love.  If they don’t want to work with me because I’m an advocate and not an influencer, then I’ll love them in silence.  My blog this year will become a business, not a free walking billboard for brands with a multi-million dollar advertising budget.

Looking back to 2008, my blog started as a venue to talk about the Toronto Film Festival with a mix of entertainment news. Last year, I discovered that I love interviewing people.  I love to learn what makes them tick and the secret to their success.   This year, I want to aspire to connect with PR companies and publicists in Toronto and LA to review movies and interview as many people that I can.

It is great that your blog has contributors including your teen daughter. If you could give a piece of advice to a new blogger starting out, what would it be? 
Write what you love.  Writing about what you love consistently, with a basic understanding of SEO and Social Media, can take you places you have never imagined.

If you could live anywhere in Canada, where would it be?
Quite honestly, I’m blessed with where I am right now.  I have a few lifelong friendships online and offline.  People I think the world of.  However, as a couple, Toby and I would like to experience something new soon.  I’d love to live right downtown Toronto so I am at the center of everything.  I think Toby would like that too because he never gets out.

What inspires you day to day
Quite frankly, life’s challenges.  Everyday I’m always faced with a challenge.  Whether it’s writing copy for a sell sheet, interviewing someone, a whiny teenager or dealing with an issue, there is always a hurdle to overcome.  It’s what inspires and drives me (crazy) every day.

Is there anything you want the world to know about Trina Stewart?
It’s funny because most people online take me VERY seriously until they get to know me.  Most of the time I’m laughing. Even when I’m mad, I find the funny part of the situation.  I guess it’s the best way to make light of any situation to get you through it.    Also, despite my good humour, I have no issue calling a spade a spade.  I don’t care how popular or successful you are, I do not tolerate bullying or abuse towards another individual.


Thanks so much Trina!  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!