Art of Handwriting and Creative Lettering

Penmanship is in peril. In today’s electronics-driven world, the emphasis on handwriting is not a priority, especially for school-aged children. Despite the allure of electronics, experts agree handwriting is critical to a child’s education and development. "Handwriting plays a role in helping children build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills," says Pam Allyn, a literacy advocate, education expert and author and founder of LitWorld, a global organization that advocates for children’s rights as readers, writers and learners. "Writing is an important vehicle for communication because it distinguishes us and promotes individuality. The evidence shows that writing helps kids become better readers, improves school performance and helps develop idea composition, expression, and fine-motor skills."

Stained Glass Art

I had lots of fun using glass stain on its own to repurpose a bottle and decorate it to use as a vase. However, I really found the beauty of glass stain only after I used it with the Glass Stain Leading. I used the black Glass Stain Leading to outline the designs and create custom, ornate, stained glass art. It was easy to use the leading similar to a pen because of its tip, so I had fun doing the design on each side of this somewhat square glass container that I bought. The different coloured glass stain I used really shows through this thick glass once it is filled within the leading, and is confined to each section. I love how the project turned out. I am looking forward to do more glass stain projects using both glass and clear plastic.

Hopewell Rocks, Moncton, Alma and Fundy National Park

Hopewell Rocks and the Bay of Fundy is the reason New Brunswick was a place we always wanted to visit. My family and I are happy we got to be close to the rocks and walk miles on the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean. Experiencing this phenomenal wonder that God has created felt really amazing. 

Win Your Own Kick Flipper and OgoDisk It Helps the Whole Family Stay Active

We love playing with the OgoSport mini OgoDisk. It is fabulous to play alone or with other people. We can use this 12" diameter OgoDisk to throw and catch like a flying disk, or play team sports like volleyball, baseball, tennis or our own game.

Sandwich Shell Cookies

My family and I really enjoyed spreading Hershey's Reese Peanut Butter Chocolate spread, and making these sandwich shell cookies. To make these soft cake like cookies you will need to follow my Madeleine recipe below. This spread has a salty, sweet, chocolate, and peanut butter flavour that goes well with these soft sandwich cookies. We like having these sandwich shell cookies, as snack and dessert.   

Cozy Up With Your Family to Watch These Fun Movies on Netflix

With many of us in our back to school routine finding the time to watch a show together as a family becomes even more special. Cozying up during a cool and rainy evening with warm snacks, popcorn, and a blanket is lots of fun. My family and I love talking about movies and shows after we watch them. We enjoy talking about the memorable parts, and what we think about certain parts of the show that were funny or sad. 

Lego® Star Wars The New Yoda Chronicles DVD and Book

Lego® Star Wars: The New Yoda Chronicles has arrived on DVD. This action packed release comes with four complete episodes, plus a bonus alternate ending. My children enjoyed the funny jokes in the episodes. My son enjoyed reading the LEGO Star Wars The Yoda Chronicles from DK, and inferencing from the movie to the book. This is an exciting book for children over six years.

Leaping into Early Literacy and Numeracy with LeapFrog

As a LeapFrog Mom Ambassador, my children and I got to check out useful tech learning products from LeapFrog. For over 20 years, LeapFrog has been making useful, educational and active children's products. This year, LeapFrog has introduced their fabulous LeapPad Platinum and Imagicards that is packed with fun learning.

A Million Words of Kindness Inspired by Cinderella

My children and I enjoyed watching Cinderella. This modern classic shines with beauty, imagination, and magic! Despite being mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, a spirited Ella resolves to take charge of her fate. Add a royal ball, a Fairy Godmother and a glass slipper, and suddenly magic becomes reality!

Kids See Free Program at Loblaw Optical Centres

With our children back to school, I am sure we all remembered to get them all the necessities they need for the school year. This is also the time for us, as parents to think about our children's eyesight. If we are unaware that our children are having a hard time seeing the blackboard or reading it might impact their learning. During my recent visit to the Loblaw Optical Centre, I learned a few ways we can recognize if our children need glasses.