Amreen

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• Posted Making a Gingerbread House to The Balancing Act
  Tis' the season of shortbread and gingerbread houses.  I don't know about you, but my biggest challenge with making the house is getting it to actually stick together!  My friend Russell made this video to help out parents at our...
• Posted French Immersion: The Pros and Cons to The Balancing Act
  In the summer, I took my kids to a French bakery for their favourite croissant and pain au chocolate.  My son ordered in French, and the girl at cash was charmed.  This is his fifth year in French Immersion at...
• Commented on Family is everything
  I am so sorry for your loss, Christine. My heart goes out to your sister and niece and to all of you. sending love and prayers....
• Commented on Opening Ceremonies
  yes, you have to! that man really knows how to wear a tuxedo....
• Commented on Opening Ceremonies
  yes, you're so right, it was so different from Beijing, but so brilliant in its own unique way. I love that commercial - makes me teary....
• Posted Opening Ceremonies to The Balancing Act
  I'm a sucker for anything literary, and Boyle didn't disappoint: Shakespeare, Blake, J.M. Barrie, J.K. Rowling making a rare public appearance. The ceremony was ripe with rich literary and cultural references - focusing on the profound imprint Britain has made in those areas. The backdrop of the Industrial Revolution served as an edgy contrast to the music, light and organized chaos of the event. With OMD, the Pet Shop Boys and the Sex Pistols in the background, I was over the moon.
• Commented on Skating on Thin Ice?
  She looks amazing at 63 - wow! if it's true, good for Vera!...
• Commented on my favourite things of summer
  love this! i can imagine you jumping into that lake... - fresh peaches for breakfast - seeing my kids tanned and happy from the sun - the feel of cool water in the heat - bbq'ing fresh fish, steak, tandoori...
• Commented on Book Review: Waiting for the Monsoon by Threes Anna
  The Grapes of Wrath is one hot, dusty piece of brilliance! Steinbeck makes for awesome summer reading. Have you read East of Eden?...
• Posted Book Review: Waiting for the Monsoon by Threes Anna to The Balancing Act
  For me, summer reading has a particularly sweeter taste. There's something decadent about curling up with a good book on a lollagazing summer afternoon, with the hot sun blazing in the distance. In a hammock, or curled up inside, it's all good.
• Commented on JLo says "Adios"
  i will miss her make-up and her outfits. that pic posted by caspar, however, makes me slightly nauseous....
• Commented on Zucchini Bread. And lots of it.
  looks delicious - i'm going to try this recipe! that might be the biggest zuchinni i've ever seen!...
• Commented on Summer Learning?
  thanks for the recommendation re Jump books - I'm going to check them out. I agree about the review aspect too. Reinforcement of last year's work is valuable....
• Commented on 50 Shades & Steamy Confessions!
  Ryan Gosling or Michael Fassbender! What do you think for Anastasia?...
• Commented on Summer Learning?
  Sonya, I think you and I think alike! I think a little bit each day goes a long way. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Kumon. I've been considering it for my kids too....
• Commented on Summer Camp Cares
  I never went to sleep away camp, but my mom sent fantastic care packages to me in first year university. What I remember most are homemade banana breads wrapped in tin foil. by the time, my residence-mates had got their...
• Posted Summer Learning? to The Balancing Act
  This week we're in Calgary with the grandparents, and it's gorgeous here. In past summers, I've brought workbooks and math sheets to Calgary. To be honest, those workbooks always remained unopened. This year, I'm trying some other methods to stimulate summer learning.
• Commented on Summerlicious Resto Picks with Kids
  Thanks for the great tips, Sonya! I'm a big fan of taking the kids out to eat too. Indian restaurants are also a great environment for kids because they are very welcoming to kids. I've been really wanting to try...
• Commented on The World Around
  These are such great recommendations. My son loves non-fiction, has a passion for trivia, and is learning about money at school. the one about animal families looks so cute!...
• Commented on Seeing into the Future
  A good reminder, Kath. Thanks!...
• Commented on See you on the pitch!
  Sounds like a great experience! I love being on the field watching my son play, and I always admire the dedication and enthusiasm of the coaches. Have a great season!...
• Commented on Motherless Mother's Day
  Thank you Jen. This is a rough week. I just want it to be over. Sometimes it's just too much to bear....
• Commented on The Table Today
  I totally agree. The "social" aspect of eating is so important, and making it into an event. I love the idea of a family sit-down on Sundays. We need more of those old-fashioned traditions in our lives....
• Posted The Table Today to The Balancing Act
  One of my favourite childhood memories is our family dinners at home. My mom was an excellent cook, and dinner was always something delicious to look forward to.
• Commented on A Show, A Song, A Memory
  I agree - she is brilliant. the writing is so good, and she is so natural. that job interview just killed me....
• Commented on Linda Evangelista vs. Mr. Salma Hayek....
  so nuts. and so weird??! wonder if those half-siblings will ever have a relationship with each other...
• Commented on A Show, A Song, A Memory
  i know what you mean. kind of made me want to lock up my daughters and school them at home. don't know if i'm ready to send them out into that world. that song is so random - it's a...
• Commented on A Show, A Song, A Memory
  they are totally spoiled and ridiculous! that's kind of what fascinates me. also, because i always wanted to live in nyc during my 20-something years. seems so bohemian and fun, but i'm sure the reality is a bit different...
• Commented on Scholastic Decoder: May 2012 Edition
  this is so helpful - thanks!...
• Commented on The Mother/Child Vacation
  Your trip sounds wonderful, Jen! Looks like a gorgeous resort with so many fun things for kids. One-on-one time with each child is so precious. I try at least once a week to have at least 1 hour alone with...