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 school in preparation for a fundraiser.  I thought I'd pass it along as a valuable holiday resource. Happy baking and decorating!... More »

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 a Toronto public school, and his language skills are increasingly strong.  I am pleased about that, but I also have other concerns.I was a French Immersion student years ago in New Brunswick.  Our program of study, however, started in Grade 7.  As a result, we already had a good foundation in the English language.  Our English writing, spelling and grammar... More »

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. More »

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. More »

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. More »

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. More »

Last week's show had some moments. Especially the last part of the show, where Hannah and her roommate dance in her room to this song. That scene reminded me so much of my old apartment, my old roommates - coming home and telling each other everything. More »

My husband and I were trying to figure out the appeal of Hulk, especially in contrast to her other TV preferences (pretty, fuzzy or princessy). We both decided that it was Hulk's incredible transformative abilities: in our house, my Baby is the smallest, the weakest and often subject to the decisions of her older brother and sister. Perhaps, she admires Bruce Banner's ability to transcend his own weakness and face his foes with incredible strength and power? More »

With the milestone birthday, I paused to reflect on the past, the present and the future. Time is flying and there are still so many things I want to do. The reality sunk in that I better start doing them. With that zest and enthusiasm for things not previously attempted, I signed for a 10K run this month. More »

We were around for March Break and had the best time hanging out in the city.  I loved the respite from our tyrranical routine; leisurely mornings with late breakfasts were the norm, and we did lots of visiting with family and friends.  The tropical weather only added to our frolic, with hours upon hours spent outside in the sun.We ate silly foods like sprinkle-covered banana pancakes, and we dressed like our favourite movie characters. See below for my Girl's interpretation Blue, from the kid flick Rio.I loved the down time with my kids - something we don't get enough of.... More »