Sep
27
2011

We Day Through the Eyes of a Child

Inspired By The Power of Today's Youth

We Day Through the Eyes of a Child

We Day exists because some people think the power of youth can change the world.  Power of today's youth.  It's a movement.  A motivation. A momentous moment in history. 18,000 students and educators joined together at Toronto's Air Canada Centre for this youth empowerment event and I brought my 10 year old daughter to join in and discover that one child can make a difference.

We Day is the brain child of Craig and Mark Kielburger (aside: I interviewed Craig here a few months ago - a very dynamic and endearing guy).  I could tell you how Joe Jonas and Nina Dobrev pumped the crowd or how Dr. Patch Adams and Danny Glover inspired the masses.  I could tell you how Rick Hansen and Spencer West inspired and how Nelly Furtado, Nikki Yanofsky and the Kenyan Boys Choir entertained. 

I could tell you how I chatted with Erica (Ehm) and how we were both fairly inspired ourselves.

But I won't.

Because I asked my 10 year old, as part of her attendance (and get out of school card) to write a paragraph on her take-away from We Day.  We Day is about youth empowerment and making change. These are her words...

I find that it's amazing that Rick Hansen could make a difference even though he was injured since he was 15.  And the same thing with Spencer West with no legs. 

Mary Robinson encourages girls to have power because in some countries men rule and girls are not as powerful as men. 

I couldn't believe that Nelly Furtado is giving $1 million to the Free The Children Foundation and is opening an all girls school in Africa (inspired by Susan an African girl).  Nelly also gave a speech about the school and she can't wait to go back.  Nelly is now an ambassador for Free the Children. 

"Together nothing is impossible" - Craig Kielburger said that and this is why I'm inspired to make a CHANGE.

We Day Vancouver - Oct. 13

We Day Waterloo region - Nov. 16

We Day Winnipeg - Nov 23

We Day Montreal - Feb. 29, 2012 and Mar. 1 2012

Catch the We Day special airing on MuchMusic Sun Oct. 30 at 7pm and 10pm

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Sep
19
2011

How to Make Homemade Play Dough

A Quick and Easy Activity The Kids Can Help With

How to Make Homemade Play Dough

How to Make Homemade Play Dough

Roll it, pat it, mark it with C...it's time to make some play dough with me! This is a super easy recipe for homemade play dough...a fun activity and it can even double as a cool made-at-home-present for a friend.

SUPPLIES

Medium pot (for stove use)
Wooden spoon
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar*
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 cup salt
food coloring

DIRECTIONS

Mix flour, warm water, cream of tartar, oil, salt and food colouring together. Stir over medium heat (about 5 minutes), stirring constantly to ensure mixture doesn’t burn.

  •  When the mixture forms a ball it is done. Remove from heat.
     
  • Place in an airtight container. Cooked play dough will last a few weeks if properly stored.

* This is a picture of cream of tartar. Because how often do you buy cream of tartar? Never right?! Don't be mislead by the "cream" - it's a powder - found in the spice aisle.

 

Image by elkimmelito from Pixabay

Sep
15
2011

Sophie The Giraffe

An Oldie, But a Goodie

Sophie The Giraffe

Do you know my friend Sophie?  She's small.  Flexible.  Very popular.  She's quite possibly the most famous giraffe of all time. 

Sophie Fast Facts:

Sophie the Giraffe is a teething toy made by Vulli. 

She turns 50 years old in 2011. 

She is an eco-choice toy as she is made from 100% natural rubber.

I didn't have Sophie with babies 1 or 2.  "bah - popularity toy" I thought.  Then with baby #3 - my French cousin-in-law called and said (in French but I'll translate here) "I'm sending you the best toy for babies!"  Voila Sophie entered my house.

And my shameless recommendation for saving your baby-teething-sanity -- Sophie's great!

Chew her.  Bite her.  Nibble and gnaw...this post is starting to sound x-rated. But really, Sophie not only eases teething problems but she entertains my 8 month old in restaurants, car rides, stroller trips...everywhere.

Recently I was at a play date with 4 other moms and babies...and there were four Sophies there too.

And as another shameless recommendation - my friend @Clippo sells an everything clip which attaches Sophie to wherever you need her attached so she doesn't fall.  Of course, the way I clip it makes it look like we're hanging Sophie...

So if you are looking for a toy NOT made in China, something 100% natural and something that entertains...Sophie is your girl. 

Go on...bite her...

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