Since YMC opened its doors on the internet, we've had a variety of talented, passionate bloggers write for us. But as with everything, lives and careers change and some of them moved on to other things. We caught up with these awesome writers who used to blog for YMC to find out what's happened with them since they left. These writers may be a blast from the past, but they still hold a place in our hearts.
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
In the 2 years since I've moved on from YMC, I've been digging in and digging out of life in Calgary. I've embraced the spirit of the new west and learned to love winter—long winters. Calgary was supposed to be a temporary stop in my career as I leap frogged to bigger and better jobs, and hopefully a return to Vancouver, but as my boys grow in this young, growing city, they're turning into Flames fans. Oh no, there's no leaving now.
What's been going on with you professionally?
I left YMC to join Babble's Kid team where I write at babble.com/kid. The attention my posts have drawn here has been, truly, overwhelming. I had a post, about picking favourite, kids get picked up by media around the world, and did a segment on Good Morning America. That kind of attention really threw me. Our industry can be so supportive and wonderful, but step outside the lines of what is "normal," and boy can it be scary.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
The first phone call from Erica Ehm had me blushing like I was a young girl talking to Bieber. Seriously. Erica. Freaking. Ehm. wanted to work with me? Meeting her was even more wonderful. She's such a kind, supportive, energetic woman who I can't thank enough for publishing my first posts on a bigger stage.
YMC post of Buzz's we think you'll love: This Isn't What I Meant By Threesome
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
I'm still a full-time mom of a teen, pre-teen, and toddler, who eeks out a part-time working career after the kids go to bed. It's busy!
What's been going on with you professionally?
MY BOOK! My kids activity book Boredom Busters (Cico Books 2014) will be available in bookstores across the country in February. It is a dream. come. true. Since I left YMC, I have been busy perfecting the boredom busters, going over copy, learning—from my great publishing and distributing team—the ins and outs of getting a book to bookshelves.
Boredom Busters shares over 50 awesome activities, recipes, experiments, and more for children aged 7 years+. Because no mom ever said, "Hey, let's do something complicated!" (as if, right?!) all the projects are easy and inexpensive, using simple materials found around the home or classroom. Many projects are eco-friendly, encouraging children to recycle and reuse.
I have the first book available in Canada . . . and honestly . . . I would buy this book. ;-)
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I love the supportive and diverse YMC community. I loved writing about kids' activities and getting comments from readers saying they tried them out and loved them. And the YMC team is so flippin' dynamic—reading their posts, tweets, and Facebook shares always inspired me. I also (still) love reading the YMC posts and newsletters. I find YMC is really relevant to moms like me.
YMC post of Caroline's we think you'll love: Why Blogging Makes Me A Better Mother
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
I’m still a full time mom to two boys. Desperately trying to 'balance' working at home with the demands of parenthood.
What's been going on with you professionally?
(1) Working with Yummy Mummy inspired me to create a mom-friendly sexual health resource, VivaXO.com, featuring expert contributors from North America and the UK.
(2) Made a TV show pilot called Recipes for Love. We bring people closer together by showing them the pleasures of cooking, and test their limits by doing a relationship challenge.
(3) Sensual Tastes Events. We create parties to remember, which feature aphrodisiac appys, cocktails, and gal-friendly sex workshops. Perfect for Stagettes, divorce parties, couple retreats, etc.
(4) I do a weekly relationship column for CBC radio.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
After my second son was born and I decided to do the Six Month Sex Challenge. Having a weekly blog deadline really made me appreciate just how difficult/important/complicated it is to get sex back on track after baby arrives. I’m glad we did it (literally), our relationship and sex life are better for the effort.
YMC post of Trina's we think you'll love: Demystifying The Orgasm
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
The most important focus in my life is my family. My son is five years old, so my hubby and I are loving every minute we get to spend with him. We spend a lot of time on the road—scooting down to Florida as much as we can in the winter to spend time with our parents, and rushing out to Prince Edward Island in the summertime to catch up with my extended family there. It's a rare month when we're not going somewhere, but I like that. I don't love routine, so this is the perfect life for me.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Since I left YMC, I've been growing my digital marketing business, Konnekt Digital Engagement. We're now a seven-person company, based in Toronto and Halifax. I've also been travelling a lot, speaking on behalf of The Lavin Agency at dozens of events every year. What I love about keynoting and presenting is that every time the venue, audience, and, often, topic, are a bit different. This means I am always learning. I continue to work as a technology host and expert for various CTV programs.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
My fondest memory writing for YMC is having a very honest conversation with Erica. I was writing tech mommy posts at the time, but I was a VERY new mother and my little guy was too young to really understand how to use more than a sippy cup! Erica was very sweet, totally understanding where I was coming from, as I was much more focused on the business side of technology writing. In the past few years, my wee one is not so wee anymore. Today, his tech habits are plenty—from Minecraft to Netflix to 3D printing (okay, he doesn't know what 3D printing is yet, but we're setting up a family 3D printing lab in our home this month!).
YMC post of Amber's we think you'll love: How To Be A Wireless Woman
http://www.doingallthethings.com
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
In the year and a half since I left YMC, I’ve rejoined roller derby, taken up hula hooping, and am training for a half marathon this June.
What's been going on with you professionally?
After having freelanced and owned my own business for five years while my three girls were small, I’ve now gone back to corporate communications, and only take on choice freelance projects. I blog for myself for fun now at doingallthethings.com.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I think my favourite YMC moment was when I answered the phone in a McDonalds drive through, thinking it was a telemarketer, as I didn’t recognize the number. Instead it was Erica (whom I hadn’t spoken to yet personally). She simply said, “Hey Sarah, it’s Erica!” and launched into a few things she wanted to chat about. The 13-year-old in me was all, “It’s Erica Ehm! Veejay Erica Ehm! Rad!”
YMC post of Sarah's we think you'll love: The Financial Truth About Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Personally, things are as busy as ever, with two active little boys in the house to take care of! I'm loving that I have more time to volunteer in the classrooms, and to be the one taking my boys to and from school every day. It's probably what I love the most about working from home. It seems like I live with an entire football team, though, because I do laundry all. day. long. Personally, things are going really great, and I'm looking forward to escaping from winter for a while with my entire family in a few weeks . . . heading to south FLA for some fun in the sun and sand.
What's been going on with you professionally?
A few months ago, I was one of six celebrities who took part in the third annual Dancing With The Stars for Easter Seals. It was the most wonderful experience, and I loved learning my dances—I did a rumba and a quickstep. It was great to be a part of something so special, and the best part was raising money for such a worthy cause.
I have made a few appearances on CTV Ottawa Morning Live talking about my favourite subject—shopping! And I just co-hosted Daytime Ottawa, which was a blast.
Professionally, I'm blogging and writing and still loving it, and branching out and doing some social media consulting, too.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I loved being a part of YMC. Being a part of a group of such talented bloggers and women was inspiring, and I love the relationships we formed because of YMC. That hasn't gone anywhere, even though I'm not actively blogging for YMC anymore.
YMC post of Loukia's we think you'll love: The Four Most Important Things To Pack For A Conference
www.alisonrobin.com and new twitter name is @UnAlison (now 86% less porny sounding).
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
What is new since leaving YMC? Hmm, well a whole bunch really. Its kind of hard for me to separate the personal and professional stuff. In my life, they all kind of blend together. Since leaving YMC, my life has changed quite a bit. I left running my own business behind me, and am working as a writer at UnMarketing full time. I have one child who's grown right past my shoe size and almost my height. Another turning 10 in just a few weeks. My daughter is beginning to read, and I'm watching her with a joy and pride I thought reserved for parents of Nobel Prize winners.
Life is good. And only getting better.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Scott and I launched the UnPodcast, which I am completely addicted to doing. It's the most fun I've ever had "working," and I count the days between recordings. We are also writing book number four for him, and I've started one of my own. So, most of my days are filled with words.
Which is total happiness for me. The first time I met Scott, he thought I might be nervous to meet a man I'd only spoke to online, so he said Erica Ehm from YMC knew him and could vouch for him not being creepy. Obviously I trusted her opinion :) and for that I am grateful.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
My fondest memories of writing for YMC are the people. Many of the contributors to YMC were the first women I met online after joining Twitter (and subsequently becoming addicted to the internet), and so they have a special place in my heart. A YMC event was the first in-person meeting of twitter friends I ever had, and I am thankful for all the women who made me feel so welcome.
YMC also gave me Sharon, who after putting up with me as a blogger, continues to as a friend. And for that I owe YMC a great big high five.
YMC post of Alison's we think you'll love: What Kind Of Mom Are You?
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Wow! That's a long story ;) I went on to manage Flare magazine, then had twins and launched my own beauty site, Beauty RSVP (www.beautyrsvp.com) simultaneously. Yes, I'm crazy. Crazy in love! I launched Beauty RSVP to be the kind of beauty resource I couldn't find, with helpful, practical beauty and health advice, and to find answers to my skincare questions. It's pushed me out of my comfort zone—I've never done sales before Beauty RSVP. But it's challenging and exciting and I'm learning every day.
What's been going on with you professionally?
See above? Plus we bought a big house with a bigger mortgage. I feel like the family in Home Alone!
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
Thinking about all the back and forth emails with Sharon, who would comfort me in my early days as a new freakin' mom. She was great, but it makes me laugh because, yeah, having babies is hard. (Actually, having one baby is easy street—try having twins! And another kid on top of that!) But it only gets harder the older they get! Picky eaters, extra-curricular activities, homework, juggling it all. Me-time is non-existent; my family takes it all. And these are supposed to be the best years! It's harder, but more wonderful every day.
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC? What's been going on with you professionally? Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Personally, my daughter went to the University of Guelph and I gave myself permission to take my foot off the brake. Ya, ya. I know it didn’t look like it was on, but somewhere in the psyche, when you are a mom, it is. My husband and I now live separately, but we are still a family to the greatest degree.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Professionally, a second book was published, a personal executive nutrition career was launched, and I put together all of my experience from both sides of the camera lens and keyboard to consult in food communications with huge companies and tiny farmers. It is booming!
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
What I miss about YMC is the camaraderie of those early days when we were all figuring out the new medium. Being invited to events where I met our far-flung and talented community was simply the best training ground and comfort.
YMC post of Theresa's we think you'll love: How to Outsmart The Supermarket
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Personally, I'm in my second year Masters program in the department of Greek and Roman Studies at University of Calgary. I'm surrounded by books and interesting courses, so really couldn't be happier. Keeping on top of all the readings and studying for exams has kept me very busy, and it has been difficult at times to balance those demands with family life. I try my best to keep it constrained to the hours when kids are at school, but often sneak in some work while they are in extra-curricular classes and after they've gone to sleep. I just bought a slow cooker, and it has been a life-saver for days when I come home too tired to cook. I've also promised myself to keep up my fitness and find time for yoga. I spend far too much time sitting, and physical activity makes me feel better about myself and clears my head when I'm stressed.
What's been going on with you professionally?
I am a TA (Professor's Assistant) and will be teaching the class for the first time this week! Excited and a bit nervous.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I really miss writing for YMC, and I still follow the site regularly. Best YMC memory: I have a few, but my favourite was when I wrote the article "Why I'm 40 and Still Studying for Finals." That post came from the heart, and just flowed easily for me. I received some personal and encouraging comments from readers on that post, and it was good to have that connection.
YMC post of Ruth's we think you'll love: Eight Unusual Strategies To Get Your Children To Love Reading
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
I've been learning what's involved in being a Kindergarten mom (as my oldest started in the fall), which, apparently, is homework. For me. Who knew there were so many "family projects" (i.e. homework for mom) assigned in Kindergarten?! I'm also realizing that helping someone learn how to read is less literary and romantic than it sounds, and much more frustrating. But inspiring to see his progress, too. And speaking of progress, I've been watching my 15-month-old scoot ever closer to learning how to walk. Still one of my favourite milestones!
What's been going on with you professionally?
I went back to work in October after a year of mat leave, so I'm trying to navigate the work/family/commute triangle. After a bit of a transition, I've found that using my brain in a different way again has been nice, and I work with a great team in a great company, so for the most part, work is a lot of fun.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
Once, in a fit of frustration, I wrote a post about being frustrated with my kids and how my 5-year-old provided some much-needed perspective. It was so reassuring to hear how many other moms related to that.
YMC post of Robin's we think you'll love: My Postpartum Depression Story
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
I left YMC with mixed emotions in the spring of 2011. It had become clear to my husband and me that we had reached the end of our journey in the quest to have a child, which meant that I was running out of material for my YummyMummyWannabe blog! Since then, we have sold our house in Porters Lake and bought a brand new house in Falmouth, NS to be closer to our families. We are still enjoying being the parents of our dog Cooper—the cutest Cockapoo ever. :) Now that we are settled in our new home, we have plans to do a lot more travelling. Alex has a new job with a company head office just outside of Amsterdam, so I plan to be tagging along on some of his trips! We are getting started in May 2014, when we will travel to Munich, Manchester, and Bulgaria for a combined business/family trip.
What's been going on with you professionally?
My departure from YMC coincided with a new promotion at Dalhousie University, where I became the Director of the Centre for Family Business and Regional Prosperity. Our Centre is focused on assisting families in business with the transition of the company to the next generation. We also offer our undergraduate and graduate students a course in Managing the Family Enterprise, which allows me to interact with great students each year. I just returned from a Global Student Case Competition at the University of Vermont, where our team won their division and came 3rd overall out of 14 schools from around the world. So, although I am not a mother, these students often fulfill my maternal yearnings—I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help shape them as they prepare for the "real world."
I have also become a comfort stylist with Jockey Person to Person—the fastest growing division of Jockey International. When you hear Jockey, you probably think of their awesome underwear, but that's not what I sell! The clothing line features casual and business clothes that are both fashionable and super comfortable. This new endeavour has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and has rewarded me both financially and with a great new circle of wonderful friends.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
Although I didn't write for YMC as long as others have/did, I have so many fond memories, which all center around the wonderful people I met during that time, many of whom I am still in touch with today. Anytime I had the opportunity to hang out with these amazing people, I jumped at the chance—meetings in Toronto, Winterlude in Ottawa, Christmas celebrations, you name it. However, my most fond memory was when I was able to share the joyful news in person with the YMC crew at a Christmas party that I was pregnant—I felt this surge of love and support from an entire roomful of people who I knew were pulling for me . . . and those same people circled around to comfort me when I lost the pregnancy. Their compassion will always stay with me as a fond memory during a very dark personal time.
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Life in the Novak household and the Energizer bunny share the same traits, in that they keep going and going and going. All four of my children are now in school, with my daughter beginning JK this past fall. Despite attending the largest elementary school in the Durham District School Board, I can still claim to be responsible for about half of one percent of the entire student body! My eldest son is now 11, and as my ‘Beta’ child, I’m having to quickly learn how to deal with the new challenges that a pre-teen can bring. My twins are now 9 and in 4th grade.
With one Asperger’s child and two others diagnosed with ADHD, life is always presenting us with challenges, but at the same time, we are learning more about ourselves and our ability to thrive as a family, despite all the unique circumstances.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Shortly after leaving YMC, I launched EnviroDad.com. I realized that there were virtually no dads out there writing about the environment and issues relevant to families. The site is designed to be a resource for all parents who view stewardship of the environment and sustainability as a requisite of parenting and not an add-on. With plenty of tips, advice, reviews, and guest contributors, it’s been an increasingly popular site since its launch. The most popular page on EnviroDad.com is the Enviro Dad Test Drive, where I continue to review eco-friendly and family-friendly vehicles. It’s taken on a life of its own, essentially, and I’ve since become a member of AJAC, the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada. I’ve written reviews and advice on green cars regularly, as well as on Dadditudes.com, I make monthly appearances on Toronto’s CP24 as their Green Car Expert, I’ve been featured in Eco Parent magazine, Sustainable Living Magazine, and I’m currently working on a large feature regarding family autos for the April issue of Canadian Family magazine.
I’m also very proud of the fact that I was a co-originator of the Canadian Green Car Award, which is now presented annually at the Green Living Show in Toronto, and is quickly growing in significance and stature.
I continue to speak across the country as both a Keynote Speaker as well as volunteer presenter for The Climate Reality Project Canada. I’ve spoken to more than 25,000 Canadians since 2008.
As owner of Modern Media Perspectives, I’ve been riding the growing interest in corporate and marketing videos with success, having produced a wide variety of videos for clients big and small. I’ve also taken on a significant role with LIVEact Productions, and this fall produced a seven city live event tour with the legendary Ronnie Hawkins. Consulting work is also something I do regularly and have had the pleasure of working with many small businesses, plus I’ll be busy helping municipal candidates across Ontario with their communications and social media strategies leading up to the Fall 2014 elections.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
One of my favourite memories of my time with YMC took place on a January evening in 2010, when Erica gathered as many of her bloggers as she could for a celebration in Toronto. As the evening progressed, Rachael McCaig took out her camera and we began to pose for pics. One pic involved me, Erica, and Scott Stratten, and in it, both Scott and I decided to kiss Erica on the cheek at the same time. When the photo was posted onto Facebook, everyone noticed how Scott closed his eyes, but mine were wide open. Scott quickly commented on how I should’ve had my eyes closed, but I replied saying that I kept them open, because I couldn’t believe I was actually kissing THE Erica Ehm!! It’s still a memory that I keep to this day with fondness.
YMC post of Eric's we think you'll love: Ten Green Back-To-School Tips
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
So much has happened for me personally since leaving YMC. A job change has allowed me to spend way more time with my family, and it has really changed my entire outlook on life.
What's been going on with you professionally?
As I mentioned, I changed jobs around the same time I left YMC. I am now working for a marketing agency called Mom Central Consulting, where I am a social media community manager. Most days I work from home, and some days I go into the office where I work with an amazing team of people. This job also allows me to work with another group of people I adore—bloggers.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
My most fond memory of writing for YMC would definitely be our trips to Winterlude in Ottawa. It was always a girls trip—just me and my daughters—and we had such a great time. Any time you can spend quality time with your kids, while eating beavertails and poutine, is my kind of event.
YMC post of Maureen's we think you'll love: My Heart Is No Longer My Own
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
The last few years, and especially the last few months, have been a journey of discovery, as I have maneuvered the mountains and valleys of Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid disease. It really has forced me to change every aspect of my life in wondrous ways—but it took years of trial and error and much frustration to get to a zen state of mind, body, and soul, and I am still working on it! I have just recently had to adopt a Paleo lifestyle, and the health benefits have been mind blowing. I can now be found in my kitchen most days experimenting with all kinds of super healthy concoctions! My personal life has now officially melded with my work life, and my goal is to be an advocate for proactive healthcare, especially for those with autoimmune disease. I am looking forward to soon sharing my personal journey in order to help other women.
What's been going on with you professionally?
I have been super busy doing TV appearances, celebrating fashion for women of all shapes and sizes on great Canadian shows, such as The Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television Toronto and Calgary, and Canada AM, among others. I am working hard on my brand new Liis on Life website, which will launch by early spring, where I will be sharing health, wellness, and fashion stories—with a seriously positive twist—helping women discover their inner sparkle. I lecture, model, and write often. I would love for the wonderful YMC readers to visit me at my new website soon, and until then, please connect with me on Twitter—@LiisW.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I wrote a piece for the Dove Unstoppable Moms for Unstoppable Girls initiative about the need for mothers to pay attention to how they talk about their bodies in front of their daughters. It really meant a lot to me, because I often speak with young girls about body image and self-esteem issues and have heard their comments, and feedback from their moms, over the years. The subject matter really struck a chord with women online, and one tweet about my post got shared over 50 times. To date, this is the most any of my tweets has been shared. I remember sitting staring at my computer screen realizing how important this messaging is and how profoundly women care about changing the "norms" we are passing along to the next generation, often without realizing the ramifications. I am really proud of the YMC website and initiatives, like what Dove has created that empowers women and girls—sharing that energy in a ripple across social media and beyond.
YMC post of Liis' we think you'll love: Pssst! You Are Beautiful… Pass It On
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Personally speaking, I started a parenting blog with five of my friends so that I could be able to work with my friends in that way, and we've had a lot of fun "playing" on the Internet and connecting with other mommas near and far. I've since stepped back from that blog to focus solely on my business, but I still love connecting with the community there. Willow is now three years old and will start school this September (crazy!), and I'm finally at a point where life is beginning to resemble what it looked like pre-baby.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Professionally, I've been continuing to build my business, www.ErinBlaskie.com, and have had the opportunity to work with some pretty amazing entrepreneurs, as well as some high-profile celebrities. It's been such a wild ride, but one that I'm so glad to be able to wake up to every day. In the past three years, I've been able to hire my best friend, and working alongside her, and my other team members, every day feels like a privilege. This year I'll be launching an agency with my team to formalize our services even more and I'm hoping to finally finish my book!
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
My most favourite moment with YMC actually came just before I officially became a YMC blogger. I was involved with a social media campaign that Erica Ehm, founder of YMC, was also a part of, and our work found us sitting in a spa (such hard work . . . haha) and both getting pedicures done. I was just newly pregnant (not even past the three-month-can-go-public mark), but Erica and the other women involved knew I was pregnant within a few moments of the event. Erica told me about her website and the community and we chatted about the things I was most nervous about, and it was a really nice time to connect in that way. I didn't know much about YMC at the time (being a new parent, I had no reason to seek out that info), but I was sold on working with YMC simply because Erica and I had connected in that moment.
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Crazy busy mom of 3 kids and a business . . . I'm struggling to define what exactly is new when every day throws us curveballs. We put in a pool this past season, so that was a project full of excitement and fun.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Momstown has continued to grow into 22 markets and we continue to be busy creating 400 educational events a month for Canadian moms and kids! We'll be re-launching our momstown website and program pass in March, 2014, which is a huge focus for our team right now.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
The fabulous community for YMC writers is a pretty special thing to be part of. xo
YMC post of Anne-Marie's we think you'll love: Why Moms Need To Judge Less and Empathize More
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
My husband Lou and I have been doing the usual travelling—winter and fall. Last February, we spent an interesting couple of weeks in the Florida Keys. We had not been to the U.S. for a sun holiday in years. In September, we went to Torino, Italy for several weeks. It turned out that some of my husband's father's family still live in the area and arranged a family reunion. Others who live north of Torino, as much as a 5-hour drive away, made the trek. In the end, there were 21 of us—spanning a number of generations—who enjoyed a five-hour, multiple course, typically Italian Sunday lunch together at the home of one family member in the hills outside Torino. It was very cool to have all—young and old—come together. Language was somewhat of a barrier, but laughter and smiles always transcends this, doesn't it?
We still enjoy every minute of living north of Toronto, in Caledon—being a little closer to nature than the city allowed us. Not much exciting, but all is good!
What's been going on with you professionally?
Professionally, I took over the admin and web management for Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), in addition to handling their marketing and PR. It has been a good move in many ways and, for the first time ever, they have control of their web site, which makes such a huge difference with regard to how to use this and future possibilities. It is not a large organization, but I continue to enjoy working with the independent toy retailers across Canada and their suppliers. These are challenging times for independent retailers of any kind, making it all the more interesting.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I don't know that I have "a" fond memory of working with YMC. The whole experience was memorable, in a good way, as everyone associated with YMC is so kind and obliging. Perhaps one of the more entertaining moments was when all the YMCers gathered prior to Blissdom several years ago, and Erica, in introducing me as the one behind the Toy Box Blog, commented on how she couldn't believe I had gotten this to work and that after a year was still producing weekly blogs from independent toy retailers to share in this space. Obviously, I love a challenge! It was like herding cats, but we did make it work. : )
YMC post of Deborah's we think you'll love: Top Five Toy Picks For Kids With Autism
What's been going on with you personally and professionally since you left YMC?
The last few years have been HUGE both personally and professionally! In addition to juggling my 9-5 corporate job, changing my three girls to a NEW competitive dance studio across town, and cultivating my I BELIEVE SHE’s AMAZING online community to surpass 2.2Million views, I jumped into a totally new foray, launching a health and wellness business (in the nooks and crannies of my busy life)—they didn’t assign me the title of Energizer Mommy for nothing!!!
My business is awesome, I reached VP level in under 3 years and I will be walking away from my full time corporate career this year to focus on my children, my growing Arbonne business, and my passion of empowering girls and women to live their most amazing lives.
2014 is going to be an incredible year of growth—personal, business, and financial. It started with a move to our dream property overlooking the lake! I am revamping life, so there will be no more stress. No more trying to fit into the traditional and conventional model of living. No more juggling kids to school and lessons. It is the year I will begin online school with my girls to accommodate their demanding competitive dance schedules, and to ensure my eldest daughter can follow the proper health regime and physiotherapy for her condition (CF). In my ongoing mission to empower women, I will be working with my daughters to reach girls and women across the globe and empower them to live their most AH-MAZING lives— through a speaking series, events, books, and online videos. SUPER excited to work with my girls, they INSPIRE me every day, and now they will inspire other young girls.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
While I miss writing for the Yummy Mummy Club, I still love reading the newsletters. My all-time favorite moment as the Energize Mummy was completing the Energizer night run—my first race ever! It was awesome! It’s amazing how much our lives change when we set INTENTION to our actions.
Keep dreaming BIG and reaching for your BEST, all you amazing Yummy Mummys!!! xoxoxo
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Since I left YMC, my personal life has pretty much stayed the same, just gotten ridiculously busier. My kids are now 11,9,7 and 6, and all four of them are in extracurricular sports now, meaning that I spend at least some part of every single day in a rink. My daughter is a competitive figure skater and at the ripe old age of 11 has somehow managed to become taller than me, which I don't really like all that much. The three boys—Marco, Anthony, and Joey—all play hockey, which has turned me into that mom in the stands that screams at the top of her lungs with ridiculous excitement every time one of my kids is on a breakaway. Except for the six-year-old, I've managed to maintain some semblance of sanity when he plays. It's really just a matter of time though.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Now that all of my kids are in school full days, I've been able to dedicate more time to my personal blog kellidaisy.com. It's my own little corner of the internet, where I like to talk about all the things that I obsess over—from movies, to television shows, to books, to celebrities and celebrity gossip. I make regular appearances on my local morning television and radio shows, and I've seen my readership grow steadily over the years. I've also done some freelance writing. I wrote a cover story for iRun Magazine and a debate piece for Today's Parent, and I've also been working with various networks to promote various projects. Basically, everything I could ask for!
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I have so many fond memories at YMC that it's hard to just name one. There was the time that we were on the cover of iRun Magazine, or the time when we had the most amazing Oscar viewing party ever, or just the amazing friendships that I made with amazing women. YMC was—and still is—amazing, and I am so thrilled that I got to be part of it for as long as I did.
YMC post of Kelli's we think you'll love: Seven Cool Facts About Scooby Doo
Finding Fresh in the Fraser Valley at Chasing Tomatoes
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Since I left YMC, I took a little time off from writing and cooking. I've spent a lot of time with my family, building our new life out in the Fraser Valley, and getting used to living in the city In June, 2013, my husband's transfer finally came through, and after nearly a year of living apart, our family came together again. We spent a lot of summer 2013 riding around the Fraser Valley on our motorcycle out on the back roads by the farms and corn fields. The big news of 2014—my son turned 18 and is graduating this June!
What's been going on with you professionally?
After taking some time off, I'm back at Chasing Tomatoes writing about what's happening in my kitchen. I also write for BC Eggs, a non-profit that represents egg farmers in our province. Over there I'm busy writing articles and all kinds of recipes using eggs produced right here in BC. For my day job, I work as a special education assistant in a local elementary school with grade six students, and help out in a local breakfast program. Soon I'm going to launch Scatteredmom.com, which will be a brand new space for me to write about food, the Fraser Valley, and more.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
When I was writing for YMC, my kitchen was always abuzz with all sorts of food. It wasn't uncommon to take a peek in our fridge and see it bulging with all sorts of interesting things, or my dining room looking like a bomb went off because I was in the middle of photographing everything from cookies to tacos. I loved getting all the feedback from readers and staff; it's always nice to create something that inspires people to head to their own kitchens and cook!
YMC post of Karen's we think you'll love: Candy Cane Brownies Recipe
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
My family and I moved to Calgary from Vancouver last spring, as my wife was presented with a fantastic opportunity at Foothills Hospital. They are doing some groundbreaking work and she hit the ground running. I continued on parental leave until November 2013, and enjoyed the beautiful Rocky Mountain summer and fall with our two young kids. While a considerable shift from our previous coastal lifestyle, Calgary has been reasonably welcoming . . . aside from that wee flood that wandered through town.
What's been going on with you professionally?
As the host and co-executive producer, my passion project—Salt, Fresh & Field—was picked up by Telus Optik TV this past fall, and we are in full production mode now with two episodes in post-production and the third in pre-production.
Salt, Fresh & Field is an adventurous look at food culture in the far flung corners of western Canada. Thus far, we've taken a renowned chef deer hunting for the first time, I've been diving for sea urchins off Victoria, and we're slated to brave the cold of Lesser Slave Lake while ice fishing in the next month-and-a-half or so. The show will premiere on Telus Optik TV this spring.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I still have people reference my Parenting Tips by James Bond post for YMC. It was great fun to write and I'm pleased people are still finding it entertaining, if not entirely useful. Seems that people are still looking for clandestine ways to soothe children while feeling at least vaguely cool.
YMC post of Chad's we think you'll love: You Were Once Cool: What The Hell Happened?
What's been going on with you personally since you left YMC?
Life out here in the cornfield has only gotten busier. I spend a lot of time working on personal writing projects, volunteering in the school, and making plans for things we'll do when the snow finally melts.
What's been going on with you professionally?
Professionally, things are great. I am an OpEd columnist for Bell's The Loop homepage, where I contribute pieces three times per week, and I continue to maintain a busy freelance schedule, as well.
Share a fond memory of writing for YMC:
I definitely miss being part of the YMC family. I appreciate all of the people I got to know, and the opportunities I explored while there. One of the highlights of my tenure was working on the Cadbury Bicycle Factory project, and interviewing one of the program's Country Leads, Yaa Peprah Amekudzi. Yaa was amazing—funny, warm, dedicated, and passionate about the work she was doing in Ghana. It felt fantastic to not only learn about the initiative, but in a small way, contribute to it. I will never forget the conversation we had, and still think of her words often.
YMC post of Karen's we think you'll love: Give Me Five More Minutes Kids
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