Category: Lifestyle

I have wanted to homeschool for years because I found school really hard socially while growing up. But then I had two kids quite close together and I realized I needed a break. When we found Wymbin it was such an easy decision for us to send them there. We really wanted the kids to have a place to feel safe, understood and accepted and we truly believe that Wymbin checks off all of those boxes.

Come and see what Wymbin is all about!
The Sankalpa Open House is on Saturday February 29th from 10:30am-12:00pm

The Sankalpa preschool program at Wymbin is inspired by Reggio Emilia principles. Reggio Emilia puts the child in the centre of all learning in the classroom. The children guide the lessons learned in the class based on what they are interested, rather than following a curriculum. The teachers allows the students to guide her, instead of the teacher guiding the students.

William loves going to preschool with Miss Ana. She is kind, gentle and one of the most patient people on this Earth. Miss Ana is at preschool every day so no matter the days you sign your little one up for, she will be their teacher!

At Wymbin, they have a word they try to embody for every month. February is Friendship. I love this because William is a very independent player and when he comes home he will talk about asking kids if they want to play with him. He even talked about a friend in his class and asked if one day she could come to our house to play! My momma heart was so happy!

Miss Ana’s tips for setting up a successful activity at home:

• be thoughtful – think about your child while setting up the activity
  • for example: if you are doing an activity with beads a few questions you could ask yourself would be: “does the bead fit on the string?” “does the string unravel while putting the bead on, making it more difficult with each bead?” The best way to answer these questions is by you trying the activity first yourself!
• when presenting a new activity, less is best! Too many things can be overwhelming and a new activity can be overwhelming as well. Be patient.
• join your child and let them be. Miss Ana always asks questions to prompt conversation and creativity to flow. She NEVER assumes any answers. Some good questions to ask are: What is that? What are you doing? Why?
  • it can be really tempting to explain what is “really” happening – but we want to remember to have them lead. So, instead of you leading the conversation with real life facts about “WHY” things are the way they are, you can help foster your child’s imagination by being a “scientist” and making statements like: “I see that there is water around the ice” or “the water is cold”. Do not present a suggestion that could alter the way your child is going to continue to play.

What you need for the activity we did below:
– beads of different shapes and sizes
– string and other tools ex: skewer sticks of different sizes
– containers to hold beads

This is the first year we have gone all out for William’s birthday. William’s first 2 birthdays were small gatherings and we didn’t decorate. William’s 3rd birthday was spent in Australia/Bali… we were traveling and it wasn’t the best way to spend a birthday. He is always so easy going so for his 4th birthday I felt like he really deserved to be celebrated.

William asked for a dinosaur themed birthday party and while Big Little Parties was setting up he walked in, looked at the decor and gasped while holding out his hands with his jaw dropped then said “I can’t believe it, I can’t believe it!” They did such a beautiful job making Williams birthday dreams come true! They do such an amazing job paying attention to detail. The ladies behind Big Little Parties put so much into their work and you can tell how much they love it. I highly recommend you use them for your next celebration! They come to your house, set everything up perfectly, and do the take down. It was SO helpful having them on the day of to make my day that much easier! They can do themed birthday parties, cute tent sleepover parties, spa parties… truly anything you can think of, they can do! Check them out at @BigLittlePartiesYYC on instagram to see what they are up to next!

Cassandra from eARTh Art Studio came to do art with the kids and she is a SWEETHEART. She is very patient and gentle natured. The kids took turns having some one-on-one time with her while making dinosaur terrariums. All the kids were able to take these home and they were so proud of what they made! When the kids weren’t doing art with her she was playing with them! Cassandra from eARTh also teaches art classes out of her licensed home studio! I am not a very artistic (or overly patient) person so I am really excited to get my kiddos into some classes with her!!! Follow @eARThyyc on instagram for fun projects Cassandra does with kids!

Sprog & Sprocket came to drop off some soft play rentals and a ball pit rental for the kids to play in and it was unreal. Michael said it was like having 4 extra adults to watch the kids. They honestly played so well and were patient with one another while having a BLAST. It is a great kids party idea! Sprog & Sprocket can set up play spaces in your home or rented space. They also now offer pick-up rentals that you can keep for the day! We had a ball pit and their six piece toddler soft play package called the Lil’ Roller. When you combine to make a package you save! Either of the options we had can fit into a full size minivan, large SUV or truck! They are also the only company in North America that has a Portable Indoor Play Centre that you can rent! NOTE: Everything, including each and every ball, are cleaned and sanitized after use! You can find them on instagram at @sprogsprocket.

Being plant based can be tricky when it comes to treats for birthdays! Especially when it comes to things you didn’t make yourself… Baking isn’t my favourite thing to do and as I have said before, I am not very artistic. THANKFULLY Sugarbakers Cookie Co. IS and was able to make the most beautiful vegan and gluten free cookies for the party. I always want to have different options for those with dietary restrictions when they come to our house so these cookies were just perfect for that. Michelle and her mom run the business together and I think that is extra sweet (sweet, see what I did there?) I would definitely recommend getting yourself some of these beautiful cookies for your next celebration! Watch their stories on @SugarbakersCookieCo for inspo!

Thank you to everyone who came to be part of the birthday and an extra big thank you to everyone who helped! Because we had so much help the day went by so smoothly. There was way less CHAOS than I thought there would be.

I cannot wait for his 5th birthday party!!

XOXOXO

Buying gifts for other people is one of my favourite things to do. It brings me so much joy to get presents for other people. I am always thoughtful about my choices because I put so much time into finding the perfect present! 

I know buying gifts for some people can be challenging – so I have partnered with Southcentre Mall to give a list of items that I would either buy for someone else or *hint hint* want someone to buy for me!! Click here to read the whole gift guide, or see below for my favourite choices! Southcentre Mall is the closest mall to where we live so I often go there to shop! Parking is easy to find and a few of my very favourite shops are there!!!

If you can’t seem to find what you are looking for on the list below Southcentre Mall now has a new tool called “Search. Find. ShopNOW” to help you to find exactly what you are looking for with a simple online search. You can search for ANYTHING and different options from mall retailers will pop up for your to view! This is also a great way to help plan out your shopping trips in advance so you can save time searching for what you need when you head to the mall.

1. Poosh Diffuser Kit, Saje Wellness – $100 – I think it is gorgeous! (I 100% showed Michael the photo of it. You know, just in case.)
2. Holden Vase, Crate and Barrel  – $75 – There are so many beautiful vases… I really don’t think you can go wrong with anything from Crate and Barrel.
3. Patagonia Pull-over, Sporting Life  – $125 – I really like the Century Pink colour! 
4. Beeswax Food Wraps, The Curated Shop – $23 – This is a great stocking stuffer or item for a gift exchange!! I know I really appreciate getting reusable items that can be used in exchange for other items that would just end up in the trash otherwise.
5. Reusable Metal Straws, Twisted Goods – $14 – Such a great stocking stuffer idea!! I already picked these up for two different people this Christmas! 
6. Blundstone Boots, Brown’s Shoes – $230 – I really like the look of these boots. They are definitely an investment but I think this classic boot would look really good on just about any guy in your life! 
7. Gift Card, CRAFT Beer Market – $50+– This is a perfect present for the beer lover in your life! 
8. Decanter, High Ball Glasses, Stones, Crate & Barrel – $115 – Crate and Barrel is amazing for glassware! I have been buying glasses from there for years. Their selection is amazing and can be really affordable. I already bought different glasses from them for two people this year for Christmas! 
9. Om Organics Hydrating Mist, Oak & Tonic – $26 – Let’s face it (lol pun intended), winter is cold and very dry here so a hydrating mist is a gift that will be really appreciated!!!

I wish you a very merry holiday season!

XOXO

Disclaimer: I was NOT paid to write this post and I absolutely LOVE WYMBIN.

Wymbin is a new yoga studio that offers Preschool and Yoga Sprouts child care in beautiful Inglewood. It is just below Junction9 and they have a beautiful working relationship where you can drop your kids off at school and head upstairs for a yoga or pilates class or sit in Wymbin and do your work – which I am currently doing!

During their school day the kids will often do a mindfulness craft (more blog posts to come on those!) – move their body, usually by yoga or dance – and lots of play based learning.

William and Georgia love their schools so much. William was in another “Emilia Reggio” based preschool and when he would ask what school he was going to, he was SO sad when he found out he wasn’t going to school with Miss Ana. We decided to pull him out of the other preschool because he was so sad when going.

A few of my favourite things about Wymbin and the staff are:

• How aware they are of how they speak to kids. They are always very aware and gentle and listen to kids as if they were adults.
• They always find ways to incorporate mindfulness.
• William constantly teaches me different things he learns in school from yoga, deep breathing and about things he learns from Miss Ana

Yoga Sprouts is for kids ages 2-5 years old! Georgia goes to Sprouts while William is in school so I can get some kid-free time in. There is a lovely parents lounge for the parents to hang out in while Sprouts is in session. You do have to spend 9-11am in either Sprouts or Junction9 so you are close in case you are needed. (Lately Georgia is having a hard time leaving me so there have been times she has had to come out for some cuddles!!)

Last time Michael was home we had a little date upstairs at Junction9 and had s coffee together (technically I had a vegan hot chocolate – delicious!). There are many options for you during this time. I also see caregivers just reading and saying “I didn’t do anything for those 2 hours – it felt so nice!”

Sankalpa Preschool is from ages 3-5 years old. I can’t wait till Georgia can be in this program as well so I can get THREE hours of work done because it is from 9-12pm. There are also afternoon options available from 1-4pm for preschool! Registration is open for January spots!

“SANKALPA is an idea that is formed in your heart or mind- we believe that every child should have the opportunity to grow and innovate creatively in a supportive, interesting, and engaging environment.” – Wymbin

DO NOT MISS YOUR WINDOW TO BOOK!
Email: hello@wymbinyoga.com or Call:(403) 452 2549

So, you know how some people really dislike going to the dentist? Well Metro Dental might have figured out a way to change your mind and have get you excited to go for your cleanings! Metro Dental in Country Hills, NW Calgary, has this amazing program called “Pampered Parents” on different Fridays of the month.  On these days you can come with your littles and have a stress free dentist appointment… or as stress free as dentist appointments can go.

You will be happily greeted by the staff who are seriously so nice. They have a nespresso machine waiting for you so make sure you arrive early to enjoy a cup before the actual fun starts. It is important to note that Metro Dental has staff who are fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese.

You can bring your children back to the child minding area that they use for these special days. Metro Dental has an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) to care for you children. There are treats and drinks to keep your kids happy as they play, play, play! My kids had a BLAST… William honestly didn’t want to leave. There was a wonderful lady there to do face painting and keep the kids happy with painting and stickers. William was pretty jazzed… Did you see the video where he says “chomp, chomp, chomp!!”? He still does it and thinks it is hilarious.

Since you’ll be a bit early, and your kids will be carefully watched in a safe room, you will be treated to a massage. YUP, you read that right. I was given a massage before my dentist appointment and it was so amazing! That day, Mike woke up at 2am to drive home from Fort McMurray and he was also treated to a 10-15 minute massage! It is called “Pampered Parent” and both mom and dad or both are welcome to come!!

They will bring you to your chair, get you comfy so you can watch your show and not talk to you except to ask if you are doing okay. I watched Grace and Frankie and it was probably the most inappropriate episode ever and I was laughing so hard while getting my cleaning done. It was really awesome… I barely felt like I was getting my teeth cleaned.

Next up was Georgia who was less than thrilled to get her teeth cleaned. She doesn’t like anyone looking in her mouth, getting her teeth brushed or anything to do with her mouth – more now than ever because she’s fiercely teething. Tin was so patient and friendly with her despite her cries. He just counted her teeth and gave her teeth a quick wipe.

Then it was Williams turn. He had had such a fun time playing that he was happy to get his teeth cleaned. Tin made sure that William was comfortable and happy before starting. He took the time to explain to William was he was doing inside of this mouth. I really appreciate this because we are parents who always talk our kids through situations so they feel more comfortable. William didn’t cry or complain for one second of his first cleaning and I couldn’t believe it but I am so proud. William watched planes while his teeth were being cleaned.

Lastly, they give the kids toys to take home. And I mean toys, not just a toy. They were so generous and gave William the airplanes he was playing with while I was getting my cleaning. Georgia left with a mini barbie and a purse and William also picked a lego dinosaur. I usually don’t like getting toys but these are good quality and the kids have great memories playing with them. Every time (every. single. day.) that the kids play with their airplanes they are reminded of their great dentist experience and I think it is really important to build that trust, especially at a young age.

At Metro Dental, they really care for you and your family and it feels very genuine. We are so excited to go back…. William especially!

Click HERE to look at there website and book your cleaning today!