Ways to Encourage Creativity in Your Kids

Kids are naturally curious, and as a parent, watching them grow and discover their passion is fulfilling. Encouraging them to build their creativity shows your interest and makes you an active part in supporting their development. Statistics reveal that as kids grow older, they may become less creative if there is no intentional effort to build and sustain their creativity. Experts recommend striking a balance between engaging your kids in various activities geared towards building their imagination and giving them the creative space to grow. With the practical tips below, you can help develop and encourage creativity in your kids.

The New Jabra Eclipse Review

Gone are the days where we run around like robots with bulky Bluetooth headsets wrapped around our ears. I know that most of us would shy away from using Bluetooth headsets because of their appearance and size. Jabra is known for its innovative sleek designs when it comes to headsets. With the debut of the Jabra Eclipse Wireless headset, Jabra has taken big strides in making a hands free headset look a lot stealthy and stylish with no compromises.

Microsoft Committed to 21st Century Learning and Empowering Teachers

To celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day that happened on October 5th 2015 Microsoft Canada and Staples Canada partnered and committed to empowering 21st Century learning and recognizing 21 schools across Canada where teachers have made an impact in their community with the #ThankYouTeacher initiative. Check this video that Microsoft has created where everyday and prominent Canadians say thanks.

Hopewell Rocks, Moncton, Alma and Fundy National Park

Hopewell Rocks and the Bay of Fundy is the reason New Brunswick was a place we always wanted to visit. My family and I are happy we got to be close to the rocks and walk miles on the seabed of the Atlantic Ocean. Experiencing this phenomenal wonder that God has created felt really amazing. 

Take the 7 Day Card Challenge by Winning Hallmark Cards

Selecting a specific card and writing a personal message is a great way to show someone how much we care. I love getting cards, and giving cards to family and friends. Since it is lots of fun to select a unique card that speaks to the style of the person we are giving the card to, and show how we feel I took the Hallmark 7 Card Challenge, and sent out seven cards, in seven days to seven different people.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Whitby

We love going to the Sky Zone Trampoline Park, as it is a fun way for the entire family to jump and play. The fourth Sky Zone location in the GTA has opened at 240 South Blair Street, Whitby. This new 34,500 square foot facility in Whitby includes a gigantic Open Jump Court, two Ultimate Dodgeball courts, a three lane SkySlam basketball court, a four lane Foam Zone and four large party rooms. Sky Zone at Whitby offers a toddler trampoline area, just for the little ones, so they can jump safely with other kids their own size and age.

Important Books for the New School Year from DK

Having good reference books at home and in the classroom for school age children and beyond is important. In DK's Back to School Boutique you will find useful books that will be handy for our children to refer to either to grow their curiosity or to use for research. 

Win $50 Worth of Webber Naturals Product Coupons

Treehouse Gummies from a Canadian company called Webber Naturals are trusted by moms because of the products they DON’T contain. The natural supplements in the shapes of popular Treehouse TV characters Franklin and Friends and Max and Ruby are loved by kids not only because of its shape, but because of the taste. Studies show that it is difficult to meet 100% daily requirements of essential nutrients, so taking vitamin supplements helps with energy metabolism and prevents dietary deficiencies. 

Portable Inflatable Solar Lights from MPOWERD for Travel or Home Decor

We have been using the Luci Aura and Luci Lux lights from MPOWERD Inc. in a variety of occasions. We can enjoy these bright solar powered lights for 6 to 12 hours after charging them in direct sunlight for 8 hours. It is fully waterproof with a IP67 waterproof rating. I like that we can easily inflate these shatterproof lights by mouth. The portable lights weigh 4 oz. and has a 150 square feet lighting area so we can use it in a variety of situations such as boating, camping, barbequing, as night lights, at pool parties or special occasions, entertainment, and more.

Make Education Savings a Reality this September

In my previous back to school post, I mentioned SmartSaver.org, a company that helps families to access the free money for their children's future education provided through the Canada Learning Bond. Planting the Dream of learning in our children is very important. This starts from a young age, so children learn how important lifelong learning is. When children know that their parents and relatives think learning is important it lays a positive psychological and financial foundation for children to be motivated to continue their education.

Win Your Copy of Miles From Tomorrowland

Disney Junior's "Miles from Tomorrowland" is an intergalactic adventure that charts the outer space missions of young adventurer Miles Callisto and his family. Miles' mom and ship captain, Phoebe; mechanical engineer dad, Leo; tech-savvy big sister, Loretta; and best friend robo-ostrich pet, Merc, help connect the galaxy on behalf of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Miles From Tomorrowland: Let’s Rocket DVD is packed with over two hours of interstellar fun, including 4 additional episodes. The DVD comes with a free Blastboard Flashlight, which children will enjoy.

Yoga for Kids

I love how Gaiam is involving the whole family to start becoming mindful and active. Gaiam, a leading yoga, fitness and wellness company has a new Yoga for Kids product collection with yoga mats and several colourful yoga accessories, including yoga socks, backpacks and water bottles available at select stores, Amazon and Gaiam.ca. Practicing yoga together provides an opportunity for play, exercise and creativity that everyone in the entire family can share and enjoy. Family yoga is known to help build communication skills, confidence, and trust. 

Jabra Sport Coach is perfect for Our Workout Routines

Need inspiration for your next workout? The Jabra Sport Coach is here to help with all our exercise and fitness goals. The Jabra Sport Coach is the world’s first wireless workout solution that can not only help us listen to our favorite music in premium Dolby sound, but also motivate us by tracking and coaching our workout routines.

Tech tips for #BacktoSchool

With Back to School Season it is always wonderful to know some useful tech tips. These tips from journalist Marc Saltzman will help students make the most out of their school year.

Why You Should Choose TAC Sports Camp

My children loved attending the Toronto Athletic Sports Camp this summer. Learning a new skill, especially sports from professionals is quite important since the foundation is the key for children to continue their love for a sport. Since TAC sports coaches are experts in their sports either Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, and Martial Arts, my husband and I felt confident sending my children to the full day summer camp where both my children learned Martial Arts, and plan to continue their love for it. They spent half their day learning tennis and basketball. My daughter picked tennis and my son basketball. They were excited that their coaches picked them for their chosen sports for being a good sport for a week, and grasping the skills. 

Our Experience at Marvel Universe LIVE

We enjoyed watching Marvel Universe LIVE at Air Canada Center in Toronto. The nonstop movie style action and stunts in the Marvel Universe Live was fun to watch for children and adults.

Still Life Painting

One of our favourite hobbies is to paint and draw. I really enjoyed checking out the Still life Painting Studio kit with my children. This kit comes with five tubes of Gouache Paints and a book that explains a few techniques to capture the beauty of everyday objects. It is a wonderful way to introduce Still life painting to children. 

Make Informative Decisions with the Help of the Geek Squad at Best Buy

As parents, we all do some degree of "helicopter parenting" and hover over our children either because we fear they might get hurt or we can't let go of the idea that they are our babies. While conversing with Rebecca, a parent representative at the Best Buy #PermissionToHover back to school event, we agreed that the degree of how much each parent "hovers" over their children depends on the individual child, the situation, and the parent.

Get Ready for School by winning this Giant Tiger Gift Card

Giant Tiger, a Canadian family owned discount store that has over 200 stores in 8 provinces across Canada. I like that they carry affordable, everyday necessities at low prices. It is a one-stop shop with wonderful deals on products for the home and for everyone in the family. I found it neat that each of their stores have unique deals to meet the needs of customers who come to the specific stores. While shopping at a Giant Tiger location close to our home, I found some useful items that were reasonably priced.

Vote for Our #LoveYourWood Convertible Gaming Storage Cart and Win

We are very excited to be part of the Rust-Oleum and Varathane #LoveYourWood Challenge. For this challenge, we were provided with a gift card to purchase our choice of wood and any other material we needed for the project. Our surprise package included a Varathane Top Coat, a Varathane Wood Stain, glass pebbles, cabinet door handle, hook, wire, and rope.