kamloops momma issue 16
DESCRIPTION
The free magazine for local moms...and dads too!TRANSCRIPT
Dec/Jan 2012-13
Dear Child,You Are on the Nice List
Giving From the Heart:
Inexpensive& Fun Gift
Ideas
Rethinking ‘Naughty or Nice’
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Each issue we tell you the Things We Love...
now it’s your turn! What’s your favourite toy store? Restaurant? Preschool?
Rainy day activity?
Tell me what
Things YOU Love...
CONTEST RULES: Only one entry per family. At least 50% of the survey must be completed to qualify. Survey will be entered in a random drawing on January 10, 2012 for the prize pack. No cash value. Winner will be notified by email and announced in
the Feb-Mar 2012 issue of Kamloops Momma Magazine. Deadline for entry is December 31, 2012.
Take the survey at www.kamloopsmomma.com
and you will be entered to WIN a prize pack of
over $1000 provided by our fabulous
sponsors!
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’Tis the Season
Cold and flu season is upon us: that magical time of year full of sleepless nights, non-stop laundry, and miserable lines at the clinic.
Yes, sick little ones are no fun. In some ways, though, having sick kids actually makes me feel like a good parent!
You see, it reminds me just how unconditional my love for them truly is. I can look at their snotty little faces and still think they are the most beautiful creatures on earth – but if I look at a snotty child who is not mine, I turn my head and have to gag.
And I will crawl into a twin bed with my child who has just thrown up everywhere without any concern for a repeat…or the smell that inevitably lingers. Knowing that my daughter needs me simply trumps everything else.
Sick little ones also reinforces how much I am needed. With the attitude, tantrums, and unintentionally hurtful statements that sometimes pervade the life of a parent, it can be easy to forget my value as a mom. But when my kids are sick, they want me - not their dad, nana, aunty, or friends: just me! I am their comforter; I alone can soothe them and make them feel better.
And when they’re sick, my girls tell me they love me...a lot! And I love the adorable fever-induced incoherent babbling, as well as the greatest sentence a momma can hear: Momma, I want to go to bed!
Then there are the cuddles. Oh! Those sleepy, sweet, endless cuddles. Healthy happy children like to run, jump, dance, which is wonderful, but sometimes I just want some calm - calm that I get when they are not feeling well. Sick kiddos just want to be held. Mine snuggle their head against my chest just like a puppy and look adoringly into my eyes, as if I hold the keys to the universe.
Now, I hope that this letter doesn’t curse me because I don’t actually want sick kids! But if and when they inevitably are, I’m going to try to enjoy the time it gives me to connect with them...and maybe even sneak in a few naps myself!
-- Courtney Charlton, editor
To share your ideas and comments, contact us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook!
Letter from aKamloops
Momma
On the Cover:These stunning little girls
just happen to be the daugh-ter’s of Kamloops Momma’s main momma! Yes, after much debate, I decided that this would be my Christmas gift to myself. What better gift could there be then getting to stare at my girls’ smiling faces every time I work for the next
2 months? (and if Oprah can do it every month, then I can do it every two years!)
Photo by the lovely Lisa of Milk & Honey Photography. www.milkandhoneyphotography.ca
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Kamloops Momma is the fun, reliable publication connecting local families to each other and to our community. We provide information about regional events, resources and businesses, as well as articles intended to inspire, enlighten and empower parents and caregivers.As a local resource, we want our community to get involved. We encourage
and accept submissions from any person, business, or organization sharing our goal to strengthen our parenting community.
Kamloops Momma is published every 2 months and available for free at businesses and resource centres throughout our region. Read-
ers can also download the magazine online and subscribe to have it delivered right to their door.
Kamloops Momma MagazinePublished by Courtney Charlton, editorContact: [email protected] 778.472.0020Disclaimer: The publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the contributors/writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the publisher. All rights reserved. No written or illustrated part of this magazine may be reproduced, except brief quotations in articles or reviews, without permission from the editor and individual authors.
www.kamloopsmomma.com
7 Taking a Stance Against BullyingOne parent and child at a time
8 Relaxation During PregnancyMy daughter’s experience
10 Why Do Dogs Bite?Answers from an SPCA volunteer
12 Dear Child, You Are on the Nice ListRethinking “naughty or nice”
18 Giving from the Heart26 fun and inexpensive holiday gift ideas
21 Birthday Party ReviewEvents by Kate and Sweet Spot Cupcakes
22 Low Back Pain: Why?Dr. Sarah Brise explains
23 Moms with Cameras: The Right ThingA year-long course for budding photographers
27 Bridging the GapThe life of a ‘childless momma’
Keira, 4 and Jemma, 7
Griffin, Nina and Gavin
14 Gift Guide 2012
24 Dear Aunty
28 Community Resource Directory
18 Things We Love
26 Notes from a Boho Momma
30 Community Events Calendar
Resources:
Brylee, 2
Dashiel,10 days old
Sophia, 4.5
A Look Inside Kamloops Momma...
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In the wake of the recent suicide of 15 year old Amanda Todd, the topic of bullying has become a forefront issue in the newspapers, schools, and in daily conversation. Bullying has
probably existed since the dawn of man; and chances are you have been a victim, a bully, or a bystander of someone being bullied.
It is a topic not to be taken lightly. Campaigns and policies are being created in order to respond to bullying; schools are proactively teaching children the consequences of bullying, and creating “bully free zones.” But is this enough? Reports still indicate that 8% of teenagers aged 12 – 19 are bullied on a weekly basis [1].
We are in the dawn of a new era of bullying. When I went to school, bullying existed in the school yard, at parties, and other places where kids gather. But we now live in the age of social media, and bullying exists on an entirely different level. The internet and social media has created a world where, with a simple Facebook status update or Tweet, you can literally destroy the reputation of another person. Slanderous messages can be sent to hundreds or thousands of people with the click of a button, impacting the life of the victim potentially for their entire life.
So what exactly is bullying. Basically, it boils down to one person exerting power over another through aggression. Pub-lic Safety Canada defines bullying as “… [being] characterized by acts of intentional harm, repeated over-time, in a relation-ship where an imbalance of power exists. It includes physical actions (punching, kicking, biting), verbal actions (threats, name calling, insults, racial or sexual comments), and social ex-clusion1 (spreading rumours, ignoring, gossiping, excluding)” [1]. Many people believe that bullying is just a normal part of childhood, with some believing it is actually good for you, as it helps build character. This is an incredibly false belief, as “…the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that ‘individuals formerly bullied were found to have higher levels of depression and poorer self-esteem at the age of 23, despite the fact that, as adults, they were no more harassed or socially isolated than comparison adults” [1].
Also, in today’s society, bullying exists well beyond the child-hood years. Bullying in the workplace has now been defined as a problem. Adults putting down, gossiping, and degrading the reputations of other adults; how are our children to learn not to bully, if we as adults are not showing them proper behaviour?
So why do people bully each other?? Like others, I believed that it was due to low self esteem on the part of the bully. But during my research, I found that I was incorrect. In fact, “[r]esearch studies have proven that there is no link between kids who behave aggressively toward other kids and low
self-esteem. In fact, psychologists have found that kids who behave like bullies have high self-esteem, but that they are very ‘shame-prone.’ That means they are afraid their failures or shortcomings will be exposed” [2]. Childhood and adolescent bullies are also shown to have higher levels of delinquencies, anti-social behaviour, as well as have a greater percentage of having a criminal record by the time they reach adulthood.
So what can we do about bullying? As a parent, this is a huge concern. No one wants their child to be ridiculed, hurt, or most horrible – having thoughts of suicide due to being tormented. I believe that we as a society need to take a stance against bul-lying; not just to wear the pink shirts or bracelets, and profess that we are against bullying – but actually doing something about it, and standing up to bullies. We need to teach our children not to be bystanders to bullying, or participate in the harassment of others; we need to teach them compassion and generosity, and to stand up for those deemed to be weaker.
“Peers are present during 88% of bullying incidents. When peers intervene, bullying stops in less than 10 seconds, 57% of the time” [3]. We need to teach them that humans are fallible, and that we make mistakes, and that our outward appearance does not dictate who we are as a person. We need to tell our children that if they are being bullied, that they need to tell someone – that is part of the solution. We need to talk to our children about internet, smart phone, and chat room safety, as well as sex-ting, and inform them that anything put on the internet is never gone – EVER! And, most importantly, we need to be positive role models for our children. Many cases of bullying are learned at home, by adults’ intolerance of others. Children model this behaviour, so be aware of your own nega-tive conversations about others.
I cannot imagine any greater pain than what the family of Amanda Todd is going through. I truly hope that through her death, that we can learn lessons to prevent any other person (child, teenager or adult) from suffering the pain and sadness inflicted by bullying.
REFERENCES1. Public Safety Canada. Bullying Prevention: Nature and Extent of Bullying in Canada. Retrieved October 16, 2012 from: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/res/cp/res/2008-bp-01-eng.aspx.
2. Lamia, Mary C. (2010). Do Bullies Really Have Low Self Esteem? Retrieved October 16, 2012 from: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/intense-emotions-and-strong-feelings/201010/do-bullies-really-have-low-self-esteem.
3. PrevNet. Bullying Prevention Tips for Back to School. Retrieved October 16, 2012 from http://prevnetblog.blogspot.ca/2012/09/bullyingprevention-tips-for-back-to_20.html.
Taking a Stance Against Bullying:One Parent and Child at a Time
By Julie Letkeman
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By Cathy Lidster
Relaxation During Pregnancy:My Daughter’s Experience
When my daughter, Megan, became pregnant she was filled with the anticipation of a peaceful, joyful pregnancy and an all natural childbirth. After much
research, she registered for a Hypnobirthing class, found a midwife, and made plans for a home birth. No one was more surprised than she and her partner when at the 20th week ultrasound, the technician casually mentioned there were two in there! Twins!
In the state of Colorado, where the expectant parents were living at the time, licensing laws prohibited midwives from de-livering twins. So their midwife referred them to a “high risk” obstetric medical team. Thus began a very different journey than Megan had planned.
I had the privileged task as grandma-to-be of driving my daughter to her prenatal visits. These events were very busy as there were meetings with each of the team professionals to discuss risks, potential procedures, surgeries, and vaccines. Each visit included an ultrasound to determine the growth of each baby. As Megan’s belly grew larger and heavier, it was good news for the babies, but mom was becoming increasingly more uncomfortable. The babies were very active in utero and Megan began to have frequent Braxton Hicks contractions. (In Hypnobirthing jargon, these are referred to as uterine practice surges). When the prenatal visits became weekly events, it seemed as though the ordeal aggravated the babies and stimu-
lated the uterus, especially during and after the ultrasound procedure.
At her 31 week check up, Megan was fit, healthy and happy and the babies appeared well grown. Everything looked just great except for the frequent and strengthening Braxton-Hicks contractions. As we were about to leave the office that day, the doctor made a last minute decision to place Megan “un-der observation for a little while longer”. Almost before we knew it, she was ushered into the hospital side of the building where a gown, bed and machine awaited her. There were 3 heart rate monitors with readout strips, one for each baby and one for Megan. Everything happened so quickly that Megan’s head was spinning with questions. The nurse was very busy checking the strips and seemed somewhat reluctant to discuss anything. Eventually she reported that there would be two medications coming, one for calming the uterine contractions and one for Megan’s heart.
As there had been no previous mention of the need for any medication, Megan politely requested an explanation for their use. She asked about their purpose and possible side effects to the babies and asked if she could go home and have a day or so to think about whether or not she wanted to receive these drugs. Without answering any of her questions, the nurse abruptly left the room. Megan and I looked at each other won-dering what would happen next.
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What came next was an expe-rience I am not likely to forget for the rest of my life.
In walked the head doctor surrounded by 8 other medical professionals. They stood in a row perpendicular to the foot of Megan’s bed. The doctor’s first words were “Why are you here?” Megan really didn’t know why, but truthfully an-swered that she came because she thought she had no choice.
His next question was “Why are you noncompliant with my recommendations?” Then he pro-ceeded to lecture her. It was his firm belief that the babies would be born prematurely that weekend if she did not accept the medications. He listed many potential risks to the babies. He assured her that the medications were safe and effective, but if not, there were other medications they could turn to.
I could see that Megan was having a difficult time holding herself together emotionally but she managed to ask him if she could go home and think about it. The doctor was obviously not happy with this request, but he and his entourage filed out of the room leaving one nurse to present us with a liability waiver, which was required in order to leave the hospital.
Understandably, my daughter was dis-traught. She had strong opinions about non-intervention and drug free child-birth but she also respected the doctor’s well-intentioned advice and expertise. She really needed some time to think it through before making a decision.
We left the hospital, but we did not go straight home. We detoured to the office of an acupuncturist. Since acupuncture is well known for inducing labor in cas-es of prolonged pregnancy, we hoped that the opposite might also be true. Maybe an acupuncture session would calm the uterine contractions and help avoid a premature delivery. However, the treatment did not have the desired calming effect. By the time we reached home, Megan was exhausted and the uterine contractions were more intense and more frequent than ever.
As I helped settle my daughter on the couch, an idea came to me. I had recently been trained in a new modality, called Access Consciousness BARS. The modality works by touching 32 points on the head in order to release stuck energies that are held in the brain as polarity.
The concept is analogous to defrag-
ging one’s computer hard drive. During the BARS process the brain releases negative energies from emotions, self judgments and limiting beliefs. The results reported include relief from in-somnia, tension, and other stress related symptoms. I said to my daughter, “Why don’t we try this BARS technique? It is supposed to relax you.”
Within minutes of placing my hands on her head, my daughter had fallen asleep and her tummy was quiet. An hour later, she woke up refreshed and feeling rested. She told me that as soon as I touched her head she immediately felt the energy moving through her and her babies began to relax. It was truly a gift! Perfect timing. Perfect result. Happy Ending. The best part of the story is that Megan went to full term with her pregnancy and the babies were born healthy and strong just as their mommy had always known they would!
Please understand that there are sometimes risks that do need medical intervention and we are grateful for the availability and expertise of medicine. Megan’s twins were born in a hospital with many qualified caring profes-sionals in attendance. Also, know that sometimes babies decide to come into this world in a manner that may not be exactly as in their parent’s dreams. But do be assured that as a mother and the owner/authority of your body, you have a knowing that is stronger and more powerful than you might ever have been led to believe. Listen to your heart; trust yourself and your babies, as you experi-ence this wonderful, natural process of the circle of life.
For more information about the BARS, individual sessions, trainings and sto-ries of it’s wonderful results when used prenatally and during labor, please call Cathy Lester, Certified Access Bars Facilitator, Centennial Building Wellness Centre, 250 -819-9041.
“...as a mother and the owner/authority of
your body, you have a knowing that is stronger and more powerful than
you might ever have been led to believe.”
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Most dogs are wonderful compan-ions and family members. But even a friendly, well-socialized,
“good” dog may bite if threatened, afraid, angry, or hurt. Every dog has the poten-tial to bite!
Dogs protect things that they care about, like food, toys, treats, and their puppies. They also can protect spaces, such as eating or sleeping spots, yards, or parked cars.
Dogs (especially small ones) can feel defensive or threatened when we corner them, crowd them, or stand over them. Reaching over their heads makes them uncomfortable, too.
Stray dogs can be dangerous, espe-cially if they are lost, scared, or hurt. They are unknown quantities, so we should be cautious around them.
If a dog is injured or sick, it is also more
likely to bite, often out of fear or irritation.Older dogs can have trouble hear-
ing or seeing and can easily be startled. They can also be more sensitive to being touched, especially if they are in pain, such as from arthritis.
Many dogs have not had enough so-cialization. This means that they may find new things and people scary or strange, especially children. If they feel startled or threatened, they may bite.
Most dog bite injuries to children hap-pen during play with a dog they know – either the family dog or a neighbourhood dog.
Children, especially those under ten years of age, are most at risk for dog bite injuries. The face is the most common place where serious dog bite injuries happen. No one, especially children, should ever put their faces close to a
dog’s mouth.How else can we prevent dog bites?
Do not bother a dog when he is eating or chewing a bone or toy. Leave dogs alone when they are sleeping or resting. Don’t pester them, climb on them, or hug them (most dogs don’t like it).
Learn to recognize the signs that a dog is scared or anxious, and leave them alone if they show them. Teach children these common sense rules about interacting with dogs, and ALWAYS supervise them when they are together. Train your dog to associate kids with positive experiences so she’ll be more likely to tolerate your child in case he acts inappropriately.
For great resources, see:drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/free-
downloads-posters-handouts-and-more.
By Lindsay Curry, SPCA Volunteer
Why Do Dogs Bite?
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By Janet Whitehead
Dear Child,You are on the nice listRethinking “Naughty or Nice”
A few years ago I found a naughty or nice quiz online. The ‘advocate for children’ in me fumed. The naughty or nice quiz was sure to make all children feel guilty,
especially those who already beat themselves up for not living up to adults’ expectations for reasons that are completely out of their control. It also missed an opportunity to honour each child and actually build their self-esteem.
Below are 2 examples of questions the quiz asked with the multiple choice answers provided. To each answer, I have given scenarios from the ‘naughty’ child’s eyes.
Do you do all your chores on time?•Yes, every day I do my chores. (There are some things that I
think I would be really good at like organizing the cupboards. Maybe I don’t do it the way my parents want, because the chores I’m given are just the boring things. Sometimes I have really cool ideas about other ways to clean the kitchen, but I think people think they are stupid. Maybe they are stupid ideas.)
•Most of the time, I only forget on rare occasions. (The part of my mind that knows what’s really best for me sometimes forces me to forget so that I will pay attention to creative time, play time, active time. But those things seem to have little value in the world, and I’m starting to forget how to do those things, so I watch TV)
•Sometimes, unless I can pay my little brother/sister to do them. (I’m learning to delegate and build a team and will one day be a great entrepreneur. I sure hope this one doesn’t put me in the naughty category, because I worry that I might be given a lump of coal. But then, there are probably some pretty creative things I can do with a lump of coal...I wonder if I could barter with it.)
Do you share your toys?•Sure – if we share, then we all have more to play with. (I am so
confused by this. I’m taught to look after things. Then I’m taught to let others wreck them. No matter what I decide, I’m naughty. Then I feel like I’m talking back when I try to explain. So I feel bad about being too stupid to understand what I’m supposed to do)
•Sometimes, but only if they have one I want. (One day I will be a really great negotiator and entrepreneur. Win Win for all. Unless of course, I get a lump of coal for this, then I know I am naughty and the things I am good at are of no value.)
•Only if they pay me 5 cents per toy. (Child’s response 1: I got my toys from a nice family who donated them to us for Christmas. I don’t want them wrecked. So if other kids are going to play with them, maybe I can help Mom buy food with the money. Child’s response 2: I probably have the gift of being a financial genius, but I won’t learn about financial matters until I’m out of school and on my own.)
Certainly there is value in being helpful, caring, sharing and listening to adults. But given the possibilities of why a child might not get to pick the ‘good’ option – perhaps the whole concept of naughty and nice can change so that each child will discover that they are good.
What if the questions alone instilled a sense of self worth and gave value to a child’s personal well being, gifts and their indi-vidual best way of learning? What if we honoured that a child’s play is their work?
Let’s find ways to acknowledge the wonder of each child, and help them acknowledge that for themselves. That’s so much more fun than threats of coal for not keeping their room clean all the time. Here’s an improved version:
Scarlet, 22 months Photo: Captured Memories Photography
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“Naughty or Nice?” ~ For Kids
Dear Child,You are on the Nice list. Ho Ho Ho, there’s
no lumps of coal at Christmas! If you answer ‘No’ to any of the following
questions, that’s okay. There’s no such thing as a naughty child in my eyes. I, Santa Claus, grant you magic to find ways for your answers to be ‘Yes’ in the future!
{Elves, quick! Sprinkle some magic dust on this child just for fun!}
1. Do you give yourself plenty of time to be creative? (imagining, inventing, paint-ing, singing, dancing, role playing, banging on drums, creating drums, writing stories, drawing, that sort of thing?)
2. Do you often spend time being physi-cally active doing things you love? (favourite sports, hiking, climbing trees, running, swim-ming, exploring?)
3. Have you had fun building or repairing anything this year? (forts, cardboard castles, helping build shelves, helping to work on a ve-hicle?)
4. Do you like planning and dreaming about things you’d love to do?
5. Have you ever thought about making things work better, or helping people get along better? (Have you come up with some ideas about this, even if right now it might not seem possible?)
6. Have you played lots and lots and lots?I, Santa, would love for you to list 5 things
you are good at! And then 5 more! And even more!! If this is hard for you, because some-times it can be, you can ask a good friend or family member or teacher to help you!
Wishing you a sleigh full of knowing You Rock! We at the North Pole know you do!
Ho Ho Ho, Merrrryyyyy Christmas!
“Naughty or Nice?” ~ For Adults
1. Do you really notice ‘aha’ moments and synchronicities and maybe even a bit of magic?Yes. Cool. Santa notices the magic of you too.No. That’s okay. A lot of people don’t. I’ll put you on the ‘help them notice’ list.2. Do you give yourself plenty of time to be creative?Yes. That’s nice. Or you might think you’re naughty. Either way gets you on the Nice list. As in “Nice.. that’s awesome!” No. Uh oh.. are you on the ‘too nice’ list? Being so dedicated to others and other responsibilities that you don’t get to the other stuff that feeds your soul? (You’re only on the ‘too nice’ list if you feel a bit of resentment by all those responsibilities.) 3. Do you get to spend time being physically active doing things you love? Yes. Nice! No. Want a hula hoop or a good dance tune for Christmas?4. Have you had fun this year? Yes. Nice! I just bet you’ll keep it up, sunshine!Yes, but some of that was naughty. Ho ho.. too much information, dear.No. Oh, naughty you. Wait a sec, I think you did have some fun, remember? 5. Have you ever thought about making things work better or helping people get along better or have you sent kind thoughts to others? Yes. Nice! I knew you knew everything begins with a thought.6. Does your inner critic need duct tape?Yes. Ho ho.. watch out, inner critic, here it comes!No. Well, well, I thought all mortals needed duct tape to shut up their inner critics! Yes, even I have to pay attention to my limiting beliefs!7. Do you know what’s right about you?Yes. Nice! I know, too! It’s a very very very long list, isn’t it! No. Tis a very very very long list. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m opening a little door to your soul so you can notice. Hear it creak open?
Ho Ho Ho.. Wishing you a sleigh full of believing in your own wondrous self!!
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Things We Love... {Holiday Gift Edition}
Popcorn and Fudge by Gourmet Kettle Why do we love it? Sweet, salty, smooth,
crunchy - the perfect combination of treats! Gourmet Kettle has 70 flavours of popcorn and up to 150 flavours of fudge. We had the pleas-
ure of trying a bunch and, lets just say, some didn’t even make it to the photo! Our personal favourite is the Chicago blend, a combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn - it is sinfully delicious. And if you’re looking for Christmas in a bag, the Dark Chocolate Mint popcorn is
a must! Then there is the fudge, oh my! White Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Peanut But-
ter, RED VELVET and so many more! You can definitely tell that they use the finest
ingredients, like Dairyland Eggnog and Oreo cookies.
Gourmet Kettle, 11-2121 ETC HWY
SnowStopper Gloves Why do we love it? Because they actu-ally stay on!! As any seasoned momma knows, dealing with gloves in the winter isn’t fun - most of the time kids end up with cold wrists or bare hands. Snow-Stoppers solve this problem with a cozy sleeve attached to the glove to prevent it from falling off and to keep snow out. These are the only gloves our children will be wearing this winter! Mommy & Me, 3 - 700 Tranquille Rd
Riviera Coin Earrings by Stella & Dot
Why do we love it? Whenever we get dressed up, Stella & Dot is our go-to jewellery. It’s high quality, fashion-able, and ranges from classic to very unique. These earrings feature
silver plated vintage coin dangles with a labradorite
stone (and a little birdie said that they might have seen them on sale...but we don’t know how long that sale will last!).stelladot.com/marieleblond
The Christmas Box of Questions by Melissa & Doug Why do we love it? Christmas-lovers, rejoice! This is the game for you. And if you’re more of a Scrooge, it might just put you in the Christmas spirit with questions like, “If you could invent a toy in Santa’s work-shop, what would you create?” and “if you could spend Christmas any-where in the world, where would it be?” We think this game will become a new tradition in our house.Lizzie Bits Baby Co., Lansdowne Village
Slippers by Padraig CottageWhy do we love it? Made with all
natural materials - wool, sheepskin, and leather - these slippers are dura-
ble, comfortable and have a smaller environmental impact than ones you
could buy at a big box store. And though Padraig Cottage has gained
international success, operations remain in Vancouver and the slippers are still hand crocheted and
hand dyed by local artisans. Mulberry Bush, 1304 Battle St.
Height Charts by Wilox DesignWhy do we love it? Looking for a height chart you can take with you if you move? These wooden charts are not only practical and very reasonably priced, they are beautifully crafted by a local dad. Flower, sceptre, hockey stick, and sword designs are available.Lizzie Bits Baby Co., Lansdowne Village
Candy Basket by Papa’s Candy ShopWhy do we love it?Do you like old fashioned candy and unique treats? Then you need to check this place out! Salt water taffy, Santa’s Coal, and dill pickle mints are just some of the cool things you’ll find. Gift baskets that are sure to please are also available in every price range. Papa’s Candy Shop, Sahali Mall
Do you make or sell something that you think we’ll love? Contact us at
[email protected] for more information on
how your product could be featured here!
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Facial Products by ProDerm Why do we love it? Within days of using the ProDerm cosmeceutical prod-ucts, our skin was noticeably softer, and not just to the touch; it was visibly softer too! We love the clean scent, the non-greasy formula, and the ease of application. We’ve been us-ing the Liftense LTL, Daytim Fluid SPF 20, and Gentle Cleanser for a few weeks now and cannot believe the results: it will definitely become part of our regular daily routine.Kamloops Medical Aesthetics & Bodywork754 Seymour St.
Giving from the
Heart:
26 fun & inexpensive holiday gift ideas
The holiday season is upon us once again; a magical time of year that brings with it much joy, laughter
and love. It is a time when family and friends gather from near and far to celebrate the warmth of the season, and share the blessings of another year together. It is a time when a child’s eyes sparkle with wonder, excitement and anticipation of the arrival of Santa, and what gifts he might leave under the tree.
The holidays can be such a fun time for gifts as well; it’s a time where you look at those you love, and try and pick a gift that will mean something to them. And, truly, it doesn’t have to be expensive. I think the best gifts come from the heart! With that being said, here is a list of some fun and inexpensive ideas that your family and friends might enjoy receiving from yourself or your children:
1. Salt dough crafts – An easy combination of flour, salt and water, which can be used to make ornaments for the tree or rear view mirror, etc. Have your child put their hand-print in it – what a memorable gift!
2. Hallmark Smilebox photo montage – Collect lots of fun pictures of your loved one, and have a slideshow. You can even add music for an extra personal touch! What’s better than showing someone how wonderful they are! (smilebox.com)
3. Personalized book – You can make an “I love you because…” book, or an “All about you...” book out of scrap-booking supplies, etc. Nothing’s better than hearing that you are loved.
4. Coupon book – Make a coupon book for your chil-dren with tickets for things such as, “A day with Mom” or “Free chores pass.” You could make one for your partner as well, with ideas such as “no to-do list today” coupons. Just get cre-ative!
5. Chocolate chip cookie mix in a jar – Put dry ingredients for making cookies in a jar, decorate, and add the recipe (including what else to add before baking).
6. Personalized hats/mittens – Add felt pieces to make a hat/mittens into an animal, or use fabric paint to create designs.
7. No sew blanket – Create a cute, easy to make blan-ket made out of fleece. (Website tutorial: www.craftelf.com/Craft_elf_general_no_sew_fleece_blanket.htm)Continued over...
Castle Logix by Smart GamesWhy do we love it? At first glance, this game looks pretty easy. It’s just 7 pieces - 7 very well-made pieces - and a book of ‘castles.’ But there’s a reason the game is for ages 3-99: it’s fun and challenging! The pieces can be put together in so many different ways. There are
48 ‘challenges’ ranging from starter to master level. The game helps kids
(and adults too!) develop logical thinking skills, strategic planning, and visual and spatial perception.
Tumbleweed Toys Sahali Mall
By Julie Letkeman
Tutu and Hair Clips by Hugabelle BowtiqueWhy do we love it? Have a girlie-girl on your holiday shopping list? We do! And she love’s to get dressed up in tutu’s and pretty bows (and momma likes taking pictures too!). Hugabelle Bowtique makes adorable kids stuff that are high-impact for kids and low impact for parent’s wallets!Lizzie Bits Baby Co., Lansdowne Village
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8. Locker message or bulletin board – For a very func-tional gift buy a little chalkboard/bul-letin board and add some useful ad-ditions (ie. clips on the bottom to hold papers, small mirror, etc.) and some magnets.
9. Bracelet made from scrabble pieces – Use pieces
from an old scrabble board to make a personal-ized bracelet. Drilling might be required!
10. Fleece scarf – Another easy to make gift that will keep your loved ones warm all winter!
11. Super hero cape – Every little kids dream, and so easy to make! You could even make one out of an old t-shirt.
12. Homemade playdough – Add glitter or scent for extra fun!
13. Decorated picture frame - buy a cute picture frame (or make one from popsicle sticks), have your child dec-orate it, and add a picture, and you’ve got a really cute present.
14. Felt board/felt board stories – Glue pieces of black felt onto a large piece of cardboard; then make felt board characters so you can tell the story. Kids love this because they get to help! (You can also print off story templates from sites like www.dltk-kids.com - laminate the pictures, and add a small piece of felt to the back)
15. Fort building kit - Include everything you need to build a fort, like sheets, clothes pegs, suction cups, rope and even a flashlight for when it’s all built.
16.Personalized colouring book – Do an online search for colouring pages that your child would enjoy, and then print them off. Simple, but the kids will love it!
17. Kids craft basket – Create a basket full of fun things to make crafts, such as construction paper, crayons, pipe cleaner, glue, glitter (if you dare).
18. Movie Night gift basket – Have a teenager who is a movie buff? Make a basket that includes popcorn, pop, movie theater candy, and a DVD. And, better yet, watch the movie with them!
19. Beads for making own jewelry – Create a jewelry making kit with beads, string, etc. You can even make
your own clay beads, using only bread, water and salt.
20. Homemade refrigerator magnets – There are endless possibilities to this gift: print off pictures of spe-cial moments, laminate, and put magnets on the back; glue magnets on the back of clothes pins – do an online search for this, and you’ll have tons to chose from!
21. Play clothes – Make your child’s imagination sparkle by making an apron, chef hat, firefighter jacket (easily made with black shirt/jacket with reflective tape) wand, fairy wings, sword and more!
22. Doll suitcase – This idea is SO cute! It’s a doll house inside a suitcase so kids can take it anywhere. (hartandsew.blogspot.ca/2011/11/doll-suitcase-tutorial.html)
23. Girly spa kits – Buy or make a cute little tote bag and fill it with spa goodies. If you’re making this for a little girl, include one set for yourself so you can have a “Mom and Daughter Spa Day.”
24. Dinosaur hoodie - Just sew fabric onto the back of a hoodie, making a dinosaur or dragon look. (www.ohcrafts.net/kids-dino-hoodies.php)
25. Up-cycle play kitchen from an old en-tertainment center – Take an old entertainment center and make it into a play kitchen.
26. Explorer kit – If you have a little explorer in your house, create a kit with a compass, magnifying glass, mag-nets, tweezers, etc. Then let the learning begin!
I hope some of these ideas have inspired some ideas for gifts to make for your loved ones. Just a quick note – if there isn’t a link provided, and you need more instructions, just do a web search – you’ll find lots of great information.
I truly wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, and all the best in 2013!!
Fun & Inexpensive Holiday Gift Ideas Cont’d...
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Birthday Party Review:Events by Kate & Sweet Spot Cupcakes
Have you ever woke up one morn-ing and realized that your child’s birthday is only 10 days away and
you haven’t planned ANYTHING? Well, I did! My little Lainey’s 2nd birthday.
So, I did what any panicked momma would do: opened Pinterest and searched “2nd birthday party ideas.” I thought about an Elmo or Curious George party, her two favourite characters, but it felt a little generic (especially since I spent months planning her sister’s Pirates and Pixies party earlier this year). Then I remem-bered Events By Kate. I’d seen photos of her work on Facebook and was smitten.
I sheepishly sent a message, knowing that I was pushing it with the deadline. To my delight, Kate responded immedi-ately with, “Yes!” She asked what kind of party I was thinking of. “Nothing yet!” I thought, so I sent a ridiculously long list of my daughter’s ‘likes’ and together we decided on a strawberry party.
The next question: What de-signs did I want? Hmm…
hadn’t thought about that either! Kate suggested cupcake and straws toppers, welcome sign, food tent labels, and chocolate bar wrappers. Kate set to work creating the designs while I came up with cute themed food for the labels (back to Pinterest I went!).
Then a few short hours later a mes-sage notification appeared. I opened it and became giddy with excitement. The strawberry design was perfect. Bold, sweet and sophisticated. After approving the initial design, Kate started designing all of the elements. The rest of the day I sat glued to my computer ‘working’ and waiting to see more designs. It felt like opening a present every time I saw a new design.
Once all of the designs were created and approved, Kate sent me a file to have printed. I printed 2 sets for less than $8! They looked even better in print and were really easy to cut.
Then a few days before the party I real-ized that I hadn’t planned a cake either
(Yes, I might not be in the running for
parent of the year this year!). I asked Te-resa at Sweet Spot Cupcakes if she could come up with something in time. I told her it was a strawberry party for a 2 year old girl and let her work her magic. I have long been an admirer of her work: Teresa truly is an artist.
On the day of the party we picked up the adorable mini cupcakes. They were just the right size for Lainey. The combi-nation of chocolate and vanilla cake with light pink frosting, heart sprinkles and strawberry decorations was perfect!
When guests arrived, they were de-lighted by everything, especially the treats. The chocolate bar wrappers were a definite favourite. There isn’t anything much cuter than having teenage boys ask if they can have a “Double Lainey.”
Most importantly, Lainey was thrilled! She kept pointing at the designs: “Straw-berry, Momma, more strawberry!” Lainey was pretty happy with the cupcakes and Double Laineys, too!
We had a great evening and are so thankful for everyone who made it pos-sible, especially on such short notice! We highly recommend Events by Kate. Her designs are fantastic and really afford-able. It’ll likely cost less than taking your child to the movies to have a truly custom
party. You can also check out Kate’s on-line store for awesome pre-made print-able designs: www.eventsbykatelyn.com
And Sweet Spot Cupcakes is definitely on our list of recommended birthday vendors. If you can dream it, they can make it! www.sweet-spot-cupcakes.com
(We’d also like to thank Heather of 4 Funky Funks for making Lainey’s beauti-ful strawberry dress the very night that I asked for it so that it arrived in time for the party!)
Want to WIN 10 Customized Printable Designs for your next party? Go to Events by Kate’s
Facebook page and tell her what kind of party you would like to win! We’ll draw a winner January 20!
Photos: Ian Read
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Do you suffer from back pain? If so, you are not alone: about 80% of Canadians will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. Also, once you’ve had back
pain, you are more likely to have that pain return again…. and again…. and again. The same injury keeps happening over and over! One of the most frustrating things for people can be the lack of information they get from their health care practitioner (HCP) on WHAT exactly their diagnosis is and WHY their pain keeps returning.
Our bodies are complicated systems with hundreds of vari-ables contributing to your injury. Often it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the injury. However, there are a few common culprits, and you may be able to relieve and/or pre-vent back pain by addressing some of the following issues:
1. Weak “core” muscles (DEEP abdominal and low back muscles)
a. No, you do NOT do sit-ups or dead lifts/back exten-sions to strengthen these muscles. Activation of these mus-cles requires specific targeted exercises, ideally under the supervision of your HCP.
2. Too much sitting/not enough exercisea.Our bodies are meant to move! Many people can get
relief from back pain by simply getting out for a daily walk to get your muscles working and blood flowing.
3. Tight hamstrings (the back of your thighs)
4. Tight hip flexors (the front of your hips)5. Poor posture6. Weak bum muscles (gluts)
The list above could go on all day, that’s why it’s so important to seek professional help when addressing your back pain. Be an active participant in your health care! There are many pro-fessions that can help you on your road to health (medical doc-tor, chiropractor, physiotherapist, registered massage therapist, etc.) so when you DO decide to seek treatment, make sure to educate yourself, and always ask the following questions:
1. What is my diagnosis? (Be specific, and get them to write it down for you. “Back pain” is NOT a diagnosis)
2. What should I be doing at home to help relieve my pain? (heat or ice, specific stretches or exercises, activities to avoid, medication if applicable)
3. How can I prevent this injury from happening again?Always remember to check with your HCP before starting
any rehab/exercise program, especially if you have a history of back pain.
Dr. Sarah Brise is a chiropractor, kinesiologist, and certified Active Release Techniques ® (A.R.T.) provider at Kamloops Active Health. Dr. Sarah can be reached for an appointment at 250-372-8856 or [email protected], or visit www.kamloop-sactivehealth.ca for more information.
By Dr. Sarah Brise
Low Back Pain: W h y ?
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His jeans are hitched low on his tiny hips and the bottoms are bag-ging over rubber boots he insists
on wearing. The boots make him look slightly duck-like because they are his sisters and four sizes too big. His down vest is pulled askew by his backpack and his hair, despite repeated watering down this morning, is sticking straight up.
He is looking down the steps for just the right game to burst into.
When Jack turned five he went to the grocery store for his birthday. A red bal-loon was tied to the cart and he perched in the seat until it got so full it couldn’t hold both him and the food. It was De-cember 20th and Jack had been looking forward to his birthday with great antici-pation. He spent his big day shopping for the Food Bank.
At five years old, he didn’t understand what hunger meant. He had never felt the rawness in his belly. He just knew this is what Mom calls ‘The Right Thing.’
Often The Right Thing is easy and obvi-
ous. Give to the food bank. Keep your hands to yourself. Use kind words. Be honest. Inspire, encourage, and always do your part.
Jack, Tlell and, most especially, Mikayla - thrown into the public eye before she had the opportunity to say no - are slowly learning The Right Thing is more compli-cated than just the doing.
The Right Thing is filled with respon-sibility. A young boy who struggles with severe ADD came to our home a few weeks ago: a child who struggles to make friends, do his school work or even fin-ish his lunch; a boy bullied by his peers because they don’t understand how his brain works.
In his arms he carried a bag full of coins. It was a gift for Mikayla, who is travelling to Ottawa this month to Lobby in parliament, because she inspired him. She was thrilled. She’s been saving for an iPod.
Sometimes The Right Thing is hard. The gift came with responsibility. He gave be-
cause she inspired him. He gave because, in the giving, he is seeking healing of his own. The money wasn’t something she earned through her chores. This gift was a part of the circle of The Right Thing.
Mikayla finally understood what The Right Thing means; that when she rec-ognizes it, she needs to do it even when it isn’t easy or fun. Receiving The Right Thing comes with the responsibility to pay it forward in whatever capacity you are capable. Even when it means giv-ing something up. She won’t always do The Right Thing. She will be fallible and often make a wrong choice. But this time, on her own, she decided she will take Thomas’ money to Ottawa and do The Right Thing when she recognizes it.
Our kids are all standing at the top of stairs choosing into which game they are going to announce themselves. I just hope that as mine grow they always do their best to choose The Right Thing.
By Sara Schreiner, Life Unfolding Photography
Advertising Feature
The Right ThingMoms with Cameras:
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Dear Aunty: You’re OLD! How are you even in school?! Signed, Sean
Okay, so 4-year old Sean didn’t actually sign the letter. He just asked me. Loudly. In the coffee shop while we were waiting for
our donuts and I was trying to explain that mommy needed time to study so Daddy would be taking him to a movie. Ouch.
The truth is I went to Nursing School back when RN diplomas were still offered. Actually, I was enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program, but dropped out after the RN portion to travel, work in Ghana, and resettle first in Vancouver, then in Kamloops. It was a long, almost two-decade road, but I did finally end up back in school, picking away at the degree that I’d like to finally finish, although this time in developmental psychology instead. The whole “going back to school thing” can seem pretty daunting, especially for those of us whose high school transcripts were written on papyrus. I’ve certainly second guessed myself: “I’m too old. I can’t do this while working full-time. I’ll be the only student with children....”.
However, taking courses again and sitting at the kitchen table doing homework next to my daughter has been both personally and professionally rewarding, even factoring in the whole “You’re OLD” thing. On a grander scale, statistics have proven time and again that a post-secondary degree leads to greater financial remuneration during the working years and greater security at retirement: for Canadian women, a Bachelor’s degree will earn you roughly $700,000 more over your lifetime than a high school diploma alone. For men, it’s about $1.1 million more1.
Financial reasons are only one of the reasons to return to school, of course. Some people, me included, want to finish a degree to facilitate a career change, like from nursing to psychology. Others may want to expand their career choices with their current employer, perhaps with a post-graduate degree.
Lest you feel that you and I are the only ones wanting to make a grand re-entrance to the classroom, Statistics Canada research shows that more students are attending college and university than ever before, and those who choose to attend do not necessarily follow a “typical” pattern: some are starting earlier, some are returning to school, and others are staying longer in order to complete their programs of study or to pursue graduate studies.
I chatted with Elise Desjardine at Thompson Rivers University to talk about returning to school, and about traditional and non-traditional ways of completing post-secondary courses. Spoiler alert: There are lots of advantages to going back to school, lots of different ways to complete courses, and lots of guidance and help available for us “non-traditional” types to cope with anxiety and succeed. Read on, Mommas and Papas for the skinny on how to get your new student card this New Year!
1 Education Statistics Bulletin No. 32 September 2005 ISSN 1708-9697 (PDF) 28-2765A
Let’s talk about the different “kinds” of TRU. I’m part of the Open Learning program. How is that different from other programs at TRU? Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is a traditional face-to-face university with campuses in Kamloops and Williams Lake as well as an Open Learning Centre in Vancouver, BC.
The Open Learning (OL) Division of Thompson Rivers University is the online and distance education arm of TRU. TRU-OL offers online and distance courses and/or online and distance education programs in the following streams: Arts, Business and Management Studies, Education, General Studies, Health and Human Services, Science, Technology and Tourism. Some students take single courses and transfer them back to their home institutions, while others apply for a full program from certificate to diploma to degree. Some work through one or two courses at a time before applying for a program and later apply all their credits towards a program credential. Students completing certificate, diploma or degree programs by distance and online studies through Open Learning are awarded Thompson Rivers University credentials.
Students can complete a program through Open Learning and do all of their coursework or gain all of their credits through online/distance studies or they can transfer credits to their TRU credential and utilize a blended learning. Students enrolled in a program on-campus at TRU can also use the blended approach by transferring some of their online/distance courses/credits to their on-campus credential.
Open Learning at TRU offers students:Accessibility: Students don’t need to have a specific grade
point average or submit their secondary school transcripts to be admitted to TRU-OL and to register in courses.
Flexibility: Students can study anywhere, anytime and at a pace that suits their lifestyle. (while it is recommended that students complete assignments in order and prior to the final exam or paper, they can do so at any time throughout the course)
Choice: Students have access to hundreds of courses and a variety of certificate, diploma, degree and post-baccalaureate programs in an array of disciplines. Many courses can be transferred as credit towards credentials at other institutions if TRU-OL does not offer the students program of choice but does offer the courses they are interested in.(students are advised to contact the other institution in order to ensure this will be acceptable)
Recognition: Students can gain credit for the university-level knowledge they have received through a variety of means, including past education from other post-secondary institutions and private trainers, relevant work experience (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) and workplace training (Credit Bank). TRU-OL students receive a TRU credential, the same as that which on-campus students receive.
Just because students are returning to their post-secondary education, often after a number of years, doesn’t mean they have to start from scratch. The open approach to education means students won’t necessarily lose the valuable time they have already spent working towards their education.
By enrolling in an Open Learning program, students can maximize their experiences and skills by transferring credits
Dear Aunty...Answering questions about you and your child’s health
25
Do you have a question for ‘Aunty’ Erin? Contact her at [email protected].
they have previously earned or by “laddering” a previously earned certificate or diploma into the program, which allow students to use their existing credential as credit for the completion of another credential (i.e. diploma, degree or post-baccalaureate) in the same area of study.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) can provide students with the opportunity to have knowledge they have gained through formal and non-formal education as well as life and work experience, assessed and recognized in the form of academic credit toward requirements of their TRU-OL program. Prior learning includes the skills and knowledge gained through learning experiences such as industry-based training, professional development, workshops and seminars, private study and/or volunteer and work experience. PLAR can help students finish their program quicker and may also help save time and money as they may be required to take fewer classes. Contact Christine Wihak, Director, PLAR, at [email protected] for more information and quote opportunities.
My kids aren’t in school full time, which means full-time is out of the question. What are my options? TRU-OL takes a student’s lifestyle and commitments into account and helps remove the barriers blocking their access to quality post-secondary education. Online and distance education through TRU-OL means you can study anytime, anywhere that works for you. There are some paced courses, which means a group of students work though the course together. These courses have a set start and end date; therefore all enrolled students must begin the course, submit assignments and complete final exams on, or by, a predetermined date. Most of the courses however, are non-paced which means they
are offered on a continuous basis, so students may register anytime throughout the year. These courses are designed to be independent. Students complete these courses by studying on their own, within a specified time, at a place and pace that suits their needs. Students receive instructional support from Open Learning Faculty Members, whom they communicate with via email, phone, mail or electronic conference for web courses.Students don’t have to apply for a program to study with
TRU-OL. They can just enroll in courses one at a time and later transfer these credits towards a credential should they choose to do so. Therefore, they don’t feel pressured to study with a load of a full-time student but can take as many courses at a time as they can handle.
What are the major misconceptions about going back to school? Many adults return to school to upgrade and maintain competitive in the workplace. Some return to school for a complete change of career after having worked for decades at jobs that did not fulfill them. Online and distance education
makes this completely feasible. Studying, through online and distance or on-campus modes, does take a lot of time and commitment however, by studying online and distance students can make their study habits fit their life and schedule. They can study anytime, anywhere – after the kids go to bed, on a lunch break from their full-time job, or on their commute on the way to work. Online and distance students can also take the time they need to complete the courses they are interested in or those that are required for an eventual credential. This also makes completing a credential more financially feasible. Students can take just a few courses a year. Prior learning assessment and recognition as well as transfer credit may help reduce the financial burden of completing a credential as if they can prove their knowledge gained through prior work and life experience and have it applied to their credential as PLAR credit, then they don’t have to spend the money on the courses that would have been required. This also can potentially shave time off of the length it would have taken to complete a credential.
Is there such a thing as being too old/too far out of school to go back? No. Open learning means ANYONE can enroll in an online and distance course. All persons are eligible for general admission to Open Learning and can apply for admission into credential programs. Applicants do not require a specific grade point average and are not required to submit transcripts from secondary school to be admitted to TRU-OL and to register in courses.
Why TRU? Why not another, possibly cheaper, distance-school? Credibility is definitely one factor for choosing TRU:Now the fourth largest university in BC, Thompson Rivers University is a fully accredited Canadian university and the largest online and distance education provider in British Columbia as well as a respected institution among employers.
Potential students looking for more information can contactStudent Services at 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada) or 250.852.7000 (Kamloops and International). You can also check out these online resources:
www.truopen.caPLAR: www.tru.ca/distance/plar-ol.htmlFinancial Assistance: www.tru.ca/distance/services/resources/financial.html Professional associations that recognize TRU-OL: www.tru.ca/distance/services/credential.html.
26Advertising Feature
Notes from a Boho Momma
Happy Winter Mommas and Papas!With Christmas fast approaching
and so much pressure to “be ready.” I’m feeling a little rebellious this year.
For one, I am not ready at all, not even close, and for two, I’m tired of it all. The working, spending, stressing, watching the kids open and open… still wanting more, finding a place for all the new things, seeing the bill (“this must be a mistake!”), and then paying the bill in January. Not this year though, since this time our family has decided to make or bake everything we give (and to my eldest son, I cannot make or bake you a Nintendo 3DS, so you can stop asking.)
This idea is not revolutionary by any means, but it allows our family to savour the best parts of the holidays without succumbing to the ever increasing consumerism of the season that leaves a bad taste in my mouth every year. We will still be able to enjoy the anticipation
of presents (Santa is really into crafts this year), the smell of gingerbread, our Charlie Brown Christmas music, and the time together spent making and baking all of our gifts. We may even cultivate some new skills in the process!
One of my homemade gifts will be a basket of interesting culinary items for a few of my foodie friends. This recipe is oh so simple and a nice addition to any meal. Try to find some unique glass jars at thrift or antique shops to make it a beautiful addition to a counter top.
Lemon Gourmet Salt~ Course sea salt
~ lemons (or any other citrus fruit
Preheat your oven to 200 F and grate 2 Tbsp of lemon zest for every cup of salt. Blend the salt and zest together and then pour the mixture onto a baking tray and
bake until the zest is dry (about 1 hour).Let cool and then feel free to add
herbs or spices to the mix. I personally love lavender with lemon, or you could add some cinnamon to an orange zest and salt blend…use your imagination!
Amanda Barker is a herbalist, doula, CBE, and owner of Ovio Organico skin care and Boho Birth.
By Amanda Barker
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By April Wainwright
Lately I have been thinking about the divide between people who have kids, and people who don’t; whether it is by choice, or they are unable to have them. Some friend-
ships that I have had through the years have died due to my not having kids. It makes me sad, but it is also a part of life. What can mommas do to bridge the gaps between your childless friends? Here’s what works for me!
Don’t assume that I don’t want to hang with you and your little ones. Even if I can’t have kids, it doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be around them. Being around kids allows me to be a kid again, to laugh and act silly, and see the world through a child’s eyes. This also includes asking me to baby sit. I will love that time to hang out and spoil your little ones, just ask; however…
Don’t assume that I always want to hang with your kids, either. Just ask. There are some days when the hurt of not be-ing able to have kids is so great, that I have to allow that space between us and kids for a while.
Do talk about other things other than your kids. Sure, I love to hear stories about your kidlets. There are other things that make you uniquely you, too: What are your dreams, your hob-bies?
Don’t assume that because I don’t have kids, I don’t have some thoughtful advice. No, I am not a parent, but I helped raise my 4 younger siblings. I babysit and have lots of kids in my life, so I do have some valuable ideas to share.
Do allow some space, when it comes to baby-related events. I don’t always want to go to your niece’s best friend’s daughter’s baby shower, or christening. It’s not to say that I don’t enjoy holding the baby, and talking about all things baby-related - I do - but events especially can remind me that I may never know the feeling of being a mom, and all that goes with it. I often find it easier to visit another time, and bring a gift, and spend some time with you and your baby.
Do know I want to spend time with you (shopping, coffee, etc). Just because I don`t have kids, it doesn`t mean that we don`t have anything in common anymore. Yes, our lives are dif-ferent, but it doesn’t give us an excuse to never see each other. Besides, maybe I will want to hang out with your little ones while you are trying on that new dress you’ve been eyeing!
Don’t offer platitudes like, “oh, so-and-so were told they couldn’t have kids, and BAM they had one” I appreciate you are trying to help. Maybe you don’t know what else to say, or you feel awkward, but every case and circumstance is different.
Do ask questions about my life, thoughts, and dreams. Just because I don’t have children, I still have a lot going on. And even though it sometimes does get tiring talking about our “baby journey,” I do like to know that you are interested. Just like you sometimes the best thing we can do for each other is ask questions and listen. We don’t have to give advice or try and fix the situation, just being heard is enough.
Do let us know that you are thinking of us on special days. Mothers /Fathers Day in particular can be quite hard on childless parents. I like to know that I am in your thoughts and prayers.
Do know that when you are rocking your baby back to sleep
in the middle of the night, or you are yelling at your toddler for the 100th time that day, there is a woman (and her hubby), who would love to be doing those things, and to have a child call them “momma,” and who wishes for you to enjoy your babies for it will all go fast.
These, my momma friends, are just a few of the things that I think can help bridge the gap between friends with children and friends without.
And, to my friends, know that I love you and I love your kid-dies too! Have a wonderful holiday season with your babes!
To contact me, my email is [email protected]. I like chocolate!
Bridging the GapThe life of a ‘childless momma’
“We don’t have to give advice or try and fix the situation, just being heard is enough.”
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Community Resource Directory Childcare and Preschool Kamloops Child Development Society Safe and inclusive child care and early learning programswww.cdckamloops.com 250.376.2233
River City Gymnastics Gymnastics and mutli-sport facility 778.471.5767 www.rivercitygymnastics.ca
Children’s Retail Littlest Toy ShopHot Wheels, Barbie, Disney, Puzzles, Board Games and More! 250.299.64481800 Tranquille Rd (Brock Shopping Ctr)
Lizzie Bits Baby Co.Cloth diapers, unique children’s items, high quality children’s consignment205-450 Lansdowne 250.374.8706 www.lizziebaby.ca
Mulberry BushGently Loved Consignment & New Items1304 Battle St. 250.374.2501 www3.telus.net/mulberrybush
Nuggles! Cloth Diaper Co. Cloth diapers from $8-$18!Providing quality cloth diapers for a rea-sonable price.250.574.2416 www.nugglesbaby.com
Tumbleweed Toys Safe, Sustainable & Inspired toys, games, puzzles and more. Sahali Mall250.372.3500 www.TumbleweedToys.ca
Dance Bishop Dance Productions Dance lessons from 18 months to adult1417B Lorne St. www.bishopdance.com [email protected] 250.828.7137
Family Resources Big Brothers Big Sisters 821 Seymour St 250.374.6134
Child Care Subsidy ProgramAssistance with day care costs 1.888.338.6622
Interior Community Services250.554.3134
Ministry of Children & Family Services 250.371.3600
Parent Helpline 1.888.603.9100
Food and Beverage Fudge YeahThe Fudge Store With More!442 Victoria St778.471.5505 www.fudgeyeah.ca
Gourmet KettleUp to 150 flavours of fudge, 70 flavours of popcorn, and kettle and potato chips! 2121 ETC HWY Unit 11250.377.0997 [email protected]
Nature’s Fare MarketsOrganic and Natural Foods Grocer5-1350 Summit Drive 250.314.9560www.naturesfare.com
Papa’s Candy ShopThe sweetest little place...in Sahali Center Mall. Old fashioned candy, custom candy buffets, gift wrapping, and full service candy shop Sahali Mall [email protected]
Sweet Spot CupcakesVisit us for delicious, custom holiday treats. Cookies, Cakes, and cupcakes!8-1415 Hillside Dr 250.574.6251www.sweet-spot-cupcakes.com
Health & Wellness Amanda Chow, ZijaDiscover the remarkable nutritional value and therapeutic qualities of Zija.250.434.5454 [email protected]
Beauty Has Endless Possibilities...Shannon-Lee, aesthetician and makeup artist specializing in Brazillian waxing, custom facials, and makeup artistry.250.819.2988 [email protected]
Fit By DesignFamily Friendly Fitness250.819.0822 www.kamloopsfitbydesign.com
Kamloops Active HealthChiropractic. Rehabilitation. Massage.865 Seymour St. 250.372.8856www.kamloopsactivehealth.ca
Kamloops Medical AestheticsFull range of spa services and Medical Aesthetics offered by Naturopathic Drs.754 Seymour St. [email protected]
Musings and Mud Coaching StudioWorkshops, workbooks, personal coach-ing with a creative twist.Janet L. Whitehead, certified professional coach [email protected] www.musingsandmud.com
The Pilates TreePilates, Yamuna, and Active Wear.Gift Certificates are available!101-409 Seymour St. 250.320.2639www.thepilatestree.com
Smooth Effects Laser Hair RemovalThe leader in laser hair removal#8-1390 Hillside Dr. 250.372.2261www.smootheffects.ca
Yoga LoftYoga for You. Yoga for Your Family. Your Yoga Community. 201- 409 Seymour Street250.828.6206 [email protected] www.youryogaloft.com
Home-based Sales and Services Beneath the Monkey TreeVintage-inspired handmade treasures... with a modern twist.250.819.8478 [email protected]
Bunches ‘n BundlesCustom gift packages for all occasions featuring items from small local compa-nies 250.318.5368 [email protected]
Charlene Brugger, NorwexIndependent Sales [email protected]
Creative MemoriesDenise Swoboda, Unit LeaderPhoto-safe scrapbook albums and more! 250.578.8589 [email protected] www.mycmsite.com/denises
Delish NaturalsOrganic & natural body care for the whole family www.delishnaturals.com
Discovery Toys, Alison GregoryDiscovery Toys Team Leader250.851.2270 [email protected]/aligregory
Karla Robertson, Arbonne Int’lIndependent ConsultantPure. Safe. Beneficial. Skin & Body [email protected] 250.318.8893
McSewJane McMillan, Seamstress & Knitter.Specializing in sleepsacks, infant acces-sories, knitted/felted accessories and alterations. Tel: 250.828.2309 Mobile: 250.319.8808 [email protected]
Moms Helping Moms – work from homePerfect opportunity for moms and otherswww.lookaround.ca [email protected]
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Pam Hildebrand, Arbonne Int’lIndependent ConsultantPure. Safe. Beneficial. Skin & Body [email protected] 250.579.1924
Home DecorIron Orchid Design Unique new, used, and repurposed decor408 Seymour St. 778.471.6696www.ironorchiddesign.com
Music Kamloops Symphony Music SchoolGroup classes and private instruction for all ages and levels. 250.372.5000 Station Plaza #3-510 Lorne St.
Long & McQuade Musical InstrumentsMusic lessons for all ages, stages, and styles. Register for music lessons today!250.828.2315 www.long-mcquade.com
Medical Services BC Nurse Line 1.866.215.4700
Royal Inland Hospital 250.374.5111
Walk-in Clinics:Northshore Treatment Centre 700 Tranquille Rd 250.554.4265
Summit Medical Clinic5 - 1380 Summit Drive 250.374.9800
Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic #4 - 910 Columbia Street 250-371-4905
Online Resources Access KamloopsA regularly updated directory connect-ing people with a variety of not-for-profit resources. www.accesskamloops.org
KamloopsParents.comThe online resource to all things family-friendly in Kamloops. [email protected]
MakeChildrenFirst.caMap of Family & Breastfeeding-friendly businesses in Kamloops 250.554.3134www.makechildrenfirst.ca
Parent-Child Groups Attachment Parenting2/month - days and locations vary 250-376-4723
Family Tree Drop-in Mon and Wed 9-4 283 West Victoria St. 250.377.6890
Healthy Beginnings Tues 9:45-11:45 / Thurs 10:30-12:30Interior Indian Friendship Society2355 Parkcrest Ave. 250.554.3134
Kamloops Connexions Fri 9:30-11:30, 700 Hugh Allen DriveS.W. Community Church 250.828.1114 [email protected]
Kamloops Wiggles and Giggles Adoption Playgroup Monthly, Deanna, [email protected]
Next Steps Fri, 1-2:20, Kamloops Public Health Unit519 Columbia St. 250.851.7300
StrongStart Programs (during school year)
BumblebeesMon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8:30-11:30 Wed, 12-2:30 Arthur Hatton Elem.315 Chestnut Ave., 250.376.7217
Dragon Flies Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30 Marion Schilling Elem., 2200 Park Dr.250.376.2027
Eagles’ Nest Mon-Fri, 8:45-11:15South Sahali Elem., 1585 Summit Dr. 250.374.2451
YMCA Child Interactive CentreMon-Fri 9-12 Southwest Y/CCRRUnit E, 1420 Hugh Allan Dr250-372-7791
Prenatal and Postpartum Care Birth Matters - Jodi AndersonDoula and Childbirth [email protected] 250.819.2099
Boho BirthDoula services & prenatal educationAmanda Barker [email protected]
Breastfeeding CentreDrop in breastfeeding info and helpKamloops Health Unit 519 Columbia St 250.851.7300 Mon 1- 4, Thurs 9 - 12
Cathy Lidster, B.Sc., GCFP, HBCE, ABF Happier healthier mom and baby with nutritional support, Pregnant Pauses, Hypnobirthing, and Access BARS.CB Wellness Centre .Com#102 A - 153 Seymour St. 250.819.9041 or 250.374.7383
CBWellness.ComPregnacy Programs*Aqua Prenatal * Watsu * Prenatal Journey * Pregnant PausesFree Consultation ph: 250 374 7383
Mighty Oak Midwifery Personal, professional, woman-centered maternity care. 250.377.8611 www.mightyoakmidwifery.ca
Tiny Blessings Prenatal Prenatal education focusing on late preg-nancy, labor & delivery, breastfeeding, & newborn care. 250-819-0510www.tinyblessingsprenatal.com
Welcome to the Babyhood Your resource for child passenger safety and cloth diaper education.Jennifer Harbaruk 250.572.1717www.welcometothebabyhood.com
Photography Captured Memories PhotographyChildren • Engagement • Family • Gradua-tion • Maternity • Newborns • [email protected] 250.320.6558
Life Unfolding Photography Photography for all your little wild thingsMoms with Camera’s facilitatorwww.lifeunfolding.ca
Milk & Honey PhotographyLisa [email protected]
Sunbeams and Freckles PhotographyCapturing those intimate, everyday mo-ments that often go [email protected]
Real Estate and Investments Chelsea Mann, Realtor Century 21 - Desert Hills [email protected] www.kamloopshomes.net
Karen Lanoue Canadian Scholarship TrustBoost your post-secondary education savings by $7200 [email protected] 250.573.2299
Ken Featherstone, Realtor Royal LePage Westwin RealtyPersonal Real Estate Corp. 250.374.1461 [email protected]
Women’s Clothing Jenni Couture Clothing and accessories that compare to your favourite designer labels for a frac-tion of the cost! fb/[email protected]
The Ruby Room New & Recycled Fashion265 Victoria Street250.828.7829
Community Resource Directory
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Community Events Calendar presented by:
Dec 1-2: Children’s Winter Art Show The Old Courthouse Cultural Centre
Dec 1-19: Rebuilding Stained Glass Art Show and Fundraiser Silent auction of amazing ‘experiences.’ Wilson House Extension Gallery. M-F, 1:15 - 5
Dec 1-8: A Christmas Story Sagebrush Theatre www.kamloopslive.ca
Dec 1 (Cont): Chapters Craft and Storytime Saturdays 11-12pm 250.377.8468 (free)
Dec 1/8/15: Visions Farmers Market Sahali Mall 10-2:30pm
Dec 1: Kamloops Home Based Business Show St Andrews on the Square 11-3pm ($1)
Dec 1: Teen Yoga Session North Kamloops Library, 11am (free) 250.554.1124
Dec 1: Family Art Saturday Kamloops Art Gallery, 1pm-3pm (free)
Dec 2: Christmas Market Thistle Farm, 11am-5pm (free)
Dec 2: Kamloops Young Naturalist Club Bird Count 1-3pm ([email protected])
Dec 2 (Cont): Kamloops Library Family Storytime Kamloops Library, 1-1:30pm
Dec 2: Christmas Oratorio St Paul’s Anglican Church, 2pm ($20, special rates for families)
Dec 3: Toonie Day Sun Peaks, 9-3pm ($2 + non-perishable food donation)
Dec 3 (Cont): Tiny Tunes North Kamloops Library, 10:15-10:45am (free)
Dec 3 (Cont): Tiny Tunes Kamloops Library, 10:15-10:45am (free)
Dec 4/ Jan 8: Mom’s Morning Out Mighty Oak Midwifery, 11am – 1pm (free)
Dec 5: Toys for Kids Hotel 540, 7-10am, (new, unwrapped toy or $10 donation)
Dec 6 (Cont): Shambhala Meditation Thurs 7:00pm, 433b Lansdowne St.
kamloopsshambhala.org 250.376.4224
Dec 6: Super Science Club Big Little Science Centre, afterschool-4pm ($5)
Dec 7(Cont): Connexions Southwest Community Church, 9:30-11:30am ($5)
Dec 7: First Steps Drop-in Public Health, 519 Columbia St, 1-2:30pm (free)
Dec 8/Jan 12: Home Depot Kids Building Workshop Home Depot, 10-12am, free
Dec 8: Surf with Santa Canada Games Aquatic Centre, 1-4pm
Dec 8: Yoga and Dance for Kamloops Food Bank Let’s Move Studio 2-8pm (non-perishable food donation)
Dec 8: Christmas Frolics Calvary Community Church, 7pm ($10 adults, $5 children)
Dec 9: Breakfast with Santa Coast Hotel & Conference Centre Ballroom, 8am ($12)
Dec 9: Christmas Market Thistle Farm, 11am-5pm (free)
Dec 9: Cloth Diaper 101 Lizzie Bits Baby Co., 1-2pm (free)
Dec 9 (Cont): Family Storytime Kamloops Library, 1-1:30pm (free)
Dec 9: Christmas Frolics Calvary Community Church, 2pm ($10 adults, $5 children)
Dec 10 (Cont): Tiny Tunes Kamloops Library, 10:15-10:45 (free)
Dec 13: Super Science Club Big Little Science Centre, afterschool-4pm ($5)
Dec 14-Jan 6: BC Wildlife Park Wildlights BC Wildlife Park, 5-9pm ($11 adults, $9 children) 250.573.3242 ext 226
Dec 15: Children’s Christmas Craft Workshop Parkview Activity Centre, 9-12pm (250.828.3500, $45)
Dec 15: Christmas Half Day Camp Rivercity Gymnastics, 9-12pm ($20 first child, $15 add’l child)
Dec 15: Swim with Santa Westsyde Pool, 1-4pm
Dec 15: Santa’s Alpine Visit Sun Peaks Village, 3-7pm (free)
Dec 15/16: Christmas with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra Sagebrush Theatre, 7:30pm
Dec 16: Christmas Market Thistle Farm, 11am-5pm (free)
Dec 16: CP Holiday Train North Side of Interior Savings Centre, 5:30pm
Dec 17/ Jan 21: Kamloops Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support Group 205-535 Tranquille Rd, 7 – 8:30pm 250.376.4646
Dec 19 (Cont): Family Fun Skating Night Sun Peaks Skating Rink, 5-6:30pm (free)
Dec 19/20: Kamloops Heritage Railway Spirit of Christmas CN Station, 7pm (250.374.2141)
Dec 21: Family Fun Race Sun Peaks, 10:30-2pm ($5)
Dec 21/22: Kamloops Heritage Railway Spirit of Christmas CN Station, 4:30 pm & 7pm (250.374.2141)
Dec 24: Breakfast with Santa (Sun Peaks) Masa’s Bar and Grill, 8am ($5)
Dec 24-31: Puss in Boots: the Panto Presented by Laughing Stock Theatre, Matinee + Evening shows www.kamloopslive.ca
Dec 31: New Years’ Eve Family Dinner and Dance at Rainbow Roost w ww.rainbowroost.com
Jan 2-16: Sun Peaks Family Cup A celebration of family and snow sports 250.578.5542
Jan 11(Cont): Connexions Southwest Community Church, 9:30-11:30am ($5)
Jan 20: Young Naturalist Club Explorer Day 1-3, [email protected]
Jan 22: Walloper Lake Family Ice Fishing Day 10-2, by donation
Jan 26: ABC Family Literacy Day 10-1pm, Storytellers, musicians, puppet shows, crafts, Henry Grube Centre (free)
Have an event? Tell us about it and we’ll put it in our Community Events Calendar for [email protected] us on Facebook!
Visit www.KamloopsParents.com for a complete, up-to-date calendar of family-friendly events!
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