THANK YOU!!!!

Dearest Clarity,
In the last week or so, I have noticed how much my daughter has been complaining and constantly focusing on the things she doesn't have, instead of what she does have.  I wish I could have that toy! How come I can't do that!  It's no fair that you are going out!  Aaaaaahhhh! It is driving me crazy!!!!!! So I decided that every night when we are cuddling together, getting ready for her to close her beautiful eyes and rest her precious munchkin mind and body, we will think and reflect on all that we have.  

We take turns saying at least one thing we feel thankful for.  Yesterday she was thankful for getting to do crafts, and today it was for spending time with her Nonna (grandmother).  It's so important to remind ourselves and our children of all that we have.  It's so easy to feel sorry for ourselves, and dwell on the negative when you are so drained and stressed. I know I'm guilty of it too, at times.  We forget how lucky we are just to have each other, shelter, water, love and freedom.  All the simple things that so many people in this world don't have.  So today and from now on, I am gonna make it my mission to say thank you!

PIZZA PICNIC MOVIE PARTY NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dearest Clarity,
It's Friday night and my daughter and I just had a PIZZA PICNIC MOVIE PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!! It was so fun! We put tons of blankets and pillows on the floor, ordered a yummy pizza and watched Ramona and Beezus, which I must say was so adorable!  I wanted to share this with you all because during our party, I realized how important it is for us to do little things like this with our kids.  I think giving our children some good quality one on one time is something we can easily forget to do.  Life is so crazy and busy, it just passes us by.  They need it, we need it and let's be honest, they aren't gonna want to hang with us for very long.  So if you haven't spent some quality time with your munchkin in a while, you should try to.  Color with them, bake something together or have a dance party, what ever you do I think you'll be happy you did it. 

Happy Pizza Picnic Movie Party Night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here fishy fishy fishy!

Dearest Clarity,
I am sooooooooo tired all the time.  Finding energy these days is not easy.  As a mom I know this isn't changing any time soon.  I usually have my share of coffee to keep me going, but that doesn't even work for me anymore.  It just ends up giving me a little high and then an even bigger low.  

A while ago my mom got me into taking fish oils and vitamin D everyday, but I stopped for a bit because honestly, I just forgot. But I have recently gotten back into it, and I have to say out of everything that helps the most, this is it.  They are both great to take for soooo many reasons and not just for us, but for our munchkins too.  Since I have started taking them my energy level has gone up and I just feel better, more clear headed and healthy.  

Fish oils are supposed to help people with anything from depression and anxiety to acne to weight loss and on and on.http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-fish/health-benefits-of-fish-oil.html  My daughter takes both everyday as well.  Especially when she starts coming down with something, I give her double the amount of D's and it works every time. http://www.oprah.com/health/Why-Knowing-Your-Vitamin-D-Levels-Might-Save-Your-Life/1 

They have mini fish oil capsules for kids that come in different fruity flavours, and they have D drops you can give your kids that taste just like water.  They are healthy and can help you and your little ones, especially when we know that they're not eating enough healthy foods.  Yes, they aren't cheap, but if there is one thing that's worth spending money on it's your health and your child's health.  So if you can, I encourage you to make them both a part of your daily routine. In the morning with breakfast or any time you remember.  Trust me you will notice a difference! 

This link is for the health food store I go to in Roncesvalles village.  They have great prices, are very friendly and they always know the answers to all my questions.


http://www.qinaturalfoods.com/

SANTA CLAUS PARADE!!!!! WOOOP! WOOOP!

It's that time of year again! Time for the Santa Claus parade, this Sunday November 21st.  I find it chaotic and claustrophobic personally, but the kids love it!  If you're going, remember to layer, bring snacks and watch out for the intense parents that will do anything to get their kids to the front.  Hahahahaha! Believe me they will be there.  Here is a website that will give you the time of the parade, the route, some tips and even an iPHONE app that you can download for the fun day!  For those who will be there HAVE FUN, BE SAFE and drink lot's of hot chocolate! 

http://www.thesantaclausparade.ca/

It's not always about the toys

Dearest Clarity,
As a single parent it can be very hard to provide the extras for our munchkins, like dance class, gymnastics or swimming.  This year I have decided to ask anyone in my friends or family that usually gets her lots of gifts or expensive ones, to instead contribute to the cost of her extra curricular activities.  

Of course they can still get her a little something to open, but instead of spending money on a toy she will probably only play with for a few weeks, they can get her something she will enjoy, learn and grow from.  I know for myself it can be really hard to ask for help all the time.  I want to be able to provide everything my munchkin needs and wants but it's not always possible, and I think its a perfect opportunity to get that help. I wanted to share this idea for anyone that can relate.  Soooo if you are someone who can, it might not be a bad idea.  :)

ADELE 'Rolling In The Deep' (Studio Footage)

Adele I missed you! I loooove her! One of my fave voices. ENJOY!!!!!!

Shadeism

Dearest Clarity
I just finished watching this short documentary on shadeism, and I thought it was something that should be shared.  I have a child from mixed roots and I'm always trying different ways to help her stay connected to who she is.   She has already began asking questions about why her skin is different then mine? or why is her brother darker than her? why can't she comb her hair like her friends can?  This tells me that her awareness of different colors and races is opening up bigger and bigger.  

As a parent of a child who comes from two different races, I think it is so important to surround them with both sides of who they are, encourage them to love who they are, and teach and show them that beauty comes in all different colors, shapes and sizes. This is especially important because most of who or what they see in the media, only represents one or two races which is mainly on the light side. 

This video is a perfect way to start thinking about these issues and remind ourselves that they exist.  Especially as a woman and mother coming from a Canadian/Italian background, it's not something I have had to necessarily deal with.  Watching videos or reading books, talking to people of different color or races and understanding these issues, is a necessary part in bringing our beautiful children up to be comfortable in their own skin.

Just click on the link below to get to the video.  Enjoy!


http://vimeo.com/16210769