Sullivan & Sawyer {The Blog}

Just PackIt!

September 13, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

Perhaps one of the most stressful things for me as newly converted health nut was what and how I was going to pack Sullivan’s lunch and 2 snacks for school. I don’t want to fall into a habit of sending a bunch of pre-packaged things for him to eat all day. This food is meant to fuel him through a long day (for a toddler) and I want to provide the best options I can. I’m still figuring out how to include all the things I want and to make sure he’s having enough protein at lunch and such. His school is nut-free so things like the good ‘ol PB&J are out of the question.

When I saw a post on Charmingly Chandler this summer talking about PackIt I thought it would be perfect to pack a nice big lunch without having to add ice packs and such that would just get lost. When I saw one at my local Winners store I was quick to grab it and knew it would be perfect! It also doen’t have all kinds of logos and such that come on traditional kids lunch pails = win!

The lunch bag folds up and you just place it in the freezer until your ready to use it. It keeps his lunch nice and cold all day long! Now that I think about it I’m going to add a Mabel’s label to it just incase it finds legs and walks away while he’s at school!

For yesterday’s lunch he requested:

pancakes (i snuck a bananna into the batter)
green pepper
apple
unsweetened apple sauce
jam sandwhich
cheese and multigrain crackers

What do you pack for protein in your kids lunch?

Filed Under: School Lunches, Sullivan

Budding Fashionista!

September 13, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

Sawyer’s outfits this week have been pretty awesome. Tuesday was her first day of pre-school and I had a cute skirt, t-shirt & blazer combo picked out. Of course that morning she wanted absolutely NOTHING to do with what I had picked. Seriously as I was putting things on her she was ripping them off. So on her first day of school she went wearing a day-old outfit (ya I know)! Thank goodness it was still clean!

Top: Hello Kitty NYC | Pants: GapKids | Bag: Hello Kitty Messenger Bag from Italy | Boots: Joe Fresh

I’m not sure which is a better outfit. The above or the one she chose to wear on Sully’s 2nd day of school…

Blazer: GapKids | Top: Gap Kids | Shorts: Joe Fresh | Boots: Joe Fresh | Bag: Hello Kitty Messenger Bag from Italy

The girl loves her shoes and I can’t wait for the rest of the fall outfits we cook up!

Filed Under: Sawyer, Toddler Fashion

“Mom Go back I Saw Somethin’ Funny”

September 11, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

After we took Sawyer to pre-school Sullivan and I went to the grocery store to pick up some things for his lunches this week and I was out of eggs and apples! As we were walking to the checkout he says “Mom go back I saw somethin’ funny” and then pushes my cart back a few feet. What follows is a perfect example of shelf placement. He recognized his vitamins logo except now there was a new one in the collection and he thought the pear looked pretty funny and immediately asked if he could get them.

Our IronKids Colletion

Since we don’t eat a lot of traditional fibre sources in this house (bread, pasta, etc.) I thought this might be a good addition to their current vitamin routine. We all eat lots of veggies but I figured a little extra fibre can’t hurt anyone. Here’s what Sully thought of them…

They make them for adults too and I’ve tried a few products from their line and like them. Thinking I may pick up the fibre ones for myself!

Do your kids take vitamins? What kind? Do you notice a difference?

(*This is NOT a compensated post. I wrote it because I truly love the product and wanted to share something awesome with you*)

Filed Under: FitKids

Building Imagination, Block by Block

September 4, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago Sullivan’s love for all things Lego exploded. I had been purchasing the single car/truck sets where we used the instructions to build to to the exact specs of what they laid out for you. He loved playing with these cars as is but eventually they would fall apart or pieces would come off.

All the pieces getting set-up for their new creations.

Around this same time they were finished daycare and at home with me during the day. To fill some time and have some fun we would make regular trips to the Lego store where they are free to play and build whatever they can imagine. On one of our trips I suprised them by buying a large set of 650 blocks – just blocks – no instructions. They also each got 1 piece of “grass”, the large green square piece of Lego. I split the large set into 2 bins – each marked with their name. They were told they were responsible for their bins and keeping track of their sets…so far this is actually working & it’s keeping me from stepping on Lego!

Some of the “stock” cars that have been modified by Sully

The creations I’ve seen him come up with over the last few weeks have been quite amazing. He plans it all out and trys to make all kinds of “scenes” out of Lego. It’s a great way for boys to better their fine motor skills as some of the blocks are quite tiny.

A house, a derby track, a patch of grass, and stands for people to watch the derby.

It’s safe to say we’ve quickly become lego fans in this house! I love that he can play it quietly while his sister naps and it really fosters his creativity – which I love! It also helps increase his attention span and patience which is awesome!

A custom build by Sully

Filed Under: Sullivan, Toys

Get The Kids Moving With Zamzee

August 31, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

While at BlogHer this year I found this awesome company called Zamzee. Since I’ve began my health & fitness journey the kids have expressed an interest in fitness and I want to foster that all I can. I know Sullivan is a bit younger than they recommend for this awesome little toy but I think he’s pretty smart and loves all things tech.

The Zamzee in Blue.

While taking with the rep at BlogHer I was telling her about the blogs (I also write believetrustchange.com) and they offered me one to have Sullivan give it a try. It took me a few weeks once I was home to get to setting it up but now that I have Sullivan loves checking his points!

All you have to do is download the data center from their website and install it on your computer…

Install on your computer and you’ll be ready to transfer your data after each activity.

Then you set up a user name and password and start browsing the rewards they offer. As a parent you can top up the rewards and choose different rewards. Pretty cool stuff.

pick a user name and set up your profile

Then get active and they start earning rewards!

Start shopping!

Sully likes to carry it in his pocket and check out cool things like a dirt bike race and hike the course!

Checking out dirt bikes & walking the course

This is such a cool little gadget and now Sawyer keeps asking for one – guess I’m buying her a pink (as per her request) one. Fitness is such an important part of growing up I hope I’ve started early enough to give the kids a good foundation and that I am creating a passion for fitness in them!

The awesome people at Zamzee gave me an extra one at BlogHer to give to one of my awesome readers! I’ll be posting this on BelieveTrustChange.com as well and picking ONE winner from all the comments. Leave a comment below and let me know why you think fitness is important for kids. Closes September 8th, 2012.

Filed Under: Family Fun, FitKids, Sullivan, Toys

Let The Adventure Begin!

August 23, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

This week marked the start of the kids being home with me full time! Monday we toured the museum in the city and then Tuesday we started off by heading out to this cool toy store where the kids can play lego and even race the cards and stuff they build!

They love it there and could play for hours and hours. It would be a great activity to fill a rainy morning! Then we headed out to the farmers market to stock up on peppers and strawberries. There wasn’t any lines at the pony ride so I thought I’d treat them to a ride!

Riding The Ponies!

After the market we went on a few other little jobs and still made it home in time for lunch! We then spent the afternoon building and playing with the lego we picked up at the store and having a bit of quiet time….sort of! Sawyer doesn’t sit still…EVER – so not much quiet was had!

Day 2 was a success but I forgot just how much energy it takes to hang with 2 energized toddlers all day! I’ve been spoiled by having them in daycare for a year and quickly forgot all the things I don’t get done in a day when I have my little helpers along side.

What are your secrets to getting things done with 2 toddlers in tow? How do you make it work?

Filed Under: Sawyer, Sullivan, Toys

Getting Our #ShineOn With the GAP Kids!

August 19, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by GapKids. Check out all the fun Shine On activities at your nearest Gap store. For event dates and locations, visit Gap’s Facebook page and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #ShineOn.

Yesterday I headed into the city to check out this awesome FREE event the GAP is hosting in their GAPkids stores in select cities. The kids got to make cute little journals to take home. The ladies that were running the event were SUPER nice and (I think) truly enjoyed working with the kids. I’ve always been a GAP fan, but this event is a nice way for them to give back and inspire kids to be creative.

#ShineOn with the GAP!

The craft of the day was cute little journals with their names on them. They got to pick out the cover stock, the kind of binding tape and then all kinds of stickers and things to decorate with. The kids got to walk away with something they helped create every step of the way and it was just for them – no two were the same! Events & crafts like these allow the kids to express their creativity in a variety of way – expression through art is something that I think is important and allows them to feel like they are in control.

I can see making more of these in the future!

Be sure to check out the final event next weekend (August 25th) at Square One in Mississauga from 10-1. #ShineOn #CleverGap

For dates & times check out the Gap on Facebook! #SHINEON

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: Family Fun, Sawyer, Sullivan

The Princess Tutu

August 15, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

Yesterday while sorting through Sawyer’s clothes I found her little tutu that I bought her before she was born. She’s worn it a few times over the years but I didn’t think it still fit. She was so excited when I showed her it immediately got put on and has yet to come off {she slept in it}.

After dinner we went out for a bounce and in true princess style she got her exercise in while wearing a tutu…

When I left for the gym last night she was still wearing it and I didnt expect to see her roll out of bed this morning sporting ruffles but she did. This is how we went to daycare today:

Oh you don’t have a tutu for your tiger bike?

I love toddler fashion. They wear what makes THEM happy. Her friend said to her when she arrived “Oh Sawyer, you look soooo pretty”. {i die.}/

Filed Under: FitKids, Sawyer Tagged With: Fit Kids, sawyer, toddler fashion, trampoline

It’s National S’mores Day!

August 10, 2012 By Mom 1 Comment

So today is national S’More day. It also happens to be my “free” meal day. Coincidence? I think not! Last summer I would have enjoyed S’Mores day literally and ate them the entire day. Now, I can have just one (ok, maybe 2) and be completely satisfied with that and truly enjoy the flavors of the snack instead of just piling it in my mouth. I think this is also a great opportunity to teach the kids about these kinds of treats are OK in moderation and that they are just that, a treat.

When I was at BlogHer I checked out the Hershey suite – I’ve never seen a hotel room transformed into a campground before! When the UPS man knocked on the door today I was pleasantly surprised to find this awesome gift basket from Hershey!

The awesome folks at Hershey want you to join in the S’Mores fun! They are offering one lucky reader a gift basket of their own and the only thing I’d like you to do is comment on this post about why you love S’Mores! This post will be on our sister blog believetrustchange.com and I will be drawing 1 (one) winner total. Please only add 1 comment per person (email address) – I will delete multiple entries. Closes Sunday August 12th 9pm EST.

Now, even though it is my “free” meal day I still like to do things as healthy as possible. I will be using dark chocolate in mine! This is the one I found that I’m going to use…Hershey Special Dark Mildly Sweet.

For 1 S’More You Looking at:
2 Crakers 130cal
1 Serving Chocolate 35cal
1 Marshmallow 25cal
TOTAL: 190 Calories per S’More

Family Time with S’mores – Make National S’mores Day a family affair by getting everyone involved. Little ones can be in charge of assembling the graham crackers and Hershey’s milk chocolate, while adults and older children take care of toasting the marshmallows. Once the S’mores are ready, dig in and enjoy this tasty treat together. Remember, this is a treat – have fun celebrating this fun day!

For more information about National S’mores Day or to experience Camp Bonfire, visit Hershey’s brand Facebook page.

Filed Under: Family Fun

Shine On Saturday with GAP Kids!

August 9, 2012 By Mom Leave a Comment

I wanted to share this awesome event happening over the next few Saturday’s at select local GAP Kids stores! It looks like a lot of fun! If art is involved than my kids are pretty much guarenteed to LOVE it! I can’t wait to check it out at our local store!

If you’re not busy on Saturday you should totally check this out:

Saturday August 11th, 2012 • 10am to 1pm
GapKids @ Toronto Eaton Centre
260 Younge St., Toronto

Saturday August 18th, 2012 • 10am to 1pm
GapKids @ Yorkdale
3401 Dufferin St., Toronto

Saturday August 25th, 2012 • 10am to 1pm
GapKids @ Square One
100 City Centre Dr.
Mississauga, ON

I’ll have a re-cap of this event posted next week! I’m hoping to get some cute photos and maybe even some videos!

Here’s some of the awesome things happening at these great Shine On Saturday events:

Unleash your inner artist! Join us for a series of special art projects by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag
Designed by Merrilee Liddiard of Mer Mag, the projects were inspired by the GapKids and babyGap fall collection, including the best new 1969 denim - Jewel Box Skinnies for girls (the new skinny jean updated in bright stretchy denim) and Action Stretch Denim for boys (designed for play all day- it’s denim that’s made to move).
From creating geometric masterpieces on canvas using paint and tape to colorful, custom journals to get kids ready for back-to-school, the projects help kids express their creativity!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Filed Under: Sawyer, Sullivan