canadian

Discover Handmade Treasures from Across Canada with the Canadian Originals Subscription Box-Giveaway

June 20, 2017 by Kathryn 41 Comments

As somebody that loves to travel, I absolutely adore discovering handcrafted trinkets from around the world. Whether it’s a treasure discovered on a vacation, like my embroidered Romanian blouse and Irish crystal glasses, or something shipped to my door like my painted salt and pepper shakers from the Palestine Territories, those little mementos let me enjoy the world’s beauty in the comfort of my own home. But on my quest for the world’s most stunning handmade goods, I sometimes forget how many beautiful arts and crafts are created right here in my own country of Canada!

That’s why I’m loving the idea behind the Canadian Originals subscription box. Each month, a box packed with artisan goods created by talented Canadians arrives at the lucky recipient’s front door to enjoy. From food to beauty products to wall art, the variety means the whole family will find products to love. And discovering great new products and companies right here in Canada is always a treat! I recently received the debut July Subscription Box, celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday, to review and I couldn’t wait to check out the contents.

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Canadian Tire Has All The Best Cars 3 Gear for Your Favourite Racing Fan this Summer

May 30, 2017 by Kathryn 17 Comments

When my oldest son was just a toddler, Disney’s Cars was his hands-down favourite movie. He dreamed of being a race car driver when he grew up, and watching Lighting McQueen’s adventures on the road to the Piston Cup (not to mention the important lesson he learns along the way), always had Zackary cheering throughout every action-packed scene.

cars 3 lunch gear — Photo Credit: Canadian Tire

A few years later, my oldest was able to introduce his little brother to the characters he loved in a brand-new way when Cars 2 debuted. And now, with Cars 3 hitting theatres in just a few weeks, I know both boys will be anxious to check it out…and introduce their new little brother to the movie when he’s old enough too! But while we all eagerly wait for Disney’s Cars 3 to be released on June 16, Canadian Tire is helping us leap into the fun early with a hot new line of Cars 3 merchandise available just in time for summer fun. [Read more…]

DIY Step-by-Step FRAM Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter Replacement

August 31, 2016 by Kathryn 1 Comment

Disclaimer: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FRAMFresh #CollectiveBias

With fall just around the corner, it’s a great time to tune up the car so that it’s ready for the busy back-to-school season. And even though I don’t have a whole lot of experience with car maintenance, I know that there are a lot of little things I can do myself rather than paying a mechanic. Last year, I taught myself to change my car’s oil. This year, I knew that my car’s air filter and cabin air filter were both due to be changed. So I decided to change them myself in preparation for winter…with a little help from FRAM!

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During the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, P&G is Saying Thank You, Mom

June 23, 2016 by Kathryn 44 Comments

Every time the Olympic Games roll around, P&G honours both the athletes competing in the events and the moms that sacrificed so much to make their children’s dreams come true, both with amazing sponsorships and a moving commercial in honour of mothers everywhere. Watching the inspirational videos dedicated to the hard work of the moms never fails to make me tear up, and this year is no exception.

I have to say, though, that I think this year the video touched me even more than usual, because my mom has been going through one of her toughest battles to date. She’s always been an epitome of strength to me, raising five children on her own and making numerous sacrifices to ensure our happiness. But over the last year, she’s shown her strength even more in a battle against breast cancer.

Hearing the words come out of her mouth just over six months ago was heartbreaking. Her mother, my grandmother, died of breast cancer when I was just a preschooler, so the diagnosis struck immediate fear into my heart. The treatment was a mastectomy and a test done on a sample of lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. We were all hopeful that the test would come back clean and the mastectomy would be the end of it. [Read more…]

Come Join the Canadian Tire #JumpstartMonth Twitter Party on June 7 at 8pm EST and Help Kids Get in the Game

June 3, 2016 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

For the first time in a few years, both my boys are participating in organized sports this spring. Benjamin decided he wanted to play soccer, while Zackary chose baseball. Both boys have made some new friends, developed lots of new skills and learned about teamwork and the value of cooperation. My energetic oldest son has even done some pitching!

Seeing my boys grow and develop as part of a sports team was worth every penny I paid to register them for their chosen sports. But for some parents, that extra money just isn’t available. That’s why Canadian Tire started the Jumpstart program. The charity helps pay registration fees for kids in need so that they can reap the many benefits of being on an organized sports team. And since June is Jumpstart Month at Canadian Tire, it’s a great time to show your support for this worthy cause!

To kick off Jumpstart Month in style, Canadian Tire is hosting a fantastic Twitter party that you won’t want to miss. Come join the #JumpstartMonth Twitter party on June 7 at 8pm EST and chat with special Olympic guests Hayley Wickenheiser, Meaghan Mikkelson and Benoit Huot about the importance of organized sports and how you can help support Jumpstart in your community.

Best of all, there’s $1000 in prizes to be won for those that take part, so make sure to mark your calendar and get ready for fun. Please note that prizes are available to Canadians only, excluding Quebec, but everyone is welcome to join in the conversation! And if you’re new to Twitter parties, you may want to follow along on Twubs.

One of my favourite things about Canadian Tire Jumpstart is that all the money raised in a community stays in that community. So supporting Jumpstart means that you’re helping local kids get off the sidelines and into the game! Whether a child wants to try a new sport or continue a favourite one, everybody can reap the benefit of organized sports thanks to Jumpstart!

Date: Tuesday June 7, 2016
Time: 8:00pm ET
Hashtag: #JumpStartMonth
Hosts: @CanadianTire – @CTJumpstart
Guests: @wick_22 – @Mikkelson12 – @benhuot
Prizing: $1000 in Canadian Tire Gift Cards
NO RSVP