Kids Can Watch, Learn and Play this Spring Break with These 3 New Must-See Netflix Series #StreamTeam

March 15, 2016 by Kathryn 2 Comments

Unlike kids in Ontario, my boys don’t have their spring break until the Easter holidays arrive next week. But even though I still have time before Zackary and Benjamin are home for ten days of fun, that doesn’t mean I’m not already planning ways to keep them entertained! Luckily, Netflix Canada helped to prepare me with a Spring Break surprise pack filled with crafts, toys, treats and more…along with some fun Netflix streaming suggestions, of course! Looking for ways to keep your little ones entertained over Spring Break? These three shows, with some related additional activities, are sure to be a hit!

The Mr. Peabody & Sherman Show

Season Two of this fun-filled cartoon is available on March 18, 2016, and one of the things that I love most about it is the fact that it combines education with entertainment. Learning about famous historical figures isn’t something that’s usually so enjoyable, but the lovable genius dog and his adopted son are experts at combining learning and laughter! After watching an episode, take some time to let kids research the real historical figure in an equally entertaining way. Whether you decide to play one of Mozart’s most famous pieces or let kids build their own flying machine like the Wright Brothers, there’s all kinds of ways to explore historical heroes even more! [Read more…]

Tips for Fun and Safe Travel with Your Family this Spring Break #LSSS

April 1, 2014 by Kathryn 23 Comments

I have a few great passions in life and one of them has always been travel. Whether it’s a quick weekend trip to see family or a month-long vacation overseas, being out in the world exploring is something that I live to experience. And while I might occasionally wish for a vacation on my own just to recharge a bit, for the most part I absolutely love having my boys with me on my adventures.

But travelling with kids can be hard, especially when they sometimes don’t understand the simple safety tips that adults follow automatically. Benjamin is notorious for leaving his luggage unattended while he looks at some interesting thing he’s found in an airport. And Zackary often tries to rush ahead in crowded places simply not understanding that there are so many people that he might not be able to find me. Still, travelling with kids can be a great experience with a little preparation! That why this month as part of the Master Lock Live Secure Safety Squad, I’m sharing my top tips for travelling safely with your family:

In the Car

Make sure to check all car seats and ensure that the sizing is correct and that they are installed properly before heading out on a long trip. Car seats do have expiry dates so a road trip is the perfect time to make sure that the ones you’re using are still safe and valid.
Give your car a quick tune-up before leaving by checking the oil, antifreeze, washer fluid and tire pressure. Consider purchasing auto travel insurance for additional peace of mind while on a long road trip.

[Read more…]

Stay Connected During March Break with Ten Tips from TELUS for Travelling with your Smartphone-Giveaway

March 12, 2014 by Kathryn 405 Comments

March break is here and for many families, that means a trip across the border for a quick vacation or journey to visit family. In fact, one in four Canadians plan to escape winter by taking a trip down south. I love popping down to the United States for a few days of shopping, entertainment or sight-seeing, but I also want to share those moments with family and friends back home. Unfortunately, as soon as we cross the border, high charges for data, calls and texts have me avoiding using my phone at all if possible!

That’s why the Travel Passes from TELUS are so exciting to me. I have an amazing TELUS plan that offers me unlimited Canada-wide calling and texting as well as 4GB of data, more than I’ve ever needed in a month. But crossing into the United States means that the prices for all those phone uses goes up significantly. Now, luckily for me, a TELUS Travel Pass lets me make calls, text and use my data for as little as $25 per trip so that I can still use my phone even when I’m in another country. [Read more…]

Anna’s Budget Tips-Spring Break on a Budget

March 1, 2013 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

School-aged children around the country are eagerly anticipating the long awaited Spring Break or Spring Vacation. Most districts put school on pause for a week or even two some time in March or April giving students (and their teachers!) some much needed R&R. This time of year can also be a cause for concern among families on a budget – you know…those of us who can’t hop on a jet bound for the Maldives for a week of fun in the sun!

But don’t worry! It is entirely possible to create a fun-filled vacation without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and tricks to help, whether your plans involve being home with the little ones, some low cost travel or mom and dad working over the break.

tips for enjoying spring break on a budget [Read more…]