Get Kids Dreaming of Adventure with Travel Books from Lonely Planet Kids-Giveaway

April 23, 2018 by Kathryn 47 Comments

My family is a wee bit travel obsessed. In fact, on one occasion, we managed to fit eleven different trips into a single year! So, it goes without saying that we’re always daydreaming about our next vacation.

That’s why I’m so excited about getting to review some of the new children’s book titles from Lonely Planet Kids, distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books! These kids travel books are perfect for introducing children to the wonders of other countries, languages and ways of travel.

First Words: Japanese

I thought this would be a great book for introducing my older boys to some first words in another language, but it ended up being even better for Baby Cormac! The book features sturdy poster board pages and the proper pronunciation for a variety of basic words in Japanese. I like reading it out loud to Cormac so that he can develop an ear for other languages. And he loves looking at the simple, vibrant pictures on every page! [Read more…]

Fun Family Activities To Try on a 2-Day Vacation to Banff National Park

April 17, 2018 by Kathryn 26 Comments

For as long as I can remember, I have loved the picturesque town of Banff. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, it’s like a secret passageway into the wild world beyond. As a child, I stopped there with my parents on the way to visit family in B.C. As a teenager, I set out to explore the town with a car full of friends. And now, as an adult, I have the chance to introduce my boys to the spot that holds so many memories for me.

And if there’s a great spot for a family vacation, it’s Banff National Park! That’s why my husband and I recently decided to spend a few days exploring the town and surrounding area. And if you’re planning a trip of your own, these activities are perfect for families:

1) Climb to the Top of Tunnel Mountain

A trip to Banff National Park wouldn’t be complete without climbing to the top of a mountain! This climb is on the outskirts of Banff and while there are some tough stretches, it’s easily done with children. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and a few snacks! At the top, climbers are rewarded with a picturesque view of the town of Banff and the nearby mountains. [Read more…]

5 Tips for Traveling with a Wheelchair

September 27, 2017 by Kathryn Leave a Comment

Traveling has plenty of perks, but it also requires a lot of preparation. And that’s all the more true if you are in a wheelchair. The unexpected can happen during trips, and some events you may not be prepared for. For wheelchair users, the challenge is even greater, so you always need to think ahead and anticipate.

You deserve to have a great time on your vacation! So, to make the trip more enjoyable for yourself and everyone else that’s coming along on your trip, check out some of the tips for traveling with a wheelchair.

[Read more…]

The SmarTfold 500 7-in-1 Trike Takes Your Baby From Stroller to Tricycle

September 18, 2017 by Kathryn 39 Comments

One of the hardest things about having a baby is all the “stuff” that tends to accumulate as a little one grows. And that’s why I’ve always been a huge fan of products that grow along with my children. Whether it’s a car seat that converts to a booster or a crib that turns into a toddler bed, multi-use baby gear means more bang for my buck!

That’s why I was thrilled when SmarTrike offered me the chance to review the smarTfold 500 7-in-1 tricycle. Not only is this ingenious trike appropriate for babies from 9 months to 3 years, it’s also perfect for travelling! And with a trip to Europe being planned for this spring, I’m sure the SmarTfold will be essential. [Read more…]

7 Accessories Every Woman Needs in Her Beach Bag

September 16, 2017 by Kathryn 2 Comments

Oh, the beach. It is one of those places that we all dream of spending a warm, sunny day enjoying – maybe with a book or drink (or both) in hand – but sometimes the reality can be a little jarring. Especially if you find yourself without the necessary accessories. We all know that every beach outing requires sunscreen and a good bathing suit, but there are a few things that we sometimes don’t think about until it is too late. So, before you head off to the beach next time, make sure that you grab these seven accessories to throw in your beach bag.

A Great Beach Bag

First and foremost, if you need to fill your bag with the right beach necessities, you need the right beach bag. This bag needs to be large enough to meet all of your needs, have tons of pockets and compartments that can keep precious items away from the sand, be durable and sun resistant, and still look super cute and stylish. Thankfully, there are tons of companies that have this formula all figured out, so finding the right bag shouldn’t be too much of an effort. Check out Swim Wear Galore beach bags and find the perfect bag for all your beach days. [Read more…]