Have you ever had one of those days where things just got a little out of hand? One of those days where in the moment it all seems pretty stressful, but when you look back maybe it wasn't that terrible after all?
I think everybody gets wrapped up in their own job. You want to do the best you can do. You judge yourself more harshly than others would judge. But shouldn't we all give ourselves a break?
Most of our jobs aren't life or death situations. So, if something didn't get done quite right, or as quickly as you'd hoped, it's not truly the end of the world. Maybe give yourself a Kit Kat & give yourself a break.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Can you do 72?
In case of a serious natural disaster or other potentially life threatening situation, could you sustain yourself and your family for 72 hours?
The Government of Canada recommends that families be prepared to take care of themselves for 72 hours in the event of a large scale disaster. 72 hours should be enough time for help to arrive. But in order to receive help, you have to survive.
The tragedies in Japan, so fresh in our minds and on our televisions, should heighten personal awareness and cause everyone to think about their own situations and analyze our own potential hazards. I'm not saying "be selfish and only think of yourself." On the contrary, I'm saying do what you can to help others while they are in danger, but should that happen to you, how would you help YOURSELF.
What if rescue workers couldn't get to you? What if you were isolated by flood or fire? Think about the natural and man-made hazards that exist in your own personal location. Then prepare for your personal situation, and pray it never happens.
What is your evacuation route? How would you communicate is cell and Internet service was knocked out? What if roads were not useable? In the case of flood... what is higher ground? If your house roof was your only option, how would you and your children get up there. Things as simple as... know where your ladder is.
Non-perishable food supplies. I'm not saying buy out the grocery store, I'm saying have food and clean water supply available, enough to sustain your family for 72 hours. And think about the little details.... canned food, requires a can opener.
Who can you call for help? Do you have a phone book? They seem irrelevant now with Google, but what if you had no Internet service? Assume that 911 is flooded with critical life situations and could not take your call. Who would get to you? Who can help? This is when neighbors need each other. Do you know your neighbors?
Be a Boy Scout. Know that you could sustain yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. For more info, go to Get Prepared
The Government of Canada recommends that families be prepared to take care of themselves for 72 hours in the event of a large scale disaster. 72 hours should be enough time for help to arrive. But in order to receive help, you have to survive.
The tragedies in Japan, so fresh in our minds and on our televisions, should heighten personal awareness and cause everyone to think about their own situations and analyze our own potential hazards. I'm not saying "be selfish and only think of yourself." On the contrary, I'm saying do what you can to help others while they are in danger, but should that happen to you, how would you help YOURSELF.
What if rescue workers couldn't get to you? What if you were isolated by flood or fire? Think about the natural and man-made hazards that exist in your own personal location. Then prepare for your personal situation, and pray it never happens.
What is your evacuation route? How would you communicate is cell and Internet service was knocked out? What if roads were not useable? In the case of flood... what is higher ground? If your house roof was your only option, how would you and your children get up there. Things as simple as... know where your ladder is.
Non-perishable food supplies. I'm not saying buy out the grocery store, I'm saying have food and clean water supply available, enough to sustain your family for 72 hours. And think about the little details.... canned food, requires a can opener.
Who can you call for help? Do you have a phone book? They seem irrelevant now with Google, but what if you had no Internet service? Assume that 911 is flooded with critical life situations and could not take your call. Who would get to you? Who can help? This is when neighbors need each other. Do you know your neighbors?
Be a Boy Scout. Know that you could sustain yourself and your family for at least 72 hours. For more info, go to Get Prepared
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Westjet 15th Birthday Sale
Until March 17th, Westjet.com has sale prices on most of their destinations for travel up to the end of June. Depending on your travel interests and budgets, you may snag a deal to celebrate.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bacteria in your pillow
Eat your veggies and get your rest! Good advice that I think we can all agree is necessary for good health.
But did you know that the fluffy white pillow you rest your head on at night could be causing a host of health problems? Do you wake up "stuffy" or congested? Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Have asthma, allergies or feel groggy in the mornings? It could be because you've been breathing in bacteria, fungus, dust mites and worse. Even if you wash your pillow case every week, you could be harbouring a mass of health hazards under your head.
Pillows absorb germs, skin, bacteria and saliva when we sleep. Even with the cases washed in HOT water and dried on hot heat, the germs from the pillow itself can bounce right back into your lungs while you sleep.
What can and should be done? To extend the freshness of your pillow, use pillow protectors or antibacterial covers underneath your own decorative pillow case. And since most pillows don't respond well to washing machines, you may wish to simply give it 10-15 minutes in the dryer to kill bacteria. Paediatricians and allergy specialists recommend changing pillows every 6 months to year for allergy prone patients.
Bedding manufacturer, Martex, recommends that everyone replace their pillow at least every two years.
In my house, we get a "round of new pillows" each new year. "Out with the old and in with the new," I say.
There are new antimicrobial and antibacterial pillows on the market, and are priced as low as $10. (Loblaws/Superstore). Pillows come in all shapes, stuffing and sizes. Prices vary from 2/$8 at Walmart to $25 or more at specialty home retailers. Regardless of the pillow you chose, I believe it's a very small price to pay to breathe easier. So if it's 2 years old or more, it's gotta go!
But did you know that the fluffy white pillow you rest your head on at night could be causing a host of health problems? Do you wake up "stuffy" or congested? Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Have asthma, allergies or feel groggy in the mornings? It could be because you've been breathing in bacteria, fungus, dust mites and worse. Even if you wash your pillow case every week, you could be harbouring a mass of health hazards under your head.
Pillows absorb germs, skin, bacteria and saliva when we sleep. Even with the cases washed in HOT water and dried on hot heat, the germs from the pillow itself can bounce right back into your lungs while you sleep.
What can and should be done? To extend the freshness of your pillow, use pillow protectors or antibacterial covers underneath your own decorative pillow case. And since most pillows don't respond well to washing machines, you may wish to simply give it 10-15 minutes in the dryer to kill bacteria. Paediatricians and allergy specialists recommend changing pillows every 6 months to year for allergy prone patients.
Bedding manufacturer, Martex, recommends that everyone replace their pillow at least every two years.
In my house, we get a "round of new pillows" each new year. "Out with the old and in with the new," I say.
There are new antimicrobial and antibacterial pillows on the market, and are priced as low as $10. (Loblaws/Superstore). Pillows come in all shapes, stuffing and sizes. Prices vary from 2/$8 at Walmart to $25 or more at specialty home retailers. Regardless of the pillow you chose, I believe it's a very small price to pay to breathe easier. So if it's 2 years old or more, it's gotta go!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Flood Preparation
Spring flooding is becoming an annual occasion in our part of the country. While forecasting the event is becoming more and more sophisticated, you never can truly know when the water will rise and how rapidly.
What we DO know is that it spring comes every year and with it, sometimes, comes floodwaters. While you can not control Mother Nature, you can take charge of your own household and make flood preparations a part of your late winter routine.
One of the first things you can do is to call your insurance agent and have a conversation about your current insurance coverage. Does it cover overland flooding? Does it cover sewer back up? What if you have a backwater valve installed, will that reduce your deductible? Ask about your coverage in detail. The better informed you are, the fewer surprises you will have down the road.
Next, when was that last time you had a licensed plumber inspect your household plumbing? Are your drains clean, do you have a sump pump in your basement? Many municipalities that have flooding issues have initiated sump pump programs and subsidies for homeowners. Does your municipality offer this? If they do, the requirement is almost always that a licensed plumber install the sump pump and sign off on it. If this is the case in your area, you NEED to call a plumber well in advance to book your appointment.
Back in your basement you can take steps immediately. Move any keepsakes to higher ground. Consider putting your washer and dryer up on blocks or a pallet to get them off the floor. Remember to disconnect their electrical, or turn off the breaker, if flooding becomes imminent.
For items that are in permanent storage in your basement, can you enclose them in Rubbermaid totes, or other similar storage containers. Or would it be better to rent an off-site storage locker?
Finally, prepare yourself for short notice evacuation should the situation become serious. Pack at least an overnight back of your clothes, medications etc. Also in that bag you should include copies of your insurance policy, or at the very least your Insurance Agents' emergency contact number. Do you know where your pets might reside if you are forced to live at a hotel for a few days? What other things might you need?
Thinking through your evacuation plan and planning for flooding events will help you mitigate the damage and disruption to your household should a flood or other disaster occur.
What we DO know is that it spring comes every year and with it, sometimes, comes floodwaters. While you can not control Mother Nature, you can take charge of your own household and make flood preparations a part of your late winter routine.
One of the first things you can do is to call your insurance agent and have a conversation about your current insurance coverage. Does it cover overland flooding? Does it cover sewer back up? What if you have a backwater valve installed, will that reduce your deductible? Ask about your coverage in detail. The better informed you are, the fewer surprises you will have down the road.
Next, when was that last time you had a licensed plumber inspect your household plumbing? Are your drains clean, do you have a sump pump in your basement? Many municipalities that have flooding issues have initiated sump pump programs and subsidies for homeowners. Does your municipality offer this? If they do, the requirement is almost always that a licensed plumber install the sump pump and sign off on it. If this is the case in your area, you NEED to call a plumber well in advance to book your appointment.
Back in your basement you can take steps immediately. Move any keepsakes to higher ground. Consider putting your washer and dryer up on blocks or a pallet to get them off the floor. Remember to disconnect their electrical, or turn off the breaker, if flooding becomes imminent.
For items that are in permanent storage in your basement, can you enclose them in Rubbermaid totes, or other similar storage containers. Or would it be better to rent an off-site storage locker?
Finally, prepare yourself for short notice evacuation should the situation become serious. Pack at least an overnight back of your clothes, medications etc. Also in that bag you should include copies of your insurance policy, or at the very least your Insurance Agents' emergency contact number. Do you know where your pets might reside if you are forced to live at a hotel for a few days? What other things might you need?
Thinking through your evacuation plan and planning for flooding events will help you mitigate the damage and disruption to your household should a flood or other disaster occur.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tell your kids to GET OUT
It cuts back to basics. It's the simple truth... nothing... NOT A THING matters as long as your family is safe.
There was a house fire in our community last night. Parents and four children made it out alive (and unharmed) in the middle of the night. The house burnt to the ground. They made it out because they knew what to do and acted quickly. Possessions were irrelevant; people are everything.
Within hours of the tragedy, the community has come together to provide essential items, and is overflowing with support. They will be fine. Their community and school will ensure that.
But what I personally want everyone to do with their own family is to reinforce the "GET OUT" message when it comes to fire. Five-year-olds, and even younger understand that fire is dangerous and life threatening and should be avoided. Tell them, and show them, how to get out of their own bedrooms in case of fire. Show them it's ok to yell and scream when there is a fire and to NEVER EVER, under any circumstances hide when there is a fire. GET OUT is the only acceptable answer.
Older kids have questions and more sophisticated concerns. With them, listen and explore their fears and provide them with the most accurate, truthful, appropriate answers. My oldest child wanted to know exactly where we would go, and what we would do for clothes and food. I went over a detailed plan and explained how even if we had no clothes, Grandma would go out and get something immediately. (So we wouldn't have to go to a store in our pajamas.) My child didn't ask once about toys or keepsakes. Even children know instinctively what their basic needs are.
(I'll blog about fire safety, clutter and fire hazards another day.)
Schools and local fire departments go over fire safety education for our children. But it is critical you personalize it and map it out, and walk through it in your own home. Every home and layout is different. Identify all possible escape routes. Practice! Blow a whistle, or test your smoke alarm. Then GET OUT. Where is your meeting place? Who is the closest neighbor you can go to for help? You know the drill. Make sure your kids know it too!
There was a house fire in our community last night. Parents and four children made it out alive (and unharmed) in the middle of the night. The house burnt to the ground. They made it out because they knew what to do and acted quickly. Possessions were irrelevant; people are everything.
Within hours of the tragedy, the community has come together to provide essential items, and is overflowing with support. They will be fine. Their community and school will ensure that.
But what I personally want everyone to do with their own family is to reinforce the "GET OUT" message when it comes to fire. Five-year-olds, and even younger understand that fire is dangerous and life threatening and should be avoided. Tell them, and show them, how to get out of their own bedrooms in case of fire. Show them it's ok to yell and scream when there is a fire and to NEVER EVER, under any circumstances hide when there is a fire. GET OUT is the only acceptable answer.
Older kids have questions and more sophisticated concerns. With them, listen and explore their fears and provide them with the most accurate, truthful, appropriate answers. My oldest child wanted to know exactly where we would go, and what we would do for clothes and food. I went over a detailed plan and explained how even if we had no clothes, Grandma would go out and get something immediately. (So we wouldn't have to go to a store in our pajamas.) My child didn't ask once about toys or keepsakes. Even children know instinctively what their basic needs are.
(I'll blog about fire safety, clutter and fire hazards another day.)
Schools and local fire departments go over fire safety education for our children. But it is critical you personalize it and map it out, and walk through it in your own home. Every home and layout is different. Identify all possible escape routes. Practice! Blow a whistle, or test your smoke alarm. Then GET OUT. Where is your meeting place? Who is the closest neighbor you can go to for help? You know the drill. Make sure your kids know it too!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
What are you saving for?
Time to check in... how did February go? Did you take the 20% reduction challenge? Did you reduce your spending? Were you able to go through your clothes and other belongings and find things to donate?
I practice what I preach and am pleased to report that we did indeed cut spending by at least 20% in February. No new clothes or shoes came into our house. We didn't buy any gifts or random "wants" in February either. We stuck to our goals and no one is any worse for it.
Groceries were down only about 15%. However, we nearly cut out our eating-out budget all together. (One night we had Chinese food after out of town hockey games.) We even skipped take-out with the grandparents and instead bought a big family size lasagna at the grocery store once, and made ribs in the crock pot the other time.
Now I did have Starbucks three times in February. There has to be some small rewards. Two of those times came off a gift card I had previously received, so I don't even count them. LOL.
Most importantly, to me, I got through that laundry pile and managed to donate 7 boxes of clothing to the second hand store. I did keep the very best of the kids' clothes for a friend. The best part about this "chore" is a genuine reduction in laundry. The way I look at it, my kids only wear about 6 different shirts and 4 pairs of pants right now anyway, why do they need 30 that they "sort of like" or are old, in their closet to choose from? With fewer clothes in the house, we have to do laundry more frequently but that's actually a good thing. It doesn't pile up and make a big headache or mess.
A reduction in "stuff" and a reduction in bills is fantastic. But ultimately, what are you saving and what are you saving for? When it comes to laundry, you can be certain that less laundry means less water used and less detergent. It also means less personal time and stress on that chore. It can free up more time for cooking, or baking or enjoying outdoor activities.
Financially, I'm saving for vacations and to put together a better rainy-day fund than currently exists. I'm also teaching my kids to value their money and to spend it after careful consideration. If it takes "chores" (for them) to earn money (allowance) then they understand better that what they spend that money on better be worth it. And kids learn a lot when you make them an active participant in grocery shopping. When I tell them they can spend $5 on snacks, you better believe they look at the prices and try to get the most for their money.
On a related note, Bank of Montreal just announced a great deal for kids. For youth under 16 who open up a savings account at Bank of Montreal, in March and April, they will give you $25. You have to put your own $25 in first, and maintain that minimum balance for at least 60 days. But isn't that a great incentive for your kids? Bank of Montreal will match their first $25 in savings! Wouldn't that be amazing... to help them watch their savings grow as they do the same?
Here's the link to check it out : Bank of Montreal Kids' Savings Offer
I practice what I preach and am pleased to report that we did indeed cut spending by at least 20% in February. No new clothes or shoes came into our house. We didn't buy any gifts or random "wants" in February either. We stuck to our goals and no one is any worse for it.
Groceries were down only about 15%. However, we nearly cut out our eating-out budget all together. (One night we had Chinese food after out of town hockey games.) We even skipped take-out with the grandparents and instead bought a big family size lasagna at the grocery store once, and made ribs in the crock pot the other time.
Now I did have Starbucks three times in February. There has to be some small rewards. Two of those times came off a gift card I had previously received, so I don't even count them. LOL.
Most importantly, to me, I got through that laundry pile and managed to donate 7 boxes of clothing to the second hand store. I did keep the very best of the kids' clothes for a friend. The best part about this "chore" is a genuine reduction in laundry. The way I look at it, my kids only wear about 6 different shirts and 4 pairs of pants right now anyway, why do they need 30 that they "sort of like" or are old, in their closet to choose from? With fewer clothes in the house, we have to do laundry more frequently but that's actually a good thing. It doesn't pile up and make a big headache or mess.
A reduction in "stuff" and a reduction in bills is fantastic. But ultimately, what are you saving and what are you saving for? When it comes to laundry, you can be certain that less laundry means less water used and less detergent. It also means less personal time and stress on that chore. It can free up more time for cooking, or baking or enjoying outdoor activities.
Financially, I'm saving for vacations and to put together a better rainy-day fund than currently exists. I'm also teaching my kids to value their money and to spend it after careful consideration. If it takes "chores" (for them) to earn money (allowance) then they understand better that what they spend that money on better be worth it. And kids learn a lot when you make them an active participant in grocery shopping. When I tell them they can spend $5 on snacks, you better believe they look at the prices and try to get the most for their money.
On a related note, Bank of Montreal just announced a great deal for kids. For youth under 16 who open up a savings account at Bank of Montreal, in March and April, they will give you $25. You have to put your own $25 in first, and maintain that minimum balance for at least 60 days. But isn't that a great incentive for your kids? Bank of Montreal will match their first $25 in savings! Wouldn't that be amazing... to help them watch their savings grow as they do the same?
Here's the link to check it out : Bank of Montreal Kids' Savings Offer
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