May 8, 2015
The Motherhood Journey: Support, Guidance, Love and Trust #TheMotherhood
Motherhood: the state of being a Mother, maternity, the qualities or spirit of a Mother, Mothers collectively. As an adjective: having or related to an inherent worthiness, justness, or goodness that is obvious.
The day my first son came into this world was the most incredible moment of my life. Hearing his cry, counting his fingers and toes, cuddling him close to my chest were moments of absolute bliss. The moment I first held him against my chest, was probably the closest any one person can get to heaven on Earth. Those feelings were revived when I gave birth to my second son almost seven years later. It is a moment of absolute perfectness that is so hard to describe.
Those moments also marked my first steps into the journey of motherhood. It wasn’t long after I gave birth that I realized becoming a Mother wasn’t a role that I had to nor one that I should face alone. The saying, it takes a village to raise a child, becomes clear after you become a parent. Mothers need to form a group of people around them to guide, support, love and give them much-needed adult time.
So who helps me with my motherhood?
My Motherhood group consists of a large group of women that includes my Mom, sister, Aunts, colleagues and my neighbour. Each one of these incredible individuals has helped me in so many ways grow as a Mother and be the best Mother that I can be for my boys. I turn to them when I am lost, when I need advice and for a shoulder to cry on.
My sister has always been there for me night and day. When I am scared or stressed, I know that I can message her at any time and she is always there to answer me (even at three in the morning!). She is my sound advice and shoulder to vent on. She is the first person I share all my news with, especially about my boys, my career and my goals. I am grateful to have her in my life.
Those ladies right there – they are my biggest supports in life and motherhood. They are so much more to me than my colleagues. With just one look, they know how I am feeling, if I need a hug or just a moment to breathe. When our youngest started daycare, all I wanted to do was cry everyday after the drop off. They are the ones to give me a hug, make me laugh and remind me of their own experiences with their children. You know those crazy questions you have about parenting? The ones that you think no one will be able to answer? These ladies are the ones I go to for help, they help me without judgement and even manage to make me laugh about the situation. No matter what they always help me see the goodness in every situation.
These incredible individuals help make up my ‘motherhood’. This Mother’s Day, Campbell’s hopes you take a moment to reflect on those people in your life who help us on our Motherhood journey, they don’t have to be a Mother but are those people in our lives who help make us better for our children. Take the time out this week to thank them for all that they do.
Who helps you on your journey of Motherhood?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from Campbell’s Canada. All opinions and reflections are my own.
May 6, 2015
Star Wars Fans Rejoice: Star Wars Rebels Comes Alive with DK Canada!
How many of you are Star Wars fans?
For me, my obsession with these movies started as a child and I have passed this on to my children. How can you not love this movie saga?
With the newest installment in this series coming out this year, get your child ready with Star Wars Rebels series from DK Canada.
The Star Wars Rebels comes in the ever popular DK Readers set. My children were able to read through Meet the Rebels (level two) and Fight the Empire (level three). Level two books are designed to suit readers that are just beginning to read alone with occasional adult help. Level three books are suited for the child that is confident in reading alone.
Both books have beautiful, large illustrations that help draw your child into the book. The font in each of the two books was large and bold, allowing our son to confidently read the book to his brother. Which for us as parents was one of the best parts, to watch our eldest son read to his younger brother. Each page was examined closely by our boys to see the illustrations up close. Both books had a quiz and glossary at the end of book to help them out with terms they may not have understood throughout the book.
We also had the pleasure of viewing Star Wars Rebels: The Visual Guide. This guide features the beginning of the epic struggle against the Empire with new heroes, villains, new vehicles, weapons and worlds. The guide contains a foreword from Dave Filoni, how cool is that?! The full-page images in this book are stunning, truly bringing the series to life. The colours are bright and the pages are set up with the images to follow them across the page. The accompanying info will be helpful for new and old fans alike.
Make sure to check out DK Canada’s Star Wars Boutique to get your fill of all things Star Wars.
Which Star Wars movie is your personal favourite?
disclosure: I received the above mentioned books free of charge in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 6, 2015
Bianca’s Vineyard by Teresa Neumann
Bianca’s Vineyard is set in the beautiful Tuscany both in the present and the past.
About Bianca’s Vineyard
Bianca Corrotti’s vineyard is more than a piece of land in Tuscany. It is an inheritance, a storehouse harbouring the secrets of her Uncle Egisto, a world-class sculptor, and his troubled wife – a woman whose life converges with Mussolini’s when World War II overtakes the area. Based on a true story, Bianca’s Vineyard follows a story of the devoted men and women waging an epic battle against a gathering storm intent on destroying their lives.
My Thoughts
It is so hard to begin with this story as it was so beautifully told and woven. Even more so beautiful that it is based on a true story. The characters lived during the most difficult times before and during World War II. Many Italians were leaving their home and family to go abroad to earn money for the family. Their country was ravaged from the war and many were starving.
Bianca’s Vineyard starts off with a trip back in time from the current day, where we are able to meet the Corrotti’s and the extended family. We slowly learn the secrets that the family had left hidden for so many years. Each turn of the page brings a new development in the story and a new twist. Both the men and women in this family complement and drive each other to push further and never give up. It is also gives you a deeper appreciation for all the trials your own family must have gone through during these times. I think of my own Grandparents that left home at a young age in order to support their family back home. Bianca’s Vineyard is a deep, emotional read that has you seeing the good in others, the struggles this generation went through to persevere and their triumphs. This will be a book you will not want to miss!
You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Rating: 5+/5
About the Author
Teresa Neumann and her husband live in Oregon with their three children. As well as being an author and journalist, Teresa loves to fiddle on her violin and live the good life in Italy. You can connect with her on her website, Twitter and Facebook.
The Giveaway!
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 5, 2015
Fun Times at BConnected #WW with linky
My family and I, were able to spend the last weekend in Ottawa and Quebec for the fabulous BConnected Conference! I couldn’t wait to share some of the photos I was able to take of the events. While in Ottawa, we headed out to Parliament Hill and participated in the Haunted Walk. Here are a few of the highlights from our weekend:
Now that I have shared with you how I have spent my week, make sure you link up below so that I can visit you!
May 5, 2015
Delicious MmmmMother’s Day Fry Date with New York Fries!
Mouth watering, cheese melting, warm gravy, fresh fries….hungry yet?
How many of you love shopping and enjoying a treat with your Mom at the mall? I know I certainly do! My most fondest memories are shopping and eating New York Fries with my Mom after the gym (I know what a mix right, but we earned that poutine working out!).
The New York Fries Fry Society
Are you familiar with the Fry Society? It is New York Fries loyalty program with a list of benefits that includes:
- a free program.
- sign up easily online.
- scan your Fry Society card on your phone when you make a purchase to earn points. Every purchase earns you one point.
- after ten purchases, you are able to choose one free item!
- ability to send friends e-cards.
- Your phone can become your mobile payment device when you pre-load your card with money!
To sign up for the Fry Society just head over to their website and fill out their simple registration.
A Special Promotion for Mother’s Day!
New York Fries wants you to take Mom on a #FryDate and when you send Mom an e-gift card of $25 or more, New York Fries Fry Society members will receive a FREE regular sized poutine! This promotion is only on from May 1st to the 10th.
We want to give you a head start on this promotion and on your Mother’s Day #FryDate.
My Canadian readers can enter to win a $25 e-gift card of their own just in time to treat Mom to a #FryDate! Enter via the Rafflecopter form below – good luck!
Disclosure: I received an e-gift card for hosting this giveaway. All opinions expressed are my own.
