A better, healthier, skinnier me

At some point a few years ago, I decided that I needed to be healthier. I started by making better choices in food. While, I feel that my daily choices still could get better (I am a sugar addict), I have come to love Brussels sprouts and salads without dressing.

The next step in this journey to better health is to make better choices on portion control and to begin exercising. Like I told my brother in law at Christmas, "I just need to eat less and move more". So that is just what I intend to do and this is where I intend to tell you about it...

Here is a picture of me now, as I start this journey to better health and a skinnier me.

Why am I doing this? I am 5' 3", 230+ pounds and 34 years old. I have an eight year old daughter who gets teased at school because I am big. She is active, I am not. Diabetes, obesity and heart disease run in my family; I want to see my 50th birthday.

Stay tuned....I will do this.

August/September Business Worth the Buzz - Eco Tot

My friend, Leah, is passionate about Charlie Banana Diapers. Leah feels so good about this brand that she decided to open up her own shop, Eco Tot, featuring just the Charlie Banana collection. I can see why, the international company is dedicated to designing products that anyone would feel confident using on themselves and on their babies, and that they would recommend to their friends.

The corporation is based in Hong Kong, yet supplies markets all around the world. Their team is an eclectic mix of Canadians, Americans, French, British, Argentinian, Nepalese and Chinese and they are proud of the global diversity in their workforce.

The story of how Gaëlle Wizenberg, President of this company, came up the name for this eco-friendly line suggests a little about the kindness and passion that goes behind this brand. On their site they explain how ”Gaëlle drew inspiration from her own two children: her son, Zachary, and her daughter, Charlie – or ‘Charlie Banana’ as Zachary calls her “ and how “it’s with great joy that Charlie Banana® comes to life.” Too cute!

At Eco Tot, you will find not only Charlie Banana Diapers, but the entire potty system. You will find…
•    Training pants
•    The diaper inserts
•    Organic cotton wipes
•    Nursing pads
•    Leg warmers
•    The new hanging pails
•    The waterproof tote to keep all your Charlie Banana goods

For more information about Eco Tot, check it out at http://stores.ebay.com/Eco-Tot/_i.html?rt=nc&_sid=225265660&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=3.

I have known Leah for many, many years now and I can tell you that she is trust worthy and passionate about life. I have never used Charlie Banana products (although if the Universe gifts us with another child I will) but because Leah believes in them, I do too. Best of luck to you, Eco Tots!

May/June 2012 Business Worth the Buzz: Creative Kids Preschool and Daycare

Finding a daycare is easy, but you can only find a phenomenal daycare once in a lifetime!

When Alyssa was 18 months old we had to find a place for her to spend her days while my husband and I were at work. This was the most terrifying experience that I have yet to deal with as a mom; it even tops some of the unbelievable moments my daughter has blessed us with. Really!

A colleague kept telling me about the daycare she had her boys in but because I am stubborn and a free spirit I had to find one for myself. I visited just about all the daycares that I had not already heard of. Wow, was I shocked to see what crap “providers” were providing for children. The last daycare I visited was an in-home daycare. I really like the idea of having in a smaller, more intimate setting. The woman had the kids crammed into a little room with a TV (and sheets on the windows), while the rest of her house was immaculately filled with glass and other breakables. Not the best environment for my little “bull in a China shop”, LOL! 

That was not the worst part though, to get to the outside play area you had to walk through a cluttered garage with all the usual garage dangers. The play area had all the expected toys and structures; except shade. The woman told me that she sprayed them with the hose to keep them cool and reassured me that trees were on the way. OK. Although the woman was really nice, I walked out of there and never wanted to go back. I had it in my mind that I was going to become a stay at home mom. I was over the whole “finding a daycare” idea.

Until, I decided to listen to my colleague. The day we showed up at Creative Kids was the day my opinion changed on daycares and preschools. It was perfect and exactly what I was looking for; structured yet intimate. It was obvious that all the teachers there were there because they wanted to be, not just because they needed an income. Luckily, Alyssa fit right in and was there until  she started Kindergarten (4 years).

Creative Kids is clean. Creative Kids is positive. Creative Kids is about making friends and growing. It is a preschool and daycare center that has the feel of a home day care center because it is filled with love and passion. They teach the kids respect; for both yourself and your friends.  They help your child meet the standards to get into Kindergarten; academically and socially. Overall, our four years of being at Creative Kids was phenomenal. We are truly blessed to have started Alyssa’s school years here.

More so, Alyssa’s Kindergarten teacher noticed and mentioned how “whoever was with her before she started Kindergarten prepared her for both learning and playing with new friends.” This really made me feel more compassion towards these ladies than I already had. Another professional noticed their mad child rearing skills which set it in stone for me; Creative Kids rocks!

Although Alyssa is now too big to go back we are so happy that she started school with Miss Cindy and Miss Sara, not only because we created a strong bond with them and others but also because they prepared her for the next step in her journey! I have said it before and I will say it again, lifelong friendships start at Creative Kids!